We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, and we are pleased to feature a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We’ve asked them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here.
Today, we have an interview with Caitlin Murray, who has taken Assignment Bootcamp four years in a row, Creating Collections for Home Decor and Illustrating Children’s Books.
Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design
It was a long and winding road! I originally studied teaching Drama and English, then went on to study Gold & Silversmithing and Millinery, before eventually studying illustration full time in Melbourne in 2001-2002. After that, I freelanced as an illustrator for a year before getting a job as an in-house designer for a fashion company who designed kids’ clothes for major Australian department stores. I spent 10 years working for various companies as a graphic artist designing prints, graphics and garments before finally leaving the industry in 2012. After that, I worked hard to pick up some great freelance clients whilst also working on my own personal projects, and taking lots of MATS courses! These days I am fortunate enough to work full time as an illustrator/designer. I work as part of the small design team for Melbourne Toy Company, Tiger Tribe. I am constantly illustrating and designing super fun products for kids! (What’s not to love?!) The rest of the time, I work on books, various freelance jobs and my own projects. I also have a contemporary printmaking practice and gallery representation under the name PESKY. But that’s another story!
Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
Being creative brings me joy! There is nothing better than getting lost in the zone! I don’t have kids and I think when that didn’t happen for me I decided to whole heartedly throw myself into my illustration. I figured that I would spend the amount of time that parents spend raising kids on my art. I made a conscious decision to nurture it and watch it grow. Turns out that was a good plan! It really makes me happy.
Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
I specialise in everything kids. But particularly children’s toys and books.
What are you working on currently?
I’m working on loads of new products for Tiger Tribe and a brand new story which I wrote and will be illustrating for Penguin Random House.
Have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
Absolutely! I think if you don’t push yourself artistically that you just get stuck. Personal projects are super important for growth and the MATS classes provide such a brilliant way of making sure I keep up my personal work. Lilla’s briefs are always super fun and on the mark. I have licensed work that I created in MATS to fashion companies, greeting card companies and it’s even helped me get book deals! Also – the network of illustrators I have ‘met’ over the years has been brilliant. Everyone champions each other, supports the successes and provides support in the tough times.
Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
MATS has really helped me find my own style as an illustrator and build a great body of work.
What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
My work is a million miles away from where it was in 2015! I have developed a strong style and I now know how to Be Me! I now provide regular designs to a greeting card company based in Melbourne called Nuovo. I have illustrated three books, two of which I wrote myself, and am about to start my third author/illustrator book. I have worked for some of my dream clients including Penguin Random House, Lothian, The 5 Mile Press and Rock Your Baby.
How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art?
If you are keen to continue developing your style and want to create new art that you can sell on to clients, if you want to meet like minded people from around the globe, if you love being given interesting and on trend projects to illustrate then MATS is for you!
What is your dream gig for your artwork?
I want to continue to write and illustrating my own stories and continue my work for Tiger Tribe. In terms of clients, I’d love to get a gig with Chronicle Books and Bloomsbury as I just love what they do! I’m in a really fulfilling place work wise right now and if this can continue I really wouldn’t ask for anything more.
See more work here: Website
Would you like to experience the Make Art That Sells classes yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here. Plus our renowned course Illustrating Children’s Books starts this Monday, October 15th! Sign up now!
Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
