Michael Kelly is a graphic designer.

The practice runs on a sensitive but brave approach to making, valuing craft and experiment on equal terms. Services include books, exhibitions, websites, branding, audiovisuals and records, drawing on an extensive background in traditional and digital media for cultural institutions and artists. Work happens in partnership with the commissioner, pursuing a line of enquiry towards its logical conclusion as a shared endeavour.

In addition to commissioned graphic design work, Michael runs The Language Index, a research initiative for experimental type systems based on historical, mathematical, formal or computational themes. New systematic approaches toward type design are developed from these areas of investigation, culminating in completed typefaces as an embodiment of that system.

He also runs New Earth Workshop with artist Sam Wilson, a framework for posing questions of mystic themes in relation to organisational systems such as libraries, computers and city masterplans. These thought experiments employ a hybrid of archaic and emerging home technologies as medium for exploration.

Michael is a part time Lecturer on the BA and MA Graphic Design courses at the University of Brighton. He has also taught at the Typography Summer School in London and has spoken at the Dai Nippon Foundation in Tokyo.

He was awarded Grand Prize from the Tokyo Type Director’s Club for his typeface VR at the annual ceremony in 2019.

After this he joined Fraser Muggeridge studio in London where he held the position of Senior Designer. He left the studio in 2024 to pursue independent projects. A tailored selection of work can be requested using the form below.

104A Milton Grove
London, N16 8QY

+44 (0)7712 217 426
info@michaelkelly.earth
@michaelkelly.earth