Neasden Control Centre’s paper-cut graphic icons for Millican symbolise land, sea and urban waste
The illustrator aka Stephen Smith used collage for the graphics, logo and typeface, to convey the mishmash of consumer waste that is recycled to make its Core Collection backpacks.
Words
Illustrator Stephen Smith, aka Neasden Control Centre, spent much of his youth in the northwest of England walking in the lakes with his dad and professes he’s “always been into technical walking gear”. So when he was commissioned by Lake District-based bag brand Millican to develop a brand aesthetic for its Core Collection it was a “dream client” for him. The collection – which includes roll packs, a pencil case, utility pouch and wash bag – are made entirely from recycled consumer waste, an aspect Stephen wanted to convey in his illustrated icons, logo and typeface for the range. So he decided to use paper-cut collage techniques, to visualise the mish-mash of societal detritus that goes into making each one of the brand’s backpacks.