Focus on ... Millie Rothera

We’re delighted to welcome Millie Rothera to Chirpy in September to run her Lampshade Workshop. We’re also stocking her gorgeous textiles in Chirpy too, including tea towels and pouches

Here’s a little interview we did with Millie to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m Millie, a print designer working from my studio in Leeds whilst also working for the Gallery and Arts Program at Sunny Bank Mills. I’ve been running my business since graduating from Uni in 2019, developing my patterns through screen printing, mark making and digital designing, all to be digitally printed onto fabric and sewn into products.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

During my time at Leeds College of Art I developed a love for pattern and screen printing, and later applied to the Surface Pattern course at the university. During my three years of Uni and extended Creative Residency, I pretty much lived in the print workshop. I developed my bright and bold colour schemes through mixing colours by hand and used play and modernist architecture as inspiration.

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I loved the studio comradery and skill sharing element of Uni, and I was keen to be within a creative space with like minded people when lockdown ended. I find teaching creative workshops really rewarding as you see peoples confidence grow within the session and you learn new things from the participants too. All the workshops I run are suitable for beginners and I always stress on the fact that you don’t need any great drawing ability to get involved and create something beautiful.

 What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed / created / made?

After attending a beginners quilting workshop to create a small 30cm square quilt, my next logical project was to create a double bed spread quilt! Being new to quilting, the quilt was very improvised, a bit wonky but I love the mix of texture and colour. To make the quilt extra special I hand sewed all the binding around the edge over a number of evenings so I became quite connected to the quilt.

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

 I have just started to learn cross stitching. My Gran was a keen cross stitcher, designing very intricate motifs and scenes, often completing a piece as a memento to a life event. I wanted something to work on whilst I was sat watching telly on an evening instead of scrolling. Cross stitching seemed like the perfect fit because of the family link.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Just have a go. As adults I think we find it embarrassing to be bad at things even if we have never tried them before. Get yourself some cheap supplies to get yourself started, attend a workshop or buy a kit so you are learning the basics from an expert, and then develop from there.

You can book on Millie Lampshade Workshop on 24th September HERE

Introducing... Zoe Spry

We’re delighted to introduce a new card supplier, Zoe Spry. Her gorgeous cards have just arrived and our Chirpy customers already love them.

Here’s a little interview we did with Zoe to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m currently a one woman band creating fun paper goods and stationery based in Bristol. That means I do everything from designing, to social media, to sales, to dispatching. I’m hoping to get some help in the near future as the business continues to grow, I’m always very busy (which I’m very very grateful for!)

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I started making cards as a hobby when I finished my degree in Textile design. I licensed a few designs to publishers while gaining industry experience as a full time Children’s Book Designer. It wasn’t until I was made redundant from my studio role that I took the plunge into self employed life!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Every day is slightly different but it always is based around the same sort of routine: emails, admin, designing, packing and dispatching orders, as well as doing freelance design work in between- it gets really busy but I love the variety.

Biggest achievement to date?

Putting myself out there to do trade shows has been a really big step for the business. It was really daunting at first but so good to meet people face to face!

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards in a number of fabulous independent retailers (including Chirpy..!) across the globe. I’ve recently started stocking Oliver Bonas and have a range of licensed designs in Tesco stores.

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My most popular card is the ‘happy birthday letter candles’ card with gold foil finish. I think the bright colours and foil confetti make it a great all-rounder which is why it sells so well.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’m noticing more and more shaped diecut cards. I think brands are constantly looking for ways to stand out and you can create some really exciting finished pieces via this method.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

In a world which is so fast paced with technology, it’s so easy to just send a text. I personally love the process of choosing a card and writing in it, as well as receiving a card in which the sender has taken time to consider what they think I’d like. It’s a more personal and more considered action.

Best thing about running your own business?

Watching something grow which started from a tiny seed. Being in charge of my own destiny is also very exciting!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Keep practicing your skill to always get better! Be willing to learn from others and be kind to yourself.

Plans for the future?

To keep expanding our range of cards, do more trade shows and hopefully grow our list of amazing stockists :)

Check out Zoe Spry’s Instagram HERE

Introducing... Middle Mouse!

We’re delighted to introduce a new card supplier, Middle Mouse, who we met at this year’s Harrogate Tradeshow. Her beautiful cards have just arrived and we’re sure our Chirpy customers are going to love them - check out the extra treat on the back of some of them!

Here’s a little interview we did with Bec to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & Middle Mouse?

I’m an illustrator and designer based in Lancashire, and work with my husband, Darren, who organises the orders and ships them out to our customers. Middle Mouse launched in 2018 and is named after a tiny uninhabited island off the north coast of Wales, visible from my favourite place in the world, Llanlleiana, Anglesey.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I graduated from Manchester Met in 2005 and I’ve been illustrating ever since! I started in a tiny bookshop/studio in The Last Drop Village, Bolton with my best friend, where we sold children’s books and gifts whilst building our portfolio. We’ve worked with a range of clients from the BBC to the NHS, and in 2018, my Dad (a gardening and cookery writer, Paul Peacock) and I decided to start a greetings card company that gave people a little something extra, from recipes and growing tips on the back of the card, to little booklets packed with added content. Unfortunately Dad passed away just before we launched, so I carried on in his memory.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I get up and take our studio dog, Pippin, for a walk, then have breakfast and get to my desk (looking out onto the Middle Mouse garden) for about 8.45. We do research, answer emails, put orders into production in the morning, then have lunch. I do my best creative work from about 1pm - 10pm, so the afternoons are usually drawing, designing and sending things to print, interspersed with a bit of weeding, dead-heading roses and another walk in the afternoon. In the evenings I usually draw on the iPad or read. Basically, work, work, work, but I love it!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

We were thrilled to get our first big stockist with Middle Mouse (Scribbler) and exhibit at our very first trade show. But I’m also hugely proud of a free app I’ve designed called FORM-AI, which shows people how to do over 1300 exercises and help people move better.

Where can we find your cards?

Our cards are available in over 150 shops in the UK, including Scribbler and Selfridges (coming this autumn), and also on our website www.middlemouse.co.uk

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

We love our Characterful range, especially the Blackadder cards, but my favourite cards are the Botanicards range, as they feature my mum’s recipes and Dad’s growing tips on the back!

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

We’ve noticed a big move away from secondary processes as this adds to the carbon footprint of the cards, with bolder, brighter designs taking over the impact of foiling and glitter.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Each card is a tiny piece of art that wishes someone well. There are not many things in the world that are manifestations of goodness, so it’s an honour to provide people with something that helps them connect with someone and send some joy.

Best thing about running your own business?

The ability to drop everything and nip out for chocolate at a moment’s notice! That and having studio dog Pippin sleeping at my feet as I work, and meeting so many lovely people at trade fairs!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Visit trade fairs, and talk to people as much as possible. The greetings card industry in particular is exceptionally friendly and everyone is happy to help you. Take risks and do things that scare you, but be kind to yourself too.

Plans for the future?

I’d love to write a picture book for children and maybe do some more study in literature, as well as continue to grow our greetings card ranges.

Check out Middle Mouse’s Instagram HERE

Introducing... Heyy Cards!

In June I visited PG Live for the 1st time, a tradeshow dedicated to greetings cards.

There I met with Heyy cards, an independent card brand who we now have the pleasure of stocking at Chirpy.

We like to get to know our suppliers a little bit more, so here’s an interview we did with Dan & Yvette. It’s great to learn more about them & what makes their brand tick.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & Heyyy

Heyyy is our small greeting card business run by husband and wife team Dan & Yvette Clarkson. Basically, we are both hopeless romantics! When we first met a few years ago we used to send a lot of cards to each other (we still have them all in a drawer in our office!). Somehow we fell into the habit of starting each card, each note and each text message we sent to each other with the word ‘Heyyy’, it became our little greeting. One night during lockdown we got talking about an off the wall idea to start our own card company – and so Heyyy Cards was born!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Dan is a graphic designer and Yvette worked in the greeting card and stationery industry for 15 years for another publisher until the pandemic, when things changed for everyone. At a time in our lives when a lot was changing, we decided that there was no better opportunity than to try to see if we could make a business doing something that we were both passionate about.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day for Heyyy (if you can call it normal!) starts with us both heading off to work – we still have 9-5 day jobs! Dan works for a branding agency and Yvette works for a local charity. After arriving home in the evening and walking our dog (and office mascot) Keo, we begin our work on Heyyy! Our evenings and weekends consist of packing orders, invoicing, brainstorming new ranges, designing cards and everything in between! It’s rather hectic but at the moment we absolutely love it, and the fact that we have been able to keep our day jobs gives us the security to be able to invest in the business and grow our collections without having to worry about paying the bills at home.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Being shortlisted as finalist for the Henries awards (the Oscars of the greeting card world) for our Tiny and Terrific children’s cards in our first year of trading was amazing! We were so pleased to be invited to the award ceremony and see our cards up on display.

Where can we find your cards?

Our cards are stocked in a small but steadily growing list of gorgeous independent retailers, card and gift shops, garden centres, bookstores and fashion boutiques, from as close to home as Chesterfield, to as far away as Chicago!

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

Dan’s favourite card is from our Type Dreams collection which simply says ‘Thanks for Being You’. It was one of the first cards we designed and is a really simple yet elegant design.

Yvette’s favourite card is probably ‘Happy Birthday Handsome’ from our new Dancing in the Rain collection. Men’s cards are so difficult to find, especially for a more contemporary fellow, and this one hits the spot for me!

Our most popular card is probably ‘Old Enough to be a Classic’ which is a letter press style birthday card featuring beautiful classic car illustrations. We loved this design from the start which was inspired by our 11 year old son’s fascination with cars, but it has even surprised us how popular it has been!

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

The card industry is so amazingly diverse and new ideas are constantly coming into the market. This year we have noticed a growing trend for 3D designs, scalloped edges on cards and also more quirky concepts like cards which look like book covers.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending greeting cards is SO IMPORTANT! In a world where everything is online, immediate, and digital, it’s so lovely to still be able to send something hand-picked and tactile to a loved one in the post. Greeting cards are perhaps one of the most accessible forms of art and expression. Costing only a few pounds you can buy something unique which has the power to make the person you are sending it to smile, laugh, cry or just feel like you are thinking of them.

Best thing about running your own business?

The freedom to design things and do things our way… of course not everything is a best seller and we have learned some lessons along our journey, but that’s all part of the fun! It’s also incredibly fulfilling to have started something from nothing and to be able to watch it grow. It’s absolutely humbling and still a bit surreal to stand in a shop and see someone pick up a card that you have designed and start smiling!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Sponge up as much information and advice as you possibly can before you take the leap! Speak to other small business owners, look at online forums, local business networks. Know your market, look at what’s out there, learn about your customer. In our case we spent a lot of time talking to shops about what they needed, who their end customers were, what sold well for them, how things were packaged etc. Research is key! We are lucky that the greeting card industry is a very friendly one and other publishers and retailers have been very kind in sharing information to help us along our journey.

Plans for the future?

World domination!! Only kidding. Hopefully we would like to grow slowly but surely, working on new designs and building a range that keeps us relevant to both shops and consumers. In time we would both like to do this full time… if we can both eventually make a humble living doing this, that would be the dream!

Watch this space to find out what we’ve got planned with Heyy later this year to celebrate ‘Thinking of You Week’ and why not give them a follow on INSTAGRAM

Introducing... Black Violet!

We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca Lori of Black Violet as our first MAKER IN RESIDENCE in April.

Rebecca will be joining us on Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April upstairs in Chirpy with her eclectic selection of ceramics, terrariums and jewellery.

Here’s a little interview we did with Rebecca to find out a little more about her and how. We’ll also be chatting to her LIVE on INSTAGRAM on Thursday 27th April at 7:30pm before she pops up in Chirpy.

Rebecca will also be running her Concrete Jewellery Workshop on Friday 28th April - tickets available HERE Booking essential

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hi – my name is Rebecca and I am the owner of Black Violet. If you’re not familiar with my work I make concrete and moss homeware and jewellery inspired by abandoned beauty, magical forests and goddess energy! Nature always inspires me and I am kind of obsessed with the idea of nature taking over manmade structures. I like to create a sense of fantasy and magic through my terrariums and classic statues.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I have a creative background and have studied fashion and photography. I’ve always been into art and everyone that knows me will say that I am a bit of a dreamer! I am a huge fan of concrete structures and brutalist architecture and one day I realised I could use this material to make jewellery and planters and it kind of evolved from there. My dream as a child was to own a shop and sell things that I make – so I guess it just happened naturally.

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I don’t really have a normal day! Everyday looks different, but if I am preparing for a market or making stock for a shop I will set up a creative space in my flat, put on some inspiring music and get lost in making. Sometimes this might be a messy concrete pour, playing with pigments and moss and other times it might be more intensely focused work making terrariums or necklaces. I also have to make sure I keep my Instagram updated so people can see what I’ve made.

Biggest achievement to date?

 That’s a difficult one! I think my biggest and most proudest moment was being the first person in my family to get a degree – a 2:1 in Photographic Arts, I was over the moon! Then I guess it’s been following my own unconventional path to build my own business.

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

 My terrariums! Each piece is unique and like little magical worlds. I recently made a massive piece for an alternative wedding show which I absolutely love too.

 Best thing about running your own business?

 I get to choose my own hours, don’t have to answer to anyone and get to do what I absolutely love!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Have patience, it’s really hard! But stick with it, if you have confidence in what you do then you’re likely to make it. Don’t do it my way and quit your job without any savings! Start doing it along with your job and see how it goes. I am a risk taker so had to go all in but I definitely don’t advise that approach though it did work for me and took my business to a totally different level. Think of the whole package and get help if you need to – there’s loads of great free resources out there for indie businesses on marketing, packaging, advertising etc

Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

So many! I recently practised using a tattoo gun and was pretty hooked! I would also love to make candles for my business, I bought all the materials but as usual I’ve not found time to do it! There’s loads more but too many to list!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

 Wouldn’t the world be a boring place if we all bought cheaply made mass-produced products? We need to support the arts and crafts as it’s what makes life so beautiful, people expressing themselves creatively and owning art that’s so personal and emotive. Even small purchases make a difference to supporting indie businesses – you are enabling an artist or maker to do what they love and keeping the creative process going. And it’s so much better to buy handmade!

Check out Rebecca’s Instagram HERE

Introducing... Lizzie Fry Creative

We’re delighted to welcome Lizzie Fry Creative as our first MAKER IN RESIDENCE

Lizzie will be joining us on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th February upstairs in Chirpy with her gorgeous selection of prints, cards and ceramics.

You might recognise Lizzie as she works in Chirpy on a Thursday morning. Here’s a little interview we did with her to find out a little more about her and how. We’ll also be chatting to her LIVE on INSTAGRAM on Thursday 23rd February at 7:30pm before she pops up in Chirpy.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Lizzie Fry, and I’m a freelance artist based in Leeds. At the moment I’m primarily producing ceramics and lino prints, with the occasional bit of digital design too. I’ve lived in Leeds for around 10 years so definitely consider myself a local now, although having grown up down south I may not sound like one!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Sometimes I wonder the same thing! I’ve always loved making things, and I’ve usually had a creative side-project on the go alongside ‘normal’ life; little by little my creative work has become the main thing I spend my time doing, and I love it.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

The studio where I make my ceramics opens at 1pm each day, so I usually try to fit my other work into the mornings where I can. This can involve anything from designing wedding invitations and printing my linocuts onto tote bags, to sending out invoices and contacting shops to ask if they’ll stock my work. It’s incredibly varied but I really love it.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I grew up in awe of my grandfather, who was a potter and calligrapher; the precision and care in his work are truly beautiful to see. So I’d say it’s both a personal and a business achievement that I’m now making a living from my artwork, particularly the ceramics – I often think of my Grandad when I’m on the wheel – even though I’m sure he would have lots to critique! The icing on the cake for me was that last year I managed to track down his old pottery wheel from the 50s, which I now have. I’m in the process of creating my own studio space so that I can use it.

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

There have been a few mugs that I’ve got out of the kiln which I think are really perfect. It’s always a little bit sad saying goodbye to them when someone buys them. I also have a couple of favourite lino prints – like the botanical seeds design – which I’m really fond of; having spent so much time planning and carving out a design, it’s wonderful when you print it for the first time and it turns out exactly how you’d hoped.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Anyone who knows me will know that I’m not a routine-led person. In fact I recently told someone that the closest thing I have to a daily routine is that I usually sneeze a lot when I first wake up. So I feel very fortunate to be able to work for myself and structure my own working day according to how I feel – especially with art, if you try to force yourself to create something when you’re not in the right headspace it just doesn’t work.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Go for it! Back yourself even when you don’t feel like it, and take every opportunity you get. And make sure that you have good friends and family around who can tell you when you need to stop at the end of the day or week – otherwise you’ll never do anything else.

Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

My problem is that I want to try everything! I’ve always wanted to have a go at letterpress printing; I love the whole process and the result.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

There was a graphic floating around Instagram recently that said ‘when you buy from a small business, a real person does a happy dance’ – which is true, and every purchase really does make me so happy! But it’s more than that. When you buy from a small business owner, we also breathe a big sigh of relief. Now more than ever, we need you to support those of us who don’t have bigger structures to fall back on. If you love the idea of small businesses thriving, then please help us to keep going – and it doesn’t just have to be through financial help either. Sharing a small business on social media and recommending us to your friends goes a long way and doesn’t cost anything. We will be so grateful!

Check out Lizzie’s website at www.lizziefrycreative.com

Focus On ... Sophie Greenwood of Ink & Bear

The smile behind the brand

As we launch our first workshop with Ink & Bear, here’s a little interview I did with her a few months ago …

Why not join Sophie’s Intro to Lino Printing workshop on Sunday 18th September - click here to find out more and book

This month we’re focusing on another local maker, Sophie, of Ink & Bear, a local screen printer whose gorgeous plant storage bags are proving popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Sophie.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself / your company

Sophie: I'm Sophie from Ink & Bear and I'm a screenprinter from Leeds. I'm from Hull originally and moved over to Leeds to go to University 16 years ago and I have never looked back! I design and print screenprints, t-shirts and fabric goods inspired by nature, travelling and the sky at night. I've always printed on paper but recently I have started to print on fabric too (which I love!). I screenprint in my studio at home (aka the spare bedroom!) and love the freedom this gives me to try out new things. 

I set up my company, Ink & Bear, 3 years ago and in the last year I've really enjoyed being able to invest more time in the business (one of tiny silver linings of the pandemic!).

CH: How did the business start?

Sophie: I dipped by toe in the printmaking waters whilst at University studying an optional module. I studied Business at University but have always had a love for art - the printmaking module was the only practical art course on offer at the time for 'non-art' students so I jumped at the chance! I later developed my love for screen printing specifically through night classes at Leeds College of Art. 

Three years ago I realised I had way too many prints piling up so set up a small business, initially just selling at local craft fairs. I discovered I absolutely love the buzz of selling online and in person and the rest is history!

 I love being open and sharing tips about the screen printing process because whilst it does take a while to set up, I really feel like anyone can do it. I still find the process magical all these years later. Before the pandemic hit I was planning creative workshops and retreats around printmaking and creativity and it's something I would really like to pick up again when everything feels more normal!  

CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Sophie: I work for a social enterprise 4 days a week, so I squeeze all my Ink & Bear work in on a Monday (and often on weekends too!). Each Monday starts with tackling some admin to help wake me up (I'm not really a morning person!), followed by a trip to the post office and lunch. In the afternoon I tend to focus on creative work; this could be printing a new batch of fabrics to send off to my Mum (who I collaborate with on my plant bags and pouches), designing new work, exposing new screens or screen printing a new batch of prints or cards. The afternoon is my favourite part of my day as I get to try out new ideas (well, apart from all the cleaning up afterwards!). 

CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Sophie : Alongside screen printing, I also run a bi-annual event called Super Seconds Saturday - developing and running this during lockdown has definitely been my biggest achievement to date! Super Seconds Saturday is an online event that offers people an opportunity to buy discounted goods from 250 independent makers. A lot of indie makers have seconds/misprints/end of line stock that just didn't go quite right (or is from a few years back!) - and normally a lot of these are sold off at fairs at bargain prices but with few (or no!) fairs due to Coronavirus it means that these bargains aren't on offer. I was so happy with how the creative community of makers came together to support this event and I can't wait for the next one in October!

 CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I have only recently (in the last year) started printing onto fabric and I'm really enjoying the process. My Mum is an incredible seamstress so I was really happy when we cooked up the idea of working together on fabric goods (like plant bags and pouches). I love seeing the fabric I've printed by hand turned into fabric goods by my Mum- it still feels magical seeing them fully made, packaged and ready for sale.

CH : What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Sophie: I love the freedom to try out new ideas and interact with customers and other creative businesses online too. Everyone is super supportive and it's so lovely to meet like minded people. 

 CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to set up their own business?

Sophie: Just go for it! Sometimes setting up your own creative business can feel really daunting, but building a creative community around you (either online or in real life!) can make a huge difference to your confidence. I spent years telling myself I didn't have the time to set up a business and there never seemed to be a 'right time' so I just started small and ran Ink & Bear alongside my full time job for the first couple of years. After I'd built it up a bit I took the leap to go down to 4 days a week in my full time job and now I'm hoping to turn it into my full time career! Small steps can make a HUGE difference and getting started is the best thing you can do. 

 CH: Is there an activity you haven’t tried but would like to?

Sophie: I would really like to try working with glass! I love watching glass blowers (Blown Away on Netflix was fascinating to watch!) and would love to try it one day. I also have a real soft spot for ceramics and would like to learn to throw on a wheel.

 CH: Why should people shop / support local?

Sophie: think it's so important to support small local shops and makers - as a buyer you can buy really unique, high quality items that you can't get elsewhere and you're also supporting makers, for who the sale makes a huge difference to. I think shops like Chirpy are so important to introduce people to a wide range of makers - and the shopping experience in an independent shop is unrivalled for creativity and inspiration. 

 Thanks Sophie for such detailed answers - it’s great to get advice from a local maker mixing 9-5 with being creative.

Focus On ... Dave Draws

This month we’re focusing on Dave Draws, a doodle artist whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy and whose work can be seen upstairs on the walll in Chirpy as well as for sale in the form of Leeds mugs, prints and coasters

Here’s a little interview we did with Dave.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I'm Dave Gee better known as Dave Draws, I'm a 31 year old artist based in Manchester where I run Dave Draws from. Dave Draws is my business, where I suppose I am best known for doing doodle maps of different towns and cities. I sell these on various products such as prints, mugs and coasters and I also create them as murals for schools, bars, offices, restaurants etc.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I've always drawn and enjoyed doodling but it was never something I seriously thought I could do until after university. I started creating a few prints and did a couple of small murals in Sheffield (I'm originally from Chesterfield). But then I moved to Berlin where I worked in an art gallery and it was whilst I was out there that I started taking art a lot more seriously. I started exhibiting and the doodle map idea was born there. When I moved to Manchester after Berlin I started creating the maps and the business took off from there.

What does a normal day look like?

My routine varies every week depending on where I am working but I usually get up around 7/7:30 then head to work for between 8:30/9. Before I start drawing for the day I go through my emails and catch up on any admin as well as doing a social media post. I then start drawing either on site on a mural or at my studio. I have my lunch around 12 where I catch up on emails and social media again before drawing again in the afternoon until around 5/half 5 when I catch up on emails again. After that I try to switch off for the day though so work doesn't creep into my evenings.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I can think of 3, my Lancashire map packaging for Lancashire Tea (sorry Yorkshire!), my Salford docks design for Salford Rums bottles and finally my New York map that is printed on the inside of all the lifts at Innside New York Nomad hotel.

What’s the best thing about working for yourself?

My favourite thing about running my own business is being in control of everything myself, that can be a burden as well at times but generally

it just feels liberating to be in control of your own destiny. I think I can be a bit stubborn as well and don't love being told what to do so being my own boss definitely works for me in that respect.

What’s your biggest achievement?

Business wise travelling abroad to create murals in New York, Hong Kong and across Europe. But also just surviving the pandemic and my business being in an even stronger place at the end of it. Personally in that time I managed to buy a house with my girlfriend as well which felt like an achievement all things considered.

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

Loads, I've never really used spray paints, I would like to get good at that. Tattooing would be cool as well. Also I'd love to be able to DJ but I don't know where I am going to find the time to learn all these things!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Just throw yourself in to it. It takes a lot of dedication and time particularly at the start but the rewards are so worth it. I would also say don't wait for opportunities and work to come to you, actively go out and seek clients and work opportunities. I messaged a lot of brands/people I wanted to work with at the start, the worst they can say is no but if they say yes it can open so many doors for you.

Why should people shop local?

People should shop local because they are the shops/businesses that need and appreciate it most. I've seen loads of bits online about how when you order from an independent or local business the person you are buying from does a little dance and that is definitely true. If I have a good sales day it can make my day and most creatives I know would think the same.

You can join Dave on his next Doodle map workshop at Chirpy on Thursday 24th March - click here to book or find out more

Focus On ... Agnis Smallwood

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on Agnis Smallwood, a maker whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Agnis.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

My name is Agnis Smallwood and I am a Designer, Maker, Researcher and Educator. I love all things textiles though I specialise in weaving. I live close to Chirpy in neighbouring Meanwood and work from my studio at home. As well as designing and weaving my own products I also deliver lots of workshops across the county. I love sharing with people traditional craft skills and techniques, whether that be through courses or one off workshops.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I have always been creative and have been fortunate to be able to pursue this as a career. I went to Cumbria Institute of the Arts to study on the Art Foundation Course, this is where I fell in love with weaving and went on to stay to study a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts to develop my skills. Since graduating in 2009 I have developed my business to enable me to share my making and teaching with others.

What the best bit about running workshops?

The participants! I love getting to meet lots of different people and to make and create with them. Some people I meet just once and others I see more regularly and get to share in their creative journeys. I love it when I see people a few months after a workshop and I hear about what they have been doing at home and how they have expanded their knowledge. Workshops are always lots of fun and there is something really enjoyable about making alongside others and sharing in the experience together.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve created?

Hard question! I think it changes if I am honest as my work developes and changes. I am still proud of the range of scarves I launched last Autumn/Winter after such a difficult year for everyone. In the first lockdown I had spent much of my time learning to garden, it was maybe inevitable that this time would permeate into my work and hence inspire a range of scarves called, 'At the Bottom of the Garden' featuring 5 scarves inspired by different vegetables, Radish, Carrots, Tomato, Leek and Potatoes!

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

I have never used glass as a media before. I think having a go at some glass blowing at some point would be incredibly fun, though I am not sure you would get the opportunity to correct a mistake like you do in weaving!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Go for it! Workshops are great for exploring a new craft, as unless it is an Intermediate or Advanced course I never assume that participants have any prior knowledge so I always make sure that you get a good foundation from which to enjoy making and exploring a new craft. You never know what craft skill you are going to get totally absorbed by unless you have a go.

You can join Agnis on one of her Festive workshops at Chirpy

Christmas Fabric Wreath : 26th November

Contemporary Festive Wreath : 2nd December

Woven Christmas Baubles : 10th December

Focus On ... Kirstie Williams

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on Kirstie Williams, a local printmaker and textile artist who runs workshops at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Kirstie.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I'm a printmaker and textile artist working primarily with traditional print techniques. I'm inspired by 1950s textiles and surface pattern and use lots of geometric patterns in my work.

I work as Print Studio Coordinator at The Art House in Wakefield and am a founder member of Leeds Print Workshop.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I discovered a love for printmaking whilst doing an Art Foundation course at Suffolk College in 2004!

I then went on to do a degree and an MA in Textile Design where I focussed on screen printing, natural dyeing and mixed media textiles.

I moved up to Leeds in 2011 when I took a job at Leeds Arts University as a Print Technician, where I learnt lots of different skills in printmaking and bookbinding.

Since then I've been working freelance, running workshops in the community and supporting members in Wakefield and Leeds Print Studios!

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I love sharing the skills I've learnt, and when someone has that 'wow' moment when they discover a new process.

It's great being able to support other people to be creative and that gives me lots of inspiration too.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I love my screen printed and handmade concertina books. They make great display books and I've kept my natural dye samples in them too!

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

I've never been very good at knitting - only being able to create something basic but I'd love to develop this further and learn some more interesting stitches!

 What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Go for it! You might be pleasantly surprised but the outcome!

Join Kirstie at Chirpy for her Book Binding workshop on 8th October

She’s also running a Lino Cut Christmas Card workshop on 3rd December