Guest Editor: Childsdraw
Founder of Childsdraw, Jesse Childs, shares everything you need to know about their small business.
I started the brand back in 2017 and launched it from my first shop in Deptford, South London. As a biracial non-binary person, I think my identity often motivates me to design garments that are genderless and that pay homage to aspects of my African/American heritage which have influenced my life and therefore practice. For example, my Dad is a tailor and designer to pro basketball players and athletes in Los Angeles, so I have often drawn inspiration from some of his designs from the 90s as well as photographs of him hanging out with clients.
The name Childsdraw @childsdraw combines my surname Childs along with a nod to my first passion which is drawing. I studied illustration at University but slowly realised I was more interested in applying this to fabric and t-shirt design. It’s really important to me that all garments are ethically made in the UK as well as sourcing fabrics locally and using deadstock materials as much as possible.
From early on, I have always been inspired by photography. In particular Claude Cahun who explored gender identity through costume and photographs as well as photographers like Richard Billingham and Nan Goldin. There is something about capturing the everyday mundanity that really appeals to me. I see these influences coming through in some of my collage work now, in particular the reversible waistcoat from my last collection which explores systemic racism through capturing the white mannequin heads that are often displayed in black hair salons.
After having shops in Deptford and Peckham, I really understand the power of supporting local businesses. Footfall from passers by was so integral to my brand’s success and longevity, and I really liked having the opportunity to chat about the pieces as well as connecting with other creatives, which often later led to collaborations. I’m really excited to move back into a retail space next month at Peckham Levels. The space will be part studio and part showroom, where I’ll be sharing it with another black-owned brand called Stories We Cherish. We met through an awesome collective we're both involved with called OurHood Community which platforms black brands and designers through doing pop-ups and selling through their website.
Who would be your dream to design for?
Dennis Rodman, I love his style and energy.
What songs get you creative/motivated?
It depends what sort of mood I’m in which dictates the sort of music I’ll put on, but it’s usually some 90s hip hop like A Tribe Called Quest or Slum Village. I’m also really into the band Moin at the moment and often put on Dean Blunt if I’m feeling a bit melancholic.
When it comes to the future, what are you most excited about?
Setting up a new space at Peckham Levels… we're having a launch party in October/November time so watch this space.
What’s next for Childsdraw?
After I’ve moved and settled into the new space, I plan on starting on the new collection. I’ve already begun some t-shirt designs which is where it usually starts.
Best advice you’ve been given… is to keep going.
The name Childsdraw @childsdraw combines my surname Childs along with a nod to my first passion which is drawing. I studied illustration at University but slowly realised I was more interested in applying this to fabric and t-shirt design. It’s really important to me that all garments are ethically made in the UK as well as sourcing fabrics locally and using deadstock materials as much as possible.
From early on, I have always been inspired by photography. In particular Claude Cahun who explored gender identity through costume and photographs as well as photographers like Richard Billingham and Nan Goldin. There is something about capturing the everyday mundanity that really appeals to me. I see these influences coming through in some of my collage work now, in particular the reversible waistcoat from my last collection which explores systemic racism through capturing the white mannequin heads that are often displayed in black hair salons.
After having shops in Deptford and Peckham, I really understand the power of supporting local businesses. Footfall from passers by was so integral to my brand’s success and longevity, and I really liked having the opportunity to chat about the pieces as well as connecting with other creatives, which often later led to collaborations. I’m really excited to move back into a retail space next month at Peckham Levels. The space will be part studio and part showroom, where I’ll be sharing it with another black-owned brand called Stories We Cherish. We met through an awesome collective we're both involved with called OurHood Community which platforms black brands and designers through doing pop-ups and selling through their website.
Who would be your dream to design for?
Dennis Rodman, I love his style and energy.
What songs get you creative/motivated?
It depends what sort of mood I’m in which dictates the sort of music I’ll put on, but it’s usually some 90s hip hop like A Tribe Called Quest or Slum Village. I’m also really into the band Moin at the moment and often put on Dean Blunt if I’m feeling a bit melancholic.
When it comes to the future, what are you most excited about?
Setting up a new space at Peckham Levels… we're having a launch party in October/November time so watch this space.
What’s next for Childsdraw?
After I’ve moved and settled into the new space, I plan on starting on the new collection. I’ve already begun some t-shirt designs which is where it usually starts.
Best advice you’ve been given… is to keep going.