To say that Ryan is passionate about design would be an understatement. Everything about him emanates design, starting with his well-groomed look: he never strays from his monochrome palette, except for an occasional pop of Pantone 123. His love of design started at a young age. When he was 11, he launched his own magazine featuring articles on fashion that he wrote on a typewriter. Today, Ryan considers himself lucky because he managed to turn his passion into a career. His ultimate goal in life? To continuously seek inspiration and never stop creating.
For the past 9 years, Ryan has lived with his partner Jim in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. The newly gentrified area is brimming with unusual antique gems, which he regularly uses as sources of inspiration.
On weekends he typically takes a neighbourhood stroll, hitting up his usual spots. For him, an outing like this is akin to visiting a museum. His heightened curiosity has him rummaging in the darkest corners of his favourite salvage shops, opening every drawer and taking it all in (much of it ending up in his insta feed.) He is particularly drawn to bright colours, old objects, and retro typography (with a preference for Futura and Helvetica.)
Ryan enjoys peace and quiet. You’ll never catch him in a karaoke bar. The only time he sings is when he’s alone in a car. Although, if you play some good disco, chances are he’ll shake a leg (or at least tap a toe.) When he wants to add to his vintage record collection, he combs the dollar bins of a local used record shop. He uses discretion when browsing though, as he is a self-described minimalist and hates clutter. Except when it comes to books. Because you can never have too many books.
All of this comes to an end when the sun comes out and he ditches the shops for a bike ride to Toronto Island where he and Jim spend lazy summer Sundays reading and swimming. Although he dresses in monochrome, his head is always filled with colours.
