Christchurch-based graphic designer Donna Robertson is devoted to creating illustrations that grab people’s attention and hearts. She finds inspiration in her beloved city of Ōtautahi Christchurch, creating illustrations that celebrate the city’s revitalisation. Her work has been recognised by the Christchurch City Council, who value her designs as gifts for visiting dignitaries, and her beautiful designs also adorn this year’s Felt Christmas Gift Guide.
What do you make?
I make illustrated souvenir gifts. My Ōtautahi Christchurch range has grown to include wall prints, calendars, stationery, lens cleaning cloths and tea towels. I also have an Aotearoa Teaspoons range and new Christmas designs this year.
How did you get into your craft?
I started my working life as an illustrator designing clothing graphics for T & Ski Originals. I switched to commercial graphic design and I kept drawing and painting in my spare time. It wasn’t until I began creating gifts for my clients and family that I really started illustrating again.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I have a Bachelor of Design from CPIT School of Art and Design (or Ara | Te Pūkenga as it is now). I majored in graphic design and illustration.
Describe your creative process
Pen and pencil sketching is the quickest way of getting my ideas down on paper. I scan or photograph my sketches and take them into Adobe Illustrator, Indesign and Photoshop. I work up my concepts from here, redrawing and refining my illustrations, playing with colour, shape and texture.
I have a lot of experience in designing for print so I always work with that in mind. Correctly setting up files for printing can be tricky and small mistakes can mean an expensive reprint. Getting the results you want can be reliant on the papers, printing machines, and inks used. It can be nerve-racking picking up the boxes from the printer, but, on the other hand, this is also my favourite day. Opening the box and just smelling the fresh printing is fantastic.
I do all my own assembly and packaging from this point. I am really fussy about quality and want everything to be just perfect. I like the unwrapping to be an experience for purchasers so I use old-school brown paper and string.
What inspires you?
I take lots of photos wherever I go; details of buildings, plants and animals, and anything inspiring or colourful. I am also a bit of a collector of things, old books, postcards, stamps, and anything printed.
I never take a break from designing. I might move away from my computer but I’m still thinking about projects and gathering inspiration.
In my commercial work, I design visual brands and wayfinding signage for buildings in central Christchurch. While working with the building’s history as inspiration, I learned about the people behind them. I love the stories they tell about their businesses and their motivations. Some of my favourites include Bonnington‘s Chemist and Shands Emporium. I began illustrating my favourite buildings and sites in the city, the fun and creative things popping up. As the city was rebuilt, I had more to add. I added some of my clients and their businesses, and my family and friends.
What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?
My Ōtautahi products have gained recognition and are now used by the Christchurch City Council as corporate gifts for visiting dignitaries. I designed these products with a focus on the future of Ōtautahi as a destination. I want to show visitors that Christchurch is back, better than ever, and the council were looking for just that, souvenir products featuring local icons.
Also, since starting my new illustration journey, I have met many creative people and made connections and friends. This is a different world from the corporate graphic design environment I am used to. I am now secretary of the Kōwhai Collective – a society of local makers fostering creativity in the community. As a group we can provide each other with knowledge and support and we have overcome the challenges of the pandemic together and had some fun and laughs too.
Describe your workspace
Eclectic but ordered – definitely a graphic designer’s space.
Five words that describe your mind
Busy, colourful, creative, detailed, and analytical.
Your favourite feedback from a customer
“This is so beautiful that I won’t want to use it!”
What are you currently listening to?
Mostly podcasts currently “GUILT – Finding Heidi” by Ryan Wolf, broken up with “Foretold” by Faith E. Pinho, about a girl growing up in Romani culture.
What’s your favourite childhood book and why?
Belgian illustrator Marcel Marlier’s series of Mary (Martine) books, written by Gilbert Delahaye. Not reading them, just staring at the pictures for hours, they were so beautifully detailed.
What are you reading now?
I love historical fiction and I am currently reading Ken Follet’s ‘A Column of Fire’.
Who is your hero/heroine? Why?
Sarah Beany, English broadcaster and property developer. Sarah is the same age as me and I feel like I have followed her journey along with my own. She is really creative and a mother of four boys, she doesn’t hide her chaotic life and is embracing ageing. Sarah has battled breast cancer and I admire her continued strength.
A favourite quote:
“Stay gold, Ponyboy.” Johnny Cade, The Outsiders
Tell us about your pets:
Our border terrier, Angus, is my wee companion. He appears in all my illustrated city scenes and in my product logo. Angus is a very good boy and loves to run free in Bottle Lake Forest.
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
When crafting you are doing what you love every day. Just remember that your creative mind, your experience and your production time are all valuable so make sure you include them in your pricing.
Also, get connected with your creative community – the support of groups like The Kowhai Collective and Arts Canterbury will provide encouragement, ideas and direction.
Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?
Handmade goods are more likely to be kept and used again and again, handed down and treasured. Supporting local makers means that profits go back into our economy. Local makers will definitely support other local makers so it is all shared around.
What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?
It means that someone really loves New Zealand and Christchurch and wants to share this love with their friends or family. It makes me smile.
What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
A moody image of Rakiura, Stewart Island, printed on pure cotton linen by Lairka Photography. It perfectly captures the island’s rugged colour and emotion. I love it.
What’s your favourite item in your shop right now?
My illustrated Aotearoa Christmas cards and tags feature beachy New Zealand scenes with native birds, shells and Pōhutukawa. They remind me of the brightly coloured illustration style of the Golden Books I loved as a small child. I am feeling really summer after creating these!
What’s in store for 2024?
I am looking forward to creating more illustrations and a new product or two in 2024. I am also planning to complete my Te Reo Maori Level 2 class and begin a Mātauranga Māori principles of design course.
10% discount voucher for the month with code BEBRIGHT
Special offer for Felt readers!
Donna has generously offered Felt readers 10% off any of the beautiful designs in her Felt shop, when you enter the voucher code BEBRIGHT in the voucher code field at checkout. This offer is valid throughout the month of December 2023. Thank you so much Donna!
See more from Donna Robertson on Felt »
