The article looks back at the Designers Republic (TDR), the Sheffield graphic-design studio founded by Ian Anderson and Nick Phillips in 1986, as it marks its 40th anniversary. It argues that TDR’s loud, experimental visual style helped shape the identities of electronic music, record labels and video games, while Anderson’s willingness to challenge clients became central to the company’s reputation.

TDR designed work for artists including Aphex Twin, Autechre, Pulp and Nine Inch Nails, and created Warp Records’ early visual identity; it also worked with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Adidas and Pringles. The studio grew to about 20 staff before entering voluntary liquidation in 2009, then returned as Anderson’s smaller operation; he is now selling archive material and launching merchandise, while continuing new music-related design work.