Colin Howell is a Norfolk-based designer, surfer, and adventurer who has always relied on his Christian faith to guide him throughout his life’s journey. As an award-winning designer, Colin has had the opportunity to work on various high-profile projects, including designing banknotes and passports. His passion for art and design led him to start training with Harrisons, a renowned design company, after completing his university education. Colin’s love for traveling and exploring new places was sparked during his time working overseas, and he has since become an avid surfer, leading coastal explorations and taking his family on worldwide expeditions. Despite his busy schedule, Colin has always prioritized his faith, and his relationship with Jesus has been a constant source of comfort and guidance.
Colin’s journey as a Christian began when he was just 14 years old, and he gave his life to Jesus on a school bus. As he grew older, he became more involved in church life and ministry, particularly during his time at Kings Church in High Wycombe. However, as he started traveling more frequently for work and to pursue his passion for surfing, his attendance at church began to fade. Colin describes this period as his “wilderness years,” during which he never lost faith in Jesus but became too busy to prioritize his church life. Despite this, Colin’s faith remained a vital part of his life, and he continued to pray and seek guidance from God. His travels took him to some challenging and even dangerous places, such as Afghanistan and Libya, but Colin is convinced that God watched over him and kept him safe during these adventures.
One of the most significant turning points in Colin’s life came when he met Ben Kewell while surfing in Newquay, Cornwall. The two became fast friends, and when Colin and his brother bought a flat in Cromer, they invited Ben to stay with them. It was during this time that Colin and his brother started attending Mount Zion Church in Norwich, which later became Soul Church. Colin got involved with the Friday youth group, led by Jon Norman, and invited Ben to join him. Ben eventually became a Christian and went on to run youth work in Cromer, setting up a surf school in the process. This experience had a profound impact on Colin, and he began to re-prioritize his faith and his involvement in church life.
In 2003, Colin met his wife, Miriam, and they had a whirlwind romance, getting married in Sicily. They now have five children, all of whom are being homeschooled, allowing the family to embark on adventures around the world together. Colin and Miriam are passionate about instilling a sense of Godly confidence in their children, and they believe that their unconventional approach to education is essential in achieving this goal. As a family, they have traveled extensively, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Colin’s role as a father and husband has also deepened his faith, and he is grateful for the opportunity to share his love of adventure and his Christian values with his family.
In addition to his work as a designer, Colin is also the Creative Manager at The Coastal Exploration Company, which offers unique sailing experiences along the Norfolk coast. The company’s fleet of traditional wooden sailing boats provides an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, recharge their spirits, and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Colin is passionate about creating experiences that go beyond mere adventure, and he believes that his work at The Coastal Exploration Company is an extension of his faith. He sees his role as a way to share the beauty of creation and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Colin’s “day job” as Head Designer at HID Global has also been incredibly successful, with him winning several prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot Design Award in 2024.
Throughout his life, Colin has relied on Jesus to guide him, and he is grateful for the many blessings he has received. His story is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of prioritizing one’s relationship with God. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Colin has remained committed to his Christian values, and his life is a shining example of how faith can shape and inspire us. As Colin continues to explore the world, lead coastal expeditions, and design innovative projects, he remains grounded in his faith, knowing that Jesus is always with him, guiding and directing him every step of the way. Whether he is sailing the Norfolk coast, surfing in Cornwall, or designing banknotes, Colin’s Christian faith remains at the heart of everything he does, and he is grateful for the many adventures and opportunities that have come his way.
