Gc issue16 (2) editor lorraine stylianou

the magazine dedicated to greeting card publishing and entrepreneurship

Gypsy Chic

magazine Issue 16 - 2017

FEATHERED FRIENDS An eternal design theme

FREE MEDIA KIT TEMPLATE SKILLSHARE

CARD BLOGGER

MIND THE GAP!

PROFESSIONAL

IS THAT YOU?

BOOK NOOK

iews with...

INSIDE!!! Interv ouisa Designs, AndaL Louisa Hunter of tcher and Lorraine Fle

Xavier Marseille

CONTENTS

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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INTERVIEW WITH... XAV’ MARSEILLE

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SKILLSHARE/BOOKNOOK

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PROFESSIONAL CARD BLOGGER. IS THAT YOU?

11 MEDIA KIT TEMPLATE 12 INTERVIEW WITH... LORRAINE FLETCHER

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15 TRADESHOWS 16 A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A GREETING CARD PUBLISHER (AND MUM) 18 INTERVIEW WITH... LOUISA HUNTER

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21 BIRD QUOTES 22 FEATHERED FRIENDS

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LETTER

from the Editor

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elcome to the June issue of Gypsy Chic – Issue 16.

Summer is officially here and over the next few weeks the working parents amongst us will be juggling the demands of running businesses and thinking up ways of entertaining kids on their forthcoming holidays. Where I am, school ends three weeks earlier than the UK mainland, which poses its own challenges but I know my two teenagers (one right in the middle of important exams) can’t wait for June’s final school bell.

This is an issue with birds and blogging as its main themes. It has been fun researching the blogging phenomena and the opportunities this offers all of us with products to market. Likewise birds. I’ve not had an opportunity to do nearly as much research on birds of prey as I would have liked but know that this avarian group has, and will continue to have, massive potential in maleorientated gift and stationery products.

Over the summer I will have too much going on to manage another issue until September but promise to return with a look at an equally amazing

but much gentler bird group – the pigeon. For visuals, social media has been my primary resource and Instagram has shown me the world wide interest there is in these underrated birds. They are masters at racing, communication and reliability. No bird brains here.

Last, but by no means least, I’ve included three talented creatives in this edition whose work is very different yet equally inspiring. They hail from completely different parts of the globe but I’m grateful to all three for collaborating with me. Since Colchester is in my sights over the summer, it is my pleasure to introduce Xav Mars, a photographer from the town. When I saw his nostalgic portraits of the streets of my old town, they really struck a chord. I bumped into Lorraine Fletcher at Showcase Ireland in January and loved her wildlife portraits. Louisa Hunter, I discovered through a recommendation from my graphic designer – and by coincidence, this was my Grandmother’s name.

Please enjoy the read, have a fantastic summer, and see you in September.

Lorraine www.lorrainestylianou.com

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Interview with .....

Xav’ Marseille

1. MY OWN STORY OF HOW I CAME TO LIVE IN COLCHESTER IS ALSO A BLEND OF OLD AND NEW, AS WELL AS CHANCE, AND I’M INTRIGUED TO KNOW HOW YOU CAME TO LIVE IN THE TOWN. lll At the age of 18, I decided I wanted to improve my English and decided the best way would be to spend 6 months in England and so I looked at a map and chose 3 locations which I had never been to; Colchester, Ipswich and Liverpool.

The plan was to try Colchester first and move on to the other two if, for whatever reason, Colchester hadn’t worked out… and it did! I never planned to stay longer than 6 months but 20 something years on so it can’t be bad!

2. DID YOU HAVE ONE OF THOSE LIGHTBULB MOMENTS WHERE YOU THOUGHT OF JUXTAPOSING VINTAGE PHOTOS WITH CONTEMPORARY IMAGES OF THE SAME SCENE, OR WAS IT SOMETHING YOU HAD SEEN OTHERS DOING BEFOREHAND? l l l I was in the library and came across a book showing an old photograph, of Colchester, next to a modern version. I, suddenly, wondered what would happen if you use the same photograph and merge them together. I created the first artwork and it looked great so I decided to do more and more; The local feedback was very positive and the whole project started from there.

3. WAS IT TRICKY WORKING OUT THE CORRECT POSITION AND ANGLE TO SHOOT THE PHOTOS SO THAT YOU COULD BLEND THEM TOGETHER? l l l It was indeed. This is the hardest part! if you get the spot and angle right, the editing and fusion becomes so much easier. I know it sounds silly but it’s only much later in the process that I realised

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that a photographer had stood exactly where I was, but 60-80-100 years ago.

There is something a bit eerie about it.

4. I READ THAT YOU HOPE TO DO SIMILAR WORK IN LONDON AND PARIS -DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE AS EASY FOR YOU TO SOURCE LIBRARY ARCHIVES IN BIG CITY LIBRARIES AS IT HAS BEEN IN COLCHESTER? lll In fact, I think there may be a lot more archives available, especially as Paris and London have gone through a lot in the last 100 years; events and changes in architecture. The biggest difference, with Colchester, will be my own knowledge of each city. I’m not familiar with London and so finding the right place and correct spot may be more difficult. I spent the first 18 years of my life in Paris, and so I am hoping it may be easier to recognise a specific location there but still very challenging.

Information Centre, in Colchester and I also sell them via my website. I am currently working on a Wivenhoe Then&Now series of postcards which should be available very soon… Greeting cards are definitely next on my list.

7. TELL US HOW YOU COMBINE WHAT I’M GUESSING IS A FULL TIME JOB WITH YOUR PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY? l l l That’s correct, although I do a lot of photography work and artwork, I also have a “grown-up” full-time job. It means a lot of late nights but I tend to think we are all more creative at night so that suits me just fine.

5. SURELY THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER IN TERMS OF EXTENDING THIS TO INCLUDE OTHER MAJOR CITIES (NEW YORK, HONG KONG). COULD YOU DO THESE FAR FLUNG LOCATIONS FROM YOUR UK BASE OR WOULD YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THESE DESTINATIONS? lll I cannot imagine creating any Then&Now artwork without taking the “modern” photograph myself otherwise I wouldn’t feel as much part of it as I do and so I would definitely have to travel to these places…any free flights ticket would be appreciated!

8. HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE SUCH AMAZING PUBLICITY AND PR FOR YOUR EXHIBITION? PLEASE SHARE ANY TIPS. l l l I quickly realised that although there was great support on social media, that nothing would happen if I didn’t work hard, myself, to make the project a success! I relentlessly contacted potential venues for an exhibition, pestered local media and did everything I could to get exposure. It is a lot of hardwork but once it all clicks into place, it feels great! I guess my tip is that it’s all down to yourself so go for it!

6. BECAUSE OF THE NOSTALGIA CREATED

BY THESE SCENES, THERE IS A REAL MARKET FOR THEM. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF PRODUCING GREETING CARDS OR OTHER SOUVENIRS TO SELL LOCALLY? lll I have already produced a series of Colchester Then&Now postcards which are available from the Visitors

XAV’ MARSEILLE Website: http://xavmars.wixsite.com/photogrartist Email: xavmars1@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xavphoto/ Twitter: @xavmars Instagram: @xavmars1

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Mind the GAP! l

If you want to close your skills

Just enter your email in the box for a whole month of free learning.

gap but want to test the Skillshare waters first why not use this special link and grap a whole month free with their Premium course offering.

http://skl.sh/2n1qZ2y

THE BOOK NOOK THE ART OF BLOGGING: THE INSIDE TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO DOMINATE IT

BY TED DAWSON

l Just published (7th May 2017) this hot off the press book should help enlighten all blogging wannabes.

Although written by an author with a background in fitness and weight loss, he covers everything a prospective stationery blogger needs to know including finding your niche, seo optimization, and blogging etiquette.

Available on Kindle for ÂŁ4.61 or free with Kindle Unlimited. Happy Reading

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PROFESSIONAL CARD BLOGGER

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IS THAT YOU?

re “writer”, “influencer”, “business mentor” or “passionista” words you would use to describe yourself in your industry? If you have been casually writing, blogging or videoing all about the greeting card/design world up to now, you will already have many of the credentials needed to make it as a professional blogger (for which you get paid). With a few strategic changes, it could mean making a living from the comfort of your own home, the hotel lounge of your choice, and from any country in the world talking about greeting cards (whilst still selling your own line). It could be an alternative to standing at trade fairs flogging your own product by becoming an agent of sorts for other publishers, or it could be used to attract buyers to your trade stand – the choice is yours.

Professional blogging allows you to write creatively about what you love to your tribe whilst

building collaborations with manufacturers and sponsors in your space. Nothing comes without hard work but with small consistent steps you can design a life highlighting the product, processes, and trends in your space.

It will involve putting yourself out there on social media and to talk candidly about yourself and your industry but like any business venture you will 1) Decide on your subject of choice 2) Create your own blogging business plan 3) Set up social media groups to grow your tribe and attract sponsors.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Blogging requires you to share, open up and get your customers’ attention via a web presence that is fit for purpose. Like any other business (whether it is selling physical product or not) you will need to set out your objectives and industry insights in an informative, visually attractive way. If you

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have photography skills you already have an advantage.

ONLINE COURSES.

There are literally hundreds of online courses teaching you how to blog properly. With teenagers at home, I’ve recently purchased an annual subscription to Skillshare.com, an online learning platform with over 15,000 classes. Like many other online communities (Udemy is another example), it allows you to close your skills gap and gain knowledge you’ve sought for some time. There are 625 blogging courses alone on Skillshare.

Now assuming you already have the structures in place to launch your professional blog, what will potential sponsors look for?

THE MEDIA KIT

This is what makes you stand out from the crowd and will help you gain the attention of the brands and PR companies you seek collaboration with.

Even if you have the same number of followers as a strong competitor, your beautifully designed media kit could be the thing that gets you the gig.

It is what is used to draw attention to the value of your blogsite or other offer. It’s kind of like the press pack you will have produced for a tradefair but with data. If you can dedicate some time to making your media kit a strong, eye catching proposal it will pay off.

WHAT TO INCLUDE: Introduction: Introduce yourself in a warm but concise way outlining who you are, what your blog is about, any awards you have received and the demographic profile of your readers.

Statistics: This is probably the most important part of the kit and the section any reviewer will skip to. It will include the social media channels you use, the number of followers on each and a few infograms on the

breakdown of gender, location, age group of your readers. If you can include any surveys you carried out from your blog and their findings that is highly recommended.

Your costs: Even if you have never costed your time in this way, agencies will need a rough idea of your hourly/daily rate for promoting certain products or venues. You could tier this in terms of a silver, gold or platinum offering. Include how you prefer being paid and any terms they should note.

Your track record: What companies have your promoted in the past? Is there a product you can’t live without? A condition you have personal experience of, or charities you have supported.

Build up a list of referrals, and record prizes, and campaigns you have been involved with to give a potential sponsor an idea of your commitment and network in your particular field.

Your theme diary: Just as a magazine will have a calendar of themes/features for the year ahead, a blogger needs to list the themes they will cover in their blog. This gives potential partners an idea if they can collaborate in terms of advertising, product reviews, gift guides and competitions.

If a journal manufacturer is keen for you to be seen using their products, they will try and tie this in with a special feature you may be writing on journals. Likewise, a wedding magazine may want to know what wedding cards you are reviewing.

Contact details: Have a contact page with your telephone number and email address and links to all your social media channels available so people can get in touch.

Photography

Happy Blogging!

BLOGGING GROUPS ON FACEBOOK

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o if you see yourself as an ambassador for your own, or others’ brands, blogging may be for you. By joining FB groups, you will have the opportunity to share, support and learn from each other. Many of these groups vary in size, and responsiveness but here are a few I found:

FACEBOOK

Stationery Bloggers Worldwide https://www.facebook.com/groups/ stationerybloggersworldwide/ Bloggers Blogger insights w a nte d https://www.facebook.com/groups/ bloggerinsightcommunity/ Bloggers supporting each other https://www.facebook.com/groups/ BloggersSupportingEachOther/ Blogger Club UK https://www.facebook.com/groups/ BloggerClubUK/ Supporting fellow Bloggers https://www.facebook.com/groups/ supportingfellowbloggers/ Workstyling (for location-free/remote entrepreneurs) https://www.facebook.com/groups/workstyling/

INSTAGRAM @thestationerypurveyor @the_stationer @stationerytrends @beautifulpaper @larknraven @greenweddingshoes @ladyfingersletterpress @bloggercrave

HASHTAGS #bloggersneeded #bloggerswanted #stationeryblogger #stationerybloggers

ACTUAL BLOGS

All Things Stationery http://allthingsstationery.co.uk/ Gift Shop Hub https://giftshophub.co.uk/ Kate Harper blog http://kateharperblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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MEDIA KIT

TEMPLATE

Curious to know how other bloggers present their offering and reach? Send me your email address via Instagram message and I will forward you the Photoshop templates by return. I’m here to help!

Lorraine

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Interview with

Lorraine Fletcher

1. I SEE YOU GREW UP IN NORTHERN IRELAND, ATTENDING COLLEGE, AND THEN MOVING SOUTH. DO YOU THINK IT IS EASIER TO ESTABLISH AN ART CAREER IN THE REPUBLIC THAN N.IRELAND AND IF SO, WHY? TELL US IF YOU MISS HOME. lll I grew up in Keady, Co.Armagh and attended art college in Belfast, graduating in 2002 with a degree in Combined studies in Fine Art & Design. I first moved to Galway 2002 the day I finished college, packed the car and moved to Galway that very same day. I had pursued a career in design for 6 years. I was a bathroom designer, 3d model maker working in an architect’s ,but had always remained painting, 2008 was the point in my life to follow my heart.

I’m not sure I’d say it’s easier to establish a career in the republic than in the North of Ireland, I think that no matter where you are it all leads to the same thinking.... self belief, hard work and determination.

As an artist you have many roles and always aware of promoting yourself in every situation available.

3. IN TERMS OF YOUR ART OFFERING WHICH ELEMENT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS MOST LUCRATIVE – WORKSHOPS, COMMISSIONS OR TRADEFAIRS? l l l It is hard to say which one, because it changes during the year. The combination of working on private commissions, the routine of weekly classes and workshops and the excitment of upcoming fairs keeps me on my toes. I like the variety and my weeks are never the same. My favourite part of living as an artist is seeing my work randomly and unexpectantly, or when people recognise my work and tell me stories of what the art means to them and why they bought it.

2. WAS THIS YOUR FIRST EXHIBITION AT SHOWCASE IRELAND? DID YOU MANAGE TO BREAK EVEN AFTER THE SHOW, OR IS IT TOO EARLY TO KNOW? WILL YOU REBOOK FOR NEXT YEAR? lll This was my first time exhibiting at Showcase and definitely a good decision.

This has been my busiest year by far and we are only in March, so I would rebook for next year without a doubt. It may be too early to say but things are looking busy for the year. The last few weeks orders have been going out fast and steady so I am really happy with 2017 to date.

4. CAN YOU DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE WORKING WEEK IN YOUR STUDIO? TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT LIFE IN GALWAY. l l l As I work from home and from a shared studio, depending on what I am focusing on determines how my week will go. If I am working from home I usually get my daily walk in first thing, it sets me up for the day. Back to my home studio and I work on the admin side of the business, following up orders and keeping up to date with social media...very important. I paint best at night, so might start painting in the F

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afternoon and have several mini breaks for coffee. I think it’s the quietness and lack of distractions that works best for me.

I travel to Armagh quite a bit as I play fiddle in a band. I could be playing a gig Saturday night and have to be in Limerick for a fair the next morning...this happened recently! So I must love what I do.

5. IS THE GREETING CARD SIDE OF YOUR BUSINESS A RELATIVELY NEW DEVELOPMENT AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO DEVELOP IT? lll The greeting cards have been available for a few years now, I like the fact that little pieces of my art are all over the country and further afield possibly! I like to buy cards myself so this was probably a big factor on going down this avenue.

As not every customer will want to purchase an original or even a print, so the cards are perfect for taking home a small piece of my work.

6. WHAT ARE YOUR BEST MARKETING TIPS FOR FREELANCERS IN THE ART SPACE, AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR BUSINESS WILL LOOK LIKE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS? l l l Marketing has taught me a lot over the years and firstly I would advise to have a good website, it’s always important to have an online presence.

At fairs I get asked frequently can you buy online or can I see more of your work, so I can direct customers to my website, facebook page and now I use instagram also. Fours years is a short time really, but I would like to see my work in many retailers in Ireland, UK and internationally also. I think animals will always be my main inspiration and I am happy with that. You got to love your work and I love animals. I have a great interest in animal welfare so to work with an animal charity is on my to do list.

My last “words of wisdom” would be to never give up even when times are hard.

Keep going and believe in yourself. It works!

LORRAINE FLETCHER Mob: 0871 941 941 Email: info@lorrainefletcherartstudio.com Website: www.lorrainefletcherartstudio.com

Trade SHOWS Summer is a great time to seek new inspiration for design themes and trends and a visit to tradeshows in the Capital and elsewhere can help do that.

HERE ARE SOME DATES:

Country Home & Interiors https://www.ichfevents.co.uk/countryhomes/ 1 June 2017 | Business Design Centre ………………………………………….

Spirit of London Fair http://www.houseandgardenfestival.com/ 21-24 June 2017 | Olympia ………………………………………….

Home & Gift https://www.homeandgift.co.uk/ 16-19 July 2017 | Harrogate ………………………………………….

British Craft Trade Fair http://bctf.co.uk/ 10-12 September 2017 | London ……………………………………..

And for your winter expansionist dreams: Go Global 16-17 November 2017 | Excel

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

OF A GREETING CARD PUBLISHER (AND MUM)

SUNDAY 30 APRIL

Generate new barcodes for my latest vectorised sketches (illustrations of London and Essex) and send them all to my graphic designer to get card ready. Research another card publisher’s website and social media platforms and come up with 6 questions for their Gypsy Chic article for next month’s ezine. Content is king!! lll

MONDAY 1 MAY

Bank Holiday…and for those of us who don’t take many holidays, a bit annoying that many essential offices are closed. Place a card order with my printer (even though everyone is enjoying the Bank Holiday sunshine somewhere), sending all card pdfs by WeTransfer. Failed miserably at getting them sent by Dropbox. Carry on doing more architectural sketches whilst keeping my teenage daughter on track with her GCSE revision (she’s teaching me how to calculate the Break Even point in business. The irony! lll

TUESDAY 2 MAY

Send off some prospecting emails to existing stockists to check on how my designs are selling and to ask if they would like to re-order. Within an hour get two repeat orders. Happy Days. lll

WED 3 MAY

My brilliant printer emails to say my cards are ready for collection. Just love their one day turnaround. Catch a train to the city to collect and then pack everything so I can deliver to a stockist that afternoon. Do an hour of packing boxes in my flat ready for my forthcoming house move before delivering orders.

Gobsmacked at the explosion of colourful city-centric product one stockist is selling.

So inspired by the superlll

talented graphic designers bringing this city alive. I think to myself - No statue or building will ever go unillustrated again!! I’ve a life’s work ahead of me. Given that both my grandmother and great grandmother lived to 104, I’m hoping I have a similarly long future ahead to bring my world to life visually through art.

THUR 4 MAY

Work late into the night designing a town map after spending the afternoon sourcing ingredients for my son’s school Home Economics assignment (making Chicken fried rice). That sesame oil won’t go to waste!

So many local areas need life breathed into them graphically – and thankfully with Instagram and the outburst of design talent, this is happening.

Upload my Ezine (all about art and business) to Issuu and share widely (Instagram, Facebook, Slideshare, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest). lll

FRIDAY 5 MAY

Raise invoices to accompany card drops on Monday in between a bit of sunbathing in the garden. Wondering how my son is coping with his cooking project in a hot kitchen. The sun is splitting the stones. I receive a beautifully designed interview from a Spanish artist. Issue 16 of my ezine is writing itself! lll

SATURDAY 6 MAY

Renew my ABNA membership and commit to entering one or more paintings into the St Ives Exhibition. Agree with organiser that I will paint an animal – most probably a fox. Glad my 100 day leaf project will come in handy for that.

All dots join up eventually. Focus and dedication needed now to deliver on my promise. lll

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Interview with .....

Louisa Hunter of AndaLouisa Designs

1. GIVE US AN IDEA OF YOUR ARTISTIC BACKGROUND AND WHERE YOU SOLD YOUR WORK BEFORE MOVING TO SPAIN. WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? lll I left Middlesex University with a first class degree in jewellery making many moons ago. I remained in London selling my jewellery through shops and galleries but then by chance I got into prop making and set design. I worked on Harvey Nichols Christmas windows for two years in a row and really enjoyed that.

Upon returning to my home town in Cumbria I had a career change. I was able to incorporate teaching young people arts and crafts as part of my role, as well as being commissioned to paint canvases to raffle for charity, but time was always a huge restriction for me. I always knew it would be a course I would definitely pursue once I’d moved to Spain.

I don’t have a ‘typical’ customer - just hopefully very happy ones.

2. GETTING ESTABLISHED IN A NEW COUNTRY IS NOT WITHOUT IT’S CHALLENGES. WHAT WILL YOU FOCUS ON TO SELL YOUR WORK – LOCAL MARKETS, CREATING PRODUCTS FROM YOUR DESIGNS, OR APPROACHING GALLERIES FOR EXHIBITIONS? l l l My focus here in Spain is to sell quirky, fun, unique, affordable pieces that can easily fit in a suitcase. I’d also like to expand my range, using my designs to create other products such as greeting cards, gift wrap paper & canvas prints.

I’ve already been approached to have a small display of some of my stones in shop window here in Almunecar - which I am very excited about. I’ve also just set up a Facebook page AndaLouisa Designs, which went live last week & so far the response has been very positive and encouraging. I’m looking into various Artisan & craft markets/ fayres to attend during the summer.

Ideally I’d love to have my own little shop in the town....but that’s something for the future.

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3. LIKE ME, YOU HAVE DONE SOME ARCHITECTURAL PAINTINGS. DO YOU UNDERTAKE COMMISSIONS FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES WHO WANT THEIR HOMES AND BUILDINGS PAINTED, AND IF SO, HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR SKILLS? IS LANGUAGE A BARRIER? lll I have painted many commissioned pieces in the past, such as family churches, homes and even shop signages.

My Spanish is coming along nicely and I’ve classes booked for this September.

I’ve started networking and have found other local artist and crafts people who are in the area. Almunecar has quite a growing international community so I will be advertising in both Spanish and English languages.

4. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STONE PAINTINGS –WHERE DO FIND THE STONES TO PAINT, AND IS IT PRIMARILY DECORATIVE FEET AND SHOES THAT YOU DO? ON AVERAGE, HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE AND WHAT PAINTS DO YOU USE? lll I’ve always been ‘a collector of things’ (stones, shells, stamps, driftwood) acquired through travel or gifts from friends. The shape & feel of the stone usually tends to dictate what I am going to paint, from animals to mandalas, camper vans to converse, henna feet to flip-flops, scenery or people’s pets. It takes me about 3-5 hours per stone (depending on the prep work and detail) but I will usually have a couple on the go at the same time.

I use acrylic paint then a hard wearing varnish spray to finish. The stones can be displayed outside in all weathers.

5. WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU EMPLOY TO CREATE WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SCREENPRINTED PUG AND IF YOU WERE TO NICHE INTO A PARTICULAR SUBJECT, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? l l l The pug in the painting is actually a portrait of my dog Banksy (named after the artist.) I love street art so I was inspired by his work to do a stencilled graffiti looking piece. I don’t feel I have a ‘niche’ - if I like something I will paint it. I get too excited by other possibilities and ideas so I do tend to jump around from painting to craft, from craft to illustration etc... You could say I’m a ‘Jack of all arts & crafts - but master of none!’!

6. I THINK YOUR FEET DESIGNS WOULD LOOK GREAT IN REPEAT AS GIFT WRAP ETC. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF PRODUCING CARDS OR NOTEBOOKS WITH YOUR DESIGNS? l l l Thank you. I agree. I’d love to expand some of my designs into being produced as cards, notebooks, gift wrap or canvas prints. That would be great! Perhaps someone reading this can contact me and tell me how to go about it!

LOUISA HUNTER Tel: 07507 501 312 Email: andalouisadesigns@gmail.com Facebook: AndaLouisa Designs

Since birds are my theme for issue 16, I hope the following quotations resonate with you.

“Faith is the bird that sings when dawn is still dark” “Your head is a living forest full of song birds” E. E. Cummings “It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds” Aesop

FEATHERED FRIENDS

An eternal design theme

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here are some things in design that never go

It’s new stationery range features origami birds amidst

out of fashion and the bird theme is one of

neon coloured flowers. Other big names on the High

these. I’d say no owl, garden bird, or pink

Street such as Scribbler features many occasion

flamingo has had a day off in the last decade.

cards all featuring small folksy bird designs covering

They are on everything.

Variations of the bird theme are evident however.

As the trend watchers at Savior Flair point out

births, new home, love, baby announcements and weddings as well as an hilarious interpretation of the idiom “killing two birds with one stone” – an image

“Psychotropical” is an emerging trend for 2017-

featuring two pigeons in attack mode. Oliver Bonas

2018. It is an offshoot of all things psychedelic and

are still selling Toucan themed designs along with

noticeable by its vibrant colour palette, tropical

tropical themed colouring books. Woodmansterne

patterns and mix of hyper-realistic imagery with synthetic elements. Paperchase is spot on trendwise.

offers Matt Sewell’s bird cards, so appealing in their childlike simplicity.

FALCON FACTS l

The Peregrine Falcon is a raptor, or bird of prey.

Adults have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, a buff colored underside with brown spots, and white faces with a black tear stripe on their cheeks. They have a hooked beaks and strong talons. l

Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means “to wander.” l

They are commonly referred to as the Duck Hawk. Peregrine falcons are the fastest-flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour. l

www.defenders.org/peregrine-falcon/basic-facts

In fashion too, birds feature heavily from embroidered central motifs on sweatshirts to smaller all-over pattern design on blouses, skirts and hosiery – not to mention the use of feathers in a garment’s makeup.

Watch out for ostrich features on evening wear and pretty dress shoes.

The feather as a design element can look beautiful in both colour and black and white – and is seen as representing spiritual evolution and wisdom. It something to tickle someone with – something light, ephemeral and fleeting. It can include the ordinary, reassuring shape of a blackbird feather or the luxurious hues of a peacock plume.

Johanna Basford’s feather design is well known to most of us from the canvas outlines and colouring books many bookstores stock.

So where do hunting birds fit in? Should we care about trends? With my falcon bird sketches I’m not entirely sure I’m setting a trend, or embarking

their popularity on more male orientated apparel

on some other flight of fancy but these gorgeous

and accessories - a fact which must surely lend itself

creatures have been capturing my imagination for

to certain opportunities in the under represented

some time. I love their beady eyes, dangerously

market of male greeting cards.

sharp claws, and prowess in the air. Their feather

For now, I’ve focussed only on falcons but hope,

formation and markings lend themselves beautifully

in a forthcoming issue to introduce other equally

to contemporary digitized designs, of which you will

hawkish hunting birds such as eagles, and buzzards.

see many on Redbubble and Society6. I do note

Rich pickings for the illustrators amongst us!

BIRD THEMED ROYAL MAIL STAMPS

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A window on the world of a greeting card publisher

Gypsy Chic magazine