My Design Heroes
From my earliest days in design, I recognised people who were of great worth. Some also resonated with my own drives and ambitions. As I continued in my chosen profession, my critical faculties developed, and I understood those whose work was simply good… and those who were exceptional.
I was fortunate to meet several remarkable individuals. This list includes those who significantly influenced me and my work. While it’s personal, I hope it may introduce you to names you may not know and encourage you to explore further.

Margaret Calvert & Jock Kinneir
During my college days, their work was ubiquitous. It's now so much a part of the British environment that it's taken for granted. Margaret Calvert and Jock Kinneir, a British design duo, are best known for their groundbreaking work on the UK road signage system....
Neville Brody
I've always been a champion of good typography, but I felt the discipline had long been in the doldrums until in the 1980s, something fresh and exciting happened. Neville Brody burst onto the scene. A British graphic designer, known for his bold, experimental, and...
Peter Saville
I was first aware of Factory Records, before I knew of the creative force behind them. It was, of course, Peter Saville, the British graphic designer, who's renowned for his minimalist and iconic album covers, particularly for bands like Joy Division and New Order....
Milton Glaser (1929 – 2020)
I remember first coming across the work of Push Pin Studios while I was still at college. We had many American design magazines in the library and I just wanted to know, 'Who are these guys?' One of the co-founders was Milton Glaser, an American graphic designer, who...
Colin Forbes (1931-2014)
The very first design book I saw - and bought - was 'Graphic Design, Visual Comparisons' by Fletcher/Forbes/Gill. A classic, it was true to its form and had few words, but many images told their own story. Colin Forbes, a key figure in British graphic design, was...
Armin Hoffman (1936-2020)
In my foundation year, I won the year prize (I have no idea how!). It was a book voucher, and I chose 'Graphic Design Manual' by Armin Hoffmann. I had never heard of him, but the book inspired and fundamentally influenced my work for years to come. Later in life, I...
Germano Facetti (1935-2015)
In my first year at college I was blown away by an exhibition of Penguin book jackets. I wasn't aware of the name of one of the most important designers, but perhaps it triggered my career choice in later years as a paperback art director. Germano Facetti, an Italian...
Bob Gill
Bob Gill: A Master of Simple, Powerful Design Bob Gill, a true giant of graphic design, wasn't about flashy gimmicks. His strength lay in clear, concise communication, stripping away the superfluous to reveal the core message. Born in Brooklyn in 1931, Gill honed his...