About

Born into 1960s adland to a family that was half design, art and invention, half music and seasoned with words, I started drawing before I could walk. The kitchen was for singing in. No question was ever too stupid. It was completely normal to be asked if I fancied stitching the sails for a windpower experiment. My toys included scrap dry transfer lettering. I would make, weave, repurpose, collage and document in drawings, paper, cloth and lyrics. I studied at a time of specialisation, graduated in graphic design and went into professional practice, first at design companies, including Pentagram and Lewis Moberly, and then in my own right. But my feral creativity and love of delving into subject matter never went away. Now, they’re at the heart of my practice, brought together for my design, creative direction, illustration and speaking work in communications and at events.

Communication design with an overview – I understand how things should work in context and why it matters to produce well-made work that respects the words.

Live sketching with a design twist – I cover events like a reportage photographer, with bespoke formats. And I’m often part of the experience.

Illustration with an editorial eye – drawing is my way of looking, that enquiry brings depth to my work and it finds its way into investigative work and sketch activities.

Speaking with added nerdery – I always try to root out things that I find interesting and an audience might enjoy too.

Bowen Craggs conference photo of iPad live sketching © Mark Roe.

Some people come to me for one type of work. Some spot the crossover and use more. And some clients and collaborators approach me with completely new uses for my work for their behind-the-scenes, research and engagement projects.

Whatever the work, it starts with finding stuff out, it answers questions you might not think to ask and it wraps up with care that all has gone well and that you have what you need. I’m with you all the way, I help plan the work and I communicate.

If you have a project in mind, or a creative adventure you’d like to discuss, talk to me