Hello, I’m Ellie! I’m an illustrator, graphic designer, outdoor lover, and cattle farmer.
As a lady hunter, I noticed the huge lack of representation in the hunting industry for women, so I decided to do something about it using my love of art and comfy clothes! I’ve always been an artist but decided to step it up a notch by going to the University of Kentucky and getting a degree in Digital Media and Design. By the time I graduated in 2019, I had a whole hand-drawn apparel line just waiting to hit the web, in fact, I used my newly created t-shirts for my senior project! A month later, “Ellie McGinnis Co.” was online and off and rollin’ and I haven’t looked back. Today, I create Southern and Hunting-themed clothing for women as well as tons of illustrated vinyl stickers for everything from cars to coolers. I’ve also worked with Mossy Oak to design their Children’s apparel line.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
I’ve lived in Lexington for 9 years
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
My love of the outdoors is what spurred the initial idea to start a clothing line. It just so happened that I loved art too and found a way to combine both of them! I love what I do because I get to work independently and spend my time focusing on my two favorite things: being outside and drawing!
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
My business slogan is “Inner Beauty Starts Outdoors.” Hunting has given me confidence and a new appreciation for myself. My goal is to create comfortable, affordable, quality hunting and outdoor-themed clothing that encourages women to get outside and represents their love of the outdoors.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
Travis Gibbs is an artist I found prior to going to college. I loved his drawing style; in fact, he is the artist behind Lauren James’ “Sweet Tees.” I was star-struck when I got to talk to him on the phone and interview him once for an assignment. Since then, he has been an inspiration to me because of his ability to work with such a diverse group of clients and do a killer job every time.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go to item on the menu?
How do I pick one!! Malone’s Surf and Turf sushi roll and Beef Carpaccio appetizer are awful hard to beat.
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have a lot of Norwegian ancestries, so I would love to go to Norway one day and see where I came from.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
There is so much to love, but Keeneland is the gem of Lexington. I never considered myself a “sports” person until I went to Keeneland, then I found my sport. I don’t even gamble, I just love the horses and the atmosphere. It’s so special and unique.
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
Keeneland, of course!! It’s always the highlight of the trip!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still drawing t-shirt designs and stickers, I hope! And maybe another clothing brand specific to the cattle industry – my third love.
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
Sheri L. Dew. I bet you’ve never heard of her. She is a very gritty, interesting author, publisher, and religious leader in my church. She is an inspiration to me and I know we would have a great lunch and laugh a lot!
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
I don’t have days off! My husband and I have a cattle farm, so we might get a lunch break if we’re lucky!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to own a horse and start it under the saddle. I recently purchased a very young filly, so I have step one down. But she has about a year before we can think about saddles!
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m terrified of heights and flying. I do fly occasionally, but I fret about it for days in advance.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about oil painting. It’s a medium I’m really interested in but haven’t had the time to experiment and learn more about it yet.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?
I’m kind of an American History geek. The Men Who Built America series on the History channel is amazing. Anything history-related is something I find interest in.
Q: What do you feel is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
Attending Church
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
Most definitely my husband, Wade McGinnis! He’s hilarious and I think we’d make a good comedy.
Q: Who is your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
All old county music. The kind people my age don’t like!
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
I would tell high schoolers that love art to not feel that they have to do something else in order to have a career and make a living. Art is everywhere, artists are needed and there are tons of creative, lucrative career paths.
