Bianca Riggio and Ryan Hanrahan of Page Thirty Three in their studio.

Page Thirty Three’s studio space on the left with Money Duffel Bag next to the red door. On the right are their brilliant Wooden Milk Crates.


Ryan Hanrahan and Bianca Riggio from Page Thirty Three are ‘that’ couple. You know the kind – young, talented, interesting, stylish, clever, spirited, driven… did I mention madly in love and amazing looking? Yes, well – that sort of stuff definitely shouldn’t be allowed and I’m almost tempted to roll my eyes at them in envy, but I won’t. I happen to really like what they are doing so I am going to tell you about that instead.

Page Thirty Three was formed in 2010 as a true reflection of Ryan’s and Bianca’s minds. Even the opening opening line on their about page “Welcome to the inside of our brains” says so. I really love that. Ryan and Bianca’s work has already gained a significant amount of exposure due to their ability to blend various elements – design, art, humour, irony, functionality and the street. Their products are stocked in a number of fantastic retailers around Australia (one of which was featured in my post on Monday just this week – remember those cinematic boxes I mentioned?) Following the great success of their first year in business, Page Thirty Three recently acquired a new HQ (300 sqm warehouse space), released their new collection titled ‘Entertaining the Myth’, and launched their new website and an online store. Oh man, have these guys have been super busy or what?

x dana

The Burning Bank incense burner. Yes!

Studio space. Photo by Roberta Daves.


Hello Ryan & Bianca, welcome to yellowtrace and thank you for taking the time to e-chat. Could you please give us a quick introduction on yourselves and Page Thirty Three?

We are Sydney based designers who run the object design label Page Thirty Three. Our backgrounds are entrenched in fine arts, but we constantly gravitate towards design. Page Thirty Three is a complete extension of us. It is our love child.

When did you first decide to start your practice and how did you go about doing this?

When we met it was instantly apparent that we had a similar angle of vision… the same skewed mashed up angle, and it sort of morphed from talking about things, to talking about making things, to finally making them. The ideas have always been the easy part, bringing them into a commercial reality is where the challenge begins.

Bianca just said about herself ‘ I’ve always been a day dreamer’, and it’s true, we both daydream a lot. We think it’s pretty important for creativity.  As a relationship, both personally and professionally, we really have no boundaries. No idea or conversation can be too far out or seemingly irrelevant. We have talked about this a lot, and it really is key. When you have no fear of conversing as a stream of consciousness, when you let go of inhibitions and of caring about what people are going think, you really open yourself up to a more creative and enriched life. We have found that through breaking down personal barriers, we can be more creative and successful professionally as well as personally.

Cinematic Light Box with interchangeable letters so that each display can be personalised.

The Essential Oil burner with references to classic science aesthetic. Tasmanian Oak hardwood base and glass flask.


How do you go about establishing a concept and an overall direction/ look & feel for your collections? Do you have a certain process that you always follow?

We basically collect things we are drawn to, from pictures, to objects, to ideas, to recipes, basically anything with an element of intrigue. Over time all these things mash together and develop into a new way of seeing. In a philosophical sense they create a new idea about how you want to live your life, your projected vision… how you see your perfect Utopian life. I mean, we all do that, we all sit around imagining our life when we have more money, more happiness, the perfect house, spiritual enlightenment, inner peace. That is such a funny mash-up, but its true.  We really both do that a lot, I suppose it goes back to the daydream thing again. We think that when you have a clear vision of how you want your life to be then you automatically create objects that fit into that idea.

For example with our science themed Essential Oil burner, we have both been hooked on the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Last year when we started Page Thirty Three, we were in a crammed little flat, in crammed little Bondi, trying to work, study, create, store products, be in love, stay healthy, look good, have money, and be successful, all in an enclosed time period, and it was really hard. It was the simple rituals we found that kept us afloat. From freshly brewed herbal teas to soaking in hot baths, to burning essential oils. It’s funny when you strip everything back, you start to find the simple things that give you actual feelings of happiness and comfort. We really found these things became an essential part of our lives. So, when we began to design, it was only natural that these things were in our minds eye. We both love test tubes and flasks, and so when we walked into the science supplies shop, all we could see was potential oil burners. It all feels so simple at that point, then you have to spend the next 9 months trying to refine and perfect it!

Ceramic jigsaw plate.


What you are seeking to portray in your work? Is there something which is fundamental to your practice – your philosophy and your process?

We have delved into this in the above questions, but in a nutshell, design for us should be unique and interesting, it can be fun and humorous, or simple/functional/beautiful, but most importantly we love double meanings, and the combination of one genre with another.

Our basic design principle is simple, and that is to ‘design by intrigue’, and also to keep it light and positive.

What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your business? Do you have advice for others who wish to follow in your footsteps?

Things take time, so let them. There is a natural order of growth, and you can work really hard, and learn quickly, but sometimes the harder you push the harder your path becomes. So our advice is to work hard, but be reasonable about expectations, because the most important thing we have found is to enjoy the process.

Also, break down goals into smaller achievable parts, otherwise everything can just swallow you up. This is really important, especially when you are running all aspects of a business.

Wooden Milk Crate can be used as a seat, shelving, side table and storage unit.


Who or what are some of your influences? What other designers, artists and creatives in general do you admire?

Marcel Duchamp. ‘Dialogues with Marcel Duchamp’ is the best book ever written.

We are also inspired by rubbish on the side of the street, and whatever is in our surroundings, whether it be the bush when we go down the coast, or the metal workers next door to our warehouse when we are in Sydney. Some of the Beautiful Losers, like Margaret Kilgallen are also really inspirational, firstly because they are great artists, but also because of their DIY approach to art. You don’t need a degree, you just need passion.

What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused, and expressive?

Trying to live a holistic lifestyle, making time for each other, daily routine, Vedic Meditation, healthy eating and exercise. Also we always try to remember to walk away, it’s easy to get too caught up in things that seems super important at that moment. Walking away helps keep everything in perspective… especially when dealing with production!

Studio bookshelf with the beautiful essential oil burner.


Is there something professionally you would like to try that you haven’t done yet? What would be your dream creative project or a collaboration?

Sooooo much, we have only just begun. We would like to focus more on fine arts from an individual perspective, however from a business sense, we would like to work on some interesting one-off pieces, and also collaborate with people and companies in other genres.

We would love to work with a company like Patagonia, as their core environmental philosophy is so great.

What are you working on at the moment?

Getting healthy! Spending some time at the beach! It’s been a hectic 12 months, so we are trying to find more balance in our lives.

Besides that and finalizing our new website/on-line store, and managing production and sales, we have been working on our new design space. We moved in 6 months ago, and it has been a huge job, but something we have loved, and continue to love! Open space = Open mind. It’s so fun putting thoughts and ideas into practice, and also having the space to play! We have built a joinery, design studio, art spaces, and garden on wheels.

The Garden on wheels has been our most recent project, which we can roll around the warehouse following the sun. We have built the boxes from old pallets collected off the side of the road in our neighborhood.

Fly’n Vee Flyswatter “gives everyone the chance to live out their dreams of smashing a guitar to bits on stage. ” Hilarious.


What’s next – can you share with us your vision and some of your goals?

We have just finished our second collection, Entertaining The Myth, which releases this week. That has consumed us for the past 12 months, and we are really proud of our finished pieces. We have tried to shift our focus toward Australian made, and also started to produce objects not only from recycled materials, but also from re-used materials, in order to break the energy flow. This is what we will be focusing on more heavily over the next 12 months. It is definitely a work in progress, and definitely a difficult transition. It is really hard to produce in Australia, but is something we are determined to do. We have been slowly changing to smaller production runs that we do ourselves, or with people nearby. 5 of our 13 products are Australian made, and we hope to increase this percentage gradually over the next year or two.

We have also just completed some creative styling work for a couple of friends, which we really enjoyed, so we have now expanded our parameters to include creative direction, styling and holistic branding. We are excited about working with like-minded people on upcoming projects.

Most of all we are really looking forward to working on some art. We have been staring at our new studios for a couple of months now, and have been too busy to get to them. I think finally we can get our brushes wet. Also lots of tea breaks.

Bianca and Ryan hanging out in their studio.


Let’s Get Personal.

What are the qualities you most like about yourself?

R: I’m a nerd. I like to think, and break things down, and work out how they are made. I have a thirst for knowledge.

B: Good sense of humor, willingness to work hard & my ability to communicate with others.

Apart from your work, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

R: It’s all one for me. Though I love surfing and coffee also.

B: I really like to cook & I am very interested in nutrition, so I try to join the two i.e. Make healthy food taste good! I also really enjoy having a flick through anything pictorial; art books, zines, blogs, photos etc. I also practice yoga & meditation as part of my daily routine. Keeps me feeling human.

What is your most treasured belonging?

R: Binx, and my hard drive.

B: A ring that Ryan gave me; it was his great grandmothers engagement ring & a photo I have of my nonno (grandpa) from the 40’s in Venice.

Ryan in the Page Thirty Three studio.


What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

R: I paint by deleting the things I hate.

B: Most things to be honest. I am a pretty private person. I can count the people close to me on one hand (& I wouldn’t be using all of my fingers). Another fun fact is that I have nearly died about 5 times, drowned once, hit by a car twice, & fallen off/out of just about everything you can imagine.

It’s not very cool, but I really like…

R: Hiding in a doona cubby watching documentaries on a Friday night.

B: That person on the bus that is singing on the top of their lungs with their head-phones on; or people who are so far into what they are doing that they have no sense of social ‘normalcy’. So refreshing!

In ten years I’d like to be…

R: Happy growing vegetables.

B: Wiser… have more patience, be healthy! I’d like to be surrounded by things a have collected & created that remind me of a certain time, place or experience. Oh and id also like to have my own glass house herb garden.

More views of thePage Thirty Three warehouse studio space. Loving it.


[All photos by Bianca Riggio unless otherwise noted.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

24 Responses

  1. D

    This is why I hate Sydney. Rich kids spending daddy’s money stocking useless crap they bought from somewhere and calling themselves designers.

    Reply
  2. yellowtrace

    D,
    While a healthy and intelligent debate arising out of differing opinions is always welcomed here on yellowtrace, comments like yours are less than appreciated.
    Not only is your comment mean, rude and unconstructive, it is also unfounded and a huge generalisation. For these reasons, I considered deleting it at first, but then decided to approve it to show an example of the type of comment which will not be tolerated in the future.
    Also, your choice to withhold your name (or even initials) doesn’t suggest honourable intentions or personal character, which is quite disappointing.
    Dana.

    Reply
  3. ryan

    Wow D,
    That’s incredible that you could foster such a negative opinion. I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m really trying to send you some positive energy to help.
    I am actually from a small country town on the far south coast of NSW. I have also worked 12 hour days for 18 months straight for virtually no money trying to create something that I am proud of. Although life may look glamorous in the photos, of which we are very proud, I can assure you it is not. Every part of our studio space and business, has been built by us, from the ground up. There has been no shortcuts, and yes my father helped a great deal… he came and stayed for two days to help construct a wall, and I am very grateful for that.
    In terms of design, thats fine for you to have an opinion of taste, however please do not confuse us as distributers. We do not import stuff that we then sell on. From initial idea to tooling for moulds, to packaging, to tagging, to fabric, to materials, to artwork, to print, to production is all created by us.
    Many of our products are also made in Australia. The ply products like the Jigsaw boards and the crates are made here in Sydney with skilled carpenters, with whom we worked with from day one. I am really happy that I can contribute to building Australian business, and I hope that within the next couple of years we can move all production here.
    After two years of non stop work, it was such a proud day for us yesterday to release our new collection, website and interview with Yellowtrace, it’s upsetting to me that you would try to sour something that we have worked so hard for.
    But I am trying to have only positive thoughts for you. I hope those comments made you feel what you needed to feel.

    Reply
  4. Parbs

    [this post was moderated by yellowtrace due to offensive content]
    …the only thing rich kid about Ryan is his south coast upbringing, his love of art and brilliant talent, his amazing bass skills, his love of his family and friends and their love for him in return, his power house surfing, his passion and zest for life and all things around him. It might sound old “D” that I’m a biased friend, but in fact I’m not his friend, his my brother… maybe not in blood, but in life…

    Reply
  5. copperfox

    Love the work guys!!! Great to see the fruits of your labour. I know how hard you must have worked to get this going and good on you for supporting other Australian small business’ and sourcing local products. More business’s need to start using your approach and mindset, i’ll be more than happy to recommend your work and spread the POSITIVE word. LOve it!

    Reply
  6. Zoe

    Inspirational! Love every word and every piece.
    To be honest i don’t normally gets to the bottom of an article/interview.. forever looking at images and skimming through words, but you had my undivided attention and you have filled me with inspiration!
    You deserve to feel extremely proud of what you have accomplished and created here. I hope you don’t take on board any negative comments, its unnecessary bad energy. In my opinion you are only worthy of praise!

    Reply
  7. Pat

    [this post was moderated by yellowtrace due to inappropriate content]
    D,

    There’s not really too much to say to your unfounded comment…

    Nice one keyboard warrior.

    Reply
  8. hack

    D, I am not sure what has got you on this mighty defensive high horse you are on, but you are coming across as a complete tosser.
    Did you even read the article? They clearly discuss their design, development and CREATION of their product.

    I grew up with Ryan and I can assure you that he isnt “a rich kid spending daddy’s money stocking useless crap”, quite the opposite mate. As Ryan said he grew up in a super small country town going to public school and spending weekends on the beach (not winters in Aspen).

    I know the hard work it takes to build and run a small business and I thoroughly applaud the guys for having a red hot crack at it. Guys I wish you all the best and dont worry about D, he hasnt got any idea what he is talking about.

    Reply
  9. jess

    Wooooo!!! i love you guys!! You are pretty much the most inspiring people i know. I love it when awesome humans, with brilliant creative minds and life philosophies who work really ridiculously hard, get the breaks they deserve and have earned…. makes me happy that the universe gets it right every now and then.
    studio looks E P I C!! i want to live in a garden on wheels… burn down the banks…and eat off puzzle pieces….nirvana.
    Yeeeeoowww!!!

    XX

    Reply
  10. Otto

    Eeewww more negative vibes from some jealous hater.
    I know where u came from and how this business started. Hard fucking work.
    Hats of to u both.

    Reply
  11. cath

    wow, this is AMAZING!!! coming to sydney in december and really want to share cups of tea in your studio :)
    poor D, must be horrible to be so negative and judgeMENTAL.xx

    Reply
  12. Patrick Kidd

    Wow Ryan and Bianca you guys have done so well, awesome article and the new website looks almost as good as the new product designs!
    A massive well done on creating a company from the ground up and having such huge success, only 1 in 5 new companies make it past the first 12 months, so you should be so proud.
    know one will ever know how hard it is when you have your own business and all the sh!t you have to deal with along the way, sometimes haters are going to hate but don’t let that slow you guys down, if it was easy everyone would do it!!!
    Your both amazing and we can’t wait to get hold of the latest p33 gear….
    Love Patrick and Aims

    Reply
  13. Kelly

    Proud to know you ryry. Visionary from the beginning. Too good to see the first range evolve into something even more magical (I love sexy function). You keep the inspiration wheels turning, i’ll get the oils burning.

    Reply
  14. claire

    Awesome interview and images. I remember seeing these guys in a mag a while back and it’s such an inspiration to see how far they’ve come. Their designs ROCK and they seem like pretty cool, low-key people. Love it! x

    Reply
  15. fred b

    Congrats to you both. This place looks amazing. Obviously the negative people having a massive missing link in their lives. keep up the inspirations. See you down south soon.

    Reply
  16. Kere

    I fell in love with their products the first time I saw one and immediately stocked them. I am a very very small business – retailer/art and I insist on only stocking those with good design, ethical and environmental concern – and while it never made sense until recently – good people. My first ever conversation with Bianca, and many subsequent email/calls made it abundantly clear that these guys tick ALL the boxes. I have been UBER PROUD to have them on my shelves and walls, and while my business has taken a step back due to personal health issue this year, I can assure you in my re-building, they will be among the first calls I make. I’m glad that awful comment was there, because it made me think. AND it gave Ryan an opportunitty to show everyone the kind of person he IS – he felt it, he’s human. He care about his products. Thanks for that (awesome blog by the way!)
    A couple of years ago, I was featured in H&G Insider. I’ve worked hard all my life, I was a foster child in a poor town in NZ. I have have twice (and still am) fighting cancer. I’m still working hard. I love my life, and it’s worth fighting for – but none of it’s been easy. A year ago I met an Artist who was exhibiting with me, she came to the Studio where I was painting my own walls, trakky dakked with ugg boots covered in paint. NOT the same glamourous magazine image. She remembered me from the article, and told me that when she read it, she judged me. She though I was a rich Eastern suburbs housewife whose husband funded her decorating hobby. It’s stayed with her this lesson, not to judge – this is another example. Said Artist is now a god friend, who knows that the carpet in my tiny Manly rental still smells a little of the urine of the man who lived here in the 60’s no matter what we clean it with. I guess (albeit long winded) life is full of lessons, and in two lines you told us so much more about who you are than Ryan and Bianca. THANK GOD for the Ryan and Bianca, and also for you D, for reminding us to appeciate them – and those of us still trying to get there, that it can be done! :)

    Reply
  17. Melissa

    Love your work guys. I myself run a small business (children’s fashion) in Australia and try and keep as much locally made as possible. It is tough but hopefully most consumers appreciate the end result. Well done. Very jealous of your studio space though!

    Reply

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