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Graphic designer returns to roots to create kits for Coventry University sports clubs
Johnny Bradford graduated from the Graphic Design and Illustration course in 2012
University news / Alumni news
Wednesday 08 April 2026
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Johnny Bradford spent hours on end as a young boy drawing football kits during the 1994 World Cup.
Now he is designing kits for football, rugby and even frisbee and mountain climbing clubs at Coventry University – the very place where he learned and honed his artistic skills.
Johnny, who grew up in the Coundon area of the city, graduated from the Graphic Design and Illustration course in 2012 and a few years later reconnected with the university through his role as Group Head for Graphic Design at Akuma Sports.
And he is now designing kits for the university’s array of sports clubs after Your Students’ Union took over the running of Sport Coventry – rebranded now as Your Sport. The Union will oversee the university’s sports clubs and societies, as well as managing and running gym and sports facilities on campus and at Westwood Heath.
I’d always been into art and my dad always tells the story of me being about seven years old, we went on holiday with about six sketchbooks and I filled all of them instead of going to the beach.
During the 1994 World Cup I was sketching every nation’s kit and when I was a teenager I got into painting and portraiture, so when I left school I tried that but only sold about four paintings in a year. I wanted to do something with my talent and the course was one of the only ones with illustration included which was the natural thing for me. Graphic design came in to make it something more technical for a career.
I had been working in Brighton as a chef, I was missing home and my mates, so all roads led back to Coventry. And now I’m working with them again on Your Sport which is great to be making an impact on current students’ lives.
Johnny Bradford
Johnny has been a fantastic influencer of the sporting environment here at Coventry University. From the moment that we were able to collaborate with Akuma on our sport teamwear and leisurewear, Johnny has been able to support our ideas and create a catalogue of items that the students can wear and represent our sports brand both on and off the field of play.
Being an alumni has enriched Johnny's understanding and knowledge of what it means to play sport at Coventry University, while wearing the kits and uniforms with pride.
Rob Eddon, YSU’s Head of Sport
Find out more about Your Sport.
