I received a lovely package from good friend and distributor Clemens. He always sends me new paper goods that he has seeked out. I have never known anyone as passionate about paper than he!
The products above show that paper is not just about cards and gift wrap and notebooks. There is so much more to be done. You have to think outside the box and create something new and inspirational. Paper is so versatile and companies like Midori and O-check create the most fun and beautiful paper products. I especially love the sticky notes where you can write on the hairstyle and then fold it like a little envelope. This is very considered.
I struggle with this part of my job as I am no product designer and I often get wrapped up in my drawing rather than thinking about new exciting paper products that have never been done before.
Counties like Japan, China and Korea have access to so many manufacturing techniques and papers that are affordable and can be sold to the masses. The UK however doesn't even touch the surface of manufacturing. I may come up with a great new product but getting a good price with the quantities I need is almost impossible and I often find a lot of my designs get put on the back burner as I have taken months to try and find someone who can make it for me. It can be very frustrating. But I battle on and I will keep pushing myself in the world of stationery.
