Photo of a black cross body bag, with “David Mackintosh” written on it, on a white surface surrounded by black, white and red illustrations. There are drawings of a bag of Swedish Fish, a pencil, a ruler, a spanner, a strawberry, a set of keys on a lanyard, a brush, chewing gum, a fluffy bag accessory drawn to look like it’s tied onto the the real bag, a bike lock and three little fish. The bag has a tag on it that has ‘IF FOUND RETURN’ written on it.

‘I think I’m probably an ideal Ally Capellino customer’

David Mackintosh, ridiculously prolific Illustrator, graphic designer and author, stumbled across the exclusive Ally Capellino “For Artists” collection at the Tate over 10 years ago.He has had 2 of the canvas satchels that are designed and made especially for the famous galleries.Brisbane born but now London based, he has worked in advertising, theatre, publishing and TV animation.

What goes in your bag on a daily basis?

My bike lock, pencil case, bottle of ink and brush, notepad, Moleskine diary, Pantone (uncoated) colour book, chewing gum and a paper bag of Swedish fish sweeties.Ally’s bags remind me of being a student in the 90s. I was at university and I had a khaki shoulder bag that was similar, but it was bought in an army surplus store. I think it once carried a gas mask or something.

What does your daily routine involve?

I work from home. I get up early, make coffee and do some drawings for my Note To Self series. I like the quiet that comes with it being early, so I often like to do typesetting then too. By ten o’clock out, I’ll get on my bike and go to the shops, maybe go to the movies. I am back at my desk by two. Sometimes I’ll just feel like working in the evening and go out for the day.

Where does your inspiration and style come from?

I’ve always been attracted to drawing and some of my favourite artists were or are strong at drawing. I like illustrators like Ronald Searle, George Grosz, Paul Klee, Egon Schiele. Saul Steinberg, and Sempe have always impressed me. Orson Welles too.

How do you get around town? Favourite haunts

I don’t own a car, so I cycle or use the Tube or bus. I like the river at Hammersmith and Barnes, Richmond Park, Soho (on Saturday afternoons especially), the V&A Museum, the Royal Academy of Art, The John Snow pub in Broadwick Street, ambling through Borough Market or a wander down Redchurch Street.

What essential things do you look for in a bag?

Minimalist, with no obvious branding; functionality, at least one pocket with a zip or flap inside. I also prefer a neutral colourway and a strap. I think I’m probably an ideal Ally Capellino customer! Her bags remind me of being a student in the 90s. I was at university and I had a khaki shoulder bag that was similar, but it was bought in an army surplus store. I think it once carried a gas mask or something.


The Ally bags work as though she had invented this student type bag but fixed all of those flaws. They work really well and look really good too. I have used mine for so many years and the crossbody element works really well when I am on my bike. 

So the bag you have chosen, how do you like it?

I opted for a Jeremy bag in black. It fits my notebook, iPad and pencil case, and the strap is long enough so that the bag sits on my lower back when I’m on my bicycle. It doesn’t slide around, even when it’s full of stuff. This is important when you are out riding. I like that the inside is divided into two parts and the light coloured lining makes it easy to find things. I had to have the black one because it looks cool.

Visit David Mackintosh's website and instagram page.