In 1989 she set up Moseley Webb Design with Richard Webb, later named See What You Mean. The company gained an enviable reputation in strategic design for print and multimedia for a range of clients, helping companies to explain complex issues visually and more easily through innovative picture technology.

She joined the School of Art & Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC) in 1996, working in various roles such as subject leader of Graphic Communication and Director of Enterprise for the School, with responsibility for Industrial and Business Liaison and Knowledge Transfer, before taking the reigns as Dean of School in 2015.

In 2005 and 2009, Olwen was named by ‘Design Week’ magazine as one of the ‘Hot Top 50′ most influential people in design in the UK for her role in establishing the Cardiff Design Festival and she was the recipient of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, Inspire Wales Award 2010 for her role in the creative industries. 

In 2012 Olwen was awarded a Cardiff Metropolitan University Teaching Fellowship, nominated by students. The award highlights the qualities particularly valued by students; linkage between theory and practice, student engagement and interactivity, respect, helping students look beyond their degree to employability, recognising the individuality of students, and concerns for student welfare and personal development planning.

She was awarded the title of Professorial (Personal Chair) in 2015 and was appointed as Dean of the School of Art & Design that September.

She is a keen road cyclist.