Interview with illustrator Annie Rudduck

What happens when a self-confessed foodie becomes a designer? A string of delicious designs for upcoming local restaurants. That’s what! This is exactly how Adelaide designer and illustrator, Annie Rudduck, has combined her two loves of drawing and cooking.

Annie started her creative journey studying a graduate course in 3D animation at AFTRS. She was then accepted into a 3 month industry placement funded by the South Australian Film Corporation working for Vishus Productions, a 3d animation studio specialising in children’s content. During her time there, Annie’s main role was the concept artist and texture artist for seasons 1 and 2 of Horace in Slow Motion (an ABC3 funded interstitial series). The show perfectly suited her retro Australian style and Annie recalls having a blast on the project.

After a year of working in animation, Annie’s now freelancing full-time with a mix of design and illustration projects.
Most recently, her work has branded the new Mexican restaurant, Lucky Lupitas, that’s taking the Adelaide food scene by storm; and other popular restaurants including Mesa Lunga, Charminar and Sangria Bar.

Although she has no formal graphic design training, Annie credits her design, composition, layout and storytelling skills to much of what she learnt in her animation study. Her client base includes a mix of food, surf and fashion industries, combining many of her personal loves with her profession.

Watch some of the hilarious Horace short animations here, and check out Annie’s blog for more of her designs.

Lucky Lupitas – Mexican Restaurant illustration and design by Annie.

How have you got to where you are today?

My parents have both run their own business’s most of my life – my dad as an architect and my mum as a garden designer – so from a very early age I have seen the joys (and hardships) of working independently in the creative industries.

I was originally set on working as an animator but I soon realised once I began working that my skills are in the early stages of production, conceptualising and generating ideas.

I have now moved to working more as a graphic designer, although I still have a very strong grounding in illustration. I love it and I really enjoy all aspects to design including marketing and branding.

I also work with my dad frequently on projects, which is great as I can learn a lot of the ‘old school’ ways of doing things that are sometimes refreshing to clients these days.

Whilst studying and setting up a business I worked as a lifeguard, which I value greatly. The time outdoors and around people enabled me to unwind and recharge my creative energy.

In a few words, describe yourself…

I am a relaxed, patient and considered, supreme master cake baker, who also happens to be an average surfer.

What are you spending your time on at the moment?

Developing a marketing campaign for two clients in the surf/skate/fashion industry, which includes everything from branding to board designs. New restaurants, in particular one exciting ‘pop up’ retro Italian inspired restaurant. And, a new personal website.

Horace in Slow Motion. Annie’s work on this animated series included concept illustration and texturing while at Vishus Productions.

Annie’s surfboard designs made it to the Top 20 in the Red Bull Design Sally’s Board Competition.

Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?

I have a family tradition – we scribble on bank envelopes until they make no sense and are almost undecipherable. Then at a later date, with much difficulty, we decode them and redraw it on the back of a shopping list.

What or who inspires you?

Everyone and everything, my tastes are incredibly broad and eclectic! The people directly around me that I can speak to and learn from. Reg Mombassa, Parra, Kozyndan, Ken Taylor and Timba Smits. As a kid growing up I was crazy (and still am) about Escher… I use to copy his pictures on birthday cards for friends.

What are you most proud of?

Anytime I hear from mum that dad told someone at the pub that I “made something good”.

Horace in Slow Motion and Lucky Lupitas have been a huge highlight as I was involved from start to finish and allowed a great deal of creative freedom.

I just finished a wedding gift for my sister, a miniature novel invitation that was a heap of fun. Also seeing a menu illustration for Mesa Lunga be transformed into a giant billboard on one of the most vibrant intersections in Adelaide was pretty cool!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At age six, I dressed as a chef for a career dress up day at school and showed the class how to make guacamole. I guess working for the restaurants now is sort of fulfilling this dream?

See more of Annie Rudduck‘s artwork and read more artist interviews.