Hi, Mark here – self-taught designer and the founder of a graphic design agency called Superfried. As the name and my background suggest, Superfried is anything but conventional. So I seek forward-thinking organisations, that are seeking unconventional ideas and design solutions.
Launched from a London bedroom in 2007, Superfried now delivers award-winning brand strategy from sunny Manchester. I collaborate with external specialists to provide bespoke solutions for domestic and international clients. I believe this approach delivers the most versatile and cost-effective results.
As a graduate of environmental science, I provide a distinct perspective that aligns seamlessly with the ethos of sustainability-led organisations. A principle shared by Superfried as a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
To deliver effective strategies and creative solutions, client collaboration is key throughout the design process. This is achieved via research, a lot of questions, and even more listening. Only then, can I begin to fully understand and resolve your challenges.
In addition to editorial recognition both online and in print, Superfried has won multiple awards for graphic design, branding, and typography. However, my greatest accolade are the verified reviews from happy clients, without whom this bold Superfried venture would not be possible.
If like Superfried, you want to be different, book a call to discuss how I can help you realise your ambitions. It will be great to chat with you over tea or WiFi.
Projects credited in
- Branch – Branding a new housing charitySuperfried design studio were approached to develop the branding for a new housing charity. The non-profit would be working with Councils to provide rented accommodation for key workers, people seeking a modest rent, older citizens and those needing care and support with adapted homes to meet their needs. During the discovery phase it became apparent the client had a name in place, however it was felt from the perspective of brand strategy this option would not be effective. A re-name was propo
- DeCree – Identity and Sleeve DesignDeCree Brand Identity and Sleeve Design – Established electronic music producers Jon Pearn and Michael Gray – Full Intention – approached Superfried to work on the identity and sleeve for the debut EP by Femi Santiago AKA DeCree. Femi had previously received a positive response as a contestant on The Voice UK in 2014. However, this was a new direction for the singer/ musician and song writer into the dance arena and consequently required a new alter ego. Supplied with new PR shots the use of Femi's image seemed apt to build on his existing profile, whilst also creating a new and distinctive image. The square aspect ratio of the sleeve led to the idea of symmetry/ balance and then to kaleidoscopes. Each side of Femi’s face was duplicated, mirrored and joined to form two new, symmetrical versions. Since faces are surprisingly asymmetrical this process rendered portraits of almost two completely different people – like the two sides of one's personality. These were then combined once again to form a complete, symmetrical and accurate likeness of Femi. This now provided the starting point for experimentation and numerous styles for future potential releases, whilst always maintaining a common thread of the artist throughout. With a gallery of images to chose from attention was now directed focused on the identity. Here simplicity and geometry were an obvious starting point to continue the style. Breaking the letterforms down to their simplest recognisable forms led to a bold and distinct logotype which maintained a strong, legible presence overlaying imagery or in complete isolation.
- Secret 7" 2015. – Record sleeve designSecret 7" 2015. Record sleeve design – Established in 2012 Secret 7" is an annual event combining music and art for charitable causes. Each year they select 7 well known tracks and press 100 of each to 7" vinyl. It is then an open invite to the world to create their own interpretation of a track for the sleeve. 700 are then selected, exhibited at Somerset House and then sold as one-off pieces of art to raise money for charity. Now for the secret, the purchaser is unaware who designed the sleeve or even the track it contains, until they have parted with their hard-earned cash. This great event attracts very high profile contributors. This year is no exception with submissions by Sir Paul Smith, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, Stanley Donwood, Goldie and Non-Format. Consequently it was a great honour to be selected for the final 700 from over 4,000 entries. This year the selected charity is Nordoff Robbins who are dedicated to transforming lives of vulnerable children and adults through music therapy. For 2015 the track options were eclectic as usual: Let Forever Be – The Chemical Brothers/ Reflections – Diana Ross & The Supremes/ G0 – The Maccabees/ Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel/ Dead Flowers – The Rolling Stones/ Digital Witness – St Vincent/ Born Slippy – Underworld. Selecting a track was difficult, but the amazing Michel Gondry video for the Chemicals started the ideas flowing. The song title and the film, The Adjustment Bureau, led to the theme of multiple paths — grey representing events past, white for the present and pink for the uncharted future. With some time left before the submission date a couple of ideas emerged for the St Vincent and Underworld tracks.1
- BLK LTR – Re-visited Typographic experimentAfter working on the BLK LTR experiment, I had always felt there was more potential for further exploration. Using the same forms, I wanted to take the numbers in a new direction. The obscure, unpredictable curves and points were screaming out for dissection into separate panels. This approach created a completely new look and feel. As the experimentation progressed they started to resemble sections within a stained glass window. This direction was apt due to the historical nature of both black
- NUMERO DECOExperimental Art Deco Numerals 2D – 3D | Conceal – Reveal – Whilst experimenting with numeral styles for a project a completely inappropriate art deco style emerged. I had also just started dabbling with C4D and the simple geometric forms were perfect for a beginner to experiment with. With the 2D numerals refined and complete, it was time to bring them to life. With 3D it suddenly became apparent that the 2D forms were actually concealing the full picture. So whilst ensuring that the form was consistent when viewed straight from the side, what happened on the hidden planes was totally limitless. What appeared square from the side could actually be round when viewed at an angle. The hidden planes could now reveal cut-outs and various materials. In-keeping with the style of the lettering it was important that 3D forms did not become too complex and that the materials used felt suitably clean. A mix of polished black resin and coloured/ illuminated glass provided an elegant combination. In addition vibrant, internal pin-strip planes were employed to reinforce the signature glass colour.1
- CTRL – Brand RefreshCTRL Brand refresh – CTRL is a weekly club night located at York's Fibbers venue. They approached Superfried requesting a complete refresh of their identity and marketing collateral. The name Control immediately led to strong, bold images of control systems and signage. This was also supported by the inherited logotype, where the stylised letter 'C' resembled a directional road sign. With such a distinct initial letter it made sense to utilise this in some way as a logo marque. The simple addition of a circle conveyed the signage style. Slight typographic tweaks were also made to the logotype lettering. Yellow and black provided the perfect palette and use of double lines, an apt graphic device. Two robust, authoritarian typefaces were selected for all copy. Moving onto use of imagery, this is so often a cliché pitfall for club nights. Wishing to avoid this and continuing the theme the name was once again the source of inspiration. A controlling 'big brother' watching your every move led to the idea of CCTV. They take an extensive selection of shots at each event, so it was logical to make use of this resource and style accordingly. In addition to the collateral and online marketing, proposals were made for potential guerrilla marketing campaigns. This included the idea for the apt use of condoms with a humourous, positive message – Birth CTRL.
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Work history
Graphic DesignerSuperfried
Manchester, United KingdomFreelance
Hi, Mark here – self-taught designer and the founder of a graphic design agency called Superfried. As the name and my background suggest, Superfried is anything but conventional. So I seek forward-thinking organisations, that are seeking unconventional ideas and design solutions.
Launched from a London bedroom in 2007, Superfried now delivers award-winning brand strategy from sunny Manchester. I collaborate with external specialists to provide bespoke solutions for domestic and international clients. I believe this approach delivers the most versatile and cost-effective results.
As a graduate of environmental science, I provide a distinct perspective that aligns seamlessly with the ethos of sustainability-led organisations. A principle shared by Superfried as a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
To deliver effective strategies and creative solutions, client collaboration is key throughout the design process. This is achieved via research, a lot of questions, and even more listening. Only then, can I begin to fully understand and resolve your challenges.
In addition to editorial recognition both online and in print, Superfried has won multiple awards for graphic design, branding, and typography. However, my greatest accolade are the verified reviews from happy clients, without whom this bold Superfried venture would not be possible.
If like Superfried, you want to be different, book a call to discuss how I can help you realise your ambitions. It will be great to chat with you over tea or WiFi.
Skills
- Graphic Design
- Custom Typography
- Creative Typography
- Brand Identity
- Logo Design
Education
BSc Environmental ChemistryUniversity of Leeds
- Leeds, United Kingdom
Bit random I know, but keeps it interesting ; )
Awards
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Best of TypographyCreativepool
Awarded best of Typography in the Creativepool Annual 2017 for my experimental, personal project – Marbles.
http://www.superfried.com/case-study/Marbles/C
C
Best of TypographyCreativepool
Awarded best of Typography in the Creativepool Annual 2016 for my experimental, personal project – BLK LTR Series.
http://www.superfried.com/case-study/Blk-Ltr-Series/+ Show more