Bio & Rationale
Josh Rufford is a Brisbane-based Australian illustrator and animator whose work combines drawing, painting and hand-drawn animation. Using pens, ink, acrylic, watercolour and found materials, his practice centres on playful illustration and energetic line work that draws from everyday life and skate culture.
By day Rufford works as a printer, while outside the print room he produces freelance illustration and animation projects that reflect a relaxed, DIY creative approach. His compositions often feature loose textures, bold colour and layered imagery, balancing humour with a handmade aesthetic that feels spontaneous and expressive.
Rufford is also one half of Ruffbat Creative, a collaborative arts and craft project he runs with his wife Rhiannon. Together they create prints, illustrations and creative projects that celebrate colour, experimentation and making things by hand.
Heel Flips, Four Packs & Foliage is a digital hand-drawn animation featured on the can of Aether Brewing’s Mango Sour as part of the brewery’s Artist Initiative. The artwork brings together skateboarding imagery, foliage and playful movement, reflecting Rufford’s illustration style and light-hearted visual storytelling.
Outside the studio Rufford enjoys skateboarding, coffee, hot chips and beer – influences that occasionally find their way back into the work itself.
See more Aether collaborations in the Beer Gallery or meet more artists in Featured Artists.
Drink Art. Taste Passion. Support Local.
