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. Shop the mug →

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TR33 by Austin Rossborough for Sanpo Studios

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 Austin's work

Explore the work of Ransom Ltd.

All images courtesy of Austin Rossborough.