Computer Arts Projects issue129

For decades, one little island nation has punched above its weight in graphic design. From Alan Fletcher, through Neville Brody, Peter Saville and tDR, into emerging creative icons like Kate Moross, we’ve condensed their fascinating journey into our lead feature this month, a fine way to kick off an issue dedicated to inspiring UK design.

Of course, the design industry is well and truly global these days, and we’ve cast the net much further than the white-cliffed shores of Britain, pulling together talented illustrators and designers who’ve crossed the water and set down roots in the world’s great creative cities, from vibrant San Francisco to sun-soaked Sydney.

British ads are internationally renowned, with London agencies like Mother, Fallon, BBH and AMV representing strongly at the Cannes Lions over the last few years. We chat to all of the above in a special project on mould-breaking advertising, reaching beyond the hard sell into dark, surreal humour and cinematic feel-good filmmaking.

Next issue, prepare to launch your own streetwear brand as we dive headfirst into the world of apparel. Leading designers from around the world share their insider tips for creating, producing and selling everything from T-shirts to skate-decks in a must-have resource for anyone keen to turn their designs into profitable merchandise. For now, I hope this issue inspires you, wherever you are in the world.

Nick Carson Editor

IN THE MAG

Project one: Graphic design

UK design hotspots
30 leading agencies at a glance

Iconic eras of UK design
An inspirational journey through the high watermarks of graphic design

Anatomy of a redesign
Senior designers at Brody’s own Research Studios reveal the process behind their recent work for Bonfire

Designer challenge
Our three creatives put their spin on the London 2012 Olympics logo

Project two: Trailblazing Brits
Jonathan Barnbrook, Kate Moross, Matthew Carter, Pete Fowler and Banksy profiled.

Project three: Advertising

Mother interview
Meet the London agency that’s no stranger to surrealism and controversy

Against the grain
Creative approaches to ads for everything from credit cards to chocolate

Create stunning visual effects
Enhance your motion graphics work by match-moving live footage

Project four: Brits abroad

Michael Gillette interview
The Welsh-born, San Francisco-based illustrator whose stunning work is good enough for James Bond

Pastures new
World-class designers who’ve put down roots overseas, from New York to Sydney

Regulars

Behind the scenes
Cover artist JamFactory talks us through his designer coat of arms

Big question
Who’s your favourite British designer?

My career so far
tDR founder Ian Anderson looks back on 20 years of ground-breaking design