How did you get started?
I ‘properly’ got started in October when I finally committed to opening my shop after I’d lost my job and had some (forced due to lockdown) time off. I’d been putting it off for years and taking this small but important step felt empowering— I’ve learned to trust in myself and my work a bit more!
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
A few things! Boundaries are gold— you don’t have to share everything. Saying ‘no’ is okay, and breaks should be taken regularly, not only when you’ve burnt out.
Don’t take it personally if your favourite designs don’t sell as well as you thought.
Quality printing doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Shipping can be pretty stressful.
What tools do you use to promote your business?
Mostly instagram at the moment, but I really miss art fairs and meeting people there!
What motivates you?
I mostly draw as a means of self-exploration and communication, so I think in that sense, motivation comes from the organic need to create and put some feelings or recent interests onto paper. As for commercial work, deadlines! I tend to quickly lose focus and steam if I don’t have a clear, sustained plan drawn out.
Why do you choose to print with PRINT.WORK?
Everything about you guys! The small print runs and environmental consciousness is what attracted me in the first place, and the fabulous quality, reliability, delivery speed, and staff loveliness is why I’ll keep choosing you! It’s also so easy to order and the website is very intuitive and beautifully designed 🙂
Favourite small businesses and why?
There are so many, but here are 5 off the top of my head:
@theprintedpeanut – I adore Louise’s work and basically collect it at this point; it’s also my go-to place for cards/special little gifts (there is something for everyone and her paper packaging is the cutest!). I find her work so inspiring, with its strong identity and genuine joy— a reminder to loosen up, allow oneself to play, and really trust and enjoy the creative process.
@bouscandles – Kate’s hand-poured soy candles and wax melts are a delight (orange and coriander is my favourite so far!). Everything about her little business feels special, calming, and simple in the best way. The scents are natural and unique, she uses amber jars (which I am a big fan of), as well as lovely paint tins, and there is no plastic in sight!
@frankandlusia – If you like Polish arts and crafts, this is the place to be! Folk art, wooden toys, decorations, baskets, all sorts of bits and bobs for house and garden. They’re all overwhelmingly beautiful and full of handmade charm (as well as being shipped in reused packaging too!)
@elizabeth.harbour – I met the wonderful Elizabeth at my first art fair a few years ago and I’ve been in love with her work ever since! Wooden brooches and decorations, cards, hand-printed wrapping paper inspired by home life, nature, birds… They all have such a unique warmth to them, I fear I don’t have good enough words to do them justice. I would definitely recommend checking out her Etsy!
@ellabuapots – I am yet to treat myself to something from Ella’s shop, but oh how I love her ceramics! The lovely ‘imperfections’ that make them one of a kind, the seaside colour palette, their simple and honest beauty. I could look at them all day long!
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t let your work be dictated by trends.
Work hard and be nice to people.
Don’t work for free.
Anything you want to promote?
My Instagram and my Etsy store! There are lots of prints to choose from, and I have some exciting new products coming a bit later this year… Watch this space ♥
If you would like to be featured on a future instalment of Introducing get in touch!
