Joe Burrin is a seasoned Designer and Creative Director with over 25 years of experience shaping brands and leading creative projects. Born in the UK and now based in Amsterdam, Joe has played a significant role in the branding and advertising efforts of numerous global brands.

After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Joe co-founded the design collective B.C.D. (Big Corporate Disco / British Creative Decay), where he collaborated with brands like Adidas, Diesel, and Sleazenation Magazine. His tenure at Spin in London further solidified his reputation, working on projects for Nike, The Photographers’ Gallery, and Deutsche Bank.

At Wieden+Kennedy in Amsterdam, Joe served as Creative Director and Head of Design, managing the agency's visual output and leading design projects for global clients including Montblanc, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Evian, and Ray-Ban. He also contributed to the Dutch culture sector, rebranding institutions like The Eye and Huis Marseille Photography Museum.

In addition, he has considerable editorial experience, most notably working with It’s Nice That for several years on various publications.

Joe‘s work has received recognition from prestigious awards such as Cannes Lions, D&AD, and The One Show, and has been featured across various creative industry platforms. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of design and creative direction.

We are thrilled to welcome Joe to Manual, expanding our presence into Europe, the UK, and beyond.

What’s your typical day like in Amsterdam?

Every morning, whatever the weather, I accompany my son on his cycle and if my schedule allows, I head for a swim. After this I head to my studio which is in the heart of Amsterdam but also only a 5 minute bike ride from my home. Then it’s down to business, collaborating with Manual colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic as well as my creative network within the city.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Living by the sea (swimming, trying to surfing) and realizing my creative to-do list without limitations.

What is your current state of mind?

Hopeful & humble.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be a multi-instrumentalist.

Where would you most like to live?

On the West coast of Portugal, but Amsterdam is a close second. It’s home and has been good to us.

What is your most treasured possession?

That is a tough question, I’m a bit of a Magpie and collect a lot of things. Maybe our cat Disco, but he’s his own master.

You’re on a desert island and can bring a record player and three records. What are they?

This is another incredibly tough question, I own a lot of vinyl. Can I do 3 batches of 3?

— Sundown by Eddie Chacon
— Schmilsson by Nilsson
— Tropical Gangsters by Kid Creole And The Coconuts

— Spanners by Black Dog
— Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada
— Pick A Dub by Keith Hudson

— Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis
— Remain in Light by Talking Heads
— Ralf and Florian by Kraftwerk

What’s a favorite past project / collaboration?

I‘m proud of the Huis Marseille rebrand; it is such a simple and refined solution that compliments both its history and the contemporary curatorial program. The basis of the logo design was already featured on the building’s 16th Century facade, hiding in plain sight.

What’s your favorite part of the design process?

There is no better feeling than conceiving something you are excited by that also nails the brief. When that happens I find myself continuously sneaking back to see if I am still convinced and that’s when I know I want to see it out in the world.

What is exciting you right now, in art / culture / design / technology?

Art, photography and music always provide me with inspiration. However, social media has opened up corners of creativity and physical feats of daring I never imagined possible. I can disappear down a rabbit hole of masterful parkour and stunning hair art content without feeling like I wasted my time.

What is Manual Amsterdam currently working on?

We’re rebranding Steady Energy, an innovative Finnish company that develops low-pressure, low-temperature nuclear heating plants in Helsinki. Their technology has the potential to transform Europe's energy landscape, moving us toward a carbon-free future. Additionally, we are collaborating with the renowned photography agency We Folk on an identity refresh, website, and various editorial projects.

We often partner with Manual San Francisco on a variety of projects, having recently helped complete projects for Visual Electric, Quilt, and Google. The studios don’t work in silos, so we often collaborate around the clock.

Summarize San Francisco in one word?

Steep.

Summarize Amsterdam in one word?

Flat.

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Contact Manual Amsterdam, we‘d love to hear from you.

For business, press, and general enquiries:
hello@manualcreative.com

For career enquiries, please send your portfolio to:
careers@manualcreative.com