Louise Ruttley, professionally known as Lulu, is a visual communicator and solution-based thinker with a rich history of creative achievements.
Her early affinity for design was evident in her childhood pursuits; immersing herself in technology, cultivating a graphic love with stamp collections, letra sets, exploring the art of photography and a penchant for black attire. High school saw her diving deep into computers, photography, and digital art, earning accolades at the Gallery of New South Wales Youth Awards. Additionally, her photography skills allowed her to earn pocket money through wedding and portrait photography. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her eventual success in the design realm.
Lulu’s career trajectory took flight in 2002 when she commenced freelancing for a fashion designer in Newtown, Sydney. This early foray thrust her into multifaceted roles, from designer to director and photographer, showcasing her versatility and innate talent.
Subsequently, Lulu embarked on a significant tenure with Canvas Group Sydney, where she honed her skills alongside esteemed design professionals, earning recognition and respect within the industry. It was during this period that she was officialy re-branded as ‘Lulu,’ a moniker signifying her right of passage into the design community.
Venturing into new horizons, Lulu contributed her expertise to renowned organizations like SBS Australia, where she collaborated with like-minded creatives to produce impactful visual narratives. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-create several design studios, including Kolektiv, Flood Studio and The Company We Keep. This journey culminated in the birth of The Graphic Embassy, showcasing Lulu’s adaptability and visionary leadership.
Simultaneously, Lulu’s passion for academia led her to billyblue College of Design, where she imparted her expertise as a lecturer before assuming the role of Design Director at Laureate International Universities, shaping the next generation of design thinkers while spearheading innovative projects.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lulu’s commitment to community engagement and curation thrived, fostering collaborations with He Made She Made Gallery and curating thought-provoking exhibitions such as Pubic Art, Digital Downtime and a Love Brief.
Life’s serendipitous turns led Lulu to Bali, where her love for design seamlessly merged with jewelry-making, influencing her work with clients like Lost Paradise Festival. Embracing her inner journey, she co-founded SOON, a jewelry brand with a soulful narrative alongside her partner in design crime, Louise Odelberg, underlining her commitment to intention-based design.
In 2017, Lulu’s dedication to purposeful living manifested in “Born By Subtraction,” a testament to her ethos of simplifying and focusing on essentials. Today, as SOON transitions into a legacy brand, Born stands as a beacon of enduring design principles, supporting Lulu’s lifelong clients and embodying her philosophy of design for life.
Alongside her trusted co-creator Louise Odelberg, Lulu’s transcontinental partnership exemplifies resilience and innovation, navigating projects across continents with seamless synergy and expertise. Lulu’s design philosophy centers on problem-solving, creating things of lasting value, and finding inspiration in nature’s ever-present possibilities.
Projects credited in
Skills
- Graphic Design
- Print Design
- Digital Design
- Experiential Design
- Product Development
- Brand Design