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Rick Griffith

Designer, Letterpress Printer—who also owns Bookstore

Rick Griffith is a British-West Indian graphic designer, master letterpress printmaker, and activist based in Denver, Colorado.12 Born in 1969, he immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s.1 Griffith co-owns and operates MATTER, a multifaceted business that functions as a design studio, typography laboratory, and bookstore.13 MATTER, which he runs with his partner Debra Johnson, was the first Black-owned bookstore in Colorado.1

Griffith's career spans various roles, including:

  1. Graphic designer and letterpress printmaker
  2. Educator and lecturer
  3. Writer and curator
  4. Activist focusing on dismantling white supremacy and racism1

Some of his notable achievements and contributions include:

  • Being PRINT Magazine's first Artist-in-Residence1
  • Founding the Black Astronaut Research Project (BLARP.org)1
  • Serving as Denver's City Commissioner for Public Art and Culture1
  • Twice chairing the national AIGA Design Conference1
  • Receiving numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Art Institute of Chicago1

Griffith's work is characterized by his approach to design, which emphasizes growth, evolution, and tailoring each project to its specific purpose.2 His design philosophy is deeply intertwined with community activism and using printing as a means of social change.2

Highlights

Dec 23 · printmag.com
Design Matters: Rick Griffith - PRINT Magazine
Design Matters: Rick Griffith - PRINT Magazine
Oct 11 · en.wikipedia.org
Rick Griffith - Wikipedia
Aug 19 · generalassemb.ly
Rick Griffith | General Assembly
Rick Griffith | General Assembly
Aug 16 · posterhouse.org
A Week with Rick Griffith - Poster House
A Week with Rick Griffith - Poster House
Rick Griffith on The Great Discontent (TGD)
Rick Griffith on The Great Discontent (TGD)
Aug 19 · mcadenver.org
Interview with Exhibiting Denver-based Visual Artist, Rick Griffith

Related Questions

What inspired Rick Griffith to start MATTER?
How does Rick Griffith incorporate activism into his design work?
What makes MATTER unique compared to other design studios?
Can you tell me more about the Black Astronaut Research Project (BLARP.org)?
How has Rick Griffith's background in the punk rock scene influenced his design career?
Rick Griffith
Rick Griffith, photo 1
Rick Griffith, photo 2
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Location

Greater Denver Area