Ashley Johnson
Head Of Brand Narrative, Designer, Strategist, Art Director
In their own words
Great design and great copy are two languages expressing the same powerful idea.
The best words are often the simplest.
Articles & interviews
- A year in review: how 2025 changed who we are and how we work
Creative Boom editor Katy Cowan reflects on 2025, a year marked by challenges in the creative industry and a renewed focus on human connection. She recounts launching The Studio, a thriving online community, expanding into real-world events, and growing Creative Boom’s YouTube and podcast presence. The piece highlights adaptation to AI, collaboration with Love & Logic on social strategy, and the importance of authenticity and community in creative work.
- 182. The Spark
Episode 182 of The Spark podcast features Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, in a lively conversation with host Katy Cowan. The discussion explores impulsive adventures, creative vulnerability, and the joy of embracing uncertainty, offering a more personal glimpse into Johnson’s approach to creativity and storytelling.
- Ashley Johnson
In this Creative Boom Podcast episode, host Katy Cowan speaks with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram London, about her unconventional career path from Canadian TV journalism to leading brand storytelling at one of the world’s top design studios. Johnson discusses the intersection of writing and design, the importance of authenticity, and how feminist leadership and psychological safety empower creative teams.
- "Creative Boom Podcast Season 10 Launches with Video Option"
Creative Boom announces the return of its podcast for Season 10, now available in video format for the first time. Hosted by Katy Cowan, the season features an impressive lineup of creative industry figures including Brian Collins, Pum Lefebure, and Jeff Staple, with sponsorship from paper manufacturer James Cropper. The new season emphasizes authentic conversations about creative careers and the evolving design landscape.
- Sara Maese Crafts Universe with Simple Shapes, Warm Colors
Creative Boom profiles Spanish illustrator Sara Maese, whose playful, pastel-hued work transforms simple forms into lively, character-filled worlds. The article explores her process, tools, and notable projects such as 'Coneheads' for Glug and packaging for Paperboy London. Maese discusses her intuitive approach to colour, her influences, and her ambitions for future packaging work.
- On brand copy, community, and the craft of writing: an in-depth dive into Between The Lines
The Brand Identity’s interview with Opening Line’s Zosia Swidlicka and Extract’s Chris Vickers explores the creation of 'Between The Lines,' a publication dedicated to the craft of brand language. The conversation delves into the design process, the importance of writing in branding, and the collaboration with illustrator Olga Prader. The project celebrates verbal identity as a vital yet often overlooked part of brand design.