Introducing Caitlin Martin. The Designer Behind the Design.

5th August 2026

“I’ve always enjoyed making my work look nicer than the content itself.”

Caitlin’s just joined the team, so we sat her down to find out how she got into design, what she’s into, and what makes her tick.

How did you get into design?

Classic story, really. I always preferred the creative subjects at school, and I enjoyed making my work look nicer more than I cared about the content itself. So graphic design was the natural choice. I did my degree at Bucks New University. I’d looked round some of the bigger unis first, but the classes felt massive, and I didn’t want to get lost in the crowd. Bucks had much smaller classes, so I knew I’d get more time with the lecturers.

What did you do before Above Digital, and what project are you proudest of?

I joined a multi-disciplinary studio straight out of uni, so I got stuck into a bit of everything: branding, visual identity, print, websites, UX and UI, editorial. The one that really stood out was working with NHS Northumbria’s sensory processing department. Every decision had to be so intentional, and it had to be genuinely accessible for the people using it. That project got me properly into UX and UI, so I went and did a few extra courses outside of work just because I wanted to.

What drew you to this role and this team specifically?

The team looked talented from the website, and it seemed like there was a lot of space to grow and build sites from scratch, which meant more room to be creative. I also noticed that branding and websites are treated as properly intertwined here, rather than handed off as two separate projects that never quite match up. And I won’t lie, the awards and the Creativepool recognition didn’t hurt either.

What excites you most about web design right now?

Sites that are a bit more playful, but still get the job done. Fun little animations, anything interactive, that sort of thing. I love when you’re scrolling, and the site changes direction, or the cursor reacts to something. I think they call it the rhythm of a site. That’s always exciting to me.

Who or what inspires your work?

I’ve got quite a few design books, and I follow a lot of designers on Instagram. If I’m ever stuck for ideas, I’ll grab a book or scroll through Instagram to see what’s inspiring. One I keep coming back to is basically sketchbooks and insights from some of the world’s best designers. It’s a great burst of creativity when I need one.

Describe your design style in three words?

Clean, purposeful, user-centric. I’m a big fan of negative space, and I wouldn’t add an element unless it’s intentional. And I’m always thinking about how the user is actually going to use it.

What’s always open on your laptop when you’re working?

Figma, basically always. If I’m in the research stage, it’s Awwwards, Behance or Webflow for inspiration, or Pinterest. In the creative stage, it’s Figma and Coolors for getting my colour palettes right. And whatever’s not design-related, that’s Spotify and about a thousand open tabs.

Do you have a go-to process, or are you happy to change it up?

It depends on the project, but I’m usually happy to mould it to what’s needed. I’ll normally start with research, reading the brief and working out the goals, then move into moodboarding and inspiration, then design. Three steps, tops. If there’s no time for that, I’ll go straight into designing.

Outside of design, what do you love doing?

Travelling, doing fun things with my friends, finding good restaurants or bakeries. Bakeries especially; I love a good pastry. I’m also about to get into home decor and DIY, just not quite yet.

Tea, coffee, or something else entirely?

Tea, and I’m holding strong. I’m a new coffee drinker, but I haven’t worked out how to make a decent one at home yet, and paying three quid for a bag of water at a cafe feels like such a ripoff.

Any fun fact most people wouldn’t guess about you?

I’ve been cage diving with great white sharks in New Zealand, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about it. It felt like a million miles from home. We don’t exactly get great whites in England, so I might have to go back and do it again.

Welcome to the team, Caitlin. Glad you’re here.