Finding the Gems Others Might Miss
Studio Riz grew from a belief I’ve carried through more than 20 years across business, design, publishing, pitches and education: some of the most valuable ideas, strengths and opportunities are not always the easiest to see.
Hi, I’m Rizwan Nawaz, a creative strategist, designer and educator. Much of my work is about finding those hidden strengths, understanding why they matter, and using strategy, messaging and design to bring them into the light.
Different Experiences, The Same Curiosity
I have never followed a particularly straight path.
Growing up between Hong Kong and Australia, I achieved strong academic results across every subject, but despite the pressure to follow a safer, more traditional career path, I was always drawn to the creative and digital subjects: drama, design, technology and multimedia.
That curiosity naturally followed me into work, where each experience added something different. Merchandising taught me precision and the real-world consequences of design decisions. Publishing taught me hierarchy, repeatable systems and how strong headlines and ideas pull people in. Property and enterprise pitches taught me how much is at stake when businesses need to communicate clearly under pressure. Freelancing exposed me to different industries, audiences and ways of working, while teaching showed me how much I enjoy distilling complex ideas and helping others see new possibilities.
Over time, those lessons started to connect. Creativity, technical precision, systems thinking, commercial awareness and communication were not separate disciplines, but different ways of making ideas clearer, stronger and more useful.
What We’re Here to Do
MISSION
Turn important ideas into clear, compelling work that performs.
VISION
To help capable businesses and people as possible show up at their best when it matters, with greater clarity, confidence and credibility.
Our studio is deliberately flexible. I stay close to the thinking and execution, then bring in trusted specialists when the work needs to scale.
That lets us move quickly, respond to international demand cycles, take on different kinds of projects and keep the work fresh without losing senior attention.
The story of the Griffin
Part lion, part eagle, tales of this great beast were born from ‘ancient bones’ and gold deposits found in the Gobi Desert by the Scythians; a nomadic, culturally advanced people, who travelled the territory between Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and Mongolia. Soon the tales of the fierce and protective creature were woven into the art and mythology of many diverse ancient cultures, including Babylonia, Anatolia, Egypt, Europe, and India.
By the time these stories reached Greece, their gods had griffins pulling the chariots of Apollo and Dionysus, defending the treasures of Nemesis, and were companions to Zeus. These myths perpetuated beliefs of these fierce creatures being protectors, carrying out retribution for injustice and gatekeepers of treasure.
The griffin in our logo stands guard at the gates of heaven, looking over its shoulder to symbolise our respect for a brand's history and readiness to lead it into the future. The griffin’s dual nature as both lion and eagle embodies our commitment to strength and vision—qualities we bring to every project. We aim to be the versatile heroes of creativity and strategy your brand needs, helping it soar, roar, and leave a lasting legacy of greatness, just as the griffin has done throughout the ages.
References: Carroll, C. (2012). Mythology in Art. Arts & Activities, 152(3), 22 ; Storied by Spotzen for PBS Digital Studios. (2022). Why Has the Majestic Griffin Been Forgotten? | Monstrum. [Video].
Our Values
Hard Work
Guided By The Griffin’s Will To Guard & Protect
No matter the project, our actions are driven by ethics, loyalty, and integrity. We always give 150%, going the extra mile to get the job done. We impose high standards on ourselves, never compromising on our vision and values.
Adaptablility
Balancing The Griffin’s Choice Of Power Or Grace
The best teachers are the best learners. We swiftly adapt, mastering new skills across various fields. Our ability to learn and innovate rapidly allows us to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.
Practicality
Embodying The Griffin’s Wisdom & Awareness
Design doesn’t live in a vacuum; it needs to work for you. Our focus is to create simple, easy-to-use designs, systems and templates that cut through the clutter and align with business goals. We combine innovative ideas with practical solutions to drive success.
Storytelling
Rooted In The Griffin’s Myth & Artistic LEgacy
We celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and mythology that inspire our work. Recognising the power of stories and symbols to connect and resonate, we create designs that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and impactful.
Reciprocity
Upholding The Griffin’s Sense Of Loyalty
The power of mutual support and shared success is profound. By considering and uplifting each other, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. Our aim is to spread joy, happiness, and fun, making collaboration a pleasure rather than a chore.
Giving Back
Inspired By The Griffin’s Devotion To Guide Others
We are committed to giving back and fostering growth through education. Through workshops, consulting, and mentoring, we share our knowledge to uplift the community and inspire the next generation of creatives.