This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle. We’ve just started to stock her cards and they are proving very popular, especially with cat lovers, myself included!
To get to know Kirsten and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :
Tell me a little bit about yourself
I’m Kirsten, the illustrator and designer behind Fawn & Thistle. I run the business from my studio in Kent, where I create bold, playful stationery, greeting cards, and gifts – usually with a bit of humour, colour, and the occasional cat thrown in for good measure.
I also work as a freelance designer and marketer on the side and teach printmaking workshops.
I have three cats (one is just a 3month rescue kitten) and constantly find their antics to be a source of inspiration for my cat-themed designs.
How did you get into doing what you’re doing?
Honestly, I kind of just fell in to it. I was graduating from my MA in Illustration at the time of the 2008 recession, and it was impossible to find a job in design that wasn’t a never ending unpaid internship. So I moved back to Kent from London and set up my own thing. I’d seen people selling on Etsy, and figured how hard can it be - I was very wrong!
Over the years I’ve taught myself the business side of things, as well as creating my brands signature style and voice. It’s been a steep learning curve.
What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
I don’t really have a “normal” day – I try to give some structure to the week by setting aside certain days for specific tasks. Mondays are usually for catching up on emails and online orders, Wednesdays are for wholesale outreach, and so on. That said, I have to keep things flexible to juggle freelance projects alongside Fawn & Thistle. Some days I’m sketching new designs or packing up wholesale orders, and other days (more than I’d like!) are spent knee-deep in admin or running printmaking workshops.
Biggest achievement to date?
I’ve had a few recently which have really helped bolster my confidence in what I’m doing with Fawn & Thistle! Getting stocked in Oliver Bonas was a big milestone for me as it was always top of my ‘Big Dream Stockists’ list, and most recently I won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which was a big boost!
Where can we find your cards?
Besides Chirpy (of course), you can find my cards on my own website, through lovely stockists throughout the UK, and I’m also on Faire if you’re a retailer. I also occasionally pop up at markets and events now and then – keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.
Most popular card design?
The cats. Always the cats. My cat cards are by far the most popular designs I have. It’s funny, after being called a Cat Lady for most of my life, I didn’t actually introduce many cat cards in to my range until recently, and I just don’t know why. I should have embraced my cat lady status sooner.
Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?
I’ve noticed the general tone of cards can be a bit more irreverent and cheeky, not just for your standard and more traditional occasions - cards that say what we actually want to say, but in a fun, thoughtful way.
Design-wise, I’m seeing so many food/fruit & veg/condiment type designs everywhere, which I really enjoy.
Why do you think sending cards is still so important?
I think despite living in a more technological, digital age, people still really enjoy tactile and tangible things. It’s heartwarming when someone gives you a card that they went out and looked for, chose because it reminded them of you and then wrote a sweet note inside.
I personally keep cards I’m given and frame some of them as mini pieces of art.
Best thing about running your own business?
The flexibility and working for yourself. I love working the hours that work for me, especially because I’m a night owl and find myself to be most creative at night.
Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?
Be curious, step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, even if it feels scary. Also, ask for help and listen to others, there are so many knowledgeable people out there who’ve helped me get my head around Wholesale, running a business, SEO etc etc. If I don’t know something, I’ll always look for someone who does.
Plans for the future?
After moving back to fulltime self employment again, I’m finally getting to design some new cards and ranges, which I think are going to be great! I’m also working on creating a licensing portfolio to work with bigger companies and setting up my own printmaking subscription box called Printfolk. I’m so excited about Printfolk and creating a creative community around printmaking.
Check out Kirsten’s IG here