Illustrator, Designer, Fancy Things Maker

Random Facts About You?

I wish I could crochet, I have tried to no avail, I just end up with a furrowed brow surrounded by crochet chipolatas

My favourite book is Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, I still miss those characters now, sigh....

I used to believe that my grandma had safety pins inside her legs as my dad told me that she got ladders in her tights because she swallowed a giant safety pin. I think perhaps this wasn't the case.

I do draw things other than cats!

What got you started crafting?

I spent a lot of time on my own as a wee nipper and had two arty parents, it was inevitable! The satisfaction of making my own clothes made me realise how wonderful it is to be able to make and how important as human beings it is to be able to make and appreciate things that are beautiful and inspiring. An image or a hand crafted work can make you feel happy, sad, complete, motivated, confident and understood. I probably spend too much time devouring these things but I can't imagine life without beautiful art and crafts made with the heart and hands of a person who loves their craft and wants to share it.

What is your source of inspiration?

My inspirations have come from far and wide... travelling and living in different countries throughout my life has broadened my horizons no end. Japanese culture fascinates me, I love the way they mix it all up, western, eastern, traditional and contemporary. A vast array of characterful cats I've known and loved, mine and other peoples. My sweet son, my one in a million fiance, the students I have taught, the lecturers who've taught me. My biggest inspiration comes from people who are full of positivity believing in the words of Yoda "Do or do not... there is no try."! Just do what you love and love what you do and I think everything else will sort itself out!

What have you made recently?

I have so many pots on the boil! I've been making lots of clothes for myself with pretty detailing like 60s collars and cute buttons and thought it would be nice to include my cat drawings within them so I've made a few necklaces which are collars, but look closely and you'll see the scalloped edges are wee cats faces. I've also been putting a lot of my illustrations into cameos that I've hand drawn and then laser cut to make them that bit more unique.

I've also been working on a little personal project on my blog documenting my earliest memories in pictures every day, some sweet, some scary, some just plain odd.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I sell on Etsy, Folksy, by commission and also do a lot of freelance illustration for various clients. I do also love doing any kind of mail art swaps. Please feel free to get in touch if you do too! One of the loveliest things about working in art and craft is the lovely welcoming community you become a part of. It reminds you of how kind and decent people really are.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

I always buy handmade if I possibly can, not just because I know it will be a superior product but also because I can't stress enough the importance of supporting the handmade community. I know it will be packaged beautifully, cared for, it will have been made with love, creativity and above all it will be unique.

My one guilty pleasure is shoes, oh the pretty shiny shoes I just can't make and have as yet found any shoemakers who fit my kitsch tastes. I am still waiting for someone to set up a business making little girls shoes for adults.

Find Me

Location
Norwich, UK

Email Address
Ella Goodwin

Personal Website
http://www.ellagoodwin.co.uk

Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopMissElla

Twitter
@ella_goodwin

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/EllaGoodwinIllustration