Cities by Design: Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is more than a capital city. It’s the creative heart of Wales, fuelled by culture and a community of designers, artists and makers. As a graphic designer who lives and works here, I’ve seen firsthand how the city supports, inspires and shapes creative work, and why it stands out as a design capital.

A city shaped by design

The city has a unique ability to evolve, adapt and reimagine itself while preserving the identity that makes it distinct. From the regeneration of Cardiff Bay to the transformation of formerly industrial spaces into creative studios and co-working hubs, Cardiff lives at the intersection of heritage and modernity.

It’s this blend of old and new, historic and progressive that gives the city such a unique design identity. You can feel it walking from the arcades in the city centre to the murals of Womanby Street. Every space tells a story.

The cultural roots of creativity

Design in Cardiff doesn’t exist in isolation, It’s woven into the city’s cultural fabric. Institutions like Cardiff Castle, the National Museum and the Welsh National Opera showcase a long-standing commitment to the arts. Events throughout the year  from live music festivals to art fairs keep the creative energy moving.

Creative Mornings Cardiff, for example, brings together designers, writers, developers, photographers and more for inspiring talks and genuine connection. These monthly events are about more than learning, they’re community building.

Where designers gather and grow

Spaces like The Sustainable Studio and Tramshed Tech have become important centre for creatives in Cardiff, designers, developers, illustrators and entrepreneurs share ideas, collaborate on projects and build meaningful relationships.

The same is true of Cardiff’s many coworking spaces, pop-up shops and gallery events. These are the places where ideas form, portfolios evolve and people step into the next stage of their creative journey.

Creativity on the streets

Cardiff’s visual identity isn’t confined to galleries or digital spaces, it’s on the walls, doors and alleyways. The murals that decorate the city are cultural statements, tributes and conversations. Whether it’s the political artwork down Cardiff Bay or the vibrant characters tucked into the side streets of Roath, the city uses visual expression as a way to connect and provoke thought. 

Where music and design collide

For many creatives here, myself included, the music scene is the gateway into design work for many. Designing posters, merch and album covers often becomes a first step into client work, and many of those relationships grow into long-term collaborations.Venues like Clwb Ifor Bach and Gwdihw (RIP) along with the wider Cardiff Music City scene give musicians and designers space to build together. It’s one of the most natural intersections between creativity and community in the city.

A growing creative ecosystem

Cardiff is also home to brilliant agencies and studios producing standout work. Including John & Jane, Toward, designdough, Clout Branding among others. From brand identity to digital strategy, the quality of design coming out of this city continues to grow. Many of these agencies stay deeply connected to the local creative scene, mentoring students and hiring from within the community. 

Designed for the future

With the Cardiff Met and the University of South Wales , the city is constantly feeding new creative talent into its ecosystem. These institutions don’t just teach skills. They give students real-world experience and help shape the next generation of designers.Cardiff’s creative future looks just as exciting as its present. It’s a city with momentum, openness and room to grow.

Cardiff & Design

Cardiff makes it easy to be a designer. Not because it hands you opportunities, but because it surrounds you with inspiration, people and spaces that invite you to show up fully.

It’s the murals, the music, the events and the stories. It’s the way the city moves between grounded heritage and creative risk. If you’re a small business in Cardiff, or a brand looking to collaborate with someone embedded in this scene, I’d love to connect. Let’s make something meaningful, from the heart of one of the UK’s most inspiring creative cities.