Tuby paints Monsters inspired by myths, legends & places. Since moving to Berwick-upon-Tweed the focus has been on Sea Monsters. The process includes researching sea creatures, designing fun filled characters then presenting the specimen in the style of Natural History Illustration.
‘Studying these tales and marine animals has given me a deep appreciation of sea life and I hope to pass this on’.
Tuby is the moniker of Mark McLaughlin. Working previously as an independent Designer with Global Brands, Ad Agencies, Tech Startups, SMEs, NPOs and Charities Mark brings expert graphic knowledge and image creation to his practice.
Originally Tuby was the name of the London Underground character Mark created but in the street art and graffiti world the name was transferred on to the Artist.
Having exited London in 2023 Mark began to paint Sea Monsters with watercolour paints to produce originals and reproduction prints.
‘I love designing characters and in Sea Monsters I find a subject and method I really enjoy. The perfect blend of discovery, imagination, challenging techniques and satisfying output.’
About the Character
Tuby is the brainchild of Mark McLaughlin, a Graphic Artist and Painter inspired by London, computer graphics, cartoons, comics, manga, graffiti, street art & sign writing.
Tuby is a Monster, a grotesque for our times. Adapted from the London Underground Symbol to create a character unique to one of the greatest cities on earth.
Designing Tuby
'When I returned to London the all pervasive Tube symbol appeared to hold a face, a character and I began to draw this out. At first the monster was truly terrifying, ugly and overpowering—perhaps the subconscious response of being overwhelmed by London. Few people appreciated this characterisation and so I pushed on to find something more available, less offending.'
Other influences began to enter the design. Fangs often appear in characters created by writers like ‘Wise', and graffiti artists like 'Insa' (London) and ‘Myst' (Paris). I loved them and wanted some for Tuby.
Registered Office:
2nd Floor, Oceantech House
Station Approach, Cheam
London Borough of Sutton
SM2 7AU
Picture Credits: This page: Polaroid Portrait by Alex Amery, Painting Monstrocity in Global Street Art by Matt Bowen. Homepage Banner: Painting a Monster at Camden Open Air Gallery picture by Sam Rockman.