Are you communicating your work in a way that will truly drive change? That will inspire audiences to action? That will amplify your impact?

Hello!

My name is Laura Evans-Hill and I founded Nifty Fox in 2018 with a vision: to help academics tell their stories visually so audiences listen.

I trained as a social researcher and worked in outreach across 4 universities over 10 years. I learned first hand that death by powerpoint is the fastest way to disengage diverse communities, industry and policy makers. Words alone don't cut it when it comes to connecting with people to make change happen.

But when I started to draw, use visuals and tell stories about research - that's when the magic happened. Communities could see themselves in the work and wanted to help. Industry understood the findings and saw the value in collaboration. Policy makers engaged with the evidence and acted on recommendations.

All because knowledge was communicated differently. In a way that made it relevant. Engaging. Human.

And that is when Nifty Fox was born - to use visual storytelling for social good.

Proud to be trusted by

Our Awards

We're honoured to have been awarded Best Visual Communications Agency Yorkshire in 2023; Best Visual Communications Agency UK 2024; and UK Enterprise Excellence Award for Social Impact 2024. We couldn't have done it without the collaboration, connection and championing of our wonderful clients and the communities we work with.

Read More

Image showing Nifty's recent awards for 2023 and 2024

Why We Do It

We want to make knowledge accessible to all. By using visuals and combining them with storytelling, we:

  • translate and mobilise research beyond the academy and organisations;
  • create opportunities to engage and coproduce work with diverse communities;
  • facilitate measurable change.

View Services

Illustration storyboard showing what visuals and storytelling can accomplish when used together

Our Vision

Visual storytelling for social good - we strive to build a fairer, more inclusive and informed world through creativity.

Our Mission

We drive positive social change by making knowledge clear, accessible and engaging through stories told with pictures.

Values

Illustrated fox looking to the right and holding a fox tail flag

Cause-led

We ONLY work on projects that make the world a happier, healthier and more inclusive place.

3 Illustrated foxes working as a team

Collaboration

We believe the best work always comes from WORKING TOGETHER - with each other, our clients and communities.

Illustrated fox with a lightbulb above their head

Creativity

We don't just make pretty stuff. We believe in research-led, purposeful design that cuts through complexity with creativity. It's both WHAT we do AND HOW we do it.

Illustrated fox looking forward and smiling while holding a mask

AuthentiCITY

Human stories power what we do. We encourage EVERYONE - from our team, to our clients and the communities they research - to show who they really are, their real lived experiences, and why they really care.

Illustrated fox with a heart pattern on their chest smiling

Compassion

We believe EVERYONE should be treated with respect. We believe in balance. We prioritise integrity and transparency. We are flexible where we can, and honest when we can't. We show up for each other when we need our team.

Illustrated fox nailing a big orange arrow to a signpost

Challenge

We challenge traditional knowledge, hierarchies, and taken for granted assumptions about research and communication. We make knowledge accessible and engaging FOR ALL.

The foxes behind the magic

Laura E - Founder & Director
A Photo of Laura E An illustration of Laura E
Learn More
Laura D - Studio Manager
A Photo of Laura D An illustration of Laura D
Learn More
Kate - Client Partnership Manager
A Photo of Kate An illustration of Kate
Learn More
Lindsay - Lead Designer
A Photo of Lindsay An illustration of Lindsay
Learn More
Dan - Lead Motion Designer
A Photo of Dan An illustration of Dan
Learn More
Alex - Animator and Designer
A Photo of Alex An illustration of Alex
Learn More
Ste - Designer
A Photo of Ste An illustration of Ste
Learn More
Alice - Animator
A Photo of Alice An illustration of Alice
Learn More
Tenley - Junior Designer
A Photo of Tenley An illustration of Tenley
Learn More
Lizie - Admin Avenger
A Photo of Lizie An illustration of Lizie
Learn More
Close Button
A Photo of Laura E

Laura E

Founder & Director


I trained as a social researcher with 10 years' experience working in the Higher Education sector, until I REBELLED and set up Nifty. I’m on a mission to help 1 million academics and leaders connect more deeply with their audience through visual storytelling.

When I’m not wielding pens to create the perfect visual story, I’m walking our Head of Barketing Reuben, reading obscure fantasy novels or watching NBA basketball (sometimes at the same time).

A Photo of Laura D

Laura D

Studio Manager


I am a process loving, spreadsheet queen who has been managing projects and honing my organisation skills since leaving University. I have found a wonderful home to unleash my colour coordinating and system driven ways for the good of our Nifty clients.

When I am not working on a new process you'll find me walking Cassie (Head of Barket Research), riding my horse Maya through the country side, at a Hitt Class or running around a netball court (GD of course) - I like to keep on the move you might have guessed. If I want a ‘me’ day, you’ll find me at the Spa with a mocktail Pornstar Martini or having lazy day cuddles with my son Harry.

A Photo of Kate

Kate

Client Partnership Manager


I've lived and worked in Edinburgh and London for household brands including Conde Nast, Cineworld and Rolex. But am now set on Sheffield and delighted to be part of the team and a movement for good.

I feel most alive when experiencing new things and learning about new people. If I could have all meetings face to face I would! Since joining Nifty I've already met some of the most interesting people doing the most incredible things.

When I'm not out mingling with academics you'll find me cycling to Paris, camping at a festival, or building dens with my 5 year old daughter.

A Photo of Lindsay

Lindsay

Lead Designer


With 14 years of professional design experience (and a lifetime of doodling), I oversee the creative workshop, ensure deadlines are met and remind the elves to "only use the magic pens on the iPad, NO SHARPIES". My background in primary teaching means I am highly skilled in managing small, excitable beings, repeating instructions and maintaining order using only tone, eyebrow raises and mild disappointment. When I’m not illustrating magical things, I can be found monitoring elf productivity and confiscating glitter.

Strengths include: patience, creativity, leadership and knowing exactly where everything is at all times.

Outside of the workshop, I enjoy running (mostly after elves), standing on football pitches shouting helpful advice no one asked for and constructing Lego masterpieces that are immediately dismantled by my two tiny apprentice elves.

A Photo of Dan

Dan

Lead Motion Designer


As Lead Motion Designer at Nifty Fox Creative, I spend my days geeking out over 2D and 3D motion, breathing life into our team’s stellar illustrations. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, the type to nudge a pixel until it’s just right but I reckon that’s what makes the storytelling work.

When the workstation is off, I’m usually chasing lap times on my racing sim rig or debating Star Wars lore. If I’m not doing that, I’m almost exclusively "sofa-locked" and asleep, sandwiched between my son, Finn, and our Boston Terrier, Bo. (Yes they are named after Star Wars characters).

A Photo of Alex

Alex

Animator and Designer


As a visual communicator through and through I love blending my multi-disciplinary background over a variety of projects, whether printed, digital, static or motion. I love getting to the core of a problem or opportunity and developing a super punchy visual impact!

I am a big fan of board game nights with my friends and family - can't go wrong with Settlers of Catan! Love gigs, pub outings, and always chill days at home whipping up some tasty food and reading away with a record on.

A Photo of Ste

Ste

Designer


I’ve spent over 20 years working across web, print and animation, with a career rooted in drawing and a love of the making process. That passion has carried me through a wide range of creative projects and continues to drive my work today.

I’m thrilled to be working with the team at Nifty, learning from my fellow foxes and helping create engaging work across lots of different formats.

When I’m not creating, I enjoy baking cakes, eating those cakes, then regretting eating said cakes, but do attempt to stay active by running and such to balance things out. Oh and I am obsessed with Star Trek!

A Photo of Alice

Alice

Animator


I was fascinated by Disney as a child and have always been drawn to stories, so a career in animation felt inevitable. After studying motion graphics (and sneaking into animation lectures on the side), I built a strong foundation in design, timing and character-led storytelling.

I’ve worked across hand-drawn, 2D vector, stop motion and infographic animation, always choosing the technique that best serves the story. My early career included projects for Discovery Channel, NBCUniversal and the BBC.

At Nifty I specialise in emotive, thought-provoking animation - shaping complex or sensitive briefs into clear, human stories through expressive character work. Growing up neurodivergent sparked a deep interest in psychology and human behaviour, which continues to inform how I approach narrative and connection.

Outside work you’ll find me at yoga or a sound bath, volunteering for the Samaritans, studying towards my counselling qualification, or curled up watching something story-led with my partner and our kitten.

A Photo of Tenley

Tenley

Junior Designer


Hi, I’m Tenley! I moved from Los Angeles to the UK to follow my passion for illustration. My work is guided by my personal motto, “If you can dream it, I can draw it!” a reflection of my love for bringing ideas, stories, and imaginative concepts to life through illustrative design. With a background in creating student-facing materials for universities, I enjoy transforming information into visuals that are clear, engaging, and approachable, all things I’m excited to bring to my role at Nifty Fox.

When I’m not sketching away on my iPad, you’ll likely find me wandering a nature trail, browsing an art shop, or on the hunt for a great taco!

A Photo of Lizie

Lizie

Admin Avenger


When I moved into business ownership, I began working with Nifty Fox and quickly realised I loved the work and the people so much that I happily hung up my own business hat, joined the team full time, and never looked back. I bring over 20 years’ experience as Head of a Criminal Law Department and HR professional with me.
I’ve always been driven by putting others first and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. I love supporting brilliant people, solving problems, and knowing I’ve played a small part in making a real difference.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me walking the dogs, tending to the allotment, or keeping up with my two sons — now young adults with busy lives, though that never stops me helping them along their way.
People, purpose, and a sense of humour. That’s what matters to me!

Latest Work

Turning complex housing research into a decision making tool for local authority decision-makers

How we helped NIHR KNOW-PH make housing and health evidence usable in local government decision-making.

View Project
This image is coming soon
Authentic, Not Artificial, Intelligence

Latest News

Authentic, Not Artificial, Intelligence

View Article

Ready to tell your story visually?