407 - Matthew Suff

Matthew Suff is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from the United Kingdom.

Currently, the majority of his work is in branding or rebranding. While working with some larger clients, he is involved in the brand building and project rollout.

He was also behind the branding of one of the items highlighted below... so keep scrolling.

Twitter (X) → twitter.com/TheSuff
Behance → behance.net/thesuff

Inside Matthew's Workspace

Workspace Items

• MacBook Pro M1 Max 16”
• Human Centric Vertical Laptop Stand
• Twelve South Curve, matte black
• 2x Apple Studio Display
• Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe, on left display, using iPhone 15 Pro for video calls
• Twelve South Forté for Magsafe
• LaCie Rugged USB-C Portable HD
• 2018 iPad Pro 12.9”
• Apple Pencil Gen. 2
• Native Union W.F.A. iPad Folio, Kraft colour
• CoolLamp LED Desk lamp, battery powered but I keep it plugged in all the time
• AirPods Pro Gen. 2 Lightning
• Anker USB-C Hub
  

Stationery

• Pith Supply Pomelo, 260x210mm squared notebook
• Pith Supply Yuzu, 198x129mm blank notebook, featured in image 5, currently using it as a way to track how I am emotionally
• PaperMate Flair M Red
• Pentel Permanent Marker N50 Black
  

Other

• Hide+Spool Biscuit Leather Desk Mat, 800x400mm, brother-in-law makes wonderful leather goods (did the branding work)
• Elago Magnetic Cable Buttons
• Aitee Black Pencil Holder
• Pocket Deck Black Carry Tray
• Lego Land Rover Classic Defender 40650
• Lego Technic Land Rover Defender 42110, I like Defenders
• Lego Orchid 10311
• New Bee Headphone Stand
• Bang & Olufsen H9i, not pictured but life on the stand

What is the most useful item in your workspace?

It’s cliché, but having an actual workspace, one that is set up just for using. Technology helps, but sometimes being able to just sit, listen to music and play with shapes really helps get the design flowing.

How do you spark creativity?

Always thinking about design, it’s amazing how subconsciously a brief will be playing in my mind. Listen, look and take in as much as possible. Some random signage, or an outfit, or even a beautiful architectural detail can lead you down a great rabbit hole. Try my best to take a picture or draw/write a note for later.

What does your typical day look like?

Sit down at the desk, pop on headphones, check-in with team based work. I have separate desktops set up for each application I use across the two displays. I find this allows me to focus on one program or project at a time, but can easily switch between, and have no need to sift through layers of applications. Usually using Illustrator as my default for ideas or concepts that strike during the day. Project rollout entails Photoshop magic and InDesign grids. Usual Slack & Monday to keep a track of it all.