An interview with Kerrie McNeill of Kerrie Illustrates

We caught up with Kerrie McNeill of Kerrie Illustrates who created our event artwork. When we saw her work on Instagram, we thought it matched the vibe, colour way and energy of Small Town Big Dreams.

Here’s a short interview with her!

…

Hello! I’m Kerrie, the creative behind Kerrie Illustrates.

I’m currently on a year out/placement from university where I study Graphic Design and Illustration at the Belfast School of Art. In my year out I really wanted to focus on myself and my art. I wanted to make the most of these strange times by focusing on creating work that I wanted to create and just have fun with it. Back in October I also launched my Etsy shop, selling some prints, hand-painted plant pots and other bits and bobs that I’ve been creating. This really kept me motivated and pushed myself to have more confidence in relation to putting myself out there, which can sometimes be nerve wrecking!!

I’ve gone way off track with the intro but some facts about me are:
I’m obsessed with travelling and I want to travel everywhere (hopefully soon)
I love house decorating, shopping for new house bits is so fun!
My favourite food is 100% pizza
I buy at least one new notebook a month (I have an obsession)

What are some themes/topics you like to illustrate?

My work is heavily inspired by things that I have an interest in; plants, interior décor, nature, landscapes, travelling any many more! Although there might not always be a reason or narrative behind some of my illustrations I create, I always want to create pieces that are cheerful, colourful and fun. I’ve only recently started painting again and I’ve found that this has really helped me when I’m feeling overwhelmed or just need a time out. I would love to explore different mediums in the future and when lockdown ends, I’m hoping to take a ceramics class and hopefully make some of my own plant pots!

Who have you created illustrations for (including us of course!)

I gather the majority of my work from local small businesses, creating pieces for branding and packaging. As well as taking commissions. Some recently have included; Wedding Invitations, STBD Podcast Illustration and hand-painted plant pots.

What podcasts do you like listening to? Do you listen while you draw?

I like listening to podcasts that I learn things from such as business related, creative interviews, motivational talks etc. I do like having something on in the background when I’m creating work and I find that podcasts really help me keep focused. I’m also obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy at the moment so that is also on quite a lot!!

You can find me on:

https://www.instagram.com/_kerrieillustrates_/?hl=en

https://www.kerrieillustrates.com/

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/kerrieillustrates?ref=seller-platform-mcnav