Luke Tonge
Designer · Co-Founder
In their own words
Teaching well is the hardest job in design, by far.
Falmouth was formative for me. It instilled in me the belief that good ideas are at the heart of everything.
Print, especially magazines, is the ultimate design project because it encompasses so many facets of design.
It's about knowing enough to bring a vision to life without dictating how things should be done.
I push back on the idea of specialising early on unless you're truly a genius at something.
At BDF, we believe world-class design talks (and workshops) should be accessible to everyone – we've been doing this for years with our Festival and other events in Brum - so when the opportunity came to bring some of our BDF spirit and speakers to students in a University setting, and one as beautiful as Falmouth, it was a no-brainer.
There’s a lot of bangers on our screens every day, but less of how the sausage gets made.
Curation is really important to us – it’s what everything hangs on.
Articles & interviews
- "Creatives Share Self-Care Strategies: Insights Revealed"
Creative Boom’s Katy Cowan gathers insights from designers, illustrators, and artists on how they practice self-care ahead of International Self-Care Day. The article highlights routines like spending time in nature, exercising, setting boundaries, and making time for fun and rest. It emphasizes the importance of balance, connection, and mental health in the creative industry.
- BDF Founders Share Vision for 2025 Festival: Emphasizing Play
The Brand Identity interviews Birmingham Design Festival founders Luke Tonge and Daniel Alcorn about their journey building one of the UK’s leading creative events. They discuss their philosophy of community-building, the importance of decentralising design culture beyond London, and their 2025 festival theme of 'Play.' The conversation also explores their personal career paths, teaching, and the evolving creative scene in Birmingham.
- Luke Tonge's Journey from Punk Passion to Design Success
Creative Boom profiles Birmingham-based designer Luke Tonge, exploring his journey from a print-obsessed youth to co-founding the Birmingham Design Festival. The article traces his early influences, career at Linney, and his passion for editorial and brand identity design shaped by punk and DIY aesthetics. It also highlights his mentorship philosophy and advice for emerging designers.
- "Falmouth University Launches Innovative 'Design With' Pedagogy"
Creative Boom explores Falmouth University's new 'Design With' module, a collaborative educational initiative that bridges academia and industry through the theme of play. The program, launched in partnership with Birmingham Design Festival, brings leading creatives like Morag Myerscough, Lex Fefegha, Marie Boulanger, and Jimmy Turrell into workshops and talks with students. The article highlights how the module encourages adaptability, critical thinking, and creative experimentation in design education.
- Luke Tonge and Daniel Alcorn unravel the making of Birmingham Design Festival and its global reach
The Brand Identity interviews Birmingham Design Festival co-founders Luke Tonge and Daniel Alcorn about the 2024 edition themed 'Process.' They discuss the festival’s growth, its inclusive curation, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into organizing one of the UK’s most beloved design events. The conversation highlights their volunteer-driven approach, local collaborations, and the festival’s role in fostering community and creativity.