Together illustrator Jill Deering and printmaker Gillian Henderson have created the collaborative studio, Jill & Gill, producing much sought-after prints and apparel, including their new ‘Boss Lady’ tees.

Hey Jill & Gill! Tell us, how did you two meet?

We met back in September 2015. Jill was working on her second exhibition and framing work with Hang Tough. Rubio, who runs Hang Tough suggested Jill get her illustrations screen printed and recommended talking to Gill, who was also working at Hang Tough. Together we screen printed one of Jill’s popular drawings of a cow and it was then we knew we could take things further as a collaborative duo.

What’s the message of the Jill & Gill brand?

Collaboration. We are a first a foremost a collaborative duo made up of illustration and print. Our ethos is always about pushing and challenging each other to create and discover more. We are always exploring how we can be more diverse in our work. To achieve these goals, we are firm believers in collaborating with our fellow peers, not only between ourselves.

In ten words describe your new Boss Lady project.

A celebration of aspirational women through illustration, print, and style.

What’s your burning political issue of the moment and why?

Repeal of the 8th amendment. We collaborated with REPEAL Project back in 2016 on a screenprint as our way of contributing to the pro-choice campaign in the best way we know how. We want to raise awareness of the thousands of women shamed into silence by a country that turns its head to their pain on a daily basis. The 8th amendment affects every woman, single, married, gay, straight, young and old.

If you could invite five women to dine with you on International Women’s Day, who would they be and why?

Iris Apfel, because she’s creative powerhouse and at the age of 96 still inspires a new generation of women to be who they are. Gillian Anderson, because she’s an actress and activist who lives her words: ‘you need to do it for you because only then can you take the journey with others’. Mary Robinson, because we are in awe of her. Diane Keaton because reading about her colourful career makes us want to sit and listen to her for hours. And Wanda Sykes, not only for the fact that she would have us cracking up, but for her openness about her journey as a gay, black woman.

If they were making a ‘Thelma & Louise’ style movie about you two, what would it be called and who would star?

We would have to call it just ‘Jill & Gill’, and we’d have Charlie Theron and Amy Adams star as Jill and Gill.

If the world were ending tomorrow, what would you do today?

Spend it 1with family and friends creating happy memories.

Find out more about Jill & Gill at jillandgill.com