Join us on a journey into the world of Georgina O'Hanlon Illustration, where the timeless art of hand-drawn illustrations takes center stage. Meet Georgina O'Hanlon, a talented artist and founder of this creative venture, as she shares her passion for celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability. Discover her collaboration supporting Temple Street Hospital and the beautiful silk scarves that embody her personal connection with family and Ireland.
The Creative Journey of Georgina O'Hanlon
Explore the inspiring journey of Georgina O'Hanlon, from her early years as a graphic designer to the founding of Georgina O'Hanlon Illustration.
Georgina O'Hanlon's creative journey began at NCAD, where she honed her skills as a graphic designer. After years of working in the industry, she decided to venture out on her own and founded Georgina O'Hanlon Illustration in 2022.
With a deep passion for hand-drawn illustrations, Georgina wanted her brand to celebrate the timeless artistry that comes with this traditional form of expression. She carefully crafts each piece, ensuring they are environmentally sustainable and cherished by those who acquire them.
Her dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability is evident in her exquisite silk scarves, which serve as the canvas for her beautiful illustrations. These scarves not only showcase her artistic talent but also embody her personal connection with her family and with Ireland.
Raising Capital and Building the Business
Discover how Georgina O'Hanlon raised the capital needed to start her business and the strategies she employed to build a successful brand.
Georgina had always held a vision of venturing out on her own, and to make that vision a reality, she saved extra funds during her time as a full-time designer at various companies. She also took on part-time roles as a consultant graphic designer to further support her entrepreneurial goals.
Starting a business requires a substantial investment of both time and financial resources. Georgina meticulously reinvests every penny earned through her business, highlighting the genuine passion that drives her endeavor. In the initial phases, she focused on minimizing expenses and bootstrapping whenever possible.
Seeking guidance from the Local Enterprise Office proved to be a pivotal step for Georgina. Enrolling in the 'Start Your Own Business' course provided her with invaluable resources and mentorship that continue to shape her entrepreneurial path.
The Importance of Supporting Local Communities
Learn about Georgina O'Hanlon's commitment to supporting local communities and her collaboration with Temple Street Hospital.
Georgina believes in using her skills to give back to the community and society. She recognizes the importance of social responsibility and personal fulfillment that comes from contributing to the well-being of others.
One of her most cherished projects is the Fallow and Fawn 100% woven blanket, a charity collaboration with Temple Street Hospital. This collaboration aligns with the true spirit of Christmas, focusing on goodwill and charity over commercialism.
The artwork featured on the blanket, depicting a stag protecting its fawn in the Phoenix Park, symbolizes the festive family tradition of spotting majestic deer. The blankets are made from 100% wool, with 70% being recycled, reflecting Georgina's commitment to sustainability. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these blankets directly benefits the hospital, contributing to a better and more caring society.
Challenges and Growth as an Entrepreneur
Explore the doubts and challenges Georgina O'Hanlon faces as an entrepreneur and how she navigates through them.
Georgina admits that she experiences doubts as an entrepreneur on a daily basis. The sheer volume of information and tasks can be overwhelming at times. However, the thrill of entrepreneurship and the desire for innovation and creativity keep her motivated.
While she acknowledges the challenges, Georgina also embraces personal growth. She continually works on enhancing her resilience and finding ways to manage stress. Organization and planning play a crucial role in maintaining a work-life balance, and she ensures to schedule periods of rest and relaxation after intense workloads.
Delegating tasks has been a persistent challenge for Georgina, but she is actively working on becoming more comfortable with it. She has built a trusted inner circle, including her father, who assists with various aspects of the business.
The Future of Georgina O'Hanlon Illustration
Get a glimpse into the future of Georgina O'Hanlon Illustration and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
In the next 10 years, Georgina envisions her business supplying a range of products to large retailers in Ireland and abroad. She aspires to host solo exhibitions and collaborate with some of the biggest fashion and homeware brands in the world.
Georgina's passion for creating and celebrating hand-drawn illustrations will continue to drive her forward. She is committed to expanding her brand's reach and making a lasting impact in the world of art and design.
