Homegirl London pays homage to Jessica Hogarth (Designs). This business makes a collection of colourful, quirky and illustrative contemporary greeting cards alongside notebooks, wall art screen prints, tea towels and tote bags. Although Jessica’s style is modern, she does give a little nod to the fifties through her colour palettes and linear drawings. Having grown up in North Yorkshire, Jessica is inspired by idyllic coastal towns, harbours and fishing. Architecture is also prominent whether it’s a picturesque cottage or a pretty Parisian café. I caught up with Jessica Hogarth to find out more.
Meet Jessica Hogarth
Jessica studied at Leeds College of Art and graduated in 2010. During my time she undertook a number of work placements in a variety of companies. She tells me – “I spent a bit of time in the product development department at the British Museum, as well as working in artwork and card studio. All of these experiences certainly opened my eyes to the ‘real’ world of design. It gave me lots to think about in terms of where I wanted to go when I finished studying. I exhibited at New Designers in London upon graduating and was fortunate enough to get spotted by a Manchester-based artwork studio. I worked there for eight months before deciding I wanted to freelance and launch my own product range.”
Jessica Hogarth
Starting her own business began sooner than she imagined it would, she reveals – “I was incredibly dedicated and hardworking during my degree. After visiting trade shows and exhibitions I was very excited at the prospect of one day doing that myself. I hadn’t really planned that it would happen so soon, but when I wasn’t totally satisfied with my full-time job, it became a serious option for me. I officially launched the business at the British Craft Trade Fair in April 2012. This was the first showcase of my own product range to retail buyers and I was thrilled with the response that I had.”
Take the Bike Print
Jessica is based back in her homeland of North Yorkshire, she tells me –“I live just outside a beautiful village called Robin Hood’s Bay, which is where I grew up. My coastal upbringing has had an obvious influence on my design work, particularly my first collection entitled Life by the Sea. I wouldn’t rule out a move back to the city, but for now, I love working in my garden studio. I mainly work alone but call on mum when I need additional help!”
Life by the Sea Card
Time flexibility is something Jessica enjoys – “Having my own business is all-consuming, but I think the best thing is choosing to take time off when I want to. I work long hours but if opportunities to go on a mini holiday or to a festival arise, I juggle my tasks so I can enjoy myself.”
Jessica Hogarth Collection
Jessica describes her design style – “It definitely has a certain look to it. Linear illustrations are the focal point of all of my work and are combined with often quirky colour schemes to create an eye-catching piece of art. I’m a big fan of fifties design, travel, and general European culture. I think elements of these interests shine through in my collection.”
All Stacked Up Notebook
Architecture is heavily featured in her work, she explains – “I have a huge fascination with architecture and it is without a doubt my favourite thing to draw. Whether it be little village cottages, high rise buildings or beautiful Parisian cafes, I just love it! I spent a lot of time drawing architecture whilst studying and those pieces of work have done well for me. I take hundreds of photos of buildings whilst I’m on trips both near and far.”
Downtown Paris Tea Towel
Yorkshire has a special place in Jessica’s heart, she reveals – “Whether it’s the colours of cottage doors or the things I see whilst at the beach, the Yorkshire coast has inspired many a print or pattern.
Yorkshire Cycling Tea Towel
The best selling collection is ‘Life by the Sea,’ Jessica tells me –“One particular print, Coastal Cottages, features across my entire product range. It has also been licensed for use on children’s wear, gift wrap, blinds and craft products. All of the buildings are in the lovely Robin Hood’s Bay, so it’s great to get my home village some recognition!”
Coastal Cottages Wallpaper
The rest of Jessica’s collections are all card-based, with the odd design making it on to another product. Jessica tells me –“Aspero is named after a lovely island off Gothenburg and is inspired by fifties florals and Scandinavia. I’ve been to Sweden many times and always wanted to create something which was inspired by those trips.”
Fish and Ceramics Card
Recent ranges are Zealous and Jazz. Jessica explains – “These are two sets of cards that show me using more type than before. These are geared towards specific occasions while Life by the Sea and Aspero are intended as cards for any events, or even to purchase and frame!”
New Home Card
Buy Jessica Hogarth Products
You can buy Jessica’s products from Jessica Hogarth. To give you an idea about prices – Cards are £2.20- 2.50, Notebooks £2.50-3.50, Tea Towels £7-10, Prints £12 60, Personalised Prints £16.90- 22.90 and Tote Bags £6. Jessica has launched a selection of personalised prints on Not on the High Street with some cards to be added soon. The paper products have a matt finish and the fabrics used are 100% cotton. All products under her own brand are manufactured in the UK.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Jessica Hogarth by Yeshen Venema. Thanks: Jessica Hogarth.
