about Ruth Rowland (UK): As a freelance lettering artist and illustrator, my work is all about letters - design briefs can range from one word or phrase, to blocks of copy or full colour illustration. You can see it on advertising and design, magazine, book and CD covers.
career highlights: When I left art college, I worked mainly for the record industry - clients included Elton John, The Rolling Stones and UB40. Now, my commissions are far more wide ranging - I’ve worked for Coca Cola, The BBC and Victoria’s Secret amongst many others. I’ve recently completed some lettering for the cover of the US Edition of Newsweek.
which creative people, places and things on your radar right now?
people: I have a passion for art books - my latest buy is an out of print edition of the Complete Graphic Works of Ben Shahn - a talented artist and an inspirational man.
places: I love all things Japanese - so I like to check out the Japan Centre whenever I’m near Piccadilly. It’s great for anything from manga to sushi. I just can’t resist the Japanese
Food Store in the basement - the packaging is so brilliant it often ends up pinned to the notice board in my studio.
things: In my studio you’ll find antique dip ink pens and Japanese brushes lying next to my Wacom tablet. I love to combine old and new technology and can just as often be found browsing the latest Painter software as checking out more traditional pen nibs in Cornelissen & Son.
what’s your favourite daydream? I like to escape the studio and stretch my legs in the Gibberd Garden. It’s a magical place - an informal landscape with an eclectic mix of sculpture and architectural salvage collected by the renowned architect Sir Frederick Gibberd. It’s a great place to relax and get some inspiration.
what was the last rule you broke? Just a personal one - trying to get a better work/life balance. I’m a bit of a workaholic - I just can’t resist an interesting brief!
if you could ask a question of someone you respect, who and what would you ask?
Not a person but an institution - the V&A is my favourite museum, it has some wonderful exhibitions: "As hand drawn lettering has recently seen a resurgence in popularity - how about a major exhibition on the subject?"
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