Chester Design Cases
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on Chester projects in press coverage.
Designers and creative leads credited on Chester projects in press coverage.
Written by Mark Beaumont of Dinosaur, this Creative Boom insight article explores the role of discomfort in public service advertising. It contrasts the hard-hitting campaigns of the 1980s and 1990s with the softer, more optimistic tone of the 2010s, arguing that sometimes only unsettling creative can drive real behavioural change. Beaumont highlights Dinosaur’s recent Greater Manchester anti-smoking campaign as an example of using emotional storytelling and stark design to provoke action.
Creative Boom reports on MCRBCN, a design exhibition curated by Manchester designer Dave Sedgwick as part of Barcelona’s La Mercè Festival 2025. The show celebrates creative exchange between Manchester and Barcelona through collaborative artworks and large-scale banners by established studios. It marks a decade-long cultural relationship and highlights the shared creative spirit of both cities.
Creative Boom’s feature explores how IllustrationX evolved from a London-based agency into a truly global illustration powerhouse with agents across four continents. Managing director Harry Lyon-Smith and North America director Stacey Endress discuss the agency’s structure, localised approach, and commitment to artist quality. The article highlights how authenticity and international collaboration give IllustrationX a competitive edge in the age of AI-driven creativity.
Creative Boom reports on 'Music for the Senses', a large-scale public art trail by Wild in Art transforming Manchester into an open-air gallery celebrating the city's musical heritage. Featuring over 80 artworks, installations, and murals by artists such as Lazerian, Lei-Mai LeMaow, and Nomad Clan, the project merges art, music, and urban space. It also includes an interactive app and supports local music venues through a charity auction.
Creative Boom profiles Louiza Cookson-Rabouhi, principal designer at Magnetic, exploring her journey from early creative experiments to leading brand and experience design projects. The article highlights her human-centred approach, curiosity-driven process, and work on the MBacc launch for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It also touches on her mentorship, cultural inspirations, and views on the evolving design landscape.
Creative Boom profiles Manchester-based muralist Oskar Walin, known professionally as Oskar With a K, whose large-scale hand-painted lettering projects aim to bring communities together. The article explores his process, materials, and collaborations on projects for Manchester City Council, the Electoral Commission, and Stockport County FC. It highlights his focus on social impact, community workshops, and bold, graphic mural design.
BP&O’s feature by Emily Gosling reviews How&How’s rebrand for Chester Zoo, a two-year project launched in 2024. The new identity, built around the idea ‘Force for Nature,’ balances accessibility with authority, combining a custom Grotesque typeface, nature-inspired patterns, and a nuanced color palette. The rebrand extends across digital, environmental, and merchandise applications, positioning Chester Zoo as both a conservation leader and a family-friendly destination.
Creative Boom reports on the opening of HOME Arches, a £3.5 million artist development hub in Manchester created by arts centre HOME. The project transforms three railway arches into studios, exhibition, and co-working spaces to support local and underrepresented artists. Funded by public and private partners, it marks HOME’s 10th anniversary and reinforces Manchester’s cultural growth strategy.
