Simple Minds Greatest Hits Tour

This three dimensional bust was created for the Simple Minds Greatest Hits Tour. I was commissioned to develop the lettering, working with a range of different marker pens, then scanning and fitting the script to a photo of the head. It was built up gradually until the final image was approved. It's surprisingly tricky to keep the lettering looking raw and not overworked - this vernacular lettering is influenced more by Outsider Art and hand drawn ephemeral signage than by traditional calligraphy. The designer sent over images of the scrawled graffiti on Jim Morrison's grave and the Abbey Road sign as the inspiration for the piece - the fumes from the markers probably helped a little too ...

There are also plans to use it on the related album which has yet to be released. You can see more of my record work in the word>music folder on my site.

Season's Greetings!

This year Southern Poverty Law Center asked me to create an illustration for a card they send out to donors as a sign of their appreciation. SPLC is a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. Consequently, these cards usually include a quote that fits with their message of justice and tolerance. I produced a purely typographic solution with this Anatole France quote, aiming to give the words the right tone and emphasis.

I've worked for the design team at SPLC on several occasions so it was a pleasure to be asked to work on this holiday card. They have, by all accounts, a very impressive donor list which (despite my efforts!) they're not allowed to disclose ...

I've also created a personal card this year, I've sent it digitally and made a donation to UN Women, the UN entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Lettering Talk at St Bride Library, London

I'm giving a talk about my work on the evening of 13th Nov along with Si Scott, Catherine Dixon and Sam Winston.

It'd be great to see you there if you can make it - tickets are available from the St Bride Library website and help to fund this important resource for future generations: http://stbride.org/events

Which? Magazine Cover

I was delighted to be asked to create the cover lettering for the latest issue of Which? Magazine. It features an article about energy tariffs. It was clear from a recent questionnaire that few people understand them. This illustrative piece uses different styles, weights and sizes of lettering to indicate the different answers given and the general confusion on the subject.

You can see more of my magazine work in the word>editorial folder on my online portfolio and more illustrative lettering in the image section of the site.

Websters Pen Shop

As a great lover of writing tools of all shapes and sizes, it seemed appropriate for me to be asked to work on a strapline for Websters Pen Shop. The British company is celebrating 40 years in the business and commissioned a new logo for the event.

Hand lettering was chosen over a font to express the uniqueness of the written form - something Websters promote with their impressive range of pens. The lettering was used in a one and three line format along with the designer's logo across both printed and online advertising. The loose but legible style reflects the soft flow of a fountain pen.

You can see more of my corporate and advertising work on my online portfolio.

The Testament of Jessie Lamb

This recently hand lettered title for Edinburgh publishing house, Canongate Books, works with the evocative image to give the cover an intimate, confessional feel.

To see more of my publishing work click on the word>publishing folder in my online portfolio.

Interview in New Design Magazine

I was delighted to be asked to give an interview for stylish magazine, New Design, a publication dedicated to featuring news about people, products and issues shaping the design industry here in the UK and worldwide.

To read my other online interviews click on the interview button in the blog menu on the right.