apply.design
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apply.design, creative AI studio in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Powerful AI + Human Creativity =Infinite possibility

Tom has worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Tom knows what businesses need, blending big-picture vision and hands-on craft.

Thomas McElroyCreative consultant / Designer
Book Tom

About

Based in Birmingham. Tom started at 14, editing Call of Duty montages. Fifteen years on, he's designed for more than 100 businesses.

Design, music, technology and travel shape how Tom sees the world. Editing YouTube videos as a teenager led him to leave school at 16 to study graphic design at college, then visual communication at university.

His career in design has focused on brand and motion for businesses, working in agencies, in-house at start-ups and as a freelancer. There isn't much Tom hasn't produced for brands and businesses, which has given him both big-picture vision and hands-on craft.

He has always been passionate about blending creativity and technology.

In 2021 Tom founded Studio Apply. Today it's apply.design, which Tom leads as the creative division of Up-Stride, working across brand, digital and motion. Up-Stride builds AI and automation for businesses.

Bring your ideas, big or small. For all enquiries, email tom@up-stride.co.uk

Get in touch

Networking groups

  • Sterling Network Groups
  • BNI UK
  • Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Services

Shopping list for your business.

Tap what you need from the lists below and let's talk about your business. I'll put together a bespoke solution for you.

  • BrandAI

    Up-Stride

    Identities that hold together everywhere, from strategy to everything printed.

  • DigitalAI

    Up-Stride

    Websites, apps and the content that keeps them busy.

  • MotionAI

    Up-Stride

    Making brands move. Motion design and video, from logo stings to brand films.

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Email Tom

Tools

My everyday stack
The apps and AIs behind every brand, site and film.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • HeyGen
  • ElevenLabs
  • Seedance
  • Meshy
  • Lovable
  • Figma
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • After Effects
  • Premiere Pro
  • Next.js
  • Vercel
  • Supabase
  • Resend
  • GitHub
  • three.js

Partnership

Two ways to work together

Built for businesses and agencies who want experienced creative support, without the agency overhead.

  • No fixed contracts
  • No PAYE
  • Experienced designer on call
  • Faster than an agency

  • Pay as you go

    By the day or by project

    • Book only the days you need
    • Or a fixed quote per project
    • Remote, or on-site if you're local
    • No retainer
    Book Tom

  • Monthly

    Design subscription

    • Unlimited design requests
    • Ongoing creative direction
    • Cancel any time
    Talk to Tom

Experience and education

Tom's journey so far

Experience

  1. Up-StridePartner, AI & AutomationNov 2025 to now · AI & Automation consultancy · Hybrid
  2. Studio Apply, now apply.designFounder and designerDec 2021 to now · Design studio · Hybrid
  3. GalaSenior graphic and motion designerApr 2022 to May 2024 · Crypto company · Fully remote
  4. AW&COSenior graphic and motion designer, freelance2020 to 2026 · Ongoing freelance · Hybrid
  5. Z3/StudioMiddleweight graphic and motion designerDec 2019 to Mar 2022 · Boutique studio · Birmingham
  6. Of a KindJunior graphic and motion designer, freelanceJan 2020 to Feb 2020 · Boutique agency · Birmingham
  7. GRINJunior graphic and motion designer, internshipJul 2019 to Sep 2019 · Agency · Birmingham

AI & Automation

Up-Stride

I'm a partner at Up-Stride, helping businesses put AI & Automation to work.

up-stride.co.uk

Education

  1. Birmingham City UniversityBA Graphic Communication2018 to 2020First
  2. BMet Matthew Boulton CollegeLevel 5 HND Diploma, Graphic Design2016 to 2018Distinction
  3. UAL, BMet Matthew Boulton CollegeUAL Level 3 Extended Diploma, Art and Design2014 to 2016Distinction

Clients

Client experience

  • Sony Music
  • Coinbase
  • Freedom
  • Datagram
  • osmi
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Sidemen
  • Anjunabeats
  • Gala
  • AW&CO
  • Savills
  • Knight Frank
  • Holland & Holland
  • The Indian Brewery Company
  • Lusso
  • Lawson Robb
  • Rigby & Rigby
  • Helen Green Design Studio
  • Allect
  • Dweet
  • Minima
  • Fabric Design Group
  • HYP
  • Touchwood
  • CostCutters
  • ALT Group
  • Saracen Fire Protection
  • Seated Furniture
  • ORS
  • Nottingham Office Equipment
  • Premium Choice
  • achoice
  • Solar Mounting
  • Buddy Bag Foundation
  • Bermuda Sloop Foundation
“Tom is a pleasure to work with. He has a professional outlook, undeniable creative talent and a great sense of humour, matched with the enviable ability to make complex processes understandable. He has a thoughtful and methodical approach to the creative process which underpins his impressive creative output.”
Christopher MorrisSenior Lecturer, Birmingham City University

FAQs

How it all works.

Who do you work with?

SMEs, brands and businesses of all shapes and sizes, internal marketing teams, agencies and freelancers. I'm based in Birmingham and work across the West Midlands and remotely with teams anywhere.

Why book you rather than hire?

You get an experienced creative when you need one, without the cost of a hire or an agency's timeline and overheads. Book a day, get the work moving, and carry on.

What can you get done in a day?

More than you'd expect. A half day can set up a brand kit or produce a batch of images. Websites can start from a single day, and take five or more depending on how complex they are.

How does booking work?

Tell me what you need and pick the days you'd like. Nothing is confirmed until I've agreed the work, so you'll always hear from me first.

Do you work remotely?

Generally, yes. If you're local, I can come into your office and work with your team for the day.

Do you do AI work?

Yes. I've always moved with the times, and for the last three years AI has been an integral part of my workflow. Larger AI and automation projects run through Up-Stride, where I'm a partner.