Meet Murray Little | 2D Animator, Multi Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Murray Little and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Murray, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
No matter how hard I try, I just cannot picture myself not creating. I hope it’s a mutually shared feeling when I say that it is truly my purpose to make art. I know that sounds like I am making my existence out to be more important than it really is, but every time I paint, animate, draw or whatever, It feels like I am squeezing my bloody heart into my pieces along with my medium. So really why would I pursue anything that doesn’t give me that level of emotion?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started creating when I was little. For as long as I can remember I spent my days with my dad in the studio, painting with him, and slowly making improvements throughout the years. As I got older, I began to realize that my career paths were going to be a bit limited given the fact that art is really the only field I can picture myself in. When I graduated Highschool I had found a niche for hand drawn 2D animation. There was unfortunately very limited options, education wise, in Colorado for that type of major. I also didn’t have the finical means to look into schools in the states. So, I saved up and found an accelerated associates program in British Columbia at Vancouver Film School, that would allow me to take my passions to new levels. It was a nerve-wracking journey traveling to a new country where I didn’t know anyone, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I met so many incredible people, had many important life lessons, and made memories to last a lifetime. Over the course of the year, I created a demo reel, and my current magnum opus: Happy trails. A 1 minute and 30 second 2D animated short film about two brothers exploring the mysterious beauty of the outdoors together. The whole thing took me about four months to create and includes hand painted canvas backgrounds and many other traditional techniques. I found that animation school wasn’t exactly as outdoorsy, so my film primarily serves as encouragement to get out an see the world. After all, “Animation is the illusion of life, and you can’t create if you don’t have one.” -Brad Bird

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Meow wolf is a must see for anyone interested in the arts. It’s an absolute creative playground, I don’t even think spending a full day in there could even be enough to explore it all. While you’re in Denver, Id also take you to Mutiny information cafe. It’s a book, record, comic, and venue that supports local artists. What more could you want?
I’d finish that night off with city o’ city, a great vegan place on Broadway, it occasionally has live music. I would order the spicy buffalo seitan wings.
7th Circle is an amazing venue to go to if you’re into the DIY punk scene, and always has opportunities to meet fun and interesting people.
Estes Park is another must see. Rocky mountain National, the haunted Stanley hotel, and a million charming shops in the downtown.
I love camping so I would definitely try to camp in Guanella pass campground, wake up well rested and hike up Colorado’s most beautiful 14er Mt. Bierstadt.
Last and weirdest suggestion, it’s a bit out of the way but it’s still one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. Bishop Castle located in Rye, Colorado, is a handmade castle by one man. It is a bit hazardous due to it not being up to code, but it is definitely worth it, and is quite a sight.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many role models and mentors it’s hard to pick just a couple. My Dad is definitely a giant artistic influence in my life. I contribute a lot of my abilities to his guidance. But other than growing up with my Dad in the studio, I was introduced to the world of new grounds and early YouTube animation at a young age. People like Egoraptor, Knights of the light table, and The Kao were very early influences on my indie animation route. I also grew up on cartoons such as the Animaniacs, Ninja turtles, power puff girls, gravity falls, and over the garden wall. So, people like Alex Hirsh, Genndy Tartakovsky, Rebecca Sugar and Richard Williams really influence my current animation style. Lastly my college professors were all insanely talented artists and animators and I owe so much of my improvement to their mentoring. Jim Inkster, Mark Pudliner, and Adam Rogers at Vancouver Film School are three people that made a huge impact on me.

Website: https://www.krop.com/murraymonetlittle/#/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pissed_off_portrait_painter/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murray-monet-little-014458286/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9sE7Dd3hxRbMCfVYllwq8Q

Image Credits
N/A