Betty & Frank
Betty McCready is an illustrator, designer, dog lover and the talent behind Hipster Animals. I admire the character each of her animal portraits conveys and I caught up more to learn about her creative practice and her canine muse Frank.
Hi Betty, can you tell us about how Hipster Animals (HA) came about?
I started Hipster Animals while I was working as a relief teacher at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School. The students were really well behaved, so I was able to sketch while supervising them. I would sit next to any student who was a little distracted, and draw their favourite animal while they got on with their work. If they finished their work, they would get to keep the illustration. I started posting them on Instagram, and people started requesting commissions. We have also done a lot of house sitting around the world, and I draw a portrait of every animal we look after.
Your portraits are a confluence of the breed characteristics, personality and woke hipster trends. #walkthe_ thinks they are incredible! They always bring a smile to my face (or wag to our tail!) when they pop up in our instagram feed – Do you have a favourite HA portrait so far?
I’m glad it brings a wag to your tail - that’s what it’s all about!
I think my favourite is Alice the Kakapo. I created it for our niece’s birthday - she is only 4 yrs old and she’s travelled to more countries than most people I know. She always travels wearing a mini Kanken backpack and has so much swag.
Which animals are most challenging to draw and why?
Horses! I grew up with some of those classic horsey gals who read Saddle Club books and drew horses all day in their exercise books. I could just never capture a horse in the same way.
As well as the special animals you meet you also do custom HA commissions. How can people get in touch with you and what sort of photography or assets do they need to provide for you to get an HA portrait of their pet underway?
You can contact me through my website (bettymccready.com) or message me on Instagram (@hipsteranimals). I just need a couple of full body shots taken from a low angle, and an idea of their personality/any quirks they have.
Do you have any tips for capturing good photos of pets?
Good lighting is key. Get down to their level (or get them up on a raised platform). Holding a treat or a toy just above the lens works really well for dogs. Cats will just do whatever they want, so try to capitalise on moments when they are feeling cooperative (which, let's be honest, is hardly ever).
You have also used your HA platform to raise awareness and funds for wildlife causes. What was the response to your koala and kangaroo totes?
We had such an amazing response! People really got behind the cause. I sent tote bags all over the world, and was able to donate 100% of the profits to local Australian wildlife charities. We were so fortunate to have the support of Platform Print in Wairau Valley to print the totes free of charge.
You and your husband have travelled throughout New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the US pet sitting for other animal lovers – what is the most memorable thing one of the animals in your care did while their humans were away?
They were all so glorious, but I think the most memorable was staying in a posh part of London with a stunning ragdoll cat. I had just broken my wrist, so was home with her constantly for the 10 day housesit. She quickly claimed me as her human, and would hiss loudly and swipe at my husband whenever he came near me. She would even block the stairway so he couldn’t come down to the same room as me. That’s dedication.
Since moving back to NZ you discovered Dog Share Collective… can you tell us a little about that platform and how it matched you with your handsome muse Frank?
I can’t recommend Dog Share Collective enough! I suffer with pretty severe depression and anxiety, and cope much better if I have consistent interaction with animals. Unfortunately our tiny apartment is not suitable for pets, so I signed up and searched for Dachshunds in Auckland (I know - very niche - I just love how gloriously out-of-proportion they are). I chatted with Nadia (Frank’s mum) online, then met up so we could figure out if it was a good fit. We plan to have our own Dachshunds one day, and wanted to gain more experience with the breed. I now have three Dachshunds on rotation, but I get to see Frank every week.
What is Franks Origin story – what is he doing when he isn’t with you?
Frank lives in West Auckland with his tabby cat sister Indie. When he isn’t with me, he is helping his Mum Nadia with her zoom calls for work, and sculpting his abs with core exercises on his workout equipment (aka toys).
Tell us about a typical day in the life of Betty & Frank?
I look after Frank on my days off from my job as a Visual Merchandiser. I pick him up and either take him back to our place, or take him out to a cafe to work on my illustrations. We always have an off-leash adventure or two before I take him home.
How does Frank participate, inspire or support your creative process?
Frank allows me to focus for extended periods as long as he is comfortable or entertained. He likes to remind me to take regular breaks by barking at a blood-curdling volume if he sees another dog walk past the cafe.
What is your favourite activity you do together?
We love getting coffee and going for long walks in the park.
Where is Franks favourite spot to hang out while you’re working?
Right next to me on the sofa or on a bench at a cafe. He likes to sigh heavily and dramatically flop his head on my lap if I’m not giving him enough attention.
What is your funniest Frank Memory?
He entertains me and many people on the street during most walks, when he suddenly decides that he cannot walk any further (sometimes this happens at the beginning of his walk when he has done nothing all day). He will not cave in, and it always ends in me carrying him like a baby...
What life lessons has Frank taught you?
Work the room. He has immense confidence around people (not dogs - he hates other dogs) to the point where we have considered making business cards for him. He has taught me the art of schmoozing like no other.
Finally where can we see more of your work?
@hipsteranimals on Instagram
