Born in Amsterdam in 1967, Rik Bas Backer studied in the Netherlands at the Art Academy of Arnhem (ArtEZ). In 1990 he completed his internship at Grapus (Pierre Bernard). After starting his own practice in Paris as a freelancer, Rik cofounded Change is good (2003–2023).

Bas Backer designed the graphic identity of fashion brand A.P.C., re-designed the visual identity of Belgian beer Vedett and was, during 8 years, art director of the Cahiers du cinéma magazine. Other commissioners include Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Almine Rech, Picasso museum Malaga/Paris, Magnum photo, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Phaidon Press, Prestel Publishers, Hat & Beard Press, Cahiers d'art, Gallimard and Flammarion.

Avoiding any particular style, every project is approached in its proper way, exploring visuel expression and graphic identity. Presently Bas Backer is designing books, graphic identities, way finding systems, posters, record covers, websites, giving lectures and organising workshops.

Bas Backer has teached at the Faculté d’arts of the University of Amiens and at the Amiens Art School and is frequently invited as international jury member.