This month we’re focusing on Dave Draws, a doodle artist whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy and whose work can be seen upstairs on the walll in Chirpy as well as for sale in the form of Leeds mugs, prints and coasters
Here’s a little interview we did with Dave.
Tell me a little bit about yourself
I'm Dave Gee better known as Dave Draws, I'm a 31 year old artist based in Manchester where I run Dave Draws from. Dave Draws is my business, where I suppose I am best known for doing doodle maps of different towns and cities. I sell these on various products such as prints, mugs and coasters and I also create them as murals for schools, bars, offices, restaurants etc.
How did you start doing what you’re doing?
I've always drawn and enjoyed doodling but it was never something I seriously thought I could do until after university. I started creating a few prints and did a couple of small murals in Sheffield (I'm originally from Chesterfield). But then I moved to Berlin where I worked in an art gallery and it was whilst I was out there that I started taking art a lot more seriously. I started exhibiting and the doodle map idea was born there. When I moved to Manchester after Berlin I started creating the maps and the business took off from there.
What does a normal day look like?
My routine varies every week depending on where I am working but I usually get up around 7/7:30 then head to work for between 8:30/9. Before I start drawing for the day I go through my emails and catch up on any admin as well as doing a social media post. I then start drawing either on site on a mural or at my studio. I have my lunch around 12 where I catch up on emails and social media again before drawing again in the afternoon until around 5/half 5 when I catch up on emails again. After that I try to switch off for the day though so work doesn't creep into my evenings.
What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?
I can think of 3, my Lancashire map packaging for Lancashire Tea (sorry Yorkshire!), my Salford docks design for Salford Rums bottles and finally my New York map that is printed on the inside of all the lifts at Innside New York Nomad hotel.
What’s the best thing about working for yourself?
My favourite thing about running my own business is being in control of everything myself, that can be a burden as well at times but generally
it just feels liberating to be in control of your own destiny. I think I can be a bit stubborn as well and don't love being told what to do so being my own boss definitely works for me in that respect.
What’s your biggest achievement?
Business wise travelling abroad to create murals in New York, Hong Kong and across Europe. But also just surviving the pandemic and my business being in an even stronger place at the end of it. Personally in that time I managed to buy a house with my girlfriend as well which felt like an achievement all things considered.
Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?
Loads, I've never really used spray paints, I would like to get good at that. Tattooing would be cool as well. Also I'd love to be able to DJ but I don't know where I am going to find the time to learn all these things!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?
Just throw yourself in to it. It takes a lot of dedication and time particularly at the start but the rewards are so worth it. I would also say don't wait for opportunities and work to come to you, actively go out and seek clients and work opportunities. I messaged a lot of brands/people I wanted to work with at the start, the worst they can say is no but if they say yes it can open so many doors for you.
Why should people shop local?
People should shop local because they are the shops/businesses that need and appreciate it most. I've seen loads of bits online about how when you order from an independent or local business the person you are buying from does a little dance and that is definitely true. If I have a good sales day it can make my day and most creatives I know would think the same.
You can join Dave on his next Doodle map workshop at Chirpy on Thursday 24th March - click here to book or find out more