Magpie co-founder Jamie Ellul strikes out on his own

‘It’s been a difficult decision leaving Magpie Studio at the height of our powers, but since having kids I’ve decided to relocate my family for a better life and more support from parents,’ says Elull.  

Supple Studio will be up and running by the end of June and Elull says he will look to work with ‘a network of collaborators and freelancers I’ve built up over the years by putting the right teams together for each project.’

Elull says, ‘I don’t want it to become a mid-size agency. These days there are more flexible ways to work – although I may look to get a couple of designers at some point.’

He will carry on working with Royal Mail and University of The Arts London, which have added Supple Studio to their rosters.

Ellul co-founded Magpie in April 2008 with David Azurdia and Ben Christie, who will continue at Magpie as creative partners.

Ellul, Azurdia and Christie are friends from art college and in a statement Azurdia and Christie say the split is an amicable one.

‘As parents ourselves we totally respect Jamie’s decision to relocate – he’ll be sorely missed on a personal level, but Magpie is established enough to continue to uphold the high calibre of work and strong values we’ve laid out together from the start.’

Ellul says,  ‘It’s been an amazing five years with Magpie and I’ve learnt so much. Now I’m excited by the design opportunities the South West offers. I’m looking forward to integrating myself into the design network down there, whilst keeping my links with the London design scene.’