Founded in 2011 by Vicky Carr and Chris Shearston – designers, educators and creative partners since 2007 – the studio focuses on the design and art direction of printed materials, especially visual identity, editorial and publication design, for predominantly Arts & Culture sector clients. 

The studio was established as a means of pursuing an independent multi-disciplinary practice, rejecting the traditional studio model in favour of a more democratic structure and approach to working with people. We believe each project should belong equally to everybody involved and so we aim to establish, as partners, more long-term relationships with our clients.

The studio structure is deliberately kept small, allowing meaningful collaboration with clients whilst maintaining a diverse and flexible network of collaborators who bring their specific expertise whenever a project requires it. 

Whilst design is the primary focus, the studio also dedicate time to teaching in Higher Education and supporting the next generation of creative practitioners. We lecture, run workshops and give talks at universities and colleges across the UK. 

Physically making things is important to the practice, often the studio itself functions as a workshop and printroom. Outside of designing and teaching, the studio undertakes self-initiated and often collaborative projects which have no external client, allowing play, testing of ideas, experimentation and development of new skills.

In 2015, we co-founded the Engine House Collective with several of our close friends and fellow creatives, with the aim of creating a work space which fostered collaboration, experimentation, the sharing of tools, and the idea of solidarity in friendship. Our shared studio space is situated within the grounds of Islington Mill Studios, Salford.