MCRBCN: A Creative Love Letter from Manchester to Barcelona
đ Quite possibly one of the biggest projects Iâve ever undertaken. đ
After months in the making, I can finally share that Iâve conceived and curated a new design exhibition launching this September in Barcelona during La Mercè, the cityâs iconic festival.
With Manchester named as this yearâs partner city, Marketing Manchester asked me to build upon BCNMCR, my 2013, 2014 and 2023 project that helped bring Barcelona creatives to exhibit in Manchester.
Now, we flip the direction.
BCNMCR becomes MCRBCN.
40 emerging creatives. 14 established ones. 2 cities. 1 bold statement of design culture.
At the heart of the show is a series of large-scale freestanding cubes, each one co-designed by a pair of emerging creatives, one from Manchester and one from Barcelona.
Each pair has been invited to create a love letter to their city. One piece, two perspectives, four sides.
A physical expression of collaboration, creativity and cross-cultural connection.
Alongside these, 14 large-scale banners (each over 2.5m tall) designed by leading Manchester creatives frame the space, showcasing the cityâs full creative spectrum, from the emerging to the established.
The exhibition takes place at OPENBCN Studios in GrĂ cia.
Public opening: Thursday 25 Sept, 1pm
Launch event: 5:30pm, with short talks by myself and Ălex Gobern Gorris, President of ADG FAD.
Huge thanks to Marketing Manchester for backing the vision and creating space for real connection between two brilliant creative cities.
Itâs about more than just showcasing work.
Itâs about what happens when you bring people together.
Follow along â @mcr_bcn
More info â mcrbcn.com
So thatâs it. Weeks and weeks of worrying. Wondering what the hell to talk about and if anyone would even come and listen. Iâm finally on my way home from @offfest - I struggle at times to articulate what I want to say and Iâm conscious all the fucking time of not posting self congratulatory wanky nonsense on social media. Honestly! But the fact I was literally sick with nerves before this talk and still managed to put myself through it. Well I just thought Iâd put a post out. Thanks for anyone who came and for everyone who messaged me on social media. âđť
Yesterday I did a talk to the students @bsoa_graphicdesign - it was the first time Iâve done a talk with almost no work in it at all. Over the past few years Iâve started trying to tailor talks more to the audience, which is tough but makes them more relevant. Thanking @tashwillcocks for the advice on that one (plus the saving files line!) - this slide was the final one in the deck. đđť
Some recent work for @foilcoltd@effektivdruck and @roemerturmfeinstpapier
Showcasing a range of foils and paper combinations. The identity was created to be launched on Valentineâs Day. â¤ď¸
Thanks to @steeles_graphics for his help on this as well. đđť
Finally able to share a project Iâve had the privilege of working on from the very beginning: shaping the name and brand identity for Invest Manchester, the new market-facing identity for MIDAS - a collection of specialist teams supporting investment in Manchester.
Every element of the brand has been carefully considered to reflect Greater Manchesterâs ambition, energy and collaborative spirit. At the heart of the logo is a bold, typographic identity.
The âiâ is the only lowercase letter, inspired by the world-renowned symbol for information. Its dot (tittle) transforms from a simple square into a plus symbol made up of five squares, each representing one of the five sectors Invest Manchester works across. The plus then grows into a second, representing the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
The result is a clean, confident, and considered identity that acts as a flexible platform for real estate, business investment, sector development, and international partnerships. This is just the beginning, and weâll continue to develop the brand over the coming months.
It launches at MIPIM so if you are there you will get to see it in person!
Always a joy to work with @foilcoltd on event branding and planning. Multiplicity London was no exception. The launch of the new Multiplicity identity coupled with a stunning location and featuring the brilliant @apracticeforeverydaylife@porto_rocha and @uncommon.creative.studio allowed for some design work to take place! đđť
Introducing CASEWELLSâŚ
Iâm delighted to finally share a project Iâve had the privilege of working on from the very beginning: shaping the name and brand identity for a new food hall being built in the heart of Bury town centre.
Every element of the brand has been carefully crafted to celebrate Buryâs rich history while looking confidently to the future.
The name and logo are inspired by an original sign. During my research into the townâs food history, I discovered CASEWELLâS, the very place where Buryâs first black puddings were made. I even tracked down some old photographs showing the original sign above the door and Mr Casewell himself.
The sign has since been lovingly restored and returned to Bury, creating a meaningful connection between past and present.
While I explored a number of naming options, it quickly became clear that Bury will always be synonymous with black pudding. Casewells allows the townâs heritage to shape its future.
I collaborated closely with the brilliant @laurameseguer to create a bespoke typeface that feels modern yet rooted, reflecting a space that is flexible, welcoming and also full of character. The design draws inspiration from the original sign while incorporating elements that echo the architecture of the new building.
The colour palette is drawn from the textures of Bury itself: soft creams, olive stone and rich greens, evoking the warmth and materials of the townâs markets and mills.
A series of eight textile-inspired patterned lines runs throughout the brand, referencing the warp and weft and the way the communityâs stories and experiences are interwoven.These lines also mirror the eight pillars forming the entrance to the new space. A subtle nod to the architectural and social fabric of the town.
The food hall is due to open later this year and this initial work represents just a small part of a project Iâm thrilled to be part of. Much more will come as the building progresses.
Casewells â Originally Unique.
Introducing CASEWELLSâŚ
Iâm delighted to finally share a project Iâve had the privilege of working on from the very beginning: shaping the name and brand identity for a new food hall being built in the heart of Bury town centre.
Every element of the brand has been carefully crafted to celebrate Buryâs rich history while looking confidently to the future.
The name and logo are inspired by an original sign. During my research into the townâs food history, I discovered CASEWELLâS, the very place where Buryâs first black puddings were made. I even tracked down some old photographs showing the original sign above the door and Mr Casewell himself.
The sign has since been lovingly restored and returned to Bury, creating a meaningful connection between past and present.
While I explored a number of naming options, it quickly became clear that Bury will always be synonymous with black pudding. Casewells allows the townâs heritage to shape its future.
I collaborated closely with the brilliant @laurameseguer to create a bespoke typeface that feels modern yet rooted, reflecting a space that is flexible, welcoming and also full of character. The design draws inspiration from the original sign while incorporating elements that echo the architecture of the new building.
The colour palette is drawn from the textures of Bury itself: soft creams, olive stone and rich greens, evoking the warmth and materials of the townâs markets and mills.
A series of eight textile-inspired patterned lines runs throughout the brand, referencing the warp and weft and the way the communityâs stories and experiences are interwoven.These lines also mirror the eight pillars forming the entrance to the new space. A subtle nod to the architectural and social fabric of the town.
The food hall is due to open later this year and this initial work represents just a small part of a project Iâm thrilled to be part of. Much more will come as the building progresses.
Casewells â Originally Unique.
With Multiplicity returning to London tomorrow with @foilcoltd - I thought it would be good to look back on some of the print created for the event over the past few years. We took a break. But now itâs back! See you there.
