Designer Ben Wood has carved out a unique niche in the creative industry by transforming his rejected client work and deliberately unfinished projects into compelling artistic statements. Through his innovative "Untitled Unfinished" poster series, Wood demonstrates how discarded creative concepts can evolve into standalone works of art that sit alongside his high-profile commercial projects, including recent art direction for pop star Ashnikko's latest album campaign.
Playfulness serves as the defining characteristic of Wood's creative output, with his vibrant typography work showcasing masterful use of color throughout the Untitled Unfinished series. This experimental approach has led to significant professional collaborations, including partnerships with creative director Vasso Vu on Ashnikko's "Smoochie" album campaign and ongoing design work with rock band Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. In every project Wood undertakes, color emerges as a distinct participant in his compositions, with various hues frequently taking center stage in his visual narratives.
"Travel is a major motivator," Wood explains, describing how global experiences shape his artistic vision. "I'm inspired by how different cultures use color, typography, and visual language in surprising ways." This international perspective fuels his creative curiosity and drives his experimental approach to design challenges.
Wood's creative process reflects his burning curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery, typically beginning projects in what he describes as a "chaotic" manner before refining concepts down to microscopic details. "Lately I've been trying to reduce things to their core, doing fewer things, but with more detail and intent," he reveals. His Untitled Unfinished series serves as a testament to this experimental spirit, functioning as a reminder of how curiosity and excitement fuel the creative process.
The designer draws particular inspiration from unexpected cultural encounters during his travels, which reinvigorate his creative perspective. "Those encounters give me that beginner's mind feeling, like seeing great design for the first time again," Wood says. "It's addictive, you come home buzzing, noticing details you'd normally miss, and wanting to carry that sense of discovery into the next project."
Wood's portfolio spans multiple creative disciplines, including poster design, packaging, art direction, and music industry collaborations. His recent projects showcase this versatility, from vinyl artwork for Ashnikko's "Smoochie" album to tour posters for artists like Taylah Elaine and Pa Salieu. Additional commercial work includes branding projects for Chris Hoare, newspaper design for Corteiz, vinyl artwork for Franc Moody's "Chewing The Fat," and logo development for foundation.fm's "Bodies" project.
The Untitled Unfinished series, spanning from 2022 to 2025, represents Wood's commitment to finding value in creative work that might otherwise be discarded or forgotten. By publishing these rejected and incomplete pieces, he creates what he describes as "worlds of their own" that demonstrate the inherent worth in experimental creative exploration, regardless of commercial viability or client approval.
