Biography

1991–1995
Department of Typography & Graphic Communication, University of Reading: A place known for ‘design for reading’, with a unique approach to the study of design theory and history. While there John co-designed Typography Papers.

1995–2000
Omnific, assisting Derek Birdsall RDI. In a converted Islington factory with the Birdsalls (Derek, Shirley, Elsa) where design and life mixed and lunch was central: A memorable sunday lunch and layout discussion with Frank Auerbach, Bruce Bernard and Lucian Freud while working on Freud’s catalogue raisonné. Learning about book production under the guidance of Omnific partner Martin Lee. Designs for, among others, Arts Council of England, Channel 4 Television, Marlborough Fine Art, Yale University Press, National Gallery of Art (Washington DC) and Thames and Hudson.

2000–
In 2000, John established a freelance design studio of his own. Though while still collaborating with Derek on Common Worship, a new prayer book for the Church of England. In 2001, he co-founded Workplace Co-operative 115, a new building in Kentish Town built for designers and makers. Alongside the studio work, teaching jobs included: 3rd year tutor BA Graphic Design at Central St Martins, 2003; visiting tutor University of Reading 2001–2003, British Council book design workshop leader, Calcutta 2004. Took on Michael Evidon, a ex-student from St Martins and moved studio to Long Street, London E2 in April 2004. John and Michael work with wide range of collaborators: designers, photographers, artists, writers, illustrators, editors, printers, architects etc. depending on the job in hand. For an approach to work see the studio profile by Jonathan Bell.