July 12, 2012

designer tony jarratt






For the better part of 20 years Tony Jarratt has been working as a graphic designer. For most of that time he was a partner in an agency in the UK. Currently, he's excited about combining his interests in design as well as papergoods and books. Mac and Ninny Paper Co sells a range of bookplates, book gift kits and preserve gift kits. There are 64 bookplates to choose from which cover interests from cooking to travel and kids. The range was launched at Top Drawer in London earlier this year, and already has stockists across the UK as well as in the US and Japan.

Which five words best describe you? Creative, shy, stubborn, driven, meticulous.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I studied visual communication at art college in the UK. After a few years working in design agencies, I spent 16 years in a graphic design partnership. Having recently returned to the UK, I've started working on a new project which incorporates my love of paper, illustration and design with a bit of practicality thrown in, creating product for Mac and Ninny Paper Co.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To be true to yourself and your gut feeling.

What’s your proudest career achievement? Being able to doing something I love, everyday.

What’s been your best decision? Moving half way around the world to Australia.

Who inspires you? The illustrator and designer Edward Bawden. Many years ago I stumbled across two of his railway posters from the 1930s in an old book shop. They have hung on my walls in various homes for many years. His work and particularly those posters, have and continue to inspire me.

What are you passionate about? My work and coffee.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? That's a tricky one. I guess I would have to say Edward Bawden.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? To travel more.

What are you reading? As many blogs as I have time for.


images courtesy of mac and ninny paper co