MY STORY
Getting to know Purple Heron
illustration by Ralph's Great Grandfather,
Bristol, 1929.
THIS IS MORE THAN DRAWING
Growing up surrounded by artworks created by family members from the last four generations, and with Royal Academicians on either side of his family, Ralph Mann knew that creativity was in his blood! Indeed he would rarely be seen without a pencil in his hand and found art to be how he could express himself.
Art prizes, an art scholarship, and art school followed. Ralph then explored the language of signs and symbols and the meanings of art with two degrees in Art History. This was followed by a PGCE in Art and Design, teaching Art and Art History. Here Ralph became particularly interested in learning styles and their application. These were the key ingredients he brought to the mix returning to his core creative practice in 2011 and founding Purple Heron Communication.
Purple Heron began on the backbone of Ralph's drawing skills with Digital Artwork and illustrations. This developed into Ralph's hallmark Live illustration and Graphic Recording and is now growing into a wider focus working as a visual practitioner to release and enable the flourishing of creativity in others through Visual Facilitation and Creative Consultancy
Indeed, Purple Heron is more than just the drawing and the aesthetics! Ralph works in service to you and your purpose, bringing creativity to the release of your ideas, processes, insights, understandings and discoveries. The real value of his work lies in the ability to open hearts and move minds in the workplace, bringing real transformation and change.
As a creative problem solver, visual thinker and storyteller Ralph's skills-set is informed and underpinned by deep listening skills, active imagination and emotional intelligence. Ralph is a strong relationship builder and able to communicate clearly with a variety of stakeholders, bringing a wealth of creative insights to organisational change. His growth mindset means he is eager to listen, learn and incorporate new ideas, adapting with ease to changing environments and needs. With this bias toward excellence, he delivers high-quality work with a fierce commitment to his client's success.
Also a social entrepreneur, Ralph is committed to giving back.
He founded and set up the charity Prodigal Arts bringing transformation through art; mentoring offenders and ex-offenders to find not only a new creativity, but a new life.
WHY PURPLE HERON
The purple heron is a rare breed noted for its colourful plumage:
Ralph's skills-set is a rare combination and his work is characterised by its application of colour.
The purple heron waits, poised and motionless for just the right big juicy fish to spear:
Ralph is present inconspicuously at your event, watching and listening for your key points and quickly capturing them.
Since Roman times the colour purple has been synonymous with great value, importance and exclusivity. It also attracts attention.
Ralph brings this set of qualities to his work, bringing added value, and attention to the communication of your message.
The purple heron is immediately distinguishable for flying relatively low and noticeably slowly over the landscape:
Ralph brings a similar approach, seeing the big picture in your organisation and carefully representing the different aspects in striking visual outcomes.
Purple Heron Communication is based in Bristol, UK, within easy reach of London, train lines, motorways and airports.
