October 22, 2015
Catherine McGinniss
Catherine McGinniss is a truly awesome artist. We can’t wait to have her paper, illustrated goods, and housewares at our London Fair in just a couple of weeks!
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting history behind?
I spent ages thinking about names for my business and in the end I went with my name – as I am a freelance illustrator who creates and makes products I think it is nice to have the connection of knowing the name behind the image or item, it just makes it more personal.
Have you always been passionate about design?
I have always been passionate about art and design. My Dad was an architect and when I was a kid I loved watching him at his drawing board drawing these really straight lines freehand that suddenly became buildings. Reflecting back it probably influenced me a lot -seeing and understanding that a drawing is more than pen and paper it can become anything and everything….! Now I spend any spare time visiting galleries and watching the world on youtube!
When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?
I create all my products by hand, mostly I screen-print or letterpress print my products both of these processes allow me to make the products myself, this means I don’t have to use other company’s to manufacture which ultimately means full control of the products I make, then I can be sure that they have the look and feel that I want them to have. This also means that you learn the hard way how to do this but it often gives you other ideas of things to make.
Have you sacrificed anything to create your business? If so, what was it, and do you have any regrets?
I think anybody who starts any sort of business sacrifices something mostly time and often sanity, I am very lucky that what I do is very much what I like and want to do so I don’t really feel like all the time and effort that goes into creating is a sacrifice as I love what I do.
What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?
My favourite moments are the small things, like when I get good feedback from someone on my Etsy store or moments like this where I am writing a Q&A for Renegade spotlight as it really encourages you and gives you a real boost and makes you feel excited about what you do.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
I am influenced by all the places that I have lived in. I grew up in the Essex countryside, farms, fields, woods, somewhat isolated but great for imagination and real freedom for a kid. Then living in London with the excitement of city life all noise and bustle and architecture, history and culture. Now I live by the sea with salty air, candy floss, sticks of rock, giant cedar trees and a room for me to draw and imagine in.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
I studied illustration at university and then went on to have a variety of jobs, some I enjoyed some I did not! – but I learned something from all of them and mostly I just carried on making, doing, drawing and creating.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
It’s mostly a sense of needing to do something that makes me happy and to create and make things that please me and I can’t find elsewhere.
What are some inspirations for your work?
Inspiration is everywhere
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Carry on making, doing, drawing, sticking and most of all just enjoy it. It’s worth it.
We can’t wait to see all of Catherine McGinniss’ work at our London Fair on November 7 + 8! Want to keep up to date with Catherine? You can find her online here: