Myself, museums and galleries… and I.
My earliest impression of a museum was being taught how to cheat* and that the pester power of a gift shop is undeniable. By the age of seven, my Mum** introduced me to the Museum of East Asian Art. It became a firm favourite for both my brother and me. I’ve been obsessed ever since.
[I’ve started in the first person, and so shall I continue.]
I’ve worked for myself as a consultant since 2010.
This has involved serving organisations of all sizes. I believe in the freedom of independence and the power of people. I’ve been called an expert generalist with design at the core of my work.
[a] design agency is my company-of-one. Founded in 2015 and built on collaborations between hand-picked associates.
Philanthropy:
Sponsored Hidden Door Arts (Edinburgh) as [a] design agency
Held a non-exec director role at RYA Scotland (2020-2025)
Volunteer for RYA Scotland and ACVC Wargames Fellowship as a brand consultant
Previously volunteered for Stirling Highland Games, North East Scotland College, and Round Table
A potted history:
Branding - Dunblane Museum Logo - Dunblane Museum
Exhibition and Microsite - Britain’s Atlantic Walls - Dunblane Museum
Exhibition materials - Summer Skills - Engine Shed (Part of HES)
Print materials - Master Builders 2019 - Engine Shed (HES)
Commercial & Collaborations - UofG Shop - GU Heritage Retail Ltd
Event design and materials - IPTW (International Presentation Trades Workshop) - HES
Event materials - exhibition video and social graphics - Arts and Crafts Women - Engine Shed (HES)
Branding, marketing and web design - Stirling Framing Studio
Arts Experiences:
Studied Art & Design at Falkirk College as a teenager
Attended a GSA ‘Summer School’ as a 15-year-old in the Mackintosh building
Worked with Dunblane Museum for over 15 years!
My values are simple:
I work with best-in-class creatives who are selected specifically for their individual expertise. They tend to be independent or freelance collaborators. They are often local.
I call them associates because: [a] it starts with an a [b] the word partners isn’t accurate [c] they are not employees.
What’s this in aid of?
I have a long-standing record of working with museums, heritage organisations and cultural institutions, and bring a distinctive combination of strategic thinking, communications, governance, partnership-building and design expertise. We’ll see where that takes me in 2026-27—the dream is to deliver work from a ‘salon’ session…
* You’ll have to ask me.
** My mum is Janice Ainslie, a Museum Assistant Curator in her later life.