Benjamin Watkinson

Creative Director

2 articles · Jun 2025Feb 2026

Studios:GF Smith

In their own words


Articles & interviews

  • Six powerful ways to make your next rebrand better

    Creative Boom’s article by Tom May summarizes Frontify’s 2026 report 'Rebranding Redefined', which outlines six key strategies for modern rebranding. Drawing insights from studios like JKR, Buck, DIA, and Mozilla, it emphasizes living brand systems, meaningful use of type and color, sonic branding, flexibility, motion integration, and cultural relevance. The piece encourages designers to move beyond static assets and build adaptive, emotionally resonant brands.

    FrontifyJones Knowles RitchieBuckBurger KingWalmartbranding
  • Social Media Criticism Threatens Creativity in Design Industry

    Matt Alagiah’s opinion piece explores how social media criticism of rebrands, such as GF Smith’s recent identity by Templo, can cross from healthy debate into toxic pile-ons that discourage creative risk-taking. Featuring perspectives from GF Smith’s Benjamin Watkinson and Templo’s Anoushka Rodda and Pali Palavathanan, the article questions whether online negativity is stifling innovation in the design industry. It calls for more constructive discourse and empathy toward both designers and clients.

    TemploMade ThoughtGF SmithJaguarbranding