About.

I believe in form and function, the use of outstanding typography, thoughtful white space, and the beautiful honesty of minimalism. Across all disciplines.

Holmes.design began in 1994 as a small Cambridge studio with a love for thoughtful, beautifully-crafted design that’s smart, striking and impossible to ignore. As the work grew, I founded studios in London, San Francisco and Munich, each one adding its own culture, pace and perspective to how I think, collaborate and create.

Three decades on, that international experience isn’t a footnote; it’s the backbone of my work. It’s why my ideas stretch further, why my details go deeper, and why my design feels as good as it looks — considered, confident and creatively alive.

The creative world, its tools and processes continue to change — but my commitment to great design never wavers.

Steve Holmes.

Born in Manchester, raised in Cambridge, matured in California, and refined in Bavaria — a refreshingly creative blend of cultures.

I am a British designer with nearly 40 years of award-winning work across typography, graphic layout, web, and motion design. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, I combine technical mastery with a multidisciplinary approach that makes my work distinctive and internationally-recognised.

A regular and highly sought-after speaker, I present at design events worldwide, sharing insights and techniques drawn from decades of experience. I have written the Adobe Certified Expert exam questions for After Effects, Illustrator, and InDesign, and teach design, web and animation courses to groups, individuals, and audiences around the world.

Outside the studio, I channel this same drive and determination into endurance road cycling and gravel racing as a renowned diabetic athlete — with precision, discipline, and creativity informing my approach to every project, every talk, every class, and every bike race.

Portrait image of Steve Holmes, founder and creative director of Holmes.design, sitting at a café in Union Square, San Francisco, California.

Action image of Steve Holmes in the lead of a gravel race in southern England on a hot, sunny day.

Englishman.

Fe-fi-fo-fum. Despite the mantra of the British to Keep Calm and Carry On, I bring a unique, international energy to each and every project.

Roam.

For over 35 years this fella has been riding up mountains, winning races, and setting the occasional world record. You definitely want me leading your creative project team.

Climb.

Sure, racing 300km on gravel sounds easy — but it takes concentration, attention to detail, and a lot of experience. Exactly what I bring to every single project.

Live.

During the course of my career, I have been immersed in unique cultures by not only travelling but also by living. The landscapes, cities, people, languages, cultures and experiences shape this designer’s integrity.

Tradition.

I sketch and storyboards projects by hand. Good things happen when you start with traditional graphic design techniques and apply them to the digital realm.

Speak.

“Just picture the audience naked.” Words to live by when travelling the world as a speaker, presenter, and teacher, sharing awesome project breakdowns as well as decades of knowledge and experience.

Winning.

Whether it’s the Race Across America, Chase the Sun, a Webby or an AVA Award, I like winning just the same. You like winning too, right?

Home.

Ah, sausages, beer and leather shorts… Literally, if you Google “What is Bavaria famous for?” this is the answer. I call it “Home sweet home.”

The Mutt’s Nuts.

Summarizing me, and Holmes.design, in a nutshell — and just cracking the surface of this self-deprecating graphic designer.

The earth is round. True story.

So it’s easy to work with clients worldwide, meeting and communicating fluidly across multiple time zones.

I am honoured to design, create, and animate for some amazing companies — of all sizes, of all types, across all industries.

Like the cut of my jib?

Like the cut of our jib?