Martin Cox sorely missed by friends and colleagues

We have received the incredibly sad news that Martin Cox died on Monday 10 August, aged 42, at his family home in Slovakia. Martin was a kind, gentle man who was much loved by his family and friends and will be hugely missed.

Martin worked as a designer at Williams & Phoa and Trickett & Webb before founding London graphics consultancy Blast in 1996, along with his friend and colleague Colin Gifford.

He left Blast as a director in 2003, but continued to work with us as a design consultant.

Martin was an incredibly talented and creative designer, and an inspiration to those who worked with him. He leaves behind a great back catalogue of work.
Martin was also actively involved in design education through D&AD, both during his time in London and latterly in Slovakia.

It was a pleasure knowing Martin and we will remember him with huge affection. He was a lovely bloke, great company and a genuinely good man.
Our thoughts are with Martin’s wife Andrea and their young daughter Alexa.

Martin’s funeral was held in Slovakia on Friday 14 August. There will be an event organised in memory of Martin in London, for his friends and colleagues, in the coming months.
Blast, London N1

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  • Laura Woodroffe November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    On behalf of D&AD and many people who worked here in the past and knew Martin I would just like to say how saddened we are to hear this news. Martin was talented and dedicated and worked hard with D&AD on our education programmes, even after moving all the way to Slovakia.

    On a personal note, he was the first designer I ever worked closely with. He guided me through the process with his trademark good humour and gentleness, producing beautiful work and educating his inexperienced client in the process.

    A true gentleman of design, we will very sadly miss him.

  • Jamie Ellul November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I joined Blast a year or so after Martin left. Although he was no longer there he’d definitely left his mark – lots of the ‘Blast classics’ in the archive drawers had his stamp all over them. And he’d left behind an ethos of playfulness coupled with aesthetics and attention to detail which was and is still applied.

    After a year or so of my being there Martin began working with Blast again via the miracle of skype. Even as a ‘virtual’ designer (just a head and shoulders on a laptop screen with a few marker sketches held to the camera) he had a presence and calmness that made the process seem easy and fun. He managed to have us all in stitches without even being in the room. It was also no surprise that many of his ideas sent remotely were chosen by the client as their preferred concept.

    He will be sorely missed as one of the industry’s most talented designers and thinkers.

  • Claire Fennelow November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Martin. During my time at D&AD I worked with him and Giff on many projects and always knew the process would be a pleasure – a lot of fun along the way and a great piece of work guaranteed at the end.

  • Zoe Patterson November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Martin and I seemed to cross paths many times in our education and careers. Laterly he did some teaching for us in the Graphic Design Department at Edinburgh College of Art. I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of his death.

  • paul sudron November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    This is such sad news. I had the pleasure of being on the same course with Martin at Newcastle Poly. He was the pesron who set the benchmark for creative standards from day one. Even though he was blessed with fantastic talent his modesty was always apparent (even on the day he was awarded a first class degree). It’s about 6 years ago the last time i met Martin having a beer in Edinburgh, after all his proven success awards, etc, he was still the same as i had remembered and had all those positive traits that obviously made him the success he genuinely was.

  • Justin November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    A nice guy and a good freind here in Slovakia. RIP Mr Cox.

  • Rob Barton November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    This is a real shock and sad news. I was at Newcastle with Martin, where he developed his own unique style from day one. He was very modest indeed but always contributed fresh ideas. My thoughts go with his family.

  • Andy Thomas November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I was very sorry and saddened to hear this news. I worked with Martin for several years at Trickett & Webb before he and Giff left to set up Blast. A great designer – witty and creative – he was also a really nice guy (but did like some dodgy films!). He’ll be missed by everybody who came across him.

  • Rosie Rebeiro November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I was at college at Newcastle studying Graphics with Martin and we went out together for two years after college. I would go so far as to say that Martin was in a class of his own at college and in agreement with other fellow students, Martin had no arrogence about him. In fact he was well loved by all. Hard working and just such fun too.
    I was in awe of Martin, his diligence and his inspirational natural gift for design. I really enjoyed coming down to London with him – we were two fresh young designers! All so exciting. I have so many truly happy memories from both college and our design days in London. We remained close friends for over 20 years and it goes without saying that my life feels bereft without him.
    My thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s family at this time. Peace be with you Martin. God Bless.X

  • Lynn Trickett November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    What a dreadful shock to hear about Martin! He worked for us at Trickett & Webb for quite a few years – and was an excellent designer, but, more important, a wonderful man. That photograph of him says it all. A bit less hair, but still that intelligent twinkle in his eyes! We will miss you, Martin.

  • Lian (& Russell) Howorth November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I knew I would like Martin before I even met him. In 1986, on a day trip to York I got chatting to a girl at the coach station. When she found out that I was starting the degree course at Newcastle Poly she told me to look out for a guy she knew called Martin Cox who was also starting that year – “he’s a really nice bloke” she said. Well, I did look out for him and he wasnt just a nice bloke – he was a top bloke.

    Martin, your friendship and hours of endless design advice helped me get through those three years at the poly and I am really proud to have continued to have you as a friend in the years after that. I’m so sorry we lost touch in the last few years – especially after your move to Slovakia.

    Remember that thing I asked you to look after in 1987? A piece of it is yours to keep – and I will forever treasure my Shakin Stevens comb. We will miss you so much. x

  • Stephen Bland November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I had the privilege of teaching Martin at Newcastle. Over my 20-odd years there, I can honestly say he was one of our very best. He gained a first class honours at a time when they were hard to come by. Someone with his amount of talent might parade it for all to see, but Martin just quietly got on with things, almost embarrassed at the success he achieved. It has been good to follow his career since leaving UNI – he served his apprenticeship with some great names, then helped set up one of the best design groups around, receiving many accolades for his professional work – what a shame that has been cut short!

  • Kim November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Martin I knew almost 20 years ago and hearing of his death I was very shocked and saddened. He was a beautiful kind intelligent and warm man. Full of ambition and fun with a wicked head of hair, those hair tongs and hairspray!!!

    I miss him and will always think of him and his amazing talent. God rest his soul and bless his family

  • Peter Morris November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I met Martin at school and we remained firm friends throughout, meeting up again at Newcastle Poly where we both studied. Regrettably in latter years I lost touch with my old pal and spotted this sad announcement following a random search. It was good to see the many lovely comments and I can only echo many of those and confirm that Martin was a gentle, kind and engaging person even as schoolboy with a cutting edge flattop!

    See you bud.

  • Mike November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Suicide leaves a huge gap behind for everyone. Very sad.

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