Stephen Smith is
Neasden Control Centre

UK based Illustrator, Artist and Art Director Stephen Smith hails from a background rooted in illustration, having studied at The University of the West of England BA Hons Illustration and at Brighton University where he studied MA Illustration / Design. He is renowned for his analog process and distinctive style that seamlessly blends hand-drawn and collaged graphics, bold organic patterns, vibrant colours and typography. His work often possesses a whimsical yet multi layered and thought-provoking quality which transcends traditional boundaries. He is multi disciplined and brings this experience to all of his projects including the ability to transform a sketch into a site specific installation, super graphic or hand painted mural. Neasden Control Centre’s work often conveys abstract narratives that resonate with audiences on both a personal and universal level.

NCC books

Cover art for Neasden Control Centre, featuring abstract design with chaotic lines and shapes, overlaid with black typography and two small face illustrations in the corner.

Neasden Control Centre
Edited by Robert Klanten
Client/Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag

Size: 216mm x 324mm / 192 pp
ISBN: 978-3-931126-73-5
2003

Book titled "Tales from the Dark Side of the City" with a holographic cover design and abstract cityscape illustration.

Unknown Fields
Tales from the dark side of the city
Design: NCC and City Edition Studio
Edited by Liam Young and Kate Davies
Client/Publisher: AA School / Unknown Fields

6 Book Set / 170mm x 240mm / 64pp
ISBN: 9781907896903
2016

Abstract art with the text 'ncc LOST CONTROL' featuring tree stumps, keyhole motifs, and urban imagery in dark blue and green.

Neasden Control Centre
Lost Control. Edited by Robert Klanten
Client/Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag

Size: 216mm x 324mm / 192pp
ISBN: 978-3-89955-189-1
2007

Book cover of 'Born Bad' featuring a stylized black dog illustration on a purple and red striped background, written by CK Smouha and illustrated by Stephen Smith.

Born Bad
Written by CK Smoulder
Client/Publisher: Cicada Books

230 x 260 mm / 40 pp
ISBN: 978-1-908714-53-4
June 2018

NCC Sketchbooks

Abstract artwork in a book showing black dots on pink and maroon background on the left page, and blue and white geometric shapes on the right page.
Abstract art in an open book with geometric patterns and black shapes on yellow background on the left page; blue, black, red, and white shapes on the right page with sketch-like drawings.
Open sketchbook page with abstract drawings in black and colorful shapes in yellow, pink, and brown.
Artistic collage with abstract shapes and bold colors on an open notebook. Features circles, squares, and bold black lines on patches of yellow, blue, and brown.
Abstract collage artwork featuring geometric shapes and bright colors, including circles, rectangles, and irregular forms, with a mix of pink, blue, orange, black, and white.
Abstract art collage in a sketchbook with mixed media elements, featuring black and white textured shapes, bright blue, pink, and orange accents.

NCC Paintings

Abstract expressionist painting with black brush strokes and scribbles on a white canvas. Dominant black shapes and grid patterns with scattered blue, red, and brown accents.
Abstract painting with black and white lines and shapes on a divided light and dark background.
Abstract painting with black and white scribbles and shapes, accented with red on a canvas hanging on a wall.
Abstract painting with geometric shapes, scribbles, numbers, and letters on a white canvas, featuring a large circular design and various color blocks including black, blue, and orange.
Abstract art with black geometric shapes and scribbles on a white background.
Abstract painting with black scribbles, a large black circle, red and blue blocks on a white and beige background.

Illustration

Stephen’s illustration work is raw, graphic, instinctive, and richly layered—blending hand-made with digital elements, hand drawn type, textural compositions and abstraction. His distinctive style has helped shaped campaigns, editorial spreads, and cultural projects, always pushing beyond the expected to create images that demand a second look.

Design / Art Direction

With a foundation in experimentation, his design practice merges the tactile with the digital, crafting identities, publications, and conceptual visual systems. His approach strips back the unnecessary, embracing imperfection, energy, and the unexpected. As an art director, Stephen works across disciplines to bring ideas to life—whether leading visual narratives for global brands, curating spatial experiences, or guiding editorial design. His direction is driven by instinct and experimentation, balancing structure with spontaneity to create impactful, culture-shaping work.

Artist

Stephen’s artwork is known for it’s experimental approach, encompassing painting, drawing, printmaking, and installation. He has developed a distinctive process characterised by deconstruction and has exhibited his work internationally, including at MU in the Netherlands, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in the UK, and the Nam June Paik Centre in South Korea. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with support from the Arts Council of England and The British Council. In addition to his artistic practice, he has also collaborated with various organisations and participated in residencies that reflect his commitment to exploring the intersection of art, environment, society, and culture.

Selected Exhibitions

The Island Show, Galleri Kant, Denmark, 2020
Flat Earth Trap, Galerie Masurel, France, 2019
A Take On Paper, Galleri Kant, Denmark, 2019
Deep End Echo, Sid Motion Gallery, London, 2018
Blind Spot, Delimbo Gallery, Spain, 2018
British Artists Summer Show, Heals, UK, 2017
Shifting Ground, Hestercombe Gallery, UK, 2016
Radical Utopias, Mini Galerie, Netherlands, 2016
Unstable Monuments, UK, 2016
Col.la.ge II, Minigalerie, Fete Graphisme Netherlands, 2015
Inland Art: Assemble Now, UK, 2014
More With Less, MU, 2010
Du Fete Graphisme, France, 2016
Nam June PaiMagma Booksk Centre, South Korea, 2008
Calm and Punk Gallery, Japan, 2008
Scope Art Fair, Helium Cowboy 2008
Helium Cowboy Gallery, Germany, 2006 
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, UK, 2006
Permanent Gallery, UK, 200Magma Books5
CCCB, Barcelona, Spain, 2003
Magma Books UK, 2003

Publications

Born Bad, Cicada, 2018
Tales from the Dark Side of the City, Unknown Fields, AA Publications, 2016
Shifting Ground, Hestercombe Gallery, 2016
The Age of Collage, Contemporary Collage in Modern Art, Gestalten
More With Less, MU, 2010
Now Jump!, Nam June Paik Art Center, South Korea, 2009
Lost Control, Gestalten, 2007
Neasden Control Centre, Gestalten, 2003

Selected Talks / Workshops / Residency

Birmingham Design Festival
Hestercombe Gallery
Plymouth Arts Centre
CalArts | California Institute of the Arts
Unknown Fields Division (Chernobyl, Aral Sea + Russian Space Centre)
British Council Visual Arts Award
Arts Council of England Visual Arts Award

Businessman carrying oversized pencil talking to a giant pencil sharpener, concept of making a decision or solving a problem.

Meet the Team

  • Adobe logo featuring stylized letter 'A' and the word 'Adobe' below.
  • Bold black text reading 'New York City' on a white background.
  • Squarespace logo, featuring a stylized interlocking "S" symbol above the "Squarespace" text.
  • Warby Parker logo on a black background.
  • "British Library" text logo in vertical orientation on black background.
  • NHS logo in black and white.
  • Cartoon penguin logo in an oval outline on a white background.
  • Kiehl's logo with 'Since 1851' text underneath.
  • "The Guardian" logo in black font on a white background.
  • Stüssy logo in black graffiti-style font on a white background.
  • Logo featuring the word 'NICE' with smiley face elements in a circular design.
  • Uniqlo logo in black and white, square design with text "UNI" on top and "QLO" at the bottom.
  • The New York Times logo in black gothic font on a white background.
  • Black Google logo on a white background.
  • Element Skateboards logo featuring a stylized tree inside concentric circles with the word 'ELEMENT' below.
  • Harvard Business Review logo in a shield shape with bold text on a white background.
  • Puma logo featuring a leaping cat silhouette and the word "PUMA" in bold lettering.
  • "dro5a" logo in black stylized font on white background.
  • "CONRAN" text logo in black letters on a white background.
  • Bloomberg logo in white text on a black background.
  • Facebook logo in black font on a white background.
  • "vsa" in bold black font on white background
  • Hardie Grant Books logo with black cursive text on a white background.