Graphic Designer Andrew Bell on ADHD, Burnout and Returning to Full-Time Work at Ilka
Andrew Bell, a graphic designer, has recently taken on the role of senior graphic designer at Ilka, a branding studio located in Glasgow and Edinburgh, after a period of freelancing from 2019 to 2025. In an article for It's Nice That, he shares insights on how his ADHD diagnosis in early 2026 transformed his approach to work. Influenced by figures such as Stefan Sagmeister and Hoefler & Frere-Jones, Bell faced challenges in his initial agency roles due to open briefs. He kept a packed schedule from 2019 to 2025, seldom taking breaks. By 2025, he was in search of stability and guidance. His diagnosis helped him understand his procrastination, prompting him to utilize tools like Apple Reminders. Bell has collaborated with clients such as Skyscanner and The Big Issue.
Key facts
- Andrew Bell joined Ilka, a responsible branding studio based between Glasgow and Edinburgh, as a senior graphic designer
- Bell worked freelance from 2019 to 2025 before returning to full-time employment
- He was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in early 2026
- He never stayed at any agency job for more than two years in his early career
- During freelancing he rarely took more than ten days' holiday
- He had known Ilka founders Lisa and Laura since art school and had freelanced with the studio for several years
- His freelance clients included Skyscanner, The Big Issue, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and The Scottish Contemporary Art Network
- He now uses Apple Reminders, visual timers and a fixed 9:15 daily call with colleagues to create external structure
Entities
Artists
- Andrew Bell
- Stefan Sagmeister
- Lisa
- Laura
Institutions
- Ilka
- It's Nice That
- GF Smith
- Hoefler & Frere-Jones
- Dieline
- D&AD New Blood
- Skyscanner
- The Big Issue
- Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
- The Scottish Contemporary Art Network
Locations
- Glasgow
- United Kingdom
- Edinburgh