The Graphic Design & Illustration Studio of Matt Broughton
Blending analogue artwork with 25+ years of digital craft, giving your visuals a distinct, tactile edge—ready for flawless production.
Melbourne studio, working with clients everywhere.
Collaborate closely with clients to turn complex briefs into custom artwork and design.
A complete creative service for brands, publishers, and not-for-profits across Australia and worldwide.
My independent Melbourne illustration and freelance graphic design studio was established in 2009, built on a foundation of 12 years working in-house across ad agencies, marketing departments, and apparel brands. Today, I operate as a dedicated independent graphic designer, graphic artist, and external creative partner. I don’t just create artwork; I partner closely with clients to solve complex visual briefs, transforming big ideas into strategic brand assets, original bespoke illustrations, custom surface pattern designs, books, packaging design, information design, and production-ready files.
From the workshop floor to the graphic art and design studio
My career didn’t start with the click of a mouse. I began my career in the era of analogue graphic arts and evolved seamlessly into digital production. This journey started in the days of manual graphic reproduction, learning the discipline of commercial art from the ground up through traditional graphic reproduction and signwriting.
I built my early foundation right on the workshop floor, working first-hand across sign and print shops. After returning to art college to formalise my studies in graphic art and design, that tactile reverence for ink, composition, and physical craftsmanship never left me. Having navigated this massive industry shift—from analogue to digital and now AI—today I merge digital tools with my background in traditional graphic arts.
Diverse media from print to digital, shaped by a foundation in design craft
Artisan roots meet digital graphic artwork and designs
This unique intersection of handmade graphic art and digital tools allows me to bring a distinct, highly crafted creative voice to everything from textile design to corporate data visualisation. I blend traditional techniques with modern design software to create human-centred designs that retain a distinct, tactile quality on the screen, the page, packaging, and textiles.
At a glance
25+ years of experience across commercial illustration, custom graphic design, signage, packaging, and brand identity systems.
12 years in-house foundation in commercial printing, marketing, and graphic design before establishing an independent freelance studio.
Global reach operating as a remote creative partner for local and international clients.
No-fuss approach focused on strategic visual storytelling, information design, apparel graphics, and production-ready artwork.
Why Work With Me?
Entrusting your creative vision, product rollout, or business dream to an external professional can feel daunting. When deadlines are firm and marketing budgets are on the line, you don't just need a hired hand—you need an experienced, reliable partner who respects the technical details as much as the artistic craft.
Choosing to work with my Melbourne studio means you get senior-level expertise without the agency overheads. Backed by three decades of industry experience—including 12 years working in-house across advertising agencies, marketing departments, and apparel labels—I function as a flexible, dedicated, off-site graphic design and art department for brands, publishers, and independent organisations worldwide.
Today, whether I am hand-carving a custom linocut, illustrating an editorial layout, or building a complex brand identity system, I ensure the final files are original, seamlessly structured, highly functional, and completely production-ready—saving your budget and preventing costly technical errors.
How I Work: My 3-Step Process
I believe great work comes from close collaboration. We will partner together every step of the way, from the first concepts through to proofing and the final production-ready artwork.
1. Briefing & Concepts
We discuss the project brief. I then sketch layouts and the narrative thread.
2. Digital Refinement & Creation
I refine the approved concepts, building them using Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign.
3. Technical Setup & Delivery
Sign-offs, artwork is finalised, and high-resolution files are delivered for print or digital.
Bespoke creativity. Purposeful design.
From the initial sketch to final production files, I build original visual identities and custom artwork that give your project a distinct point of difference.
Selected Clients & Collaborators
Transparency International Australia • Knox City Council • Trajan Scientific • Brenniston First Aid • Kmart • French Connection UK • Unison • Penguin Random House NY • Hipkiss Publishing House • Deakin University • The Australian Centre for Social Innovation • Coco & Pud • Pullman Melbourne • Fitted for Work • Centre for Multicultural Youth • Biodiversity Legacy • OfficeWorks • Priceline • Subtle Tea Vodka
What People Are Saying
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“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.
The Illustrator & Graphic Designer Survival Guide
My experience spans from hand-crafted signwriting and gold leaf lettering to digital illustration. Dive in for a look at my professional background, industry insights, and resources for students.
Read More→
Need a copy of my folio to have on file?
Download my selected works and contact details PDF portfolio below.