This page is part of the /friends directory by Nick Gray — a simple idea for linking to people you like and want others to discover. Mine is focused on people from the web / graphic design world: some I know personally, others I only know through their work. Either way, they’ve ended up on this list for a reason. No ranking, no big statement — just a collection of good people doing interesting things on the web.
Bastian Allgeier
Kirby CMS founder. Therefore a substantial contributor to my life as a freelancer. Also a very thoughtful guy. Very likely equally great at designing, developing, and playing guitar.
Elliot J. Stocks
Should probably be in the section below, since he’s truly a web OG. Nonetheless, we share music frequently and always have a beer when we meet. Remarkably humble and grounded considering his body of work and influence.
Jan Höckesfeld
One of my oldest allies and fellow travelers through freelance life around Münster. Fluent in video, photography, and design — as well as long nights and extravagant music.
Marc Thiele
Metal bass player. Runs “beyond tellerrand”, my go-to conference, among 1,000 other things. Probably the nicest and most supportive person in the industry.
Markus Hövener
From client to confidant over 20 years or so. Known to some as an SEO authority, known to me as a fellow North Sea resident, where we occasionally ponder life, the universe, and all sorts of questionable things. Also a strong advocate for jazz piano and Die drei ???.
Stefan Große-Halbuer
Former office mate, fellow beer enthusiast, co-conspirator, and Prince of Purple. Seriously, his work under the Plastic Pen moniker is recognizable from four miles away, even with the visual wind blowing against you.
Sven Saro
Smart guy from Munich, somehow always feels like he’s in Thailand. Runs the “Ohne den Hype” podcast — one of the very few German-language shows operating at that level, with seriously great guests. Always a pleasure to exchange a few thoughts with him.
Aaron J. Draplin
Man of the people, god of thick lines. Also a junk and vinyl fanatic. And a model for work ethic and for not taking yourself too seriously.
David Carson
Graphic design icon, professional rule-breaker, and probably responsible for an entire generation thinking legibility is optional. From Ray Gun to countless books, talks, and visual experiments — his work still feels wildly alive. Proof that instinct can beat a grid.
Gavin Strange
Designer, director, author, and gloriously over the top in the best possible way. Absolutely blew me away as a speaker with his energy and enthusiasm. And Do Fly is a brilliant little book about making things, staying curious, and getting on with it.
Joshua Davis
OG of the Flash days who somehow managed to transform with the times without becoming any less relevant. I once joined one of his HYPE workshops at OFFF Paris — completely crazy, hugely inspiring, and an incredibly likeable guy.
Thomas Schostok
Neo-trash guru and former editor-in-chief of BEAST magazine. Co-founder of the Cape Arcona Type Foundry and whatnot. DIY maker, both analog and digital. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start — or where to stop. Hail to the King, baby!