Becoming a Freelance Designer: Muriha Ramzanali
By Iesha Ismail, Content Coordinator at MWP
Starting a new business venture is a challenge all on its own, but starting a creative business? That’s an extra pressure that only fellow artists can understand.
That’s why in this spotlight of our “How She Got There” series, we’re speaking with Muriha Ramzanali, Lead Graphic Designer at MWP and calligrapher and freelance designer.
While working in UX Design as her day job, Muriha has cultivated her own arts business on Instagram and Etsy, where she sells beautiful art prints, calligraphy, stationery and much more. Muriha’s art account on Instagram has amassed almost 1,000 followers, with its own storefront, while her Etsy houses even more of her creations for sale.
Today, Muriha shares how she went from passing off creating art as a viable career to now flourishing as a freelance artist.
1.What field did you start in, and what field are you in now?
My first full-time job after graduating from Suffolk University was as a Quality Analyst at eClinicalWorks, a healthcare tech company. A few years in, I’m still at the same company but have transitioned to the Usability department, working as a UX Specialist.
All the while I’ve been doing freelance design; I started out designing logos and flyers before I found out I was really passionate about calligraphy. Now, I take custom calligraphy commissions as well as sell original prints and stationery.
2.What made you want to pivot/start a career in this different field?
Ever since I was young I wanted to be an artist, but didn’t think it was a very realistic career path. However, I kept up with my creative side by taking classes in high school and college.
Through one of those classes I was required to create a website and decided to make it an art portfolio alongside an Instagram account. I discovered a whole new world of artists and creative entrepreneurs with small businesses who were able to make a living doing what they love. That’s when I really started to think I could do the same.
3. What was the biggest challenge for breaking into a different field?
The biggest challenge is not comparing your journey to anyone else’s. It’s really easy to play the comparison game and fall into an imposter syndrome mindset especially when most of us spend a great amount of time on social media.
Know that there is a market for almost anything, everything has been done before (just not by you!), and that consistent hard work can beat natural talent.
4. As a small business owner and artist/designer, what advice would you give to an MWP who wants to go on a similar path?
Just start! It’s the most cliche and annoying piece of advice, but it’s really all you can do.
In order to make progress, you must be willing to take steps before you’re ready, because there will never be a perfect time to start.
A year from now, you’ll look back at today and wish you would have just started.
5. Best first tools or resources to start?
Look for free resources on YouTube, Instagram, and Skillshare.
There’s a lot out there, and it’s best to first familiarize yourself with the creative industry and popular artists before you go spending all your money on their courses.
It is definitely possible to learn a great amount for free! If you are interested in learning how to hand letter or start calligraphy, I would recommend this course.
So how did Muriha get here?
She stayed connected to her passion of art and design, did her homework on how artists and designers succeed in their respective fields, and began creating. We’re excited to see how she will grow even further, iA.
If you’d like to connect with muriha to learn more about her journey, go here to check her out.
Stay tuned for more career advice from the MWP team in industries from tech to accounting to healthcare and more!
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