Interview with Ruth Mutch, MES 2005, Illustrator and Artist

Ruth recently popped into school to judge entries for our Seasonal Card competition and we managed to catch up with her to learn more about her time at school and her career journey since leaving school.

What were your favourite subjects at school?

My favourite subject at school was probably Design Technology – it was quite exciting imagining what the first generation of MP3 players would look like (pre-iPod!) and making things. Funnily enough I was less keen on Art because it was quite formal! I also enjoyed Computing – but in the early 2000s MES didn’t have a computing department – so I had to wait until Sixth Form to do a crash Higher at SMC. 

When you were at school did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do when you left?

While I was at school, I loved looking after younger children, so everyone told me that I should become a primary teacher.

You had to pause your University studies due to health issues.  How did you form a plan for what to do next?

My teaching degree didn’t go brilliantly – mostly because nobody had recognised I was neurodivergent at that point. Thankfully I managed to complete enough of it to gain a BA in Primary Education (without the teaching qualification). I actually went back to college after I got my first degree, which opened my eyes to the possibility of a more creative career. 

As I had just been diagnosed as autistic, I found the structure and routine of college classes suited me far better than the greater freedom of university. I studied for a HND in Interactive Media for two years – a subject that hadn’t existed when I left school five years earlier! – and then planned to study Animation at university. 

Unfortunately at this point my health deteriorated and I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). I had to drop out of the university course, and instead spent most of my time at Project Ability – a disability arts charity here in Glasgow. They have an amazing studio space and encouraged me to develop my illustration skills. 

What do you like most about your job?

I love drawing and really enjoy illustrating characters that will make people smile. 

What is the most challenging part of your career?

Probably drawing some of the rather odd requests I get as commissions! 

You have a wide range of design work that you undertake, from your own card designs to commissions and even book illustrations.  What do you like the most and least?

I like the freedom of designing my own cards, prints and other products – but the challenge of illustrating a book is also incredibly fun! 

What advice would you give to current pupils at ESMS when they are thinking about their future?

My advice would be to consider all your options carefully. University is great for some people, but others might prefer going to college. If you’re neurodivergent then consider what support is available – and make good use of it! 

What is your fondest memory of your time at school?

In 3rd year, our physics teacher started a FIMO clay jewellery club at lunchtime. I absolutely loved that club and looked forward to it every week! Most of my other fondest memories are of curling up at the back of the library with a good book. It was by far my favourite part of the school.