The DM Collection

The DM Collection is now stocked in over 400 outlets across the UK and internationally. But the creative road to this point was far from easy.

After 15 years as a commercial illustrator, Daniel Mackie felt the passion had gone. Following his heart, he reinvented his art by returning to traditional methods — drawing on paper and exploring watercolour. This new way of working brought authenticity, energy, and a distinctive style that was far removed from his earlier work. Decorative, highly stylized, textural, and often softer in tone, Daniel’s watercolours draw on influences as diverse as Art Deco, Egyptian tomb paintings, Japanese prints, Impressionism, and even sailors’ tattoos.

From this rebirth, The DM Collection was launched in 2013, starting with greetings cards. The work quickly grew in popularity, culminating in industry awards and expanding into a wide range of products.

Central to Daniel’s work are animals, often depicted with their environments and mythologies within them. Inspiration comes from seafaring legends, Aesop’s fables, and folklore — blending storytelling with intricate design. Each piece is the result of patience, reinvention, and the discipline of sketch after sketch until the final image emerges.

Today, The DM Collection continues to evolve, combining timeless mythological storytelling with decorative artistry that lifts the spirit and warms the heart.