Francis Bernard studied at his local art and business school. Afterwards he went to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1945 he became head of the advertising department of RTF, the French radio and television company, where he remained in charge until his retirement. Besides his position at RTF he worked as a freelance poster designer. He and colleagues like Cassandre, Loupot, Colin and Carlu often worked for the same clients. Although he was a modest man, hiding away from honours and the media, most of his posters for Nicolas, the major French wine distributor, Pernod, La Menthe Pastille, Gervais and L’Oréal are still sought after by collectors. Photography was a medium he liked to incorporate into his designs. His annual posters for the Art Ménagers exhibition always involved unexpected variations on a theme.