WE MADE THIS

I’m Alistair Hall, and We Made This is my graphic design studio – specialising in thoughtful, simple, beautiful and sustainable graphic design.

Based in Brixton, my output includes editorial and print design, branding, copywriting, packaging design, as well as design for web and social media.

All of my work reflects a desire to understand a project’s specific needs, and to find a creative and effective response for them. Along with that comes a keen eye for typographic detail, and a finely tuned ear for language. That’s combined with a skill for delivering on time and within budget. I’m increasingly focused on making sure that my work is as sustainable as possible, by looking carefully at the impact of each job I produce. Read more about that in my post about Sustainable Graphic Design.

I work with organisations I respect and admire, particularly those which are actively doing good things for the planet or society – ideally both. Here are a few of the companies I’ve worked with over the years:

Client-logos-2024

BIOGRAPHY

I studied graphic design at Central Saint Martins before setting up We Made This in 2004. As well as running my design studio, I’m the co-founder of the children’s literacy charity Ministry of Stories, and art director of its fantastical shop, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. My first book, London Street Signs was published in September 2020. I was the 2023 Chair of The Wynkyn de Worde Society, and still edit its website. I’ve taught graphic design at The School of Art, Architecture and Design and Central Saint Martins, and given talks about my practice across the UK and in Australia. I’ve been writing about design and visual culture at wemadethis.co.uk/blog for over fifteen years.

Alistair-Hall

SHOWING OFF

pencils_3

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Postal Services
Writing for Design | D&AD Wood Pencil | 2019
Art Director

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
Writing for Design 2011 | D&AD Graphite Pencil | 2011
Designer | Copywriter (as part of a team of several copywriters)

Great Ideas Series 2, Penguin Books*
Typography 2006 | D&AD Graphite Pencil | 2006
Designer

Great Ideas, Penguin Books*
Editorial & Book Design | D&AD Yellow Pencil | 2005
Designer

Great Ideas, Penguin Books*
Designer of the Year Award nomination 2005
Designer

The Royal College of Art – The Show 2003
Graphic Design | D&AD Wood Pencil | 2003
Designer | Copywriter

Central Saint Martins Degree Show Catalogue 2002
Graphic Design | D&AD Wood Pencil | 2002
Designer | Copywriter

*As part of the Great Ideas design team led by David Pearson, with Phil Baines & Catherine Dixon

 

I’ve occasionally had work featured in books, magazines and online articles. Here are links to just a few of those:

A Smile in the Mind Phaidon
Just My Type Profile Books
Copywriting Laurence King Publishing
Unnecessarily Beautiful Spaces for Young Minds on Fire McSweeney’s

Where do you go? London in Bits
Conversations of Insipiration Holly & Co
Hiding in Plain Sight The Guardian
Q&A with Alistair Hall, We Made This Casual Optimist
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies D&AD Case Study