#FridayFive with Shillington Design Teacher Maddy Ritchie

Inspiration can come from anywhere. So, on the first Friday of each month, we’re sharing some of our Shillington team’s favourite things from the past four weeks. This month, Shillington Sydney and Online Teacher Maddy Ritchie shares what was on her radar in September.

1. To Follow: Ruth Mora

I’ve recently discovered artist Ruth Mora and have fallen in love with her punchy graphics. The colour palettes, the political jabs, the fierce femmes… it’s all just so good. I’m a really big fan of riso printing as well especially the neon pinks that can be achieved from this and it definitely is Ruth’s signature look. The comic book vibe is something I’m really drawn to and I’ve been experimenting with these kind of layouts in my own work recently.

2. To Read: House Industries: Lettering Manual by Ken Barber

I recently just got my hands on the new House Industries: Lettering Manual book by Ken Barber. I’ve been geeking out hard — it’s an amazing insight into lettering process and how different briefs were approached. I love seeing the rough sketches and where inspiration was drawn from. I was first introduced to Ken’s work when I attended Typographics conference in New York a few years ago and love everything he does. Definitely would recommend.

I’ve also been getting into the Outlander series at the moment too (I watched the TV series but like with most things the books are better). I’m really enjoying them.

3. To Go Stay Home: McQueen

Before I studied Graphic Design I actually started out in Fashion Design and was so obsessed with the work of Alexander McQueen. He created this world which was slightly disturbed and so different to what anyone was doing at the time. I recently just watched the documentary which shows old tapes of his shows, BTS snapshots of his life and interviews from those who were closest to him. It was so amazing and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. Regardless of if you are into design or not I think his story is fascinating and well worth a watch.

4. To Listen: We Aimed for the Stars by Amelie Tobien

For the last few months I have been working with musician, Amelie Tobien to create the cover art for her debut album and also the launch graphics. It was released at the beginning of September and I’ve had it on repeat since then. Amelie is a very talented singer/songwriter from Austria who I met when I was living in Salzburg and I’ve really enjoyed working with her to bring her vision to life. The album is really easy listening, perfect for work from home chilled vibes.

5. Wildcard: Archibald, Wynn and Sulman Prizes 2020

If you are in or around Sydney in the next few months the Archibald, Wynn and Sulman exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW would be great to check out. The winners were just announced and it makes me so happy to see that for the first time in the exhibition’s history an Indigenous artist, Vincent Namatjira, has won the Archibald prize.

Take a look back at what’s been inspiring our team over the last two years! And for some drool-worthy visuals from our Shillington students, read 16 handmade album covers and 14 app designs.