About My Practice
Since launching my freelance career in 2009, I have developed a signature style that thrives on detail, symmetry, and precision.
Working across civic, commercial, and cultural sectors, I translate big ideas into bold artwork for public spaces, packaging, visitor experiences, and motion graphics.
Because I work in vectors, my designs stay perfectly sharp at any size; whether printed onto a postage stamp, animated for a digital screen, or wrapped across a 20-metre wall.
‘Salford Story’ mural for x+why / Mammal
Illuminated graphics for ‘Home of Carlsberg’ brewery visitor centre, Copenhagen.
Photo courtesy of Event.
Based in Manchester.
Working Worldwide
While my portfolio reaches across international borders; including flagship installations in Copenhagen and festival activations in the US, my creative home is Manchester.
I am hugely inspired by the industrial heritage and creative culture of the North West, which has led to rewarding local collaborations, including historic civic commissions for Manchester City Council and curated city art trails.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of creating bespoke artwork for an eclectic range of clients, including Carlsberg, Lacoste, and Joseph Holt Brewery.
Whether partnering with local independent businesses or global institutions, I approach every commission with the same dedication to craft and storytelling.
Window installation for Flow, Manchester. Photo courtesy of Fiona Finchett.
Artistic Influences
My aesthetic is a blend of diverse visual traditions. I am deeply inspired by the structure, rich colours, and narrative power of stained glass windows, alongside the clean symmetry and elegance of Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
I balance this structured approach by drawing on the vibrant colours, organic shapes, and playfulness of psychedelic art.
Beyond these movements, I am fascinated by architecture and urban environments, constantly looking for the hidden human histories contained within the spaces we inhabit.
Clients include:
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February 2026 / Brits 2026 Art Trail Exhibited work on a billboard in a city-wide art trail in Manchester
September 2024 / Local Art Show Contributed to exhibition at Emma Evans Art Gallery, Monton, Salford
September 2024 / Stockport Paint Jam Live art contributor, Stockport
April 2020 / Playhouse Co-organiser and illustrator for competition, book and exhibition
November 2019 / Design MCR 19 - SM(art)TY PARTYLive art contributor, Fairfield Social Club, Manchester
September 2019 / The Mancunian Spray Live art contributor, Manchester
November 2018 / Thinking of Home Contributed a design to fundraising auction for Shelter
October 2017 / Design MCR 17: Burgess Re-Covered Contributed to exhibition, Anthony Burgess Foundation
July 2017 / This Is The Place Contributed an illustration to fundraising book
April 2017 / Meanderings (with Dan Hett) Collaborative exhibition at Nexus Art Café, Manchester
September 2016 / Wellington House Art Jam Live art contributor, Ancoats, Manchester
April 2016 / Barney's World Solo exhibition at Electrik, Manchester
November 2015 / Manchester Moleskine Contributor to book and exhibition, TAGallery, Manchester
September 2015 / Wellington Mill Paint Jam Live art contributor, Ancoats, Manchester
October 2014 / Everything Must Go Contributed to exhibition at Twenty Twenty Two, Manchester
October 2014 / The Science of Play Contributed to exhibition at Federation House, Manchester
September 2014 / Wellington Mill Paint Jam Live art contributor, Ancoats, Manchester
September 2014 / Design MCR 14 - 10x10 Contributed to exhibition at Federation House, Manchester
June 2014 / Yorkshire in Yellow Contributed to exhibition at Millenium Galleries, Sheffield
January 2014 / Pong Ping Contributed to exhibition at Twenty Twenty Two, Manchester
September 2013 / Canalfest Live art contributor, Manchester
May 2013 / Lazerian - Gerald Project Contributed a paper dog design to exhibition in NYC
January 2013 / Lantern Contributed a paper sculpture to exhibition at Soup Kitchen, Manchester,
November 2012 / Made in Mancunia Mini-exhibition at 2022NQ, Manchester
October 2012 / Eskimo Creative presents Iron Designer Participant in live ‘Photoshop battle’ at 2022NQ, Manchester,
October 2012 / OWT Creative: Interlace Motion Zine Project Contributed an animation to exhibition at Vault, Manchester
July 2012 / Graphic Showdown as part of Future Artists Residency Programme Mini-exhibition at The Black Lion, Salford
June 2012 / Home Exhibition Contributed an illustration to exhibition at Cornerhouse, Manchester
October 2011 / Manchester and Salford Illustrated Contributed to fundraising exhibition in Manchester
September 2011 / Versus Contributed a design to exhibition in Bristol
May 2010 / Unconvention Factory Contributed a poster to exhibition at a music conference, Macclesfield
November 2009 / Stanley&Barney exhibition Collaborative exhibition (with Stan Chow) at Golden Camel Gallery, Manchester.
June 2009 / Capture Manchester Exhibition Contributed an illustration to exhibition at CUBE Gallery, Manchester
March 2009 / Unconvention Contributed a poster to exhibition at a music conference, Salford
June 2008 / Barney Ibbotson Exhibition 01 Solo exhibition at New Cross Gallery, London
1997-2003 / Doodlebug Live doodling events in Manchester, Brighton and London
Ready to bring your next project to life?
If you would like to work with me, or would like to enquire about freelance availability, please get in touch via phone or email.
Alternatively, fill in this Project Enquiry Form.
+44 (0)7525 641206