Design Experiments Live with rule of thirds

Drop in to see Designers working live on randomly generated briefs, and join the studio to contribute to ideas, or create your own designs.

Bernard, Jude and Michael regularly work together and broadcast 'Rule of Thirds': A podcast exploring Art Design and Culture.

*This event is part of Upstart a creative careers festival for young people ages 14-26. Join us to explore and expand your creative practice, meet inspiring artists and designers, develop your network and learn new skills for your creative career journey.

About the Creatives:
Bernard Bannor (known as Berns) is a Senior Creative Designer working across brand, digital, and motion. Through his studio, he has led creative production for clients across music, hospitality, interiors, sports, and the arts, from brand identities to animated title sequences for feature film. By day he works within the advertising division at The Guardian, designing across brand partnerships and display assets for global brands. Beyond the screen, he is the founder of Bully The Roads, a grassroots running club, and co-founder of Track + Play, an annual community sports day, both built on the belief that adults deserve spaces to compete, connect and play. He is also one third of Rule of Thirds, a creative collective and podcast dedicated to honest, accessible conversations about the creative industry.

Jude Amponsah is a multidisciplinary creative working across design, film, and sound to tell stories rooted in heritage, identity, and rhythm. Influenced by his Ghanaian roots and the Black British experience, his bold visual style has led to collaborations with artists and brands including Central Cee, Ghetts, Jae5, Michael Kiwanuka, Dua Lipa, and major labels such as Warner, Sony, and Universal Music. He’s been recognised with the Wex Photographer Award and named D&AD’s One to Watch, with work exhibited at D&AD New Blood, Free Range, and Ogilvy Roots UK Black History Month. As Creative Director of Kente Club, (an independent label and arthouse  championing ethical, collaborative creation), Jude continues to shape culture through
visuals that resonate, connect, and inspire.

Michael Akuagwu is a London born and based multimedia artist and designer inviting contemplation on society and culture through his work. Starting off using surrealist techniques, composite photography and self-portraiture as a way to explore his thoughts on the world around him, his practice has expanded - utilising mixed media, design and film to address important topics affecting society today.

Michael recently completed a year as Adobe Creative Resident at the V&A, where he was able to create new work inspired by his research of specific works in the museum's collections. Alongside curating and producing programmes for young people and connecting with new audiences at the museum he created two works: Through The Lens - part film, part photography series featuring intergenerational conversations between Black British Photographers and Reference Point - a short film highlighting the impact of Western references on a group of Black Designers from the Diaspora. Both works are currently on display at V&A South Kensington: Adobe Creative Residents on Display until 1 November 2026.