Our history
Having worked together at a company that ceased trading, the “gang of four” – Carol, Fred, Mike and Sue – established M Rules in 1993. Originally working out of the kitchen of Mike’s London flat, with just two Apple Mac SEs (1Mb RAM) and QuarkXPress, our client base grew quickly. By the end of the year, M Rules moved to an office in Southwark Street and continued to expand. Many years later, changing along with technology and the industry, we continue to typeset for a wide selection of clients including top UK publishing houses working with prolific and world-renowned authors. Sadly Mike passed away in 2021 leaving behind the legacy of M Rules in the capable hands of his most trusted staff. His favourite book was The Ambassadors by Henry James.
“Live all you can: it’s a mistake not to. It doesn’t matter what you do in particular,
so long as you have had your life. If you haven’t had that, what have you had?”
Our staff
Imran
While studying a typography-focused degree, Imran was awarded membership of the International Society of Typographic Designers (MISTD) and continued postgraduate studies at Central Saint Martins. An internship at contemporary style and culture magazine, Dazed & Confused, cemented his career in print-based text design. After a stint as junior designer at Rewind magazine, he moved into typesetting at M Rules where he has worked for the last 14 years. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks is a particular favourite of his.
Paul
Paul originally had aspirations of becoming a writer and, while taking a course in journalism, he discovered a program called PageMaker and hasn’t looked back since. After ten years as a freelance designer, working mostly for charities and NGOs such as Help the Aged and One World Action, Paul joined M Rules as a typesetter in 2013. In his spare time he plays tournament Scrabble and his (current) favourite book is My Uncle Napoleon by Iraj Pezeshkzad.
Liz
Having discovered a keen interest in typography and graphic design while studying English Literature at university, Liz started out life as a production assistant for a small independent publishing house in Brighton. Now with 8 years of experience in design, both in-house and freelance, she has been working as a Typesetter at M Rules for the last 3 years. Her favourite book is Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham.
Galen
Having gained a degree in History of Art, Galen found work as a proofreader in the field of academic writing. Looking for a more design-focused challenge, he began working at M Rules in 2018 as an assistant typesetter. Appropriately, he designs avant-garde photo collages in his spare time, making use of typography and book design elements. His favourite book (maybe) is Locus Solus by Raymond Roussel.
Patrick
Patrick has been providing his freelance design and IT services to M Rules since the company was first established in 1993. Having worked as a freelance graphic designer since 1980, he first met Carol, Fred, Mike and Sue at the same company where they all worked together. Patrick has taken time out to take up full-time positions as Studio Manager at two advertising and marketing agencies, before returning to freelance work, bringing with him many years of diverse experience. Catch 22 is Patrick’s favourite book.
Dave
After completing his BTEC Multimedia Diploma back in 2007, Dave pursued his interest in Design and took a Junior role in Digital Printing working for companies in London and Essex. It wasn’t long before he discovered the world of book typesetting and joined M Rules in 2010. Since finishing as an employee in 2016, he has maintained a good relationship with the company and has been a regular freelancer since. His passions include world travel, watching his favourite football team play (lose) and reading. Dave’s favourite book is Pretty Boy by Roy Shaw.