NB Studio Closes After 29 Years as Co-Founder Alan Dye Embraces Being a Beginner Again

On June 20, 2026, Alan Dye and Nick Finney announced the closure of their London design agency, NB Studio, which they established in 1997 alongside Ben Stott, via LinkedIn. Dye, who will turn 60 in December, reminisces about their origins at Pentagram and their aspirations of achieving "fun, fame and fortune." The studio garnered over 50 D&AD pencils, collaborating with clients across diverse industries and undertaking significant projects such as branding for ANNA Money, Petit Pli, Almeida Theatre, and Royal Mail's Pride stamps, as well as a D&AD identity. Dye expresses concern over the lack of diversity in contemporary design, especially in digital banking, advocating for a creative revival. Both now work independently but occasionally collaborate, with Dye relishing his return to design and encouraging creatives to "just do what you want to do."