I’m Rich McCoy: sculptor, writer, and arts broadcaster. Born in the UK and raised in Botswana and South Africa, I grew up between worlds—immersed in ancestral stories, animist traditions, and a Celtic heritage that shaped the way I see the world. These early experiences set the stage for a lifelong exploration of memory, myth, and the thresholds that shape identity.
I trained in fine art (BFA Sculpture, University of Gloucestershire) but ended up in the early digital world of the late ’90s and early 2000s. I helped design some of the first accessible online banking and news platforms and led projects at global agencies and New Zealand’s Trade Me. All the while, I kept making—painting, sculpting, and experimenting with digital forms—threads of work that quietly followed me through the years and led back to my true calling.
That thread became Son of Fire, a body of writing that explores ancestry, myth, and the thresholds of identity. Living off-grid in rural Aotearoa, I craft poems, stories, and long-form narratives drawn from memory, dream, and personal experience. The work is shaped by old myths, ritual, and a powerful early encounter that continues to guide my imagination.
Earlier works are also included here. They are more varied in form but share the same curiosity, ritual, and psychological depth that informs the work I make today. Some pieces remain available for collectors and curators seeking work with history and substance.
I also create and host HeARTh Tales, a podcast and radio show where I talk with artists, makers, and culture-bearers across Aotearoa. I serve on the board of the Motueka Arts Council, supporting community-rooted, interdisciplinary arts practice.
In addition to my writing and studio work, I bring nearly three decades of experience as a designer and creative director. Whether you’re looking for a distinctive logo, a mural, or guidance on a larger project, I offer a collaborative process that balances concept with craft. Let’s connect and start the conversation.
If you’re drawn to the mythic and symbolic language of my work and would like to commission something—whether for a space, a story, or a brand—I create pieces that blend ritual, imagination, and contemporary craft. From bespoke installations and sculptures to visuals for record covers, wine labels, or other creative projects, I work closely with clients to bring ideas to life.
I also offer support for select digital projects, visual identity systems, and integrated campaigns, especially where narrative and emotional resonance are important.
That said, if what you want is a portrait of a loved one, a cultural icon, or even the neighbour’s dog, I’m happy to take it on. Not every commission needs to burn with archetypal fire.
Many original artworks are available for purchase, licensing, or rental. If you’d like to commission a piece, collaborate on a project, or acquire work from the current collection, I welcome your enquiry.
Podcast / 21 September 2021
Rich McCoy unpacks some formative experiences from the Kalahari Desert, how we can conquer our creative fears, and why designing lean creates value faster. Highlights include: How has growing up in the Kalahari Desert shaped him? What does it mean to “get primal” with design? How do we get over our fear of showing our work? What are some clues that product teams are out of alignment? How has Dyslexia influenced his creative practice?
Podcast / 28 August 2021
In this episode, Rich shared great insights on lean design practices and their frameworks. Rich then spoke on the different ways of scaling lean practices across organizations without compromising the quality of deliverables and how lean practices help rapid innovation and find the right product-market fit.
Magazine / March 2013
The esteemed television network hailing from the UK, Channel 4, article featured in their creative talent magazine. The piece focuses on the pioneering efforts of creatives with dyslexia, including myself, who are making waves in the field of creative arts. Through their awe-inspiring and innovative projects, these individuals are elevating the conversation surrounding disabilities, advocating for greater awareness and acceptance.
Magazine / March 2013
A piece featuring my home office in the Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand, and exploring the workspaces and environments of creatives. It aims to delve into the unique sources of inspiration that drive our work and showcase the diversity of creative expression that emerges from these spaces.
Book / 18 May 2012
The Designer's Web Handbook helps any designer understand the full life cycle of a digital product: idea, design, production and maintenance. The best web designers create not only beautiful sites but also sites that function well-for both client and end user.
Book / 26 September 2008
The Web Designer's Idea Book includes more than 700 websites arranged thematically, so you can find inspiration for layout, color, style and more. Author Patrick McNeil has cataloged more than 5,000 sites on his website, and showcased in this book are the very best examples.
Book / 30 January 2003
Through activities, exercises and anecdotes this overflowing book gives creativity-tapped graphic designers several methods of generating ideas and reconnecting to their creative energy. This book targets the major obstacles in the creative process by guiding designers through exercises that jolt themselves, their colleagues, and their clients back to life.
Magazine / May 2001
This website was once an experimental platform where I had the opportunity to showcase my creative vision through playful digital art and innovative interfaces. I'm proud to have learned that the site was even used in the curriculum of Greenwich University London's Digital Design courses. If you're interested in discussing my experience with experimental design and digital art, please don't hesitate to get in touch.