Independent Illustration & Design Studio — Melbourne
Crafting Graphic Artwork for Global & Local Clients.
Illustration | Design | Books | Linocuts | Textiles
From Paint to Pixels
“I bridge the gap between artistic craft and technical production. From the first sketch to the final digital layout, I work with you to ensure your artwork is original, purposeful and production-ready.”
I am a Melbourne-based illustrator and graphic artist with over 25 years of experience bridging the gap between analogue roots and digital craft. After 15 years within marketing, advertising, and apparel firms, I established my own studio in 2009 to operate as a dedicated 'off-site art department' for the publishing, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors. My practice is built on the belief that technical precision and artisan craft are inseparable—I am just as comfortable with a paintbrush in hand as I am in front of a screen.
The Whole Creative Thread
From the first sketch to the final digital layout, I work with you to ensure your artwork is original, purposeful, and production-ready. Whether you require narrative linocuts for a book cover, bespoke branding, or complex infographics, I bring a "paint-to-pixels" philosophy to every brief. This ensures that the human touch of the artist is never lost in the digital transition.
25+ years in the Creative Industry
With over two and a half decades in the industry, I understand the nuances of the creative process—from the initial spark of an idea to the technical rigour required for global print and digital standards.
I’ve had the privilege of partnering with a diverse range of clients, from local Melbourne startups to iconic global brands and major publishing houses. No matter the scale, my goal remains the same: to move beyond cookie-cutter templates and help your project find its unique, authentic voice
Selected Clients & Collaborations
I provide tailored creative solutions, including commercial illustration and professional design for:
Retail/Fashion: Kmart, French Connection UK/Australia, Unison (Melbourne fashion label).
Publishing: Penguin Random House New York, Hipkiss Publishing House.
Education & Science: Deakin University, Trajan Scientific Australia, Brenniston First Aid.
Not-For-Profit: The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, Transparency International Australia.
From Sketchpad to Production
Commercial Illustration: Narrative and figurative book illustration ranging from traditional pencil and ink to linocut printing. I specialise in digital art using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
Creative Graphic Art & Design: High-impact infographics, vector art, logo design and full-scale graphic design layouts for print and digital.
Heritage Craft: I began my career in traditional signwriting, mastering Gold Leaf, Air-Brush, and Pictorial Painting. Read Backstory
Original Art: Limited-edition linocuts, paintings, and drawings available on my online art shop.
Case Studies
What People Are Saying
“Matthew has been creating original, highly effective graphic design for The Cato Group since 2017.
As a workplace first aid and safety organisation, our visual communications need to be eye-catching, accurate and easily understood across a broad spectrum of the working community.
Matthew has developed a unique style and visual language that has come to define our brand. His colourful illustrations and bold infographics successfully communicate complicated first aid instructions with minimal text required. His output is both efficient and economical, cleverly re-inventing concepts and characters in new and innovative ways.
He responds promptly to emails, provides accurate timelines and delivers entire projects via email communication only - no wasting time on missed phone calls - and his admin is methodical, reliable and easy to follow.
I thoroughly enjoy working with Matthew and couldn’t be happier with the visual communications he’s created under our name.”
Pia Abrahams, Creative Director,
Brenniston/Cato Group
“After a lot of stressful back and forth with a previous designer not understanding my vision, I came to Matthew with a short time frame before my launch and he totally nailed it! His graphic design and illustrations perfectly encapsulated what was in my head and then some. He completely brought my brand to life and I get so many compliments on my packaging and branding.”
Samantha Griggs
Subtle Tea
“Matthew is an awesome illustrator, who has a level of professionalism and eye for detail that makes him one of the best we have worked with. His art is fantastic, but working with him is even better. He has always helped the business out with guidance, knowledge and improvements. The book Frankenstein has turned out to be our best to date, and this is due to Matthew's art and support in creating the best visually beautiful book.”
Stephen Hipkiss
Publisher at Hipkiss Publishing
Professional Affiliations
I am a professional member of the Australian Graphic Design Assoc (AGDA), and the Australian Society of Authors (ASA), upholding their professional standards and codes of conduct in all my projects.
Beyond the Studio
Outside the studio, I write and record music and play bass. To unwind and find fresh inspiration, you’ll usually find me on a road trip with my family, swimming, or out exploring somewhere new.
Currently available for freelance illustration, graphic design projects, and private art commissions.
Let's chat about your project.
Have a project ready to go?
If you have your requirements mapped out, you can use the Creative Brief form. This is the fastest way to get accurate estimates.
More from the Studio
Backstory & Student Resources:
My path to becoming a graphic artist began on the ground floor as a traditional signwriting apprentice. It hasn’t been a straight line, but a mix of heritage trade craft, fine art, and design. Discover how blending old-school brushwork with modern digital training shapes my studio today. Learn More
When Transparency International Australia (TIA) approached me to bring their 2024-2028 strategy to life, I knew it was an opportunity to create something truly meaningful.