Led by David Orkisz & Carolyn Gordon, we have over 40 years of combined experience in the advertising & design industry. We use our powers for good, not evil.
We believe in design that gives a shit – work that’s thoughtful, curious and crafted with care. It’s more important than ever that creativity is meaningful, distinctive and, most importantly for our clients, memorable to the people that interact with it.
Where most agencies are a lumbering mass of expensive soldiers, we are a pair of leather-clad assassins, killing it since 2016.
David
David
Creative Director, Designer & Co-Founder
David is a designer and illustrator blending creativity with strategic thinking. As co-founder of DUO, he crafts brands, websites and visual narratives with character and impact.
What do you look for in a great project?
David: Truth be told, to me the project is irrelevant. The only thing that matters are the individuals that you work on the project with. People that trust our ability, value what we do and are able to have bit of a laugh along the way are what make up my dream project.
What’s a creative challenge you secretly enjoy?
D: A rigid brief. Often people think that designers crave “creative freedom” but when there are no limitations, ideas can be harder to pinpoint. Give me a solid brief and I can work magic within those constraints.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about in your work over the years?
D: I used to want to work with the Nike’s of the world, win awards, get recognition. But the last few years the bigger win is producing work that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives. To me, there is no value in impressing some executive marketing team or awards panel. I’d much rather hear about how something that we’ve created has made one person's day better.
What’s a misconception people often have about what you do?
D: The idea that we are “just designers” focussed purely on aesthetics. Having a deeper understanding of a business very much informs our creative approach, whether for branding or web design. We've even helped clients refine business and staff processes, leading to measurable improvements. The more involved we are, the greater the impact.
What’s something outside of work that makes you better at your job?
D: Outside of work, I paint tabletop miniatures – Warhammer and all that stuff. Rather than just improving my design skills, the creativity of both complements each other. Miniature painting sharpens my illustration, while graphic design strengthens my colour and composition in dioramas. I’d recommend that any creative professional get a creative hobby.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
D: This: Miniature David
Carolyn
Carolyn
Business Director, Project Manager & Co-Founder
Carolyn is a designer, artist and project manager with a sharp eye for detail and a big heart for people. As co-founder of DUO, she brings creativity and strategy together to shape meaningful work.
What do you look for in a great project?
Carolyn: For us, it’s all about the people. The best projects happen when we build strong relationships with senior teams and decision-makers. We especially love working with visionary CEOs who have big ideas and are looking for the right team to help bring them to life.
What’s a creative challenge you secretly enjoy?
C: Untangling the necklace. Basically, picking the issues apart, defining a clear brief and approach, simplifying where possible and organising to perfection, of course.
What’s something you’ve changed your mind about in your work over the years?
C: That you don’t need to follow the same protocol as everyone else. We built our company around the idea of balancing work and life, taking a more holistic approach to both. What’s rare is that we get to do all of this together. After years of long hours and giving everything to our work, we now have the freedom to choose when, how, and – most importantly – who we work with.
What’s a misconception people often have about what you do?
C: People often think they need to have the answer before coming to us, but the best results come from working through the challenges together. We bring big-brand experience to smaller businesses, helping find the right solution – not just making things look good.
What’s something outside of work that makes you better at your job?
C: I am heavily involved in the ongoing saga of our building relating to cladding and fire safety remediation issues. Project management skills in particular are an essential part of this in dealing with the many parties and stakeholders involved. It’s extremely challenging at times but also presents a great learning opportunity.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
C: Great question and one I’ve not totally figured out yet. Potentially a paper flower artist or leading a charity endeavour to tackle loneliness in the elderly.
What We doBrand Identity
Digital
Art Direction
Print
Packaging
Illustration
Signage
Motion
Campaign Creative
Interior Space
Selected Clients