Austin Rossborough





Self-taught illustrator, art director, sartorial talent, musical meanderer, and friend of Sanpo Studios – Austin’s work as an illustrator has him collaborating with brands such as Hidden NY, Tarvas, Cafe Mountain, and Peace Cabin – He shares with us his influences, creative process, and some advice for young creatives.  


Before we get into the interview, we want to tell you about our latest collaboration with Austin. Offering a DINEX Mug was a small dream we wanted to make a reality —Austin felt the same.

After tracking down a printer willing to work on such a small project, we decided we wanted to celebrate the work of Katia Tart, whose poem will accompany many Sanpo Studios projects. Austin and I then discussed a couple of visual expressions, ultimately honing in on one. At that point, Austin got to work developing a solution.

The final piece beautifully connects with Katia's poem and plays with negative space, momentarily causing the viewer to linger within the blades of grass. Applied directly to the mugs using a pad printing technique, we hope the poem and Austin's illustration will encourage quiet contemplation and be a helpful companion for years to come – wherever you might find yourself walking.
Sanpo Studios: Austin, as always it’s great to hear from you and learn more about your work, passions, and interests  – we’ve been connected for the past couple of years through our work together, the logo you helped us develop, as well as our recent DINEX mug design collaboration – but for folks who aren’t yet familiar with you, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Austin Rossborough, I’m a self-taught illustrator & art director currently living and working in Portland, OR. I grew up outside of Cleveland, OH⏤drawing and creating was a constant part of my life. Now in my career I try to hold on to that sense of imagination, balanced with an effort to capture a peaceful and intentional presence in my work.

I work closely with a creative production company Ransom Ltd., & also as a freelance illustrator.

SS: The “peaceful and intentional presence” is truly felt in your work. I think this describes what drew us to your work years ago.

SS: Growing up, you mentioned drawing and creating were a part of your life – I’m curious, can you recall a specific moment from your childhood that sparked your interest in art and design? What was it about that moment that stayed with you?


As a child I grew up constantly going to the local library. We didn’t have much money or access to media so I was always digging through the shelves to find that rare and special comic book or story. In this way I fell in love with the works of Osamu Tezuka, Shuichi Shigeno, Hergé & Frank Miller. Their ability to tell stories, build worlds and communicate emotion through visual art inspired me to attempt to do the same in my own life.

“Father & Son”
“Onsen” for Peace Cabin

SS: You’ve mentioned a few of your inspirations as a child – These days, who are some of the artists or designers you admire most, and how have they shaped your approach to your work?

I am fortunate to have many creative friends, all of whom inspire me in unique ways. If I had to choose from the greats throughout history, I would pick designer Massimo Vignelli, musician Ryuichi Sakamoto & photographer André Kertész. All created work that instills a singular sense of peace while also acknowledging the unpredictable chaos of life.

SS: How has your formal (or informal) education in art and design influenced your creative process? Are there any mentors or courses that particularly transformed your perspective?


I have an Associates Degree in General Arts Studies from a small community college, where I was exposed to a variety of mediums through introductory classes. These classes, my childhood & own intuition have formed the basis for my self-taught foundation in illustration & art direction. Finding and refining my own process to producing work has helped me to have confidence in the aspects of my background that no one else has lived. We all have a unique story to learn from and share with others. There is only one you!


“Saffron Field” for Fresh Cut Flowers
Illustration for Tarvas, launch of Tarvas One

SS: Could you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece?

Every illustration begins with a visual idea that is usually almost fully formed. These mental images often come to me on walks or doing mundane chores. It can take me time to find the concept in my mind, but once I have it I tend to draw it straight-to-page in one take. After sitting with the sketch and making necessary adjustments, I use pen and ink to create a physical piece of work that I scan into the computer. The only aspect that is done digitally is applying color to the final design.

SS: How would you describe the philosophy behind your work? Do you aim to evoke certain emotions or provoke thought in your audience?


My goal with my work is always to try and find the truth of whatever project I am working on. Rather than force something to be a desired expression, I ask myself: how can I discern what the purest form of this idea is, and then communicate it visually? For whatever reason, my answers to these questions tend to have a peaceful & contemplative tone⏤something I have embraced and leaned into.

“Garden”

SS: Outside of the traditional art world, where do you draw inspiration from in your daily life?

I find most of my creative inspiration through observing my surroundings, whether in the natural world on hikes and walks or just during the daily routine of living in a busy city. I found that being present, slowing down and paying attention to the little moments can help make space for ideas both big and small. Lately the world of cooking and food has also been incredibly fascinating to me.

SS: Are there any projects you're currently working on or dream projects you hope to tackle in the future?

I am currently hoping to find more ways to create work independently of technology, whether through painting or sculpture. I admire artists who can bring their ideas into physical space and want to try and learn more about that process. Maybe an instillation or residency someday? Only time can tell.

SS: Any advice would you might give to someone just starting their journey in or transitioning to more professional work in the art and design world?

This video was the spark that really got me started in actively seeking a career as a creative. It still resonates with me to this day and has some of the best advice I’ve ever heard, communicated especially for visual thinkers.

Photo by Parker Fitzgerald
Yanaka Nalgene for Ransom Editions
Yanaka illustration for Ransome Editions

Finally, we'll leave you with a lovely gift from Austin. We hinted at this in the intro, Austin's Spotify playlists have become something we actively look out for. His ability to combine multiple artists' work into a thoughtful, melodic, musical collage is exceptional. Even when you're not sure it makes sense – it just does. We asked if Austin would be kind enough to put one together in honor of the launch of our mug, and the accompanying interview. He generously made it happen. Please enjoy.

Thank you Austin for taking the time to so openly share more about yourself and your work, and thank you for being such a wonderful creative partner in our collaborations.

Follow Austin on Instagram
Check out more of his work on his website
Explore the beautiful work of Ransom Ltd.

SanpoStudios® – Through interviews, brand spotlights, and our outdoor archive we spotlight the creativity of individuals and brands as they explore, reinterpret, and reimagine what it means to engage with the outdoors. 
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