Charlie Haywood
Creative Director / Founder

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Charlie Haywood

Charlie founded Hotfoot Design in 2006 and has vast experience in the creative industries with almost 20 years in a range of in-house and agency roles, in both the UK and US. He specialises in branding and brand strategy for print and digital and is involved in all projects, from the initial pitch through to developing concepts in the design studio.

In 2004 Charlie moved to Las Vegas where he set up an in-house design department for a global hospitality company returning to start Hotfoot Design. He writes a regular design column for an industry magazine.

 

Charlie has two kids, is a (fairly) keen runner and loves sport, weekends away camping and bacon butties (which is why he runs) and is a Trustee of the Neuro Dropin Charity.

  • First job?

    I had all sorts of crap summer jobs but after University and a spell at JWT in Manchester, my first full-time job was at a design agency in Bolton.

  • Which people do you most admire?

    In business it's my Mum and Dad. They both had successful businesses in their own right, and always worked incredibly hard to succeed. That work ethic is instilled in me. In sport it's Jonny Wilkinson. He was an inspirational player and yet comes across as very humble.

  • Tell us something we don't know about you?

    I was once punched by an All Black. I bumped into the team in a bar in Las Vegas on their tour of the States and ended up joining them. Carlos Spencer jokingly - but drunkenly - punched me on the arm which felt like being hit by a sledge hammer.

  • Favourite bit of tech?

    My Macbook Pro and my Fitbit.

  • What's your 'go to' album?

    According to Spotify, my most listened to artists are Bombay Bicycle Club and The Maccabees which is about right.

  • Favourite holiday destination?

    Portugal. My grandparents moved to the Algarve when I was five and my uncle also lives there. It has some of the most incredible beaches.

  • Favourite piece of art?

    Ghost Signs are large scale hand painted advertising from years gone by. I find them fascinating. I'm also a fan of Ron Mueck's sculptures.

  • Favourite apps?

    Fitbit and Spotify are mostly used.

  • Favourite film?

    Withnail & I.

  • What did you want to be when growing up?

    I always wanted to do something in art. I was constantly sketching cartoons when I was younger and I excelled in art and design at school. Being a sportsman was a close second.

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    Awards & accreditations

    • The Drum Recommended
    • Marketing Lancashire
    • The Bibas Winner
    • Lancashire Business Awards Nominee 2016
    • Boost Business Lancashire
    • Prolific North Marketing Awards
    • Awwwards Nominee 2016
    • Digital Lancashire Founding Member
    • Northern Digital Awards Winner 2023
    • Red Rose Winner