Glasgow is an amazing place and you’re never stuck for inspiration. It’s so vast, vibrant and diverse. It’s a proud city and it’s continually striving to show what it’s capable of and maybe that reflects on its residents too.
Any Glaswegian will instantly recognise the buildings, place names and ‘Glasgology’ in Scottish artist Mark McPhelim’s work. Mark started his career in design and advertising agencies, and the artwork he now creates as Breuk combines strong concepts with Scottish icons and wit using a graphic designer’s eye for composition. We caught up with Mark to find out more about his work, his style and the inspiration he finds in his hometown of Glasgow…
Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
Hi, my name is Mark McPhelim and I’m an artist from Glasgow, Scotland.
What does ‘Breuk’ mean?
Breuk is a Scots Gaelic term which means ‘to have or enjoy the use and possession of’.
My Glasgow Barcode illustration gives the data reader embedded into our everyday life a Glasgow slant as iconic structures emerge from the bars – including the Finnieston Crane, University of Glasgow, the Riverside Museum and the Glasgow Tower.
Have you always been creative?
I remember drawing from a very early age. As my older brothers kicked a ball around, I was indoors with pencils and paper! At school, music and art were the only subjects I was really interested in. The rest were just necessity.
I studied art in Glasgow, then began a career in the creative industries through advertising and design agencies. Before I decided to go full time with my art, I was art director at Ogilvie & Mather and creative director with CVCG, then latterly set up my own graphic design company, Hatch. Photography is another medium I enjoy. Although mainly a hobby over three decades, some of my work is sold online and in galleries. In my younger years, I dabbled in script writing for a while, which led to some material being used by Rory Bremner and the BBC.
Four years ago I took the leap, quit graphic design and concentrated solely on creating new illustrations. The response has been overwhelming and I’m so glad that I’ve taken this route.
How did you start selling your own work?
I had been selling work sporadically since leaving college in 1985, but four years ago I took the leap, quit graphic design and concentrated solely on creating new illustrations. The response has been overwhelming and I’m so glad that I’ve taken this route.
Does your background as a graphic designer influence the way you work now?
Very much so. Having a graphic design background means you’re instinctively finding ideas and angles in projects. There’s always a concept running through my work. It’s never just colour on to canvas.
Having a graphic design background means you’re instinctively finding ideas and angles in projects. There’s always a concept running through my work. It’s never just colour on to canvas.
Who are your heroes in design and in life?
In design, I lean towards those who strive to be different. They include Thomas Heatherwick, Tamara Kvesitadze, MC Escher and Banksy. In everyday life, my partner Rosie is a hero, not only for just putting up with me but for all her help and support.
How does where you live influence your work?
Glasgow is an amazing place and you’re never stuck for inspiration. It’s so vast, vibrant and diverse. It’s a proud city and it’s continually striving to show what it’s capable of and maybe that reflects on its residents too.
My Chocolate Cone illustration merges two cultural icons – the famous chocolate mallow wrapper and the Wellington Statue, which sits proudly within the heart of Glasgow.
Can you talk us through your creative process? How do you start a piece?
Like most of us, concepts occur when you’re busy doing something else! Once I feel that a concept is strong enough to proceed, then it’s about the composition. I believe composition is everything at the start of a new piece – everything comes from that. I’ll sketch and re-sketch many times until the foundation is right. You feel more confident as the design develops and all the initial time taken allows you to build a stacking order and plan for the illustrative process.
I believe composition is everything at the start of a new piece – everything comes from that. I’ll sketch and re-sketch many times until the foundation is right.
Can you describe your workspace?
My studio is at home. We live in a 100- year-old tenement on the south side of Glasgow. The high ceilings and corner bay windows stream in plenty of daylight, so it never feels enclosed. The kitchen, kettle and biscuits are conveniently situated next door.
The high ceilings and corner bay windows stream in plenty of daylight, so it never feels enclosed. The kitchen, kettle and biscuits are conveniently situated next door.
How about your perfect studio? Where would that be and what would it look like?
My ideal studio would accommodate a work area with a combined store. Lots of space, lots of light… and a panoramic sea view. Either in East Neuk or Portpatrick.
What’s the best thing about being creative for a living?
I love what I do. There’s great enjoyment and satisfaction in producing something new and then there’s the excitement (plus nerves!) when I’m launching it. My working day is planned solely by myself and I really enjoy having that freedom. As art is my source of income, this ensures that I work hard, put in all of the hours and continue to create work that people will hopefully like.
As art is my source of income, this ensures that I work hard, put in all of the hours and continue to create work that people will hopefully like.
What would you say to someone thinking about selling their work?
Go for it. Build up a range of products and get your work out there. Sell online and with stockists. Promote your work consistently through social media. Always strive to provide the best possible service and buying experience for your customer. Be thick skinned and believe in what you do!
What would I say to someone thinking of selling their work? Go for it. Be thick skinned and believe in what you do!
Finally, do you have a piece you’re particularly proud of and why?
I’m genuinely proud of all of my work but, if pressed, I would opt for ‘Iconic Glasgow’. I’ve never spent more time on a single piece of artwork and hopefully this is reflected in the attention to detail. This is my definitive and lasting tribute to Glasgow’s amazing architecture, old and new.
If pressed, I would opt for Iconic Glasgow as the piece I’m most proud of. I’ve never spent more time on a single piece of artwork and hopefully this is reflected in the attention to detail.
You can see more of Mark’s work in his Folksy shop Breuk
