Interview: Murugiah

Murugiah spent most of his twenties studying architecture before pursuing his true dream, to create art for a living. 

We spoke to him about his journey into illustration, the joy of developing his own style and the trials and triumphs of freelance life. 

Can you explain your job in two sentences? 

I make commercial and personal artworks for clients and customers. Often working across many different mediums.

What’s a typical workday for you? 

I wake up around 6.30am and make a cuppa coffee. On three days of the week I normally go to a work out class at 7.15 til 8am. Come back home shower and change and get to work for 9am. I work until around 6/7pm with a break for lunch at 1pm.

What are the perks? 

The perks of my job? I get to do what I love on my own terms, mostly. 

What are the challenges?

The challenges lie in not knowing when the next job may come and if it will sufficiently keep me safe from a financial point of view. The other challenges are small by comparison. Making a name for myself in a creative community that is predominantly white and male.

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I told my parents I wanted to be an artist but being strict asian parents they asked if I could get a degree in something creative that would result in more of a steady income and we came to architecture.

What are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of developing an artistic style and voice that I can develop and nurture over a long career.

Can you take us through your career path (from start to now) in 3 paragraphs?

I started in 2006. After finishing school at 18 I told my parents I wanted to be an artist but being strict asian parents they asked if I could get a degree in something creative that would result in more of a steady income and we came to architecture. Sadly after studying architecture for 7 years (3 years degree, 2 years diploma and 2 years in industry) I came to realise that my desire to be an artist was strong. I left the architectural industry and became a freelance designer.

As a freelance designer I started to make graphical pieces of work and personal projects based around things I liked, Movies mainly. There was no real style, just some fun ideas. I realised I needed some experience in the design industry so joined a greeting card company as an illustrator and graphic designer for a year. Following this I joined a restaurant chain as a graphic designer, also for a year. After this I felt I had enough experience to go back to freelancing. I developed a mini cartoon character style of illustration and had some fun and interesting projects from this style but had the feeling it still wasn’t me. I then switched gears and went down a style of illustration that was gritty but colourful and very surreal. I felt I was on a path that felt closer to my own. But was still feeling uneasy about the style.

During the first covid lockdown I took the time we were given to redevelop the style in to what it is today. I have not looked back since. I secured some of my best clients and found my voice. I am not at the careful stage of balancing commercial with my personal work. Not letting either sway too far away from my style and voice. There is lots to develop from here and I am excited about it.

Is this the career you thought you’d have? 

I’ve never thought about it before. I know I wanted to make art for a living and thats something I’m finally doing so i’m very happy about that. I obviously have goals with my career but i’m enjoying the journey.

Who do you look to for inspiration? 

I look back at the history of art and my own cultural mix of being born in the UK with Sri Lankan heritage. I also look to psychedelic art and design of the 60s.

What advice would you offer someone wanting to break into the industry?
 
Make work that you would want to get commissioned for. Spend time on personal projects and also enjoy things outside of illustration. Draw lots! Sounds obvious but I wish I drew more and experimented more when I was starting out. There’s so much pressure to find your voice early on and establish your ‘style’ but all of that takes time. Enjoy the process and have fun!

Anything else you’d like to tell us, go for it.

Just to say thank you for including me and I hope my answers help.

Follow Murugiah: Website & Instagram

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