About

Ally Mackay – Graphic Designer with 20 Years of Experience.

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With two decades of expertise in graphic design, Ally Mackay has honed skills across various creative fields, most recently working with Ride It Clothing.

"After completing my HND in Graphic Design and gaining hands-on experience in Glasgow City Council's design department, I made the decision to go freelance under the name Graphics Lab. This allowed me to explore my creativity across different projects and industries.

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Later, I had a pivotal idea: combining my design skills with my passion for mountain biking. This led to the creation of Ride It Clothing, a brand that specialises in both custom and standard riding gear, as well as casual wear. Although I had no prior experience in clothing design, I immersed myself in research, learning about the industry and analysing competitors. My goal was to make our brand 'meaningfully unique' in a crowded marketplace.

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We achieved this by focusing on unique designs and pioneering a modern Enduro fit jersey, which contrasted with the traditional baggy downhill jerseys. We identified this shift in trend early on, and our approach quickly gained popularity—eventually becoming the standard that riders now seek.

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Designing garments also pushed me to develop my creative thinking in 3D, in addition to my established 2D skills. Over time, I’ve learned how to effectively manage multiple facets of the business: coordinating with suppliers to meet tight deadlines, engaging with clients and suppliers at events, and managing social media channels to foster an active and engaged online community. Through all of this, adaptability has become my greatest strength, allowing me to successfully navigate various roles and responsibilities."