Fusion of analogue craft and digital know-how.
A Melbourne-based Design & Illustration Studio with 25+ years of experience. Working with clients across Australia and worldwide.
From Paint to Pixels
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer with over 25 years of experience working with brands, agencies, publishers and not-for-profits.
My career didn’t start with the click of a mouse; it started with a traditional hand-painted signwriting apprenticeship. After studying design at art college, I spent 10 years working in-house across marketing and apparel before launching my independent studio in 2009.
Today, I operate as a dedicated, off-site art department for my clients—combining artisan craftsmanship with digital know-how to deliver distinctive, production-ready artwork.
At a glance
25+ years experience across commercial illustration, design, and brand identity systems.
10 years in-house foundation before establishing an independent studio practice.
Global reach delivering high-end assets to clients across Australia and worldwide.
Premium freelance service operating seamlessly as your flexible, off-site art department.
No-fuss approach focused on functional craft and production-ready execution.
I’m a big believer in creative collaboration.
Think of my studio as your dedicated Off-site Art Department.
Commercial Illustration
Custom imagery for reports, branding, packaging & infographics.
Textiles and bespoke commercial artwork.
Creative Graphic Design
Strategic brand systems & bespoke packaging.
Information design & production-ready artwork.
Studio Shop
Original linocut prints & drawing commissions.
Limited-edition fine art prints.
Bespoke creativity. Purposeful design.
Strategic visual storytelling and custom artwork that solves real-world challenges.
What People Are Saying
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“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 Association (AGDA) and Illustrators Australia, upholding their professional standards and codes of conduct in all my projects.
Backstory & Student Resources
My experience spans from indie bands to hand-painted signs. Dive in for a look at my professional background, industry insights, and resources for students. Read More→