Bespoke graphic design for small and medium sized businesses.

Oath + Stone is a bespoke graphic design studio based in Canberra, Australia

We love working with small and medium sized businesses, fun projects that invigorate the community, and people who are excited to create something seriously great.

We like to change minds, challenge perceptions, and put a spin on traditions.

Working with Oath + Stone isn’t a one time deal. We want to be friends. Like, forever.

We're energised when your eyes light up when you talk about your business, and our heart skips a beat when you say "you've nailed it". We become an extension of your team, and know your brand like it was our own - celebrating your highs and lows, and knuckling down when it counts. We’re your designers on your speed dial, and we know how to fill in the blanks.

When you work with us, it’ll feel:

WARM: We’re welcoming, friendly, and open.

AUTHENTIC: We speaking the truth from the heart even when it's hard.

HELPFUL: We will always make things better than before.

You can be assured that we’re:

RELIABLE: We're part of the same team, and can be counted on.

CAPABLE: We're experts at our craft, and remain open and humble to continual learning.

POLISHED: We’re proactive and intuitive. We relish in the beauty of making the finer details invisible.

So why should you choose us over the sixteen thousand other graphic designers in town? Because we don’t compromise on the values we’re founded on. Ever. And what we offer you in product and services means more because of it.

OUR #1 RULE: WE DON’T DESIGN AND DASH

Our thorough briefing process makes sure we understand the heart of your brand before we start designing. Not only do we want to keep you looking good, but we think about how your design will work in the real world. It’s also not the last you’ll see of us; we follow up to make sure you’re kicking the goals we aimed for. The end result – a finished product that we’re all proud of, that works.

A CLOSE #2: WE CREATE WITH BOTH HEAD, AND HEART

We like to think like the Russians who took a pencil to space, rather than a pen that writes upside-down. We design with intelligence, purpose, common sense and humour, but also think about how emotion and personal experiences contribute to how the message is received at the other end.

We also don’t like to contribute to more of what’s already out there, so we think about the unique spin we can put on your project to help your message cut through. We do this through great quality visuals, clever copy and thoughtful consideration for your audience.

A SOLID #3: WE’RE ON YOUR SIDE

If you win, we win. Whether it’s making a killer first impression when you hand over your business card, or reporting the success of the year to your members, we want to see your best foot forward.

We value open and honest communication, and mutual appreciation of each other’s skills, and love seeing the direct result of a solid working relationship on your…our goals.

We've taken our name from the Scottish wedding tradition of the Oathing Stone, considered to be the most solemn of vows.

Before rings were the convention, Celtic couples would hold a stone while they said their vows and cast the promise into it, hence the saying "set in stone". It was then sent on its own journey, usually tossed into a river or lake.

We take inspiration from our Scottish roots, and try to do and think differently. The name stands for our unwavering connection to our values.

TRISH JOHNSTONE: Creative Director + Graphic Designer

Since graduating from the University of Canberra in 2007 (B. Graphic Design), Trish has worked across a number of industries in both full service and in-house design team environments. She started Oath + Stone in 2017.

Artistic and analytical at heart, she gets to know her clients and their businesses in a way that allows her to make informed decisions that directly contribute to their success.

Trish contributes to the Canberra design industry though mentoring and lecturing at the University of Canberra. She can’t wait for her 10 month old son, Angus, to be old enough to apprentice in the business, or at the very least coordinate the “cake in the kitchen” emails.

CARLY HARTAS: Executive Assistant

Carly has the ability to turn an overwhelming situation into a calm ripple and keeps the machine ticking along with seemingly little effort.

Carly supports Trish as her Executive Assistant, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the studio. She is a highly qualified Executive Assistant and Executive Officer who has held roles in the Australian and British governments, as well as the private sector.

Originally from Canberra, Carly is now based out of Yass, managing the studio workflow remotely. When she’s not holding down the fort, you'll find Carly enjoying some downtime with her young son, Max, adventuring in the great outdoors, or putting her feet up with a crisp glass of a local drop.

ELLE BEAVIS: Graphic Designer

Elle is our talented designer who has an eagle eye for detail, and a love for exploring the perfect solution for our clients.

With a double degree of Bachelor Arts (Graphic Design) / Bachelor Business Studies from CSU Wagga, she’s worked in large print and design businesses, including an in-house fundraising team, and has supported several regional businesses through her freelancing.

When Elle is not clicking away at her computer, you’ll find her grooving along to the Wiggles, drinking cold coffee that once upon a time was steaming hot and making a million snacks for her two little people.