Thomas Barnett
Author
24 articles · Jul 2023 — Jun 2024
Quotes
“Kiln created a joyful, dynamic identity that playfully explores the idea of a crowded screen.”
“The endlessly variable balloon letters are an ingenious and visually delightful solution to the particular demands of designing for an event.”
“Mother has forged a strong and commanding identity for Brooklyn Org that decisively reorients the organisation towards a vision of philanthropy far better suited to engaging sceptical, disillusioned contemporary audiences.”
“There is a palpable sense of hometown pride in this cool, sumptuous work which adds vital warmth and heart to a sleek typographic-led brand.”
“This boundless flexibility allows the digital touch-points to mirror the huge variety in the physical applications of the logo across the festival site.”
“Only’s identity for BEAMS is a masterful achievement. It performs the branding equivalent of stealing a red-carpet with nothing but a little black (or in this case white) dress.”
“DIA’s skilful deployment of a brand system governed by a single generative tool shows them operating at the front-line of contemporary branding design, and deserves to be applauded.”
“What the brand does capture in abundance, however, is a great feeling of energy and positivity.”
Articles & interviews
- Branding for RTS Cambridge Convention by Kiln
BP&O · Jun 18, 2024
BP&O’s feature by Thomas Barnett explores Studio Kiln’s vibrant and motion-driven identity for the 2024 RTS Cambridge Convention, themed ‘Too Much To Watch’. Commissioned by Channel 4’s in-house agency 4creative, the project uses inflatable balloon-like typography, a versatile eight-colour palette, and expressive motion graphics to capture the energy and overload of modern television culture. The identity extends across digital and print applications, including an embossed and spot-UV printed programme.
Studio Kiln4creativeRoyal Television SocietyChannel 4branding - New Logo & Branding for Brooklyn Org by Mother
BP&O · May 28, 2024
BP&O reviews the rebrand of Brooklyn Community Foundation into Brooklyn Org by Mother and Mother Design. The new identity features a gothic sans-serif logotype inspired by Brooklyn architecture and block shapes, a bright color palette named after local landmarks, and motion elements that bring the brand to life. The project aims to modernize the perception of philanthropy and connect more authentically with the Brooklyn community.
- Branding & Packaging for Ginori 1735 by AUGE Design
BP&O · May 14, 2024
BP&O reviews AUGE Design’s luxurious packaging for Ginori 1735, the historic Italian homeware brand now owned by Gucci. Building on 2×4’s earlier rebrand, AUGE reinterprets archival logos and motifs in a bold, modern style, using gold foil debossing and bespoke Fedrigoni paper to elevate the brand’s visual identity. The article praises the project’s confident balance of heritage and contemporary luxury.
AUGE2×4Ginori 1735Guccipackaging - New Branding for Barnardo’s by The Clearing
BP&O · Apr 25, 2024
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews The Clearing’s rebrand for Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity. The project involved co-creation workshops with children to develop a new expressive identity centered on emotional authenticity and relevance. The rebrand replaces a dated, inconsistent visual system with a vibrant, child-led typographic identity that aims to rebuild trust and modernize the charity’s image.
The ClearingBarnardo’sbranding - Branding for Thick Pickle by Studyhall
BP&O · Apr 9, 2024
BP&O’s Thomas Barnett reviews Studyhall’s self-initiated conceptual brand ‘Thick Pickle’, a humorous and maximalist identity project that blurs the line between satire and viable product. The article critiques its trend-driven nature and questions the seriousness of its intent while praising its visual exuberance and experimental design approach.
StudyhallBP&OOddity StudioThick Picklebranding - Moksi by FCKLCK Studio
BP&O · Mar 26, 2024
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett explores FCKLCK Studio’s branding for Moksi, a unisex skincare brand created for people undergoing cancer treatment. The identity combines a minimalist logotype, soft gradient color palette, and empathetic photography to balance sensitivity and sophistication. The project includes naming, logo, packaging, and digital applications, reflecting a thoughtful approach to wellness and design.
FCKLCK StudioMoksibranding - New Logo & Branding for Blue Mountains by For The People
BP&O · Mar 5, 2024
BP&O’s Thomas Barnett reviews For The People’s new place-branding identity for the Blue Mountains region in New South Wales, Australia. The project, commissioned by Blue Mountains Tourism and the City Council, centers on the idea 'Run Deep' and celebrates the area’s landscape and community through expressive typography, vibrant color, and dynamic patterns. The identity integrates local voices and natural motifs to create a cohesive, inclusive brand system.
For The PeopleBlue Mountains TourismBlue Mountains City Councilbranding - New Logo & Branding for Knahia by Requena Office
BP&O · Feb 16, 2024
BP&O features Requena Office’s brand identity for Knahia, a sushi restaurant and nightclub in Estepona, Spain. The design fuses Japanese minimalism with Spanish vibrancy through a custom geometric typeface, bold red-and-black palette, and tactile finishes. Photography and animation add sensuality and sophistication to the brand’s visual world.
Requena OfficeKnahiabranding - New Logo & Branding for Be Equitable by For The People
BP&O · Feb 8, 2024
BP&O’s feature by Thomas Barnett explores For The People’s bold rebrand of Be Equitable, formerly Cook Ross. The project replaces a dated corporate identity with an activist-inspired, human-centered brand system featuring custom typography by Tré Seals and expressive illustrations by Edward Ubiera. The new identity embodies diversity, optimism, and social justice while reflecting a collaborative learning process between client and agency.
For The PeopleBe EquitableNASAbranding - New Logo & Branding for Kettle Kids by Two Times Elliott
BP&O · Jan 23, 2024
BP&O features Two Times Elliott’s rebrand for London luxury watch retailer Kettle Kids. The new identity blends tactile material cues, bespoke typography, and architectural collaboration with Hesselbrand to express both craftsmanship and youthful energy. The project includes a bevelled serif wordmark, monogram, and richly detailed print and motion applications that balance luxury with industrial authenticity.
Two Times ElliottHesselbrandKettle Kidsbranding - New Brand Identity for Francos de Montréal by LG2
BP&O · Jan 4, 2024
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews LG2’s new brand identity for Les Francos de Montréal, Canada’s leading French-language music festival. The rebrand introduces a custom typographic logo, a refined color palette, and a flexible visual system that reflects the festival’s diversity and energy. While praising the design’s sophistication and confidence, the article notes inconsistent rollout across digital platforms.
LG2Les Francos de MontréalL’Équipe Spectrabranding - New Brand Identity for Plume by Human After All
BP&O · Dec 19, 2023
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews Human After All’s rebrand for Plume, a Denver-based telehealth service for the trans community. The identity builds on Koto’s original logo, expanding it into a vibrant, hand-drawn system that expresses individuality and optimism amid a hostile political climate. With its expressive textures, bright palette, and friendly Cooper typeface, the brand conveys confidence and inclusivity.
- New Logo & Branding for Wholesome by Universal Favourite
BP&O · Dec 7, 2023
BP&O features Universal Favourite’s branding for Australian online grocery brand Wholesome, which unites ethical and sustainable product categories under the concept of 'eco-health'. The identity uses a custom typeface called Gooper, a playful logo, hand-drawn iconography, and a bright pastel palette to convey optimism and approachability. The project includes a full visual and verbal identity, photography, and website design that balance character with clarity.
- New Logo & Branding for Erbert by AUGE
BP&O · Nov 28, 2023
BP&O features AUGE’s rebrand for Milan-based healthy fast food chain Erbert. The new identity uses a custom rounded-serif logotype, organic illustrations, and a sophisticated olive-green palette to reposition Erbert from a health supermarket to a modern quick-service restaurant. The design balances freshness and tradition, helping the brand stand out in Italy’s conservative food culture.
AUGEErbertbranding - Beams by Only Studio
BP&O · Nov 16, 2023
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews Only Studio’s brand identity for The Beams, a new cultural venue in East London. The identity is built around the restrained use of Neue Haas Grotesk and a dynamic typographic system reflecting the venue’s industrial architecture and light-filled spaces. Photography and motion elements balance the minimalist design, resulting in a sophisticated and understated visual language.
- New Branding for Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano by Landor & Fitch
BP&O · Nov 2, 2023
BP&O’s Thomas Barnett reviews Landor & Fitch’s rebrand for the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, which replaces the former LaVerdi identity. The new design features a dynamic, motion-driven logo inspired by Milan’s cathedral architecture and a custom typeface, TUMB TUMB, referencing Italian Futurism. The article praises the balance between expressive motion and digital usability, positioning the identity as a modern, Milanese interpretation of musical energy.
Landor & FitchStudio DumbarSuperunionOrchestra Sinfonica di Milanobranding - New Logo & Branding for Marshmallow by Ragged Edge
BP&O · Oct 19, 2023
BP&O’s Thomas Barnett reviews Ragged Edge’s rebrand for UK fintech insurer Marshmallow. The new identity replaces a sparse earlier design with a playful, character-driven system featuring a custom typeface, retro color palette, and mascot named Marshall. The work is praised for balancing youthful disruption with approachability in a traditionally dull industry.
- New Brand Identity for smlXL by DIA
BP&O · Oct 12, 2023
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews DIA’s generative brand identity for tech start-up smlXL. The identity uses a custom p5js-based tool to create dynamic visuals from the brand’s letterforms, producing animated patterns and portraits. The piece praises DIA’s innovative approach while noting potential accessibility concerns and its maximalist, Web 1.0-inspired aesthetic.
- Logo and Brand Identity for Wisl by andstudio
BP&O · Sep 21, 2023
BP&O features Lithuanian agency andstudio’s branding and naming for Wisl, a new social sports community platform. The identity combines a compact, springy logotype inspired by ball trajectories with playful illustrated mascots and a vibrant 90s-inspired color palette. The article praises the brand’s versatility and accessibility, noting its success in balancing sportiness with approachability.
andstudioWislbranding - National Portrait Gallery by Edit Brand Studio
BP&O · Sep 14, 2023
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews Edit Brand Studio’s rebrand of the National Portrait Gallery, unveiled in 2023 after a three-year closure. The identity centers on a refined monogram by Peter Horridge, inspired by an 1893 sketch from the gallery’s first director, and supported by a custom Monotype typeface and vibrant color palette. The piece praises the rebrand’s elegance, historical sensitivity, and renewed cultural presence.
Edit Brand StudioMonotypeNational Portrait Gallerybranding - New Logo & Branding for Woven by Adam Smith by Magpie
BP&O · Aug 30, 2023
BP&O’s Thomas Barnett reviews Magpie Studio’s branding for Woven by Adam Smith, a Michelin-starred restaurant at Coworth Park within the Dorchester Collection. The project includes a new name, logo, and tactile print materials inspired by the chef’s philosophy of weaving stories and ingredients. While praising the illustrations and craftsmanship, Barnett critiques the overuse of luxury finishes and the ethical context of the Dorchester brand’s ownership.
Magpie StudioMartin Hulbert DesignWoven by Adam SmithThe Dorchester Collectionbranding - New Logo and Brand Identity for Florentia Village by DNCO
BP&O · Aug 17, 2023
BP&O’s article by Thomas Barnett reviews DNCO’s new brand identity for Florentia Village, a creative maker hub in South Tottenham developed by General Projects. The identity features a custom found-object inspired typeface, a modular punch-out kit framework, and a vivid neon palette that reflects the site’s industrial heritage and creative energy. Barnett praises the brand’s vitality and versatility while noting its slight detachment from the site’s textile history.
- New Visual Identity for Future Observatory by SPIN Studio
BP&O · Jul 26, 2023
BP&O’s feature by Thomas Barnett reviews SPIN Studio’s updated visual identity for Future Observatory, a Design Museum research initiative focused on the green transition. The article explores SPIN’s typographic experimentation, retro-futurist aesthetic, and motion-led brand system that balances organic and technological themes. It praises the studio’s conceptual depth and distinctive style while noting minor inconsistencies in application.
SPIN StudioDesign MuseumBP&OFuture ObservatoryDesign Museumbranding - New Branding for Great Wrap by A Friend Of Mine
BP&O · Jul 5, 2023
BP&O reviews A Friend Of Mine’s rebrand for Australian compostable cling-wrap company Great Wrap, created for its North American launch. The new identity balances playful personality with scientific credibility through bold typography, character mascots, and vibrant color. While the review praises the creativity and humor, it notes a tension between the brand’s playful tone and its material science positioning.