If you’ve spent more than five minutes browsing the shelves at The Nocturnal Cult, you’ve likely locked eyes with a wide-eyed child trying to summon a demon or a group of scouts enthusiastically sacrificing a classmate named Toby.
Welcome to the mind of Steven Rhodes, the Australian illustrator who has turned "retro-creepy" into a global phenomenon. At The Nocturnal Cult, we are obsessed with things that sit right on the edge of the unusual, which is why Steven’s work feels less like "art" and more like home.
Who is Steven Rhodes?
Based in Brisbane, Australia, Steven Rhodes is a graphic artist who lives a quiet life of exploring vintage stores and, in his own words, not speaking to strangers. But beneath that quiet exterior lies a pitch-black sense of humour.
Steven is best known for his "Sinister Seventies" collection. It’s a series of reimagined children’s activity books, VHS covers, and advertisements from the 70s and 80s that have been twisted into something wonderfully macabre.
The Magic of the "Sinister Seventies"
What makes Steven’s work so iconic is the contrast. He perfectly mimics the muted colour palettes, grainy textures, and wholesome typography of mid-century educational books. Then, he adds the "twist."
By pairing innocent, retro-style illustrations with dark, occult, or sci-fi themes, he creates a jarring, and hilarious, existential crisis. Whether it’s a guide to "Pyrokinesis for Beginners" or the relatable dread of an "Anxiety Attack" arcade game, his work speaks to those of us who grew up on a diet of horror movies and mystery.
Why We Love Him at The Nocturnal Cult?
Our shop is a sanctuary for the strange, and Steven’s designs fit our aesthetic like a custom-made coffin. We love the way he takes the "ordinary" and finds the ghost, the alien, or the demon hiding inside it.
His art doesn't just look back at the past; it pokes fun at it. It acknowledges that for many of us, the things that go bump in the night are far more interesting than a game of tag in the park.
We’ve curated a selection of our favourite Steven Rhodes pieces, ranging from his iconic canvas wall plaques to quirky gifts that are perfect for your own secret lair.
Next time you’re in the shop, take a closer look at items by Steven Rhodes. They’re a reminder that even in a world of vintage charm and nostalgia, there’s always room for a little bit of darkness.
