About Mark

Early Years: At school I spent most of my time in the art department. I then went on to do a one year foundation course at Carlisle College of Art. It was here that I learnt the art of printmaking and then continued my studies at the Norwich School of Art doing a degree in graphic design.

Career: Keen to move to London I found my first job as a graphic designer with John Nash and Friends and my second with Michael Peters and Partners. I went on to win a D&AD (Design and Art Directors Club of Great Britain) silver award for the very first greeting stamps issued by the Royal Mail.

These featured smiles from the likes of Dennis the Menace and the Cheshire Cat. I also won a BBC design award which included a number of appearances on TV.

In the 90’s I set up the design consultancy Springpoint with my business partner Fiona Gilmore. There were eventually more than 30 of us in offices around the world and as design director I created and worked on brands including Vodafone, the BBC, Martel, Birds Eye, the Hong Kong Government and Unilever. After the sale of Springpoint I tried my hand at a nightclub. This was based in the famous Raymond Review bar  but this proved too much of a challenge and ended in financial disaster so I returned to Cumbria.

About Mark Now: This is now my home and studio where I practice my passion for painting and printmaking. “Eskside Studio” was set up in 2010 by me and my sister Sarah Bell. She now ensures that this does not end in financial disaster and promotes the work both locally and further afield.

 

 

Galleries where you can find Marks work