Andy RitchiePartner and creative director

An award-winning creative director with global brand experience, Andy brings best practice creative strategy and delivery to all Blackwood projects. Whether launching new publications, art directing location shoots, creating branding campaigns or shaping communications strategy, clients trust his high level expertise and unfailing eye for quality design.

Expertise:

  • Developing and leading agency design studios
  • Providing holistic solutions that bring the benefits of quality design to print and digital
  • Proven results for clients including the EBRD, O2, Waitrose, Shell UK, the Home Office, Sainsbury’s and the Government of Dubai.

I love providing strategic direction to guide new clients on their design and communications journey. We work with fascinating clients with significant challenges yet we never see the barriers or boundaries. That way we help clients to achieve remarkable successes.

All time favourite piece of design? Saul Bass’s Vertigo movie poster. He came from an advertising agency background and his hand drawn work is a masterclass in graphic art.
Most proud of? Creating the successful and growing business that is Blackwood.
All time hero? Thomas Coram, who created the Foundling Hospital in Bloomsbury for abandoned children in the mid eighteenth century. He was a visionary who was ahead of his time. The charity still exists today.
Guilty secret? Eating my children’s Easter eggs.
Expert tip? Always have a wash up meeting after every project to look at what went well and how things can be improved for next time. Be brave about the discussion.

Andy is a big fan of film, comedy, Roald Dahl and chocolate – so the late, great Gene Wilder ticks all the boxes.

Add up the countries Andy has visited and it would match his age (that’s quite a few). His favourite location so far is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali.

As his surname suggests, Andy’s clan hails from north of Hadrian’s Wall. Although he’s tracked down his family tartan, he has yet to order his kilt.