We’re Read Only—an independent design practice nestled along the coast of Melbourne, Australia. Collaboration with curious, ahead-of-the-curve, and downright kind people is what we’re keen on. We exist to cut through the familiar with wholly authentic identities that communicate uniquely, connect profoundly, and challenge norms continually—now and later. No future overwrites necessary.

Led by creative director Amber Ladd, our ever-expanding studio and network of creative partners bands together with the right blend of specialties to help founders envision and build their identities well from day dot. What emerges are both online and offline experiences that get our clients to where they want to go, with a few newfound friends along the way. We're a team of big thinkers, small talkers, and born creators—all with a knack for creating outside the lines.

We’ve led projects from concept-to-completion for well over a decade, and it’s given us a few aha-moments of how we like to do business. While slightly unconventional, we believe a strong sense of humour paired with a few good fonts is really all you need for a project to take flight.

Our Studio

Our work places a strong emphasis on typography, taking notes from traditional editorial design, though we try not to subscribe too strictly to any particular style or process. Instead we prioritise natural and easygoing experiences with each client for their own unique needs and goals.

We’re soft-spoken in nature, but our work speaks for itself. Our practice can cover needs across the board; from day-one groundwork to reach-for-the-stars ideas. At any stage, we work with kindness, a bit of fun, and a gentle-nudge kind of guidance to help you challenge norms, push boundaries, and give your brand the leg-room to make growth and expansion possible.

Our Approach

  • We place authenticity above all else and work to form a deep understanding of our clients and their vision to achieve it. We encourage them to be true to who they are and withstand the downward pull of passing trends with an innovator’s mindset. 

  • What kind of adventure is design (and life) if you aren’t constantly seeking new ways of creating and doing things. It’s in our DNA to always be exploring, questioning, challenging, learning and sharing. It’s what keeps our work interesting.

  • It’s not just good business, it’s a good way of being. We collaborate with people who value our creativity, time and effort—just as we do theirs. Fostering a feel-good culture with our clients and greater creative community allows us to work in a sustainable and productive way. 

Our Values

Features

Strategy
Naming
Verbal Identity
Brand Identity
Art Direction
Copywriting
Sonic Branding

What We Do

Packaging
Editorial
Stationery
Digital Design
E-Commerce
Web Design
Web Development

Contact

Imprint

Images:
Sansberry