This week we talk to two of the three founders of Studio MUTI, a Cape Town-based creative studio. Miné Day and Brad Hodgskiss share their journey from starting a small illustration studio in 2011 to now managing a vibrant team of 18 creatives with a diverse range of styles and skills — from animation and lettering to icons and digital painting.

Versatility is one of MUTI’s strongest assets. By sharing knowledge, communicating on eye level and a mutual sense of curiosity, they keep on pushing stylistic boundaries and continuously challenge themselves to sustain a shared excitement for the craft. Throughout our conversation, Brad and Miné discuss the difficulties of maintaining artistic versatility, the importance of collaboration, and the balance between creative work and management responsibilities.

Their shared understanding of creative problem solving is to aspire to always create the kind of work they can be proud of and that is worthy of landing a spot in their pristine portfolio. Our conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing creative freedom with financial stability, the dynamics of working in a team with diverse specializations, and the excitement surrounding upcoming projects and events.

Listen, learn and share this episode with all your illustration friends! And while you’re at it: Sign up to Studio MUTI’s online session & workshop at Creative Works East on October 2nd and 4th, 2025.

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FOLLOW MUTI:

Website: studiomuti.co.za

Instagram: @studiomuti

Dribbble: dribbble.com/studioMUTI

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If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram, Spotify and TikTok.

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Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert. Music by Amanda Deff.

Based in Glasgow, Angela Kirkwood is an illustrator and animator known for her whimsical, topsy-turvy worlds filled with expressive characters that inspire joy and curiosity. Having worked for clients like Adult Swim, Nike and The New York Times, her work is characterized by a unique DIY aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for childhood cartoons. Angela transitioned from a career in graphic design during the pandemic to pursuing animation and illustration full-time.

In this episode, Angela emphasizes the value of seeking inspiration beyond the screen. She shares how stepping away from the computer and immersing herself in real-life experiences fuels her creativity and helps avoid repetition. Angela believes that seeking out inspiration off-line allows for a more personal touch in her work, helping her create authentic art that resonates deeply with audiences.

Angela's approach to character design is both intuitive and intentional, capturing the essence of human emotion in a playful and engaging way. She draws inspiration from everyday interactions, infusing her characters with a sense of joy and underlying complexity. Her characters—although often simple in form—are designed to be easily animated, allowing their personalities to shine through in motion.

She also discusses the importance of community support, the impact of AI on jobs, and why life is hard, but reality TV helps. Listen, learn and stop asking for permission to be your own weird, authentic self.

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MENTIONED LINKS:

• University of Dundee: BDes Illustration
• “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams
• Norman McLaren (Scottish-Canadian animator)
• “Quasi at the Quackadero” (1976) by Sally Cruikshank
• Priit Pärn (Estonian cartoonist & animation director)
• Bravo TV

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FOLLOW ANGELA:

Instagram: @angelakirkwood
Website: angelakirkwood.com
Shop: angelakirkwood.com/shop

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If you liked this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. And follow Paid 2 Draw on Instagram, Spotify and TikTok.

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Hosted by Vicky Cichoń and Dave Leutert.
Music by Amanda Deff.