Today we’re doing an interview with Eilidh Mahoney, a graphic designer, a small business owner, tattoo artist, and photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. She runs her own small business called “heather + honey” (@heatherandhoneydesigns on Instagram). 

​

--

 

Hey there, Eilidh! Thanks so much for joining the FWZ Team as our Merch Designer! We’re so glad to have you a part of our team <3

 

 -- I see that you’re a fanatic of multiple creative fields. Do you have a favorite? -- 

 

I don’t think I could pick a favorite, it would be like picking a favorite child! Each interest is a passion of mine for a different reason, and I don’t think I would ever be satisfied with pursuing just one. I will say that photography has been an interest of mine for the longest, so it does have a special place in my heart for introducing me to the creative world. 

 

-- Where did your love for graphic design begin? --

 

I have always been intrigued by brand identities, packaging, and a lot of the things that can often go unseen when it comes to a brand. For me, good design goes unnoticed, meaning it’s functional and serves its purpose, however great design makes you want to stop and look at an advertisement, or choose to buy the drink that has the cuter packaging (which I am definitely guilty of). I was originally going to go to film school to study cinematography, which to me is the graphic design of film. You don’t always notice it, but when you do, you can’t help but pause and admire it. 

 

-- Was it hard starting your small business? What inspired you to start it? -- 

 

The most difficult part of starting my small business was just starting it, taking that leap from “I want to do this” to “I am doing this.” As soon as I began the process, the rest came somewhat easily, which goes to show that you are capable of much more than you think. I am constantly being inspired, and I think that’s why I have so many passions. I’ll learn about something like tattooing or graphic design, or in this case starting a small business, and I’ll add it to the long long list of things I want to do. Starting “heather + honey” helped me gain the confidence to continue pursuing these interests of mine, and to take the time to do what I love.

 

-- What are your plans after college? Do you hope to keep expanding your business, and if so, where do you hope for it to go? -- 

 

One of the many lessons this past year has taught me is that plans are not definite, and if you get too attached to the idea of how the future is supposed to be, you’ll never be satisfied. That being said, I do plan to continue doing what I love and trust it’ll take me where I’m supposed to be. I hope to do freelance graphic design, that way I am able to further my tattoo skills, do photography, continue to run my small business, and try out new hobbies I’m sure I will take interest in. I hope that “heather + honey” will always be a creative outlet for me, and as long as I enjoy doing it, I’m fine with the outcome. I just want to bring people the same joy that making the stickers brought me.

 

-- And lastly, what drew your attention to joining the Feminist Writes Zine team? --

 

There’s something so special about a community of people that get to express their creativity, and uplift and admire others’ work, and not only showcases the work of many talented young creatives, but also uses their platform to spread messages of importance. When I found Feminist Writes Zine I knew I wanted to be a part of it, so when I saw that a graphic designer was wanted, it felt like the universe saying “you belong here!” I am very excited to be a part of the team, and look forward to creating with you all!