Chris Grattan was born in 1965 in New Zealand. Having completed study in graphic design he had a successful career working as an art director and graphic designer. In 1992 he returned to study and in 1997 he graduated with a degree in 3-dimensional design. In 1998 he spent time working in IDEE's Tokyo design studio at the invitation of design entrepreneur Teruo Kurosaki. He currently has work produced and distributed by IDEE. His work has been exhibited in Milan, Paris and with IDEE's Sputnik group in Tokyo. He has been storied in street culture magazines and design publications. His work has also appeared in advertising, including for Sony Japan. In 2009 he was the recipient of a Creative New Zealand grant to undertake research in Europe examining the relationship between Europe based designers and manufacturers – exploring a possible context for the inclusion of designers based outside Europe.