Introduce us to you and your brand!
I am an artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh. I graduated with a BA Hons in Fine Art from Newcastle University in 2015, and have exhibited throughout England and Scotland. I am a co- founder of Greenfinch Studios, a children's book collaborative producing books which tackle mental health issues, and work as an illustrator for the collaboration.
My illustrations depict fun animals with human like characteristics and features. Alongside illustrating I work in the mediums of print, sculpture and drawing, creating pieces inspired by natural and man-made objects. My sculptures and sculptural drawings are inspired by forms which are flexible and allow movement, having a particular fascination with the SPRING; its ability to contract and expand, compress and relax, being perfect for the exploration of movement and connection between artist and material. My linocuts are inspired by a love of nature, and everything leafy!, combined with a fascination for these sculptural forms.
How has your brand/work developed since you began?
The biggest development since beginning has been bringing the illustration side of my practice into the work I sell, rather than solely illustrating for Greenfinch Studios. I now make giclée prints, cards, pins and stickers of my illustrations, and am constantly expanding my portfolio to include different drawings and new designs.
What are your main inspirations?
My main inspirations are nature and what I see around me, like dogs playing in the park, seagulls fighting over food, I like looking at animals and imagining them with human personalities. Houseplants were a big comfort to me during lockdown, allowing nature to be in the home, so I became very inspired by them, making linocuts of the cheeseplants in my flat.
What do you consider to be your most popular product? Why do you think it resonates with people
I'd say my most popular product is my 'Grumpy Frog' giclée print. She makes people chuckle when they see her, and I'm really happy with how I captured her character.
What piece are you the proudest of?
I'm most proud of my new Monstera linocuts, 'Lime Monstera Adansonii II' and 'Pink Monstera Adansonii II'.
"Houseplants were a big comfort to me during lockdown, allowing nature to be in the home, so I became very inspired by them, making linocuts of the cheeseplants in my flat."
What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist/designer?
I find the finance side of things the hardest. I love making work, and have done so throughout my whole life, so I have no trouble being creative and making things, but turning that love into a business and ensuring all the finances are in order is something i've had a lot less practice at!
Do you have any past accomplishments you wish to share?
I'm very proud of the book I have finished illustrating for Greenfinch Studios called 'See Your Beautiful', written by Emily Hunter and designed by Matthew Price. ‘See Your Beautiful’ tells the story of a sloth called Sophie who doesn't think she is beautiful and is always comparing herself to her friends. Until one day, a fairy appears and offers to give Sophie whatever it is she believes she needs to be as beautiful as them. Luckily for Sophie, her Daddies help her see that she looks quite ridiculous as anything other than herself. It is only when her wish is granted that she realises she was beautiful all along. The story is about the journey to self-love, self acceptance and the dangers of comparing oneself to others, and bringing the characters to life was so fun and such an honour.
How did you find out about SDX? And what made you apply to sell with us?
I found out about SDX through an artist whose stall was next to me at the Dovecot Summer Craft and Design Fair last year, they highly recommended I apply so I decided to go for it!
What have you found to be the most challenging aspect to your business since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020?
I have been trying to expand my artistic career by doing more fairs, and I have found this a lot harder to do as venues accept fewer artists due to social distancing. Also, I am currently looking for a children's book publisher to publish 'See Your Beautiful' and the pandemic has made this a lot harder, as smaller publishers have such a back log of applications and lack of money, due to staffing shortages and lockdowns, and in some cases have therefore had to close applications.
What do you hope to gain from working with SDX moving forward?
I hope for my work to reach more people, and for my portfolio of work shown at SDX to grow. Getting involved in community things, such as artist talks and 'meet the artist' events are something I would love to be involved in with SDX, as meeting more creative people is so interesting and enjoyable.
If you could share just one piece of advice to aspiring artists/designers who want to make a living from their creative talents, what would you tell them?
Do not do things for free, artists have rent and bills to pay just like anybody else, so if someone is wanting you to work for them for free it tells you a lot about how they value creative people and the arts in general.
And finally, help share some motivation with your favourite inspirational advise or quote!
BE BOLD!
Thank you to Zo
ë Molly for participating in our blog, you can find her work at SDX 117-119 George Street, Edinburgh.