Andy Altmann

Andy Altmann graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1987 and immediately formed the influential and multi disciplinary design group Why Not Associates with fellow students David Ellis and Howard Greenhalgh. For over 33 years at Why Not Associates, Andy worked on projects ranging from exhibition design to postage stamps via advertising, publishing, television titles, commercials, corporate identity and large scale public art. Including the award winning collaboration with artist Gordon Young on the Comedy Carpet, Blackpool.

All of his work is bound by a fundamental love of typography, research and experimentation. He has performed numerous lectures on his work all around the world – from Siberia to Japan via Manchester! Recently Andy and David decided to close Why Not Associates so they could both concentrate working on more personal projects. Published by Circa Press, Andy’s first solo venture was his book of tat* – which documents his collection and love of graphic ephemera. Andy's badges for Stereohype's B.I.O. (By Invitation Only) Series 21 are details taken from the pages of tat* and the random overprinted images created on the make ready sheets produced in its printing.

A personal note, 29 October 2025:
Very sad news today: Andy Altmann has died. I was lucky enough to finally meet Andy in 2023 for a chat—one of my design heroes from my time studying design in the ’90s. I had some of my cherished and influential design books, from Typography Now to tat*, signed by him, gave him some goodies he had designed for us, shared lunch, and had a long conversation about life, health, priorities, work, and how very very much he loved his family.

A giant in design and a true Mensch—generous, kind, optimistic, and incredibly strong. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Shine on! 1962–2025. RIP ♥

Personal words by Tomi Vollauschek.

External links: circa.press/... / @andy_altmann_studio