[3] Instead, he studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, taking advantage of a veteran grant program, and worked briefly under graphic designer and journalist Herbert Spencer.
After graduating, Forbes returned to become Head of Graphic Design at the Central School at the age of 28.
[1][3] By 1960 Forbes had left teaching for private practice and in 1962 formed Fletcher/Forbes/Gill with Alan Fletcher and Bob Gill.
The structure of Pentagram can be mostly credited to Forbes, as he wanted partners to work both independently and collaboratively.
When he expanded Pentagram to New York in 1978, he ensured these guidelines would continue to be met when selecting new partners and businesses.