Designer Ruth is not only pleasing to the eye, she’s also very good with rulers and crayons. This was recognised by some bigwig design people who nominated her for designer of the year. I asked what her favourite spreads and shots were in Surf Europe, this is her reply, check it out.

Okay, Med01 and Med02 are spreads from one of my favourite layouts. The feature’s called The Middle Sea and it’s in the issue that’s on sale now (SE64).

I hated this at first, not because the photos were shit or anything, Laurel selected a load of blindin shots (all his own) for this. I basically thought I was going to make a right royal mess of it. It’s a good feature with good photos so I put a bit of pressure on meself to come up with some nice layouts and decent graphics.

I ended up designing it at the very last minute but was mega chuffed with the outcome, especially the little illustrated people running on a beach (you can just about make them out on the opener). I drew them years ago, I might have even been at college when I did them. Anyway, there they are, tarted up. When I sent it to Laurel so he could check it out I was bricking it, thinking he might turn round and say he didnt like it… what he actually did was go real quiet for a bit (bloody blimey, I was bricking it even more) and then said “I dig it baaaaby”. Phew. He’s a bloody piss taker that one.

Then there’s the SE63_Lineup photo, from the photo annual. I mean, look at it! It’s pretty cool, it kinda looks like a painting. But it’s not, it’s another Yves Saint Laurel… damn, i’ve bigged that guy up twice now, I might start charging.

and last, there’s Timo’s photo essay from Hawaii… also in SE64.

I love this feature. Having beautiful photos to work with makes designing remarkably easy. Just don’t tell my boss. Ta.

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