Mr.M is 10 today!

I could have celebrated via the obligatory 10 year video montage, or updated the Mr.M website — actually that may be a good idea (note to oneself).

But instead I wrote some words, and that’s always a leap out of the comfort zone for dyslexic me.

Deep breath, here goes.

These snippets are what I’ve learnt, what I’ve overcome and the things I continue to work on as Mr.M.

Took a while, but I’m now happy (actually proud) to say that Mr.M is an ‘I’. Obviously it becomes a genuine ‘we’ when I collaborate.

I wouldn’t be where I am without my trusted supporters to lean on, talk with and occasionally vent frustrations to (forever grateful, you know who you are!).

Mr.M works for some and not others. That’s how it goes, and that’s fine with me.

Recommendations are golden.

I will never get used to or master ‘new' business*; I’m a good designer, but a salesperson? Not so much (see the * at the end and let the work do the selling!).

It’s important to work in a space that cuts out negativity, naysayers and energy sappers.

From day one Mr.M has had 4 core values: bold, honest, passionate and enjoyable. They have served me well and been embraced by many a client.

Questions Mr.M has been asked No.38… “What happens if a bus hits you tomorrow?”. Hmmm, still don’t know how to answer that question.

I always take a positive out of a negative. Admittedly, being hit by a bus might stretch this mindset a little.

Note to self: follow my gut more often.

Note to self: stop comparing myself and work to others.

Mr.M gives me creative freedom… I have dabbled in furniture design: my modular workspace Arnie.M (www.arniem.co.uk) was inspired by my son. And the ‘why not?’ attitude means Angela and I are currently building a house in a creative way. Someone even wanted to follow the project on TV, but no way was I going to be filmed crying on national telly.?

Mr.M has given me the opportunity to literally ‘be there’ for my family. I really enjoy my work, but Mr.M also allows me the space to support, care, love and play.

Learning to understand all over again that being neurospicy is my superpower.

I didn’t realise how being a neurodivergent and running a business would affect my mental health.

I’m proud of the reputation I have built throughout my career. Winning over 50 design awards was nice, but nothing beats the feeling when someone says they would love to work with Mr.M.

I love how I now define what success is (hint: it’s not just about the money).

The ability to say ’no’ when necessary is a positive.

The joy of collaboration with a diverse, talented array of people and companies will continue to be a pleasure.

You can’t beat making people happy through your work.

Not understanding straightaway or getting something wrong can be the key to succeeding.

There aren’t any problems, only challenges.?

Simple — deliver every project to a good standard.

Mr.M is very much about relationships, everybody is a human being, it’s never ‘them and us’.

I love how Mr.M doesn’t have a set style, or a particular sector specialism. Variety is the spice of life, and every project starts with a blank page.

Variety is the spice of life Part Two – I’ve loved working on: Homes in the sky, massive industrial spaces, environmentally friendly exhibitions, walk on art installations, accommodating students, building sustainable communities, pop-up events in multi–story car parks, touring arts organisations, furniture design, filling dance floors…

Variety is the spice of life Part Three – I’ve loved working with: Muse , Urban Splash , HOME , Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, Picture This , Wedding Jam, Arnie.M… to these people and many others, thank you very much.

Special thank yous have to go to:

Andy Murdoch , Paul Moffat , Karen Zelin (FCMA) , Alfred, (Julie), Angela and Arnie Maurer and everyone who champions, is a fan and supporter of Mr.M.

To the collaborators, suppliers, talent creatives and makers, thank you for helping Mr.M do good things.

And a massive thank you to Mr.M Recommenders, you really do make all the difference.

Right, words done, I’m pleased I wrote all this down. Now take note Matt, remember all of the above and carry on being bold, honest, passionate and enjoyable.

Mr.M

*Want to see or find out more about the work Mr.M does? Please get in touch, it’s always nice meeting new people.

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