Born in 1912 in Paris Jean Colin began his artistic career after completing his military service.  Starting at Raymond Gid, Colin specialised in the areas of book design, political propaganda, and advertising, quickly developing his own visually distinct style.

He took part in various exhibitions such as the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs of 1947. In 1949 he travelled to Basel and met Fritz Bühler, Donald Brun and Hermann Eidenbenz. 1951 was a revolutionary year for Colin, Brun, and Bühler, together with and Jean Picart Le Doux and Jacques Nathan Garamond, who laid the groundwork of forming an association specifically for graphic designers. This decision would lead to the creation of the Alliance Graphique Internationale in Paris in 1952, which began with a membership of 65.

Throughout his career Colin designed over 300 posters, receiving countless awards and resounding international recognition for his works throughout Europe and the United States. Renowned for his humourous and colourful style, Colin has created vibrant and eye-catching advertising for Shell, Perrier, EDF, Contrexéville, Marchal, and Cinzano.