Brent David Freaney
Designer · Founder · Creative Director
In their own words
off trend
In a world where finding something you have never seen before is becoming harder, this collection illustrates your perspective.
It is work that you – as a designer – have done and you shouldn’t be giving that away.
You aren’t trying to remake the reference... you are trying to make a new reference.
I’m a big proponent of gatekeeping; I found it, I’m not telling you where I found it, and it’s mine... fuck off.
Charli is one of the only artists that I have worked with who is brave enough to really, really flip the script on what the world expects of her.
From the beginning, Charli knew she wanted brat on a green background.
Articles & interviews
- "Perfectly Imperfect: Innovating Online Culture as First Social Magazine"
The article profiles Perfectly Imperfect, a hybrid 'social magazine' and online platform founded by Tyler Bainbridge and Alex Cushing. Designed in collaboration with Brent David Freaney’s studio Special Offer, the 2025 redesign of its site pi.fyi embraces early internet aesthetics and maximalist design to counter algorithm-driven homogenisation. The platform merges editorial and social experiences, celebrating individuality and cultural curation.
- "Paradiso Fest Transforms Creative Collaboration with Fresh Approach"
Paradiso fest in Mérida, Mexico, reimagined the creative conference format as an inclusive, retreat-style festival focused on connection and inspiration. Founded by Héctor Ayuso, the four-day event featured talks, workshops, and cultural excursions that broke down traditional hierarchies between speakers and attendees. With contributions from creatives like Karin Fong, Oliver Jeffers, and Ivan Cash, the festival emphasized community, reflection, and creative experimentation.
- "Graphic Designers Navigate Uncertain Industry Future: New Report"
It’s Nice That and WePresent have collaborated on a new report titled 'New Rules: Navigating design’s unfixed future', exploring how graphic designers can adapt to an uncertain industry landscape. The feature discusses challenges such as AI, shifting trends, and evolving roles, with insights from leading designers and studios. The report aims to provide practical guidance on research, trends, and career navigation for creatives.
- "Top Five Graphic Design Trends for 2025 Identified"
It’s Nice That’s Liz Gorny and Ellis Tree identify five key graphic design trends for 2025, exploring how designers are embracing anti-trend aesthetics and heritage-inspired approaches. The article highlights studios like Parámetro, Mestiza, and Muon for their handcrafted, bookplate-style logos and Art Deco typographic influences. It positions these movements as a response to digital uniformity and a return to personal, tactile design expression.
- The Power of Obscure References in Creative Design
Liz Gorny’s opinion piece for It’s Nice That explores the creative industry’s obsession with obscure references and archival research. Through examples like Special Offer’s Brat campaign and Collins’ rebrand for Bose, the article questions whether referencing history inherently improves design work or simply signals cultural capital. Designer Brent David Freaney argues for the value of research and the right to protect one’s reference library while cautioning against overreliance on nostalgia.
- Gatekeeping in Business: Special Offer Insights
The article profiles New York studio Special Offer and its founder Brent David Freaney, exploring the studio’s elastic, community-driven approach to design. It focuses on their work for Charli XCX’s 2024 album 'brat', which became a defining visual moment of the year, and touches on collaborations with Martine Syms. The piece highlights Special Offer’s philosophy, design process, and influence on contemporary visual culture.