Explainer videos, live scribing, graphic recording illustration and design by John Cooper

Illustration, Wordpress, motion graphics, branding, graphic design agency in Manchester

From Great Ideas to Fantastic Design

Rocket Steps is the creative studio of John Cooper, hello!
Working directly with clients in the UK and around the world, we turn ideas into highly engaging, original content that gets noticed.


From Illustration,  live scribing, motion graphics, web and graphic design, we create designs that tell a story with style, ensuring it connects with the right audience. Whether you're launching a new project or refreshing a brand, if you need bold original content you're in the right place.
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EXCELLENT
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Based on 25 reviews
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Lily Sanderson
11/07/2025
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Super happy with my website!! Everything I wanted! 100% recommend and would use again!
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FRL
16/09/2024
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This was a simple story, trying to make some serious nuclear safety points and worked really well. John was great to work with- he got the idea very quickly, we had a constructive dialogue to finalise the material, and he produced the end product quickly. I'm now thinking how else I can use cartoon strips in communicating.......
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Emily Hunter
21/08/2024
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John joined us at Newcastle University and Innovation Observatory in June 2024 to creatively document a child health technology conference. A lot of complex topics at speed - and he did them true justice! He was super professional and friendly, arrived early but 'fuss free' and independent (which was so valuable on a busy preparation day!) and was flexible in his set up. His art was great and received really well. He provided the art to us both to keep, and digitally photographed, too. Would recommend. Thanks John.
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Zena Barrie
21/03/2024
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John has recently updated our website and has been super helpful and easy to work with. He has done some lovely illustrations and has also very patiently taught us how to update bits and pieces ourselves. Would completely recommend.
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Helen Sanders
21/03/2024
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John was extremely professional in his approach to our project. Responding to our brief and bringing to life our vision with his extraordinary visuals in a quick and timely way. Such a talent. We will definitely be calling on John's skills again.
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Sophie Macaulay
20/03/2024
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Professional, reliable & full of creative ideas. John is an absolute pleasure to work with & has helped us out in a number of projects. Highly recommended.
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Mitch Sullivan
24/10/2023
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John was great to work with. He was able to quickly interpret what I was trying to achieve and always delivered what he said he would, and on time. Nice bloke too. Highly recommended.
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MADE Mcr
03/05/2023
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Some brilliantly done and thorough illustrations of a 3 hour event, a lovely bloke, warm and humble and kept focus, very impressed!
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Michael Panagakis
27/04/2023
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Love working with John. His story telling through the illustrations he did really captured the emotion within each character. Sorry for interupting your plans for a holiday and thank you for working under such tight deadlines. We look forward to continuing our journey as we develop our characters and future stories.
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Patrick Hurley
04/04/2023
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Really good quality of work. Incredibly quick turnaround on a tight deadline. And a pleasure to work with. Thanks!
Clients include:
Biffa
Willmott Dixon
NHS Cheshire and Wirral
NIHR - National Institute for Health Research
Educational design content
University of Bradford
Newcastle University
North East Combined Authority
corporate graphic design
Rochdale Council
Stockport Borough Council
Greater Manchester Combined authority
Salford City council
Roche Pharmaceuticals
Voith
Hologic
unearthodox
National fire chiefs Conference
Forever Manchester
Salford CVS
Camden Fringe
Greater Manchester Youth Network
August 24, 2026
I thought I'd share a little bit about the diversity of enquiries I've had for live scribing.
June 10, 2026
Illustrated maps and map making workshops!
April 28, 2026
Facilitation and illustration. working with communities for positive change
March 6, 2026
Creating illustration, graphic design and web for a new school production.
February 1, 2026
Taking art and design into communities to make work together.
January 15, 2026
Do you need live scribing? Also know as graphic recording, sketch noting or visual minutes.
December 30, 2025
Recording the 'Greener Healthier Salford' event at the Lowry, Mediacity
December 11, 2025
Poster illustration for Theatre Clywd's production of Cinderella.
November 30, 2025
From script to screen, simplify complex information
November 4, 2025
Will the re-release of Affinity cause a sea change in design tools?
October 20, 2025
Is it worth getting a 'one-page website' in 2025? What can a simple website do that your social media isn't already doing?
September 23, 2025
Helping Salford with design and illustration for the Child Friendly City incentive.
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Taking your creative projects to the next level.

With years of industry experience before setting up in 2010, nearly all my new clients today are referrals. I put that down to good humour, experience and a 'Yes and' attitude. 

Listening to clients, collaborating on briefs and creating eye popping original work. If you're looking for a fresh voice for your brand or a new angle on your message, I'll help you find it.

Your Creative Partner, Start to Finish:

WordPress websites that are easy to update.
Motion graphics that hold attention.
Illustration that provokes a response.
Branding that clarifies your mission statement.
Explainer videos that simplify your message.
and Graphic recording for live events.

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animation, illustration and design by John Cooper
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The creative design studio of John Cooper. 
Empowering clients with engaging content since 2010.
Get your project started, contact:
hey@rocketsteps.co.uk
2026
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Rocket Steps limited. Company Number: 09809357
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