Barnbrook designed the
cover artwork of
David Bowie's 2002 album
Heathen, where he used his 'Priori' typeface for the first type. He went on to design the sleeves for
Reality (2003),
The Next Day (2013) and
Blackstar (2016), each with their own specially designed typography. He cites
record cover artwork as an early design influence, and possibly the interest that drew him to graphic design, with other covers including ones for
John Foxx,
Tuxedomoon and
Cult with No Name. Barnbrook is also a type designer and has released typefaces including
Bastard,
Exocet, False Idol, Infidel, Moron, Newspeak, Olympukes, Sarcastic, Shock & Awe. Many have emotive and controversial titles reflecting the style and themes of Barnbrook's work. His typeface
Mason, originally released as Manson, is available from
Emigre. and on artwork associated with his restaurant
Pharmacy. A recurring theme of Barnbrook's graphic design is the series of personal responses to political events, which often follow or develop
detournement methods. He describes as a major influence to his work "an inner anger which is a response to all the unfairness that is in this world". He has stated his ambition to use "design as a weapon for social change". the American 'Professional Association for Design'. Barnbrook has also contributed work to, and been art director of two editions of,
Adbusters, ==Work in Japan==