Clarity is what makes complex work land.
We are a branding studio for research, education, third sector and knowledge-led organisations – helping teams turn complex thinking into brands and materials they can actually use confidently, consistently and accessibly.
Watercat Creative is a branding studio for research, education and third-sector organisations, based in Leeds. We work with organisations whose outputs carry weight – research agencies, universities, charities and knowledge-led businesses that need design to hold together in the real world, long after launch.
We design clear, accessible brand systems for teams without in-house design support – built for everyday use across reports, presentations and communications.
Branding built on understanding, not assumptions
Before we design anything, we take time to understand your organisation, your audiences and how your work is actually used day to day.
That insight shapes everything – from brand strategy through to the templates your team relies on – so you’re not constantly firefighting design problems or reinventing the wheel.
OUR SERVICES
Everything we offer is built around organisations that handle complex information, varied audiences and high expectations around accessibility.
Brand strategy
We define your positioning, audiences and purpose first – creating a solid foundation so every design decision is grounded, aligned and easier to stand behind.
Brand identity
Distinctive, inclusive identity systems – logos, typography, colour and guidelines – designed to work across research outputs, reports, presentations and everyday communications.
Templates & Toolkits
Robust, accessible templates for Canva, PowerPoint, Word and InDesign – built around real use cases, so teams don’t need to start from scratch every time.
Design systems & storytelling
Illustration, iconography, motion and visual systems that help complex information land clearly – without oversimplifying or losing rigour.
Academic event design
Conference banners, exhibition materials and event assets designed to represent your work clearly and credibly – aligned to institutional identities and built for the real conditions of academic environments.
Web design & delivery
Accessible, content-led websites designed to communicate complex information clearly – structured around real user needs, WCAG standards and long-term maintainability.
Accessibility reviews
Auditing and improving brand assets to ensure accessibility is embedded, consistent and reliable – not an afterthought or a risk.
Ongoing creative support
A trusted external design partner – delivering consistent, considered work as your organisation grows.
Accessibility comes before aesthetics
For us, accessibility and strategy come first – before colour palettes, layouts or visual style.
By understanding your audiences and accessibility requirements early, we design systems that are easier to use, faster to roll out and more resilient over time.
This approach:
- Speeds up sign-off
- Reduces rework
- Gives teams confidence that their materials are built on solid ground
Good design should reach as many people as possible – not just look good on screen.
Read our article ‘Accessibility is not a tick-box’
Who we work with
We work with research, education and third-sector organisations where clarity really matters.
- Market and social research agencies
- Small and mid-sized research teams
- Education providers and universities
- Charities and third-sector organisations
- Knowledge-led and purpose-driven businesses
If your organisation handles complex information, multiple stakeholders and high expectations around accessibility – and you don’t have internal design resources – we’re likely a strong fit.
How we work
Thoughtful, structured and collaborative
Our process is clear and collaborative from the start. We involve you at the right moments, keep decisions transparent and make sure nothing disappears into a black box.
Creative with purpose
Our work is expressive, but always rooted in insight, usability and real-world constraints.
A trusted brand partner
Clients work with us because they know they don’t need to manage the process – they can trust us to do the thinking and bring them in when it matters.
Inclusive by design
Accessibility is considered from day one, so it doesn’t unravel later.
Built to last
We design systems that evolve – staying consistent, usable and relevant as your organisation grows.
Let’s build a brand that works
If you’re looking for a branding studio that understands research and education organisations, values accessibility and builds systems your team can rely on, we’d love to talk.
Start a conversation to sense-check whether we’re right for you – no pressure, no jargon.
Words from the people we’ve worked with
Creative, professional and always on point
“Brings the perfect mix of creativity, professionalism and humour – every project feels effortless.”
— Beth H. | Marketing Manager
Design with clarity and purpose
“Their attention to detail and the ability to cut through the noise result in purposeful work that nails the brief every time.”
— Natasha H. | Event & Content Producer
Collaboration made easy
“Working together was a pleasure. Collaboration felt easy, and the ideas always brought fresh energy to the work.”
— Emily H. | Account Manager
Contact
+44 (0) 7542 920 371
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