Featured Maker // Cherie Did This
Cherie Jerrard
Artist - Cherie Did This
Cherie is an illustrator based in Shropshire who makes designs to cherish. Her pieces are honest, authentic, down to earth and fun. She enjoys combining both traditional and digital techniques, enabling her to create beautiful, unique and desirable items such as furnishings, decor, gifts and prints. Her illustrated products include wall hangings, prints, greetings cards and all manner of pleasurable attire to bring a little bit of sunshine to your home all year round. Cherie is always looking for new products that can be made in the UK and recent successes include furnishings, face masks and personalised products.
Ever since Cherie won a Clothes Show competition (the hugely popular TV show aired in the 1990’s), she has wanted to follow a career in fashion.
Here, Cherie tells us a little more about her business and her making process…
Why is creativity important to you?
I get to spend my life doing things I love. When my father passed away I made a pact with myself not to devote my working life to someone else’s cause and drawing is the best of me so it makes sense to focus on that.
How has your business evolved since the beginning?
I worked freelance for brands for many years but wanted to be present in my creations. Having left London and having my daughter, I changed gear and headed towards illustration at Manchester School of Art. I reevaluated my career again at this time and I would sketch on location and create lifestyle drawings of people in coffee houses. As I gained recognition, I began tagging them with ‘Cherie did this’.
I am always looking to put a twist on something; be it a a print, pencil case, wash bag or tea towel. I love the idea of gifts being Smile Makers.
During lockdown things have dramatically switched from Bricks & Mortar shops to online. I’m very grateful to Not on the High Street for making me a partner just when I needed it most.
“The playful approach is so important in creating fun, uplifting imagery. If you start by thinking about the final product, the magic is lost.”
How has Lockdown affected your business?
During Lockdown I began doing an Art Club with friends and followers via Instagram Live on Sundays. It forces me out of my comfort zone each week and is a great time to experiment. The playful approach is so important in creating fun, uplifting imagery. If you start by thinking about the final product, the magic is lost.
Can you explain where your business name comes from?
It comes from the hashtag I used for my work. I’m always coming up with new names but they never stick.
What is your proudest achievement?
Having worked as a fashion designer and illustrator for many years for recognised brands, I wanted to make my own mark. I had a clothing brand ‘Slush’ which sold in Topshop. I was on the escalator in Top Shop Oxford Circus and I looked up to see my T-Shirts surrounded by Neon Lights saying ‘Best Seller’.
I am also incredibly proud of the fact that I have managed to remain self employed since my last full time job which I left on Christmas Eve 1999!
Visit Cherie’s website: www.cheriedidthis.com
Follow her on Instagram: @cheriedidthis
