Paul Robson — AKA Muro Buro — is a freelance artist, graphic designer, illustrator and typographer from Newcastle upon Tyne (UK.) He’ll be selling is gorgeous prints with us from our opening. We asked him a few questions to give you a little insight into his works:

What do you call yourself? Designer, artist, illustrator and typographer.

How long have you been designing for? 20 years! (I just shocked myself, working that out.)

Where are you based? Newcastle upon Tyne.

What can you tell us about the history of ‘Muro Buro’? From my late teens I used the name Muro while doing graffiti — Muro translates as wall in Spanish and seemed quite fitting at the time. I have used the name for all my creative outputs ever since. I added Buro at a later stage to make it sound a bit more like a design agency.

How did you get into graphic design and typography? I think my love of design came from a mix of graffiti, skateboarding and music culture in the late eighties and early nineties which I think subliminally fed my mind to pursue design as a career. I was also not really that good at anything else!

Where do you find inspiration for your work? My inspiration comes from all around. I have quite a basic flat style which comes from an admiration of artists and designers who have the confidence to just stop and not over do it. I’m really not a fan of elaborate or complicated design. I much prefer a good idea to someone that can just draw really well.

Which piece has been your favourite to create (or your most celebrated)? My Skull print which is available to buy at Whosit & Whatsit is my favourite piece. It has a personal element and has received much praise, so I’m really happy with the outcome.

What do you need around you to design? Quiet, coffee and a Sharpie.

What would you say to your younger self about your career? Don’t waste your time in advertising!

Do you see yourself moving away from client work completely? As there seems to be less and less respect for the work designers do from many clients, I have already made quite a big shift from client based work and I’m now focusing on selling more prints. I still do the odd bit of branding work, but I think I will soon only be working on my own projects and maybe the odd friend who needs a logo if they ask nicely.

Are you looking forward to selling with W&W? Yes l’m looking forward to showing my work to a new customer audience that has not seen it yet — designers tend to only have their work seen by other designers so it will be good have my work seen by new people.

Having known of Paul’s work for some time, we couldn’t be happier to welcome him to Whosit & Whatsit. Make sure to look out for his oversized metallic prints — they’re really not to be missed.