Hello.
Welcome to my world where creativity knows no bounds
As an artist, author, photographer and art business mentor, my work spans across diverse fields, each reflecting a unique facet of my passions and expertise. You can call me a “purpose-driven multi-passionate”!
Whether you're here to explore my books on a range of topics; discover my original fibre artworks, photography or needle-felted painting kits; or catch my passion about living in your God-given purpose, I invite you to explore the many paths my creative journey has taken. With a background in business, design, advertising, and human resources, I bring a fresh perspective to every project. Dive in, and find the part of my world that speaks to you.
A quick overview
I am an internationally-awarded author, accredited business mentor, facilitator, and an accomplished fibre artist.
I have dedicated over 30 years to strengthening the international creative communications industry and now focus on helping people reach their full personal, spiritual and professional potential.
In addition to my business career, I am also a fibre artist, specialising in creating framed works in natural fibres such as New Zealand wool, bamboo and cotton. My artistic creations showcase my passion for texture, colour, and non-toxic creativity.
I am the author of five award-winning books:
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‘How to Wrestle an Octopus: an agency account manager’s guide to pretty much everything’ (bronze medal, Axiom Business Book Awards 2019, USA).
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‘How to Tango with a Tiger: a marketer’s guide to working with creative communications agencies’ (winner, Business: Marketing & Advertising category, International Book Awards 2020, USA).
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‘Purpose Made: 12 steps to discovering your God-given purpose and living an abundant life’ (Literary Titan Gold Book Award, 2024; Finalist, International Book Awards 2024, USA; Finalist, Christian Indie Book Awards 2025, USA).
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‘Needle-felting with Sarah Ritchie: Fibre Painting Pattern Collection 1’, published May 2025.
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‘Needle-felting with Sarah Ritchie 2: Bookmark Pattern Collection’, published May 2026.
I live in beautiful New Zealand with my husband, cat, 5 million other Kiwis and 25 million sheep.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: sarahritchiehq
LinkedIn: sarahritchiehq
PODCASTS
Creative Connections, October 2025 (1.5 hours)
Sarah Ritchie and Mandy Jakich talk about identifying your why, identifying and reaching your audience, aligning to your purpose, different ways of monetising art, creating a business plan, strategic thinking and dealing with 'failure'.
The Way Forward, May 2024 (43 min)
Sarah Ritchie and Anuj Singh-Sahni talk about rebuilding team culture after a restructure; inflation and salaries; creating a salary strategy; encouraging a high performance culture; hiring for culture fit; and investing in your team.
Bigeye Agency, Florida, June 2020 (30 min)
AANA, Sydney, September 2019 (48 min)
Sarah Ritchie and John Broome (CEO, AANA, Australia) talk about insights gained from the writing of ‘How to Tango with a Tiger: a marketer’s guide to working with creative communications agencies’.
NOTE: This is an audio/slide-based webinar. The recording is of low quality and the visuals start after 5 minutes.
WEBINARS
ANCAD: AI in the workplace: Risks and opportunities, July 2023 (45 min)
HRToolkit: AI in the workplace: Risks and opportunities, June 2023 (30 min)
EVO Inspires: November 2023
SELECTED PRESS MENTIONS
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Felt Matters, magazine of the International Feltmakers Association, December 2025
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Grima, magazine of the Danish Feltmakers Association, October 2025
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Spectre Magazine (Second Life World), July 2025
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The Big Idea, 2024 (scroll down to Art of Us article)
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Creative Fibre Magazine, September 2024
EXHIBITIONS
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Between Fibre & Form. Group exhibition, The Collaboration, New Plymouth, New Zealand. May/June 2026.
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Deeply Felt. Auckland Felters group exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand. March 2026.
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Resilience: The fibre that connects us. Auckland Felters group exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand. June 2024.
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Changing Threads Contemporary Textile Fibre Art Awards and exhibition. Finalist. Nelson, New Zealand. May 2024.
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Our Aotearoa. Kumeu Arts group exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand. January 2024.
A Lunchtime LiiFT with special guest Sarah Ritchie AI in the workforce...
Evo Inspires with Sarah Ritchie, November 2023
Art of Us is a community of multi-disciplinary, contemporary artists from Auckland and Otago, New Zealand (Holly Clarke, Sara Langdon, Vanessa Narbey, Katie Robinson and me). I am one of the founding artists and contribute to shaping the group's vision and activities. Visit our website to find out more: artofus.co.nz