Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Annabelle Murray of Buda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annabelle Murray

Hi Annabelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with a love for creativity that led me to pursue a degree in Interior Design at SDSU. That foundation set the stage for an immersive experience working with prestigious designers in LA, where I honed my skills in interior design, styling, and project management. I later transitioned into textile design for a luxury home brand in San Francisco, learning the intricacies of material selection, color coordination, and vendor management.

After years of refining my craft in high-end interiors and textiles, I felt drawn to pursue something more personal—something I could create with my own hands. This led me to block printing, where I found a balance between precision and the beauty of imperfection. Block printing allowed me to let go and embrace the organic, gritty texture that comes with pressing ink onto recycled cotton paper.

Today, as the founder of Good AM, I blend my diverse background into a multi-faceted creative practice, offering printmaking, interior design, custom projects, and more. Through it all, my focus remains on inspiring others to embrace the beauty in the raw, authentic, and imperfect—both in art and in life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and honestly, I’m okay with that—it’s all part of my journey. The past few years have been marked by some major personal shifts that have challenged me deeply. I left my corporate textile job back in 2018 after the birth of my identical twin boys. Becoming a stay-at-home mother is something I’m forever grateful for, but there’s always a lingering “what if” about where my career might be if I’d stayed on that path.

More recently, I’ve been calling this past year my “Pivot Year”—inspired by Brianna Wiest—as I’ve made some transformative decisions for my own happiness, including ending a decade-long relationship. Focusing on my own joy and sense of self has been a difficult but necessary shift, and it’s been humbling to juggle that while building Good AM. Each market I attend and each project I take on comes with its own set of challenges as I navigate this new chapter.

It’s scary to be this vulnerable, but it feels like an important part of my story. I hope that by sharing it, I can help others who are also in the midst of their own pivot, encouraging them to embrace the messiness of growth and to heal out loud.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is a blend of art and design, rooted in a background in interior design and textile development but now focused on printmaking and creative consulting. At Good AM, I specialize in hand-carved, hand-pressed block prints, each piece created with the intention to inspire authenticity and embrace the beauty of imperfections. I also offer creative services that range from interior consulting for unique spaces to custom artwork for clients who want something truly personal, & everything in between.

I’m most proud of how my work strikes a balance between being refined, gritty, and a bit playful. My prints, for example, are primarily printed on recycled cotton paper, and I let the texture and quirks of the material come through in each piece. What sets me apart is my ability to combine an eye for detail (thanks to years in the high-end design world) with a willingness to embrace humor and realness. I want my art to feel relatable and accessible, sparking a connection that goes beyond just aesthetics.

At the end of the day, my goal is to create pieces that resonate, uplift, and inspire others to live authentically, all while finding a bit of joy and laughter in the everyday imperfections of life.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a network is simple: just start. Push past the fear and take that first step, even if it feels intimidating. When I decided to do my first market a couple of years ago, I adopted a “just go for it” mindset. I thought, *What do I have to lose? If other people can do it, why can’t I?* Taking that leap opened doors I never anticipated. By putting myself out there, I found myself surrounded by people who offered guidance, support, and inspiration.

I’ve realized that networking doesn’t have to be forced or overly strategic. For me, it was through genuine conversations at markets and openly sharing my work that opportunities and connections naturally started to unfold. Being kind, staying authentic, and not shying away from my own quirks has helped me attract a network of like-minded people. So, just start, be yourself, and trust that the right people will find their way into your orbit.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Professional portraits – Amber Vickery Photography. Professional market photos = Kelly Zhu Photography

Suggest a Story: VoyageAustin is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories