Rob Helsby

Putting digital experience at the heart of brilliant brands

I create simple, stylish, and seamless digital experiences through creative thinking and brand-led innovation. To me great projects thrive on trust, hard work, and a having little fun along the way.

A collage of photographs, featuring Rob at work

Every brief is unique, but my adaptive approach ensures success across web, brand, and product. I combine deep thinking with fast execution, collaborating closely with clients, my team, and cutting-edge AI tools.

Understand

Immersing myself in your business, brand, and customers to provide informed consultancy.

Ideate

Exploring ideas and strategies to solve the brief and deliver bold, effective solutions.

Craft

Crafting simple, joyful solutions that connect with customers and drive value.

Validate

Embracing a test-and-learn approach to reduce risk and optimise success.

Expertise

Strategy

Creative problem solving and digital innovation

Design

Making brands shine and products sell through beautiful and considered craft

Optimisation

Turning good into great with evidence-based decision making

Selected Clients

Career Path

University of Leeds (2009-2012)

Studying design and communication at the School of Design sparked my passion for words, imagery, and creativity, setting me on the path to leadership.

Creative Internships (2010-2011)

Diving into the ‘real world,’ I gained invaluable experience at a boutique studio in Liverpool and a 100-strong agency in Leeds — working on photo shoots, music videos, print ads, and brand projects.

NCUK (2012-2015)

Not the role I envisioned after university, but an incredible experience. I rebranded the business, designed a new website, managed social media, directed photo shoots, traveled to China, and led a multi-national online game project for a £1M campaign.

Clock Creative (2015-2016)

I eventually outgrew NCUK and returned to agency life as a Brand Designer at Clock, delivering B2B rebrand projects from strategy to visual design.

AmazeOne (2016-2017)

I joined AmazeOne during an exciting period, working on Morrisons 'More' loyalty scheme and creating motion and campaign work for Pizza Hut Restaurants. Things were starting to take off.

Amaze (2017-2019)

Later I transferred to Amaze and rose up to become Senior Designer on their flagship account, Lexus Europe. Working with an incredibly talented team at a thriving agency where every client was a household-name.

Teaching & Mentoring (2018-)

Supporting the next generation of talent has always been a passion. I’ve spent years working with colleges and universities — running modules, giving talks, reviewing portfolios, and mentoring design students. It’s something I’ll always value.

Cantarus (2019-)

In 2019 I joined Cantarus, an ambitious agency with big potential. Starting as Lead Designer, I progressed to Head of Experience Design and then Creative Director. I’ve overhauled my department, led award-winning work, and spearheaded a major rebrand for the agency’s 20th anniversary. What a ride!