Studio
Independent design practice working across books, branding, advertising and public space
"Micah is Really easy too work with"
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"The brief was executed quickly and efficiently"
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"Personable, creative and conscious"
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"Micah is Really easy too work with" 〰️ "The brief was executed quickly and efficiently" 〰️ "Personable, creative and conscious" 〰️
Micah Purnell is an award-winning graphic designer, creative director, artist, author and curator based in Manchester, working across books, brands, campaigns and public space.
For more than 25 years he has collaborated with cultural institutions, charities, universities, public bodies and commercial organisations to create work that connects people through design, language and storytelling. From editorial design and publishing to visual identities, advertising campaigns and large-scale public artworks, his projects are united by a belief that thoughtful design can make complex ideas clear, memorable and human.
Alongside an extensive independent practice, Micah works with a trusted network of illustrators, photographers, animators, writers and developers, enabling projects to scale from a single publication to a national campaign. His clients have included The Guardian, NHS, Wembley Stadium, Manchester Metropolitan University, Whitworth Art Gallery, Bible Society, Department for International Trade and numerous charities and cultural organisations.
Whether designing a book, building a brand or transforming a public space, the aim remains the same: to create work with meaning, clarity and lasting impact.
Services
Creative Direction / Brand Identity / Editorial & Book Design / Advertising / Public Messaging / Headline Copywriting / Public Art / Typography / Curation / Concept Development / Production
Clients + Collaborations
Nike / Footlocker / The Guardian / Wembley Stadium / Arts Council England / NHS / Alyce, USA / Department for International Trade / Tearfund / HOME / Pizza Express / Elbow / Bible Society / The Growth Company / Manchester Metropolitan University / Havas Lynx / Sterling Check, USA / Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Auckland, NZ
Recognition + Press
Netflix / BBC / iNews / Creative Review / The Guardian / Metro News / Getty Images / Huffington Post / Wales Online / Creative Boom / Artlyst / Design Week / M.E.N. / Cardiff Times
Experience
With over 20 years of independent practice in graphic design, alongside early agency experience, Micah’s work is grounded in both studio craft and applied commercial production.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Visual Art & Culture, completed four years of specialist graphic design study, and undertook an industry-led advertising course focused on applied creative practice.
His work is primarily developed within the arts, culture and charity sectors, alongside national and international clients.
Micah Purnell is an award-winning graphic designer, artist, curator and author based in Manchester, working across books, brands and public space.
His practice spans editorial design, branding, advertising, publishing and large-scale public artwork. He works independently while collaborating with a trusted network of illustrators, animators, photographers and developers, allowing projects to scale from concept through to full production across print, digital and environmental formats.
His work is grounded in design thinking and concept-led storytelling, creating outcomes that aim to be clear, memorable and emotionally resonant.
Over more than 25 years, he has worked with national and international clients including the Nike, Footlocker, Howdens, NHS, The Guardian, Wembley Stadium, Department for International Trade, Havas Lynx, Tearfund, Bible Society, Pizza Express, Elbow, and The University of Manchester.
He has exhibited widely, including public group shows alongside Turner Prize winner Douglas Gordon and artist JR, and has curated billboard and public realm projects featuring leading international artists, designers and thinkers.
Published projects include Prayer (Fabrica / Oliviero Toscani) and This Is The Place, which raised £130,000 for charity following the Manchester Arena bombing.
His work has been featured in The Guardian, Creative Review, Huffington Post, Creative Boom, Design Week and others, and has been presented internationally from Manchester to New York, including talks at the People’s History Museum and the BBC.