SERIES TWO – EDITION THIRTY FIVE
In the latest edition of our ‘Faces behind the Business’ series, we caught up with Stephen Murray, Founder and Creative Strategic Lead at Hopeful Studio; a Liverpool based design studio.
When did you first get into the industry?
I’ve been brewing a creative agency for nearly 20 years. It’s in the family. It’s a joy to finally do it – and I’m loving it! I officially started around 2010 when I was studying graphic design at John Moores University. To say that I’m passionate is an understatement, I’m a creative soul and I’ve found my channel.
How long have you worked at Hopeful and what is your job role?
I founded the company just under five years ago and in my role as Creative Strategic Lead, I find myself growing brands into value systems that thrive and onboard followers, while also starting movements for worthy causes.
Day to day I steer the visual and audio creative development of brand identities, digital experiences, video creatives and print productions.
What is Hopeful’s ethos?
Our values are positivity, perseverance, and precision. Our positivity comes from our gratefulness – we love what we do and we don’t take it for granted. Perseverance because we understand that nothing good comes easy, and a bit of patience and resilience goes a long way. Pursuing precision keeps us humble and relevant and we want our work to be truly excellent, in a way that richly adds value to our clients and the worlds that they engage with.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give anyone looking at working in your line of work?
Never stop researching and learning, be self-aware and be brave enough to try new things – especially if it’s out of your comfort zone.
What do you love most about Liverpool?
The humour. I’ve found that when I’ve travelled outside of Liverpool, my instincts for a good laugh go a long way, and that’s something you can only inherit from an amazingly warm and friendly city like Liverpool.
If you could describe your business in 3 words what would they be?
Fun, Future and Caring.
For further information visit www.hopeful.studio
Are you a business in the Liverpool City Region and want to feature in our Faces Behind the Business series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537.
