Sharon Matas nominated the graphic designer Tom Crabtree who runs the Manual design studio in San Francisco:

Tom Crabtree is a brilliant graphic designer. His work just speaks for itself — simple, beautiful design, with a lot of charm and confidence. 

When I started working at Apple about 10 years ago, I sat right opposite Tom. He and everyone on our team are some of the best designers I've worked with. I remember feeling a bit surprised when Tom told us he's leaving Apple to start his own design studio in San Francisco. Knowing his wife was pregnant with their first daughter, I thought it was a bold and admirable move for him to leave the comfort and prestige of a big company like Apple, and take on the risk to pursue his own dreams and passion.

8 years later looking back now, it's wonderful to see how his studio Manual has grown, and the collection of amazing design and branding work they've done. With his background of working in London, Tom has brought a unique sensibility and thoughtfulness to the design scene in Silicon Valley, making a refreshing and valuable mark in the tech world. Being a new mom myself, embarking on a new journey in life, it's an inspiring reminder to keep following my passions and not being afraid to take risks.

Work by Tom Crabtree and his agency Manual: