Jonathan Barnbrook is a renowned British graphic designer, typographer, and activist known for his provocative and politically charged work. Born in 1966, Barnbrook studied at Saint Martin's School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. His career began in the early 1990s, and he quickly gained recognition for his bold, experimental designs that often challenged societal norms and addressed social issues. Barnbrook's work spans a wide range of media, including typography, print design, branding, and multimedia installations. He is the founder of Barnbrook Design, a studio that has collaborated with numerous high-profile clients, such as Damien Hirst, Adbusters, and the British Council. Barnbrook is particularly well-known for his long-standing collaboration with David Bowie, having designed several of the artist's album covers, including the iconic Blackstar released shortly before Bowie's death in 2016. Throughout his career, Barnbrook has consistently pushed the boundaries of graphic design, using his work as a platform for social commentary and activism. His typefaces, such as Bastard, Exocet, and Doctrine, often convey strong political messages and challenge the status quo. Barnbrook's work has been exhibited internationally and is held in the permanent collections of several prestigious institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum in New York. He has also been a vocal advocate for the role of graphic design in shaping society and has written extensively on the subject, including his book Barnbrook Bible, which showcases his diverse body of work and design philosophy.
Jonathan Barnbrook, graphic design, typography, activism
Jonathan Barnbrook is a highly acclaimed British graphic designer, typographer, and artist who has made significant contributions to the fields of design and typography. He is known for his innovative use of typography and his socially conscious approach to design, which often incorporates political and cultural commentary. Barnbrook's work is characterized by a unique blend of traditional design techniques and cutting-edge digital technology, resulting in visually striking and thought-provoking designs. Barnbrook's work has been featured in major exhibitions around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He has also collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of our time, including David Bowie, for whom he designed album covers and promotional materials. Barnbrook is also a respected educator, having taught at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Royal College of Art in London and Yale University in the United States. He is known for his passionate and engaging teaching style, which has inspired countless young designers and artists. Overall, Jonathan Barnbrook is a highly influential figure in the world of design and typography, known for his innovative and socially conscious approach to design, his collaborations with major musicians, and his contributions to design education.
British, graphic designer, typographer, artist, innovative, socially conscious, digital technology, exhibitions, David Bowie, education
CITATION : "Nicholas Gray. 'Jonathan Barnbrook.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=386537 (Accessed on June 17, 2025)"
Jonathan Barnbrook is a British artist and designer known for his use of typography and social commentary. He is best known for his work on David Bowie's album artwork—most notably the album Heathen (2002)—and his ongoing work with the Vinyl Factory. He has also designed typefaces including Bastard, Exocet, and Infidel, as well as the identity for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad and the 2012 Paralympic Games. Barnbrook has received numerous awards, including the Design Museum’s Designs of the Year award in 2002 for his contribution to David Bowie's album artwork.
Jonathan Barnbrook, British artist, designer, typography, David Bowie, Heathen, Vinyl Factory, Bastard, Exocet, Infidel, Cultural Olympiad, Paralympic Games, Design Museum, designs of the year.
— Mei Wang
We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Jonathan Barnbrook has 3 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Jonathan Barnbrook today.