Katherine McDonald is an Irish illustrator who produces beautiful minimal nature inspired art.
Many thanks to Katherine for sharing her art insights with us! Before jumping into her interview below, check out her work that's available to buy on her website.
Artist Interview
What's the latest piece of art that you have put out into the world?
All recent work has been bespoke commissions for a range of clients, including personalised digital portrait illustrations, hand-rendered wedding invitation illustrations and illustrative branding for packaging. Though, my most popular collection of prints are still in production, which I’m currently expanding too.
What drives you to keep creating?
I just simply enjoy the satisfaction of producing a creative vision that started from a personal drive of my love for nature and exploring, especially in my home country – bringing a little of the outside, indoors. I’d approached my current collection in a different direction from my usual method of illustrating, and it was a way in which I knew I’d like to work in the future. It’s a nice balance though to pick up a traditional paint brush and produce some of my more ‘handmade’ prints. To have them sold and displayed in the homes of people to enjoy, truly warms the heart. I’m always thinking how I can push my vision further and I’m excited to have many future ideas in the pipeline that will push my illustrations in a new direction.
Is there another artist's work that you would recommend, and why?
Oh my goodness, the list is endless! It depends if I’m looking for a gift for someone, a particular aesthetic I like and want to frame or the conceptual meaning behind its significance but at the moment I’m in love with the whimsical style of Patricia Redmond’s collaboration with Under the Willow Tree Company that was recently launched. Simplistic, that involve any sort of flora, fauna or nature win me over every single time! It’s great to see so many other fellow Irish artists making great illustrative work too, with Laura Buchanan Designs another favourite.
Do you have any advice for creators that are just starting out?
Just do it! If you’re waiting on that perfect moment to start on that idea that’s been burning in the back of your mind for so long, get going! Work hard, stay dedicated, commit to your ideas, as it’s been a long trial and error run since I first started out – a work in progress to say the least. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new styles of illustrating, as you’re ever evolving as an artist and you don’t have to stick that that one ‘style’ you’re renowned for. Ultimately, do what you love and resonates with you, get it out there and published and reap the rewards.
Where can we find your work?
My prints are sold in shops nationwide, as well as my own online shop https://katherinemcd.bigcartel.com/
Other commissioned requests can be enquired through email at [email protected]
Instagram: @_katherine_mcdonald
