Brewer sets up publishing company

John Brewer, who left his position as creative director Europe of Blue Marlin after just two months, has set up a publishing company, Smallish Books.

He left because he felt he was unable to fulfil his role of developing the creative side of the consultancy from a high level, Brewer says. He has become disillusioned with the role of creativity in the packaging design sector, he adds.

‘I am satisfied that I have done my time [in the industry] but disappointed that the industry had not moved on,’ Brewer says.

The former Brewer Riddiford founder, who took a year’s sabbatical prior to joining Blue Marlin, says he will be concentrating on his publishing company and the women’s clothes shop he runs with his wife in Bath. He has not ruled out freelancing in the future, but has ‘no plans’ to work at a consultancy again.

Blue Marlin co-founder and group creative director David Hodgson will return from Australia in December to develop the group. Its London studio is scheduled to launch in January, led by UK creative director Sophie Stinson.