Meet the Artist Behind Ridwell’s Logo & New Earth Day Design
If every picture tells a story, then Mitch Tennison’s art reveals this: A deep connection to the planet and commitment to preserving the natural environment that’s at the heart of Ridwell’s sustainability mission.
As the designer behind Ridwell's logo and new Earth Day “Save the Land, Fill the Bin” sticker, Mitch embodies the messages he sets out to communicate through his design work. In addition to choosing mission-driven clients, he works to engage communities and lives in a place that allows for a closer connection with nature.
“Neighborly, honest and hardworking” were three words that came to mind when thinking of the Ridwell logo design. Mitch recognized that the brand needed a design that felt like a familiar, friendly and credible member of the community—like the milkman or Carol from the Brady Bunch. With that, the retro orange Ridwell logo was born.
Courtesy: Haystack Studios
The inspiration behind Mitch's recent design of the Ridwell Earth Day sticker came from a focus on caring for the land. The design celebrates the beauty of the thriving ecosystem that Ridwell supports, with happy plants and beautiful clean water that are reminiscent of the rich biodiversity around him.
Mitch said being a part of the Ridwell community has been a humbling experience for himself and his family. He's constantly reminded of the impact of waste and the importance of caring for our environment. As Ridwell continues to grow and expand its partnerships, Mitch sees a bright future ahead for the brand and the community it serves. Here’s what he had to tell us about his inspiration and journey with Ridwell.
How did you get into designing, and what led you to work with Ridwell?
At an early age, I was creating or making things. I didn’t realize until later that what I was doing was problem solving, which is at the heart of design. When I met Ryan, I loved learning how the business was born out of curiosity, through he and his son and the impact it can have on the community and environment. At that point, I wanted to help him visualize the brand.
How did you come up with the idea of giving the Ridwell bin a personality, and what was the inspiration behind it?
The bin is what sits on everyone's porch and is what customers engage with most. Ultimately, the bin symbolizes member pride and care for the community — so it was a natural move to create a persona for the bin that embraces that spirit and helps bring to life the role of the brand, which is caring for community and the planet.
Can you talk more about the importance of caring for the environment, and how you incorporate that into your work as a designer?
There is so much to admire and learn from nature. The more you’re in it, the more you realize the responsibility that we have. Having a good amount of clients in the packaging industry, I make a point to provide sustainable solutions with my creations that are making it out into the world.
What are some of your future goals for your design work, and do you see Ridwell playing a role in that?
Lately, I’ve been helping brands reveal their expressive side, push boundaries, and experience something new. I am working towards more hands-on work like murals, custom art installations, and larger scale pieces where I can work with a mix of materials. That is what excites me right now and where I think brands can engage with the community on a much deeper level.
How has the Ridwell community impacted you personally, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
It’s been humbling to have more awareness of the impact and overall volume of waste that can leave each of our homes. I see a community continuing to grow and thrive all over the country where new partnerships bring more attention and energy to caring for our environment.
Do you have any advice for aspiring designers who want to use their work to make a positive impact on the environment?
Follow your curiosity, and make connections in the industry. Don’t just email people, go to where they are and meet in person. Volunteer and/or attend events, conferences, retreats etc. and follow what feels right to be a part of. The rest will work its way out.
Want Mitch’s sticker for yourself?
Give a free trial to a friend, and if they redeem it this month, we’ll donate $10 to a land conservation organization in their area and drop this sticker in your bin in May!
Not a Ridwell member?
Join this April and we’ll donate $10 to a non-profit dedicated to land conservation in your area.
Ridwell will donate $10 to a land conservation organization for each member who (a) joins using the link on this page or (b) joins via a member referral through 4/30/2023. Referred members who join with a free trial are eligible for this offer. Not a sticker person? No problem - we’ll ask before delivering your sticker.
