Friday 26 April 2013

Seeking











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.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Celebrate Stationery












It's National Stationery week!
In celebration Uppercase (the most amazing, beautiful, interesting magazine on the planet) has released a stationery issue. I was so excited when Andrew found it hiding in the corner of the YSP shop. This is an American design issue and is very hard to find in the UK.
It has been my bed time reading and I was so happy to see a feature of my favourite stationery company 'Darling Clementine' They are two girls from Sweden and have the most beautiful cards and gift wrap.
There is also a stationery guide, which mentions lots of lovely little stationery companies as well as some British ones like Present and Correct and Mac & Ninny. Hoping I will be discovered in the USA one day. Keep dreaming big.