Ruth Rowland
Lettering Artist & Illustrator
• Who: Hello! My name is Ruth Rowland, I work as a professional lettering artist, calligrapher, mapmaker and illustrator.
• Where: Based in London, I work globally for a wide range of clients from the music, advertising and publishing industries.
• What: I create unique, handcrafted lettering, calligraphy, handwriting and illustration for books, magazines, albums and advertising campaigns.
• Who with: Over the years, I have built up a varied portfolio of high profile jobs, read more about some of these projects by clicking through the folders in the menu above.
Clients include: Coca Cola, BBC, Starbucks, Quercus Publishing, Virgin Records, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, Harper Collins, Pilot Pens, Marks & Spencer, Heathrow, Hotel Chocolat, Penguin Random House, Southern Poverty Law Center, BAA and Neiman Marcus amongst many others.
• Why: My work is informed by a lifelong passion for my subject. With a Bachelor's Degree in illustration, an interest in letterforms led me to study a Master's Degree in hand drawn lettering, calligraphy and experimental typography at Central St Martins School of Art, London.
• What else: I am an experienced visiting lecturer at the University of the Arts London and have taught a series of workshops at the British Library. I have an interest in the decorative process of gilding and enjoy designing creative workshops inspired by the collections of leading museums and galleries. You can read more about my personal projects, events and workshops in my Journal folder.
• What now: Choose the best way to get in touch with me, either via my agent for new hand lettering or illustration commissions:
Email: hello(at)illustrationzone(dot)com
Phone: USA Tel: +1 347 927 9964 Europe + What's App: Tel: +31613949221
Or via the form below, if you've commissioned me before or would like to discuss workshops, demonstrations or exhibitions:
Thank you! I'll get back to you as soon as possible, Ruth.
• Testimonials
Rafi Romaya @ Canongate Books:
I have been lucky enough to use Ruth’s beautiful bespoke hand-lettering on numerous book covers over the years which always adds an energy and freshness perfect for each title. A joy to work with. Thanks Ruth.
Amy Houston @ Deutsch:
You were wonderful to work with, fast and flexible in our short schedule.
Valerie Downes @ Southern Poverty Law Centre:
We have relied on Ruth Rowland's beautiful hand lettering to carry a design concept through to the finish time and time again. She always delivers dynamic, solid illustration. Thank you Ruth!
Stephen Christensen @ Scholastic:
I came to Ruth with a rough idea for a poster that was in need of intriguing hand lettering and eye-catching illustrations. Ruth delivered in spades, sharing several well thought out ideas and options in the sketch phase. This made for a beautiful finished product that delighted our clients. Thanks Ruth!
Luke Wotton @ Sketch Agency:
We were looking for something that expressed the business ethos of Sketch on an emotional level. Ruth’s work communicates the passion and commitment that we all have to creativity here.
Jan Hirst @ Elmwood:
We've worked with Ruth on a packaging project recently and her lettering was fantastic – it really helped bring the concept to life. Ruth is a pleasure deal with – she's flexible and conscientious. I'd have no hesitation in recommending her for beautiful hand lettering work.
• Lectures and Events
2023 All That Glitters: Decorative Capital Letters Masterclass at The British Library, aligned with their exhibition, Fantasy: Realms of Imagination.
2023 Exhibiting and demonstrating gilding at the SLLA Annual Exhibition at the 101 Gallery, London.
2022 Demonstrating calligraphy at the Silent Calligraphy Event, St George's Church, Bloomsbury, London.
2022 Exhibiting and demonstrating calligraphy at the SLLA Annual Exhibition at the 101 Gallery, London.
2019 Expressive Writing and Calligraphy Course, Experimenting with letter-forms and mark-making, British Library.
2018 Demonstrating calligraphy and handwriting on the British Library, Picturing Magic illustration course, aligned with the Harry Potter, A History of Magic exhibition.
2017 Working Commercially as a Lettering Artist, SSI, Imperial College, London
2016 Ruth Rowland: A Lettering Life, SLLA Lecture, St Bride Print Library
2015 Exhibiting and demonstrating lettering at Art in Action.
2013 TypeTasting Workshop, London Design Festival, V&A Museum, London.
2013 Demonstrating calligraphy at Making Faces Film, St Bride Print Library.
2013 Demonstrating calligraphy and exhibiting at ScrapbookLive, Griffin Gallery, London.
2012 The Craft of the Letter Lectures, St Bride Print Library.
2011 Ruth Rowland Lettering Artist, Letter Exchange Lecture,The Art Workers’ Guild, London.
2013 TypeTasting Workshop, London Design Festival, V&A Museum, London.
2013 Demonstrating calligraphy at Making Faces Film, St Bride Print Library.
2013 Demonstrating calligraphy and exhibiting at ScrapbookLive, Griffin Gallery, London.
2012 The Craft of the Letter Lectures, St Bride Print Library.
2011 Ruth Rowland Lettering Artist, Letter Exchange Lecture,The Art Workers’ Guild, London.
• Awards
Images 35 - The Best of British Illustration Exhibition and Annual 2011
1st Place Altpick Awards -Design Category - Aruba Ad Campaign Lettering 2009
CreativeMatch Flair Typography Award - Winner 2008
D&AD Award - Jonathan Crisp Packaging Lettering 2005
D&AD Award - New Millennium Experience, How Shall I Live? Illustration 2000
1st Place Altpick Awards -Design Category - Aruba Ad Campaign Lettering 2009
CreativeMatch Flair Typography Award - Winner 2008
D&AD Award - Jonathan Crisp Packaging Lettering 2005
D&AD Award - New Millennium Experience, How Shall I Live? Illustration 2000
• Thank you for taking the time to read through to the bottom of this page - if you need any more information feel free to get in touch via social media or drop me a line in the form above.