Hey you, thanks for stopping by!

I’m Lorraine McCarthy, the heart, soul, and hands behind City Girl Design Studio.  Creating of any kind has always been a part of my life, just not professionally because . . . well. . . you know.  Life happened. 

I am a mixed media artist with a passion for collage, a Northeast transplant to the Southwest who has been extremely blessed to live in and experience the beauty of two polar opposite parts of the country.

The creative switch got turned on way back when I was 16 at my first job at a sign shop where the smell of turpentine, paint, and the feel of gold leaf hooked me for life.  Textile art was my jam for many years (and I still love it) and was the perfect segue into mixed media collage, which has totally stolen my heart; the possibilities are endless!!  I also love playing with watercolor and ink as a way to relax.  It has such a meditative quality.

For my collage work, I use professional artist materials for the highest quality results. I also make many of my own papers, which become part of my collages. In today’s crazy, hectic world, I take the slow route and create using traditional materials because there’s nothing like the tactile feel of working with paper, paint, and texture. They truly come alive in your hands, and you simply follow where they want to take you. That, my friend, is the magic! This is what I call my analog world.

But after decades of working in tech, I can’t deny the appeal of digital, so I often blend my analog world with the digital one. I love discovering the endless possibilities of where my original artwork can go next.

When you see my patterns, please know they all began as one of my hand-crafted "small batch" collages, created one piece at a time. In a world of mass-produced digital artwork, I love slowing down and creating by hand. My hope is that the heart, creativity, and joyful energy behind each design is something you can truly feel.

You’re unique. I’m unique. The art and products in your home should reflect that. I believe what you surround yourself with should bring a smile to your face, spark joy, and reflect a little of who you are. I love color and believe we all need more of it—even if it’s just a splash here and there. That’s exactly what I hope my artwork brings to your life.

Come look around, say hi, and let me know what’s on your mind. I would love to hear from you!