Robbie Porter is a Scottish illustrator currently getting lost in London. His practice is idea-led with a focus on creating playful yet meaningful work. He graduated from Camberwell College of Art in 2013, with a master’s degree in Illustration.
What’s your fondest memory from your time at UAL?
We had a Christmas party and our course leader made us all these amazingly surreal baubles to take home and put on our tree. I remember feeling very lucky to be taught by someone who had taken the time to make us all an individual gift. Afterwards we had a sing-a-long to Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, it was a fun day.
How did your company come about?
After I finished my BA I got a job in a Printmakers Gallery, which had a shop. I started making things to sell there and very slowly got involved in markets, fairs and subsequently with shops and wholesalers. After I did my first trade show in London, as part of the UAL group stand, the company became a lot more professional and ‘business-y’.
Who or what inspires you?
I’d say it is more of a compulsion than an inspiration. I’m compelled to draw and I don’t really know why – it’s just something I’ve always enjoyed. If anything, it’s because I was jealous of everyone that was better at drawing than me at school, I’m probably still just trying to catch up with them.What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Sadly I don’t really work with collections… I split my time between editorial illustration and sales, so I work on one when the other is a bit quiet. I just release stuff as I make it.
What purchase have you currently got your eye on?
A pink jacket from a company called M C Overalls.
Where is your most inspiring place in London?
Home. I love being at home, it’s where I work and relax – I’ve always loved being indoors. When I was little I made dens everywhere around the house, in some ways my studio is just an extension of that habit.What advice would you give current students hoping to start their own business?
Try and make stuff that you like, rather than things you think other people will like – it is weirdly hard to do for some reason.
What’s next for your brand?
I’m always trying to make it more personal, to say something about yourself that, (hopefully) others will relate to in some way.