Meet Charlie Franklin: One of the creative minds behind LDC’s visual impact
Charlie Franklin, Senior Creative at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), has been shaping the centre’s visual identity and creative output for seven years.
Charlie’s journey into creative design began with a degree in architecture, a path that might seem unusual at first, but laid the foundation for his approach to visual thinking and problem-solving. “There’s a lot of design thinking involved in both 2D and 3D spaces,” he explains.
A summer placement at his dream architecture firm, however, revealed that his true passion lay elsewhere. Charlie soon pursued a master’s in graphic communication, bridging his love for design with a more visual and branding-focused approach. After a brief spell in industry, he joined LDC, where he has thrived ever since.
“When I first joined, I didn’t realise the scale of the place,” Charlie admits. “I had the opportunity to show LDC’s Creative Director, Mike, my portfolio, and we immediately connected over our shared approach to design and values. The chance to apply creativity in a setting where it could have real impact made it an easy decision.”
Charlie’s role is wonderfully varied. One week might involve designing visual identities and creating motion graphics; the next, filming and editing video content, recording a podcast, or developing print and digital materials. A large part of his work supports professors and researchers, helping bring their findings to life visually. “Whether it’s refining presentations, shaping public-facing materials, or producing videos, I’m trying to enhance the creative side of their research,” he says.
He sees the value of a dedicated creative team every day. “Good design helps people understand complex health information, feel more engaged, and ultimately take more informed actions,” he explains. “Especially when people might feel overwhelmed or unsure, well-designed materials can build confidence, remove confusion, and support better decision-making.”
For Charlie, the best part of the job is the people. “Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet and work with amazing individuals and teams, not just within LDC, but across a wider network. It’s a real privilege to collaborate with them on their latest projects or research and help bring that work to life creatively.”
One standout project is the EASD/ADA guidelines updates. While not the flashiest work, Charlie is proud of the impact. “Knowing that those figures and graphics are used around the world to communicate critical updates to diabetes care and treatment is incredibly rewarding,” he says.
LDC’s Co-Director, Professor Melanie Davies, said: "Charlie’s creativity is at the heart of how we communicate our research. His work ensures complex research findings are accessible, engaging, and impactful for both professionals and the people we support."
Outside of work, Charlie channels his creativity into another passion – coffee. He’s often found perfecting his espresso technique, modifying his machine, and practicing latte art. To unwind, he swaps design tools for two wheels, taking to a virtual cycling platform or heading outdoors on his bike whenever the weather allows.
Charlie Franklin, Senior Creative for LDC.
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