In their own words
The problem with dreams is they become your commute. The gold rubs off (and not just because I’d print-specced the wrong Foilco again, sorry John).
I had mistaken the nearest door for the only door.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: give yourself the grace, time, and kindness to figure out who you are outside the institutions.
Given how confessional my work has become in recent years, it felt like the most intimate and authentic route.
This process made me acutely aware of how much we perform even in something as ordinary as handwriting.
I’m unsure if there’s a proper typographic industry term for this, but I call it ‘auto-yearn’.
Articles & interviews6
- Principal broadens Ligne’s design magazine appeal with accessible new identity
Former Pentagram graphic designer Harriet Richardson recounts unexpectedly meeting her former boss while travelling to perform a work-in-progress for her Edinburgh Fringe debut. Reflecting on exhaustion, disillusionment and class expectations around creative work, she explains how design skills continue to support her new career as a performance artist. The piece also draws a parallel with artist Anthony Burrill's move away from creatively unfulfilling commercial commissions.
- Doubt is normal, detours are expected: Unlearned shares the personal career reflections of top creatives
Readymag’s new digital editorial project, Unlearned, gathers 13 essays from leading creatives reflecting on what they had to unlearn after design school. Featuring voices like Liza Enebeis, Harriet Richardson, and Freddie Öst, the publication explores the uncertainties and growth that shape creative careers. The project aims to support young designers navigating post-graduation life through candid storytelling and shared experience.
- "Harriet Richardson, F37 Create Typeface from Diary Confessions"