Born and educated in Cornwall, UK, Roger Barnard graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design from Somerset College of Arts in 1990. Within a few years of rapid career progress in London agencies, including a subsidiary of Saatchi & Saatchi, he co-founded Velvet Design Associates Limited in 1997, which he continues to own and operate.

Barnard is recognised for designing prestigious arts, interiors and lifestyle books for international publishers, including Quadrille, Rizzoli and Vendome Press, where he was art director. He also creates advertising and marketing for high-end interiors and luxury brands. Since moving to Bath in 2016, Barnard has further developed his skills in illustration, watercolour, oil painting and ceramics.

'Twin Cities' marked his highly anticipated debut solo exhibition in March 2025, showcasing at Berdoulat, Bath, the interiors store renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship, design, and the arts.