“You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your own legend, or not.”
- Isabel Allende
About me
Thanks for dropping in! I’m Adriana Santelices, the head graphic designer and artist here at Studio Ratusa. I’m passionate about helping you tell your visual story in a unique, authentic and memorable way that you love and your customers find irresistible.
I honour each of my clients by delivering unique and artistic visual stories that capture the essence of what they do and who they are.
Every piece of graphic design and custom-designed artwork I create for my clients is shaped by my graphic design studies, my formal art training, my South American heritage and my desire to always exceed expectations. I endeavour to bring creativity and originality to everything I do. Sometimes, a hint of magical realism inspired by my homeland also sneaks in!
I studied graphic design for six years at the Universidad Finis Terrae (the ‘University at the End of the Earth’) in Santiago, Chile and several art courses around the world. This has given me an in-depth grounding in art-making and design, including a deep appreciation of colour, texture, form and space. You will see this expressed in my original prints and patterns, which I can also help you translate beautifully into your business setting.
Life, like any creative endeavour, takes us in many unexpected directions.
In 2014, I left my homeland to complete a 3-month screen-printing course in Melbourne, Australia. I intended to do some sight-seeing and then head home. Instead, I stayed and have been living here ever since! That’s what the love for Melbourne does to you.
What is a ratusa?
Ever since I can remember, my dad always called me Ratusa. There’s no direct translation into English, however it was his affectionate way of calling me a mischievous 'little rat’ who does what ever it takes to achieve her goals, whether it was learning how to paint, starting a new business, or moving to the other side of the world and becoming an Australian citizen.
I lost my beloved dad in 2018 and named Studio Ratusa to honour his memory. He was always the biggest supporter of my creative journey.
Actual footage of me found online.
About You
You, like me, are driven more by your passion for making a meaningful contribution to this world, than by the pursuit of money. You are conscientious, creative and ethical. You are committed to living your life with purpose.
You may be running a small business, such as a café or restaurant, a beauty salon, an interior design studio, or a fashion boutique. Or perhaps you are a professional working as a freelancer or sole trader. Then again, you could be an artist – a painter, sculptor, photographer or writer (or a combination of these). As an artist myself, I know how important it is to work with someone who can speak the same conceptual language and, most importantly, ‘gets’ you.
So, if you’re a dreamer, a doer or a maker – or all three combined – you have come to the right place. My passion is to help you visualise your dreams and achieve your purpose.
Values and ethics
The core values of authenticity, fairness, creativity, originality and mutual respect* guide my business decisions and how I treat my clients.
I choose to work with people and organisations who treat their employees, suppliers, customers, communities and the environment fairly and respectfully.
