Laura Richter
Q What do you do?
“I’m a brand designer and strategist who works with clients to find, capture and celebrate their uniqueness (which in turn connects with their people). Starting with in-depth strategy and a well-considered brand identity, I work on everything from packaging, social media templates, documents, product design and Shopify websites.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Starting in the fine arts space, I transitioned to design as it was the perfect place to combine my strategic mind with creative outcomes. After years of working in-house at agencies designing for clients of all kinds— I decided to start Obscurio & Co. I’ve been running my design studio for about several years and love partnering with clients to help scale their business.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
By giving my all to my clients and working to amplify their unique offering. The brands I create are defined by what makes them different and are totally independent of trends or my own aesthetic. I pride myself on creating work that is 100% custom tailored around the needs of my clients and their businesses.
Q What are you working on right now?
As we speak I’m mapping out a brand strategy for a digital product business, working on the brand identity for a psychologist and finalising a Shopify website for a brand who sells book-ish stationery and accessories- variety is the spice of life!
Behind the scenes I’m working to launch my own product-based business focusing on Australian animals and plants. It’s slow going but I’ll get there (...eventually).
Q What’s your style?
I pride myself on not having an aesthetic style! My strategy process helps me identify what’s most important to communicate about each client and we take it from there. My portfolio has every kind of style depicted- luxe elegance, joyful retro, dark and moody, ephemeral and soft, striking and colourful. Once we’ve established what the brand strategy is (and how the target audience will respond)- I design in the exact aesthetic needed to achieve our goals.
While there’s no singular design style present, I’d say a common thread in the brands I create is that they are bold, multi-layered and look like no other.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
With a past life as a printmaker, I wish I had more time to experiment with art in my day to day life. I recently purchased a RISO printing machine (think a mix between a photocopier and screenprinter) that I’m excited to play with.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The available hours in the day when you’re a team of one. I strive to always give my clients the best possible experience but that often means that working on the business (marketing and BTS) suffers.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Without a doubt, a personal chef. When I get in the design zone I often forget to have lunch so having my meals prepped and delivered would make me an exponentially less hangry person.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Leave that shitty job and take the leap!
I once heard that when starting your own business, it’s important to work out what the ‘worst possible scenario’ is if you were to fail. Usually it’s something around going back to your old job but guess what- that IS the worst possible scenario- you’re already in it!
I have no regrets, but it taught me a big lesson in prioritising my happiness over fear.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to better structure my days and not fall victim to spending every moment working. Know anyone like this… anyone?!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love working on rebrands where we can take all of the experience and data gathered and turn it into an implementable strategy. I work with all kinds of clients (Copywriters! Fashion designers! Skincare brands! Photographers! Bookstores! Coaches!) and the common denominator is that they’re passionate, detail-focussed, bold and want to be differentiated by their uniqueness.
// Services: Brand Strategy, Brand Identity Design, Packaging Design (product, POS, e-commerce), Print and Digital Graphic Design (social templates, document design, business cards, stickers) and Shopify Design and Development.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love collaborating with passionate people who want to stand out. There isn’t any one kind of business or industry I work with so connecting with those who want to show their unique soul is what lights me up. I adore working on rebrands or with clients who have been in their industry for awhile- we get to take their DIY creations and turn it into the professional and impactful vision they’ve always had.
Q: What is your rate?
I don’t do one-size-fits-all or package pricing, every quote is custom because every project has its own scope and goals. Sometimes it’s all about the brand identity but oftentimes it’s that plus packaging, social templates, documents and Shopify websites!
With that in mind, the general range for a full project with me is in the vicinity of AUD $8,000 - $25,000. But please be aware that your quote may be quite different from this!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Make an enquiry on my website.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Brand New for the nerdy design commentary, Amber Ladd over at Read Only Studio for the lushest every typography and Kathleen Illustrated for the ultimate cosy content.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Taking a break and eating lunch outside. Something about the fresh air and listening to bird calls truly calms the soul and opens up the brain for good ideas!
This member profile was originally published in February 2025.