Nestled in the heart of Bristol’s creative scene, Taxi Studio is the kind of place that proves great design isn’t bound by geography. Founded in 2002 by Alex Bane, Ryan Wills and Spencer Buck—three creatives who took the road less travelled—the studio has grown into an internationally recognised powerhouse without ever trading its South West roots for a London postcode.
“We set out to prove that world-class creativity doesn’t have to come with a London postcode,” says Natalie Matti-Brown, client services director. “Why not Bristol? The UK’s creative heartbeat isn’t just in the capital. Cities like Manchester, Brighton, Edinburgh, and, of course, Bristol are buzzing with talent.”
That sense of place is important. Bristol’s energy—its independence, vibrancy, and raw creativity—seeps into everything Taxi does. It’s a city known for counterculture and colour, so it’s no surprise that a studio born here would blend big-brand thinking with a spirit of rebellion.
Building something of their own
Back in the early 2000s, the three founders were working together at a different agency when the owner decided to step away. Left at a crossroads, they could’ve packed their bags and headed to London like many others. Instead, they took the plunge and built something of their own—something that could thrive outside the capital’s shadow.
Since then, the studio has grown steadily, staying true to its founding vision, but that’s not to say the road’s been smooth. “Every day throws a new curveball,” says creative director Karl Wills. “Truth is, staying in business is the challenge. There isn’t one single ‘we made it’ moment—just a deep respect for the industry, and an understanding that creativity and commerce are two sides of the same coin.”
That balancing act—between artistry and accountability—sits at the core of Taxi’s philosophy. From local start-ups to global household names, every project is approached with the same rigour and curiosity. While the studio’s client list may span continents, they’re just as happy working with Bristol-born brands.
“We’re more than capable of competing with the big agencies,” Karl continues. “Doing it from the South West, where we grew up and built our roots, just makes sense. And yes, when the right local project comes up, we jump at the chance.”
Milestones and Momentum
While Taxi’s rise wasn’t marked by a single breakthrough moment, there have been plenty of standout milestones. One early turning point came when the studio pitched a left-field idea to The Science Museum: instead of traditional marketing materials, why not create interactive leaflets that brought the exhibits to life?
It was a bold move that paid off. The client loved it, the industry noticed, and awards followed. “It turned heads, bagged awards, and opened doors to bigger opportunities,” says Karl.
However, accolades aside, what really defines Taxi is the strength of its relationships. “Some of our client partnerships span decades,” says Natalie. “That says a lot about the kind of work we do and the way we do it.”
Projects with purpose
Among the team’s personal highlights,