Risograph, college and wobbly guitars; Ashley Ronning opens up about her life and work as an artist.
Ashley Ronning is an illustrator based in Brunswick, Melbourne. She studied graphic Design at Shillington College and is the creator of Helio Press, a risograph publishing project. She has worked in freelance design as well as prop making and set dressing. Her artwork is incredibly colorful and often gives off a nostalgic feeling (at least for me).
Can you tell me a little bit about Helio Press and how you started risograph printing?
Helio Press is a risograph printing studio and DIY publishing project. Our ultimate aim is to teach people about the amazing medium of risograph, and empower them to use riso to its best abilities! I first learnt about risograph when I saw a show called Risographica at Lamington Drive. Soon after that I got a zine cover done with riso, and straight away I was completely hooked.
How do you like to keep your work space, are you a very organized person?
I am organised in my own messy way, I know exactly where everything is, but to an outsider it would look like a pretty messy space. Its bright, colourful, messy chaos, like the inside of my brain.
How did university affect you as an artist?
I studied graphic design at a small design school called Shillington College, and totally loved it. They had a really hands-on, practical, industry approach to teaching, and I think that really impacted my work in a great way. I use tools I learnt there every day.
What is your favorite thing to illustrate?
Lately I love drawing wobbly guitars and pencils, but I also love drawings places, spacecraft, houses, food… lots of stuff!
What mediums have you worked with?
Right now I love risograph, coloured pencils and ink, but I also use watercolour, gouache and fine liners.
What projects do you have coming up?
I’m about to start an album cover for a friend’s band and illustrations for a book on how to not kill your houseplants!
Ashley’s work can be found on Ashleyronning.com or on her instagram @Ashleyronning
