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Common Matters #5: Manchester | Communion, Studio Drama & Too Gallus

Common Matters is the event series created by Craft to connect a diverse design crowd, united by the matters that matter to us all. These events bring together studios and leaders from across the design landscape, offering a space to share stories in design leadership, vision, and future-defining creativity.

The evenings are designed to spark conversation and connection – and that was certainly the case at our latest event in Manchester. Four amazing speakers across three world-class agencies took the stage to showcase their passion.

Andy Harvey: Founder & Executive Creative Director of Communion

“Purpose as a Creative Act”

Andy Harvey of Communion opened the evening with a powerful reminder that we are at a crossroads. The choices creatives we make today will shape the futures we inherit.

His talk explored the role of purpose in design, reframing it from brand strategy to an act of responsibility. Drawing on his work with innovators from Ephea to FC Como Women to Zegna, Andy shared how design is a fundamental tool for positive change.

The key message: we each have the agency, and the duty, to act as good ancestors, to design futures that are ethical, sustainable, and meaningful.

Chris Nott & William Richardson: Founders of Studio Drama

“Welcome to the Age of Typographic Distinction”

Chris Nott and William Richardson, Co-founders of Studio Drama, introduced us to a new era: “we are entering a new age. One where brands can’t afford to look or sound the same. A Sansdemic.”

Their talk positions typography as brand-defining. Custom typefaces are now one of the most strategic and expressive tools in branding. By sharing their experience designing type for Mozilla, Heinz, Vogue, and others, they shared how bespoke typography strengthens recognition, creates distinction, and expands brand potential.

Our personal highlight? “The history of typography in 60 seconds.” Incredible.

Barrington Reeves: Creative Director & Founder of Too Gallus

“Standing for Something Sets You Apart”

Closing the evening, Barrington Reeves, Founder of Too Gallus, delivered a rallying call for creative independence and outspoken values.

His talk challenged the industry to think differently about success: that luxury and integrity aren’t opposites, but partners. With clients like Chanel, Rox Jewellers, Glenrothes, and Pandora, Too Gallus has proven that building unapologetic values into your work can attract the most sought-after brands in the world.

Barrington also shone a light on the power of thriving outside London, celebrating Glasgow’s creative culture and championing local talent. He urged creatives to make not fitting in their greatest advantage – standing firm in your beliefs.

Though each speaker tackled different aspects of design, the talks shared a unifying spirit: design as an act of agency.

Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the most incredible design talent the world has to offer, and Common Matters is one of the ways we do just that.

Beyond recruitment, we invest in the full creative career cycle: sponsoring inclusive resources, offering free portfolio reviews, tackling industry-specific diversity issues, and hosting events like this to inspire and connect the global design community.

COMING SOON:

LONDON – 29th October

MANCHESTER – 11th February