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
Chris - Lead Designer and Scribe
A Photo of Chris An illustration of Chris
Learn More
Emmett - Lead Animator
A Photo of Emmett An illustration of Emmett
Learn More
Alex - Junior Motion and Graphic Designer
A Photo of Alex An illustration of Alex
Learn More
Claire - Designer and Scribe
A Photo of Claire An illustration of Claire
Learn More
Carla - Motion Designer
A Photo of Carla An illustration of Carla
Learn More
Lizie - Admin Avenger
A Photo of Lizie An illustration of Lizie
Learn More
Reuben - Head of Barketing
A Photo of Reuben An illustration of Reuben
Learn More
Cooper - Head of Pawblic Relations
A Photo of Cooper An illustration of Cooper
Learn More
Cassie - Head of Barket Research
A Photo of Cassie An illustration of Cassie
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 Chris

Chris

Lead Designer and Scribe


I've been sharpening my drawing skills all my life, from studying product design, working as a brand designer and illustrator, I've found my way to Nifty Fox where I can put it all to good use.

When I need to take a break from drawing, I refill my creative tank by taking long walks through Sheffield's peaceful woodland trails - usually with a GameBoy in my pocket.

A Photo of Emmett

Emmett

Lead Animator


I've spent the last 4 years working on animation and motion design across the private, public and health sectors. I’m a visual chameleon who loves hopping from sleek shapes to emotive characters - but above all, I love to tell stories that help people through visuals that move!

I’ve recently started to replay the videogames of my youth and have gained a (healthy) obsession with Pokemon. You can usually find me hunting for the next rare card on my wishlist.

A Photo of Alex

Alex

Junior Motion and Graphic 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 Claire

Claire

Designer and Scribe


Having spent the last 10+ years of my creative career designing and illustrating for charities and the public sector, I have developed a strong desire and varied skillset to engage and educate people through the medium of illustration.

My specialty is blending logic and emotion by creating and presenting expressive characters alongside facts and data to inspire empathy, empower and motivate audiences of all ages.

In my downtime, I enjoy reading, being around animals and nature, and trips back home to Scotland.

A Photo of Carla

Carla

Motion Designer


Bio coming soon...

A Photo of Lizie

Lizie

Admin Avenger


With over 30 years of experience under my belt, I'm an admin avenger extraordinaire! I thrive on keeping things organised and ensuring a smooth ride for everyone involved. As part of the nifty fox gang its my mission that our clients get a seamless experience. 

Outside the office, you'll find me adventuring with my two sons, Finnan and Oscar, and our beloved dogs, Zola and Baloo. We love exploring the great outdoors on family walks. When I'm not out with the whole crew, I enjoy curling up with a good book or hitting the gym to stay active (it helps balance out my love for chocolate fudge cake!)

A Photo of Reuben

Reuben

Head of Barketing


My key skills that I bring to the team are: motivational cuddles; keep fit walks; not-at-all-annoying jumping on laps; and stealing lunches from desks.

I’m secretly in love with Cassie, but don’t tell her that…

A Photo of Cooper

Cooper

Head of Pawblic Relations


Since Emmett adopted me in 2022, I’ve been living a life of luxury. What could be better than a ball in every room (even if my parents slip on them all the time)?

I only wake up for food or fetch.

A Photo of Cassie

Cassie

Head of Barket Research


You can usually find me stomping my feet for Laura D to fetch me my bone (I of course couldn’t possibly pick it up myself) or waiting patiently for my walk. I like to make sure I am at the heel of Laura's feet at all times.

My alter ego is Lady Cassington, I don’t know where that name would stem from.

Latest Work

More Than Medals

Exploring gendered environments in sports injury with University of Nottingham.

View Project
Illustration of a woman with her head down and a man and a woman walking in front
3 steps to making your research accessible to non-academic audiences

Latest News

3 steps to making your research accessible to non-academic audiences

Making research accessible means making your work: understandable readable and findable for audiences outside the academy. How can we expect audiences to use our knowledge - and drive routes to impact - if we don’t communicate it clearly!?

View Article

Ready to tell your story visually?