Ryon Edwards
Oh, to see the world through Ryon’s eyes. All things discarded—particularly if abandoned along the side of a weedy road—are merely awaiting rebirth as something much more, well, interesting. Think Old TV Antenna becomes Modern Christmas Tree (decorated with various and sundry remote controls, painted white. Swear.) It’s this eye for potential that makes Ryon an insightful brand strategist. He also happens to be one of most highly decorated designer/art directors in the Southeast.
Ryon joined RIGGS in 1996 and since that time has developed identity and branding systems, advertising campaigns, publication designs, and original illustration work for clients around the country. His work has been recognized by many respected design organizations, including the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), PRINT magazine, HOW magazine, LogoLounge, and the American Advertising Federation on local, regional and national levels.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Ryon has studied at the School of Visual Arts with Milton Glaser. He has served on the boards of the Columbia Communicating Art Society and AIGA SC; Identity Chair of EdVenture Children’s Museum; and has donated time and talent to many South Carolina nonprofits including the March of Dimes, Harvest Hope Food Bank and PlugIn Carolina.
Well-known for his vast knowledge about typography, Ryon is a frequent lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
Ryon, and his wife Page, are the proud parents of daughter Madi (11) and son Will (8).
- great work requires collaboration, respect, incubation, passion, originality and some risk
- doing research and proper study pays off in the long run
- happiness is a mindset
- respect is not a one way street
- old, weathered, vintage or antique items are more interesting to me than new stuff
- it is critical to feed your brain with inspirational stuff. All the time. Everyday.
- karma is very real
- we, as a society, need to rethink the way we make things, consume things and dispose of things. With that being said, I don’t have enough room in my house/garage for all of the cool stuff I have collected over the years.
- one should never get too locked into one idea — keep yourself open to new possibilities.
- it’s important to share ideas freely, and don’t try to hoard them. If someone else executes your idea, great! You can now move on.
- change can be difficult, but it is inevitable. Learn to embrace.
- I should listen to my wife more — she is a solid voice of reason
- being resourceful is an important trait to have as a designer
- everyone has the ability to be creative. Many people just don’t think they are.
- there is irony in parenthood, but if you teach your children to do the right thing (and they do it), then you’ve done a good job.
- constraints are fine — let’s just talk about that up front, OK?
- I am not really that mechanically-inclined, although I will attempt to fix anything
- composting makes so much sense
- the devil is in the details
