Indie Designers Q&A: Sweetlove Press

In this week’s Q&A we’re shining the spotlight on Sweetlove Press, one of the many incredible independent designers creating the cards that you’ll find across the Funky Pigeon site. Join us as we meet the artist behind Sweetlove Press and hear about what inspired them to start designing cards, and much more! Keep your eyes peeled for some of their designs throughout the article to get inspired for your next birthday or celebration!

Introduce yourself…

Hi, my name is Olivia. I am a greetings card designer and work from my home in the lovely little village of Staple, in Kent. I started designing typography prints as a creative outlet when my first baby was about 18 months old, nearly 10 years ago! From there, I then started creating greetings cards too, which I love to do. Greetings cards have now become more of my focus, and I love the idea of people choosing my cards to celebrate their friends and family!

What are the challenges you face as an independent artist? And the joys?

Being a self employed independent artist does have its challenges. You are always having to be inspired to come up with new and fresh ideas. No one else is going to tell you what to do, you have to find the self motivation to keep on working and keep on designing. But then this is also the good part! You’ve got no one telling you what to do… you are your own boss and you can design what you like!

Describe your typical work day…

A typical working day for me would be heading to my home office after getting back from the school run. I will then print any outstanding orders from my website and then normally do the post run whilst the village post office is still open! The rest of the day is then spent designing on my iPad or iMac, doing some admin and updates, researching or planning social media and drinking tea! Before you know it it’s time to pick up the kids again…

What sort of cards do you love to design?

I really love designing personalised cards, as I think the personalised touch just makes it extra special when receiving it. I also love designing anything that will brighten someones day when they open it! Whether that’s something that will make them laugh or just a beautiful floral design.

What are your favourite cards that you’ve designed & why?

Some of my favourite cards that I’ve designed include the ‘Could Not Be Prouder’ design, as I originally designed that for my husband when he got a promotion at work, and then it has gone on to be one of my best selling designs! I also love my ‘Buy More Plants’ birthday card design, as I love drawing plants, and I love the idea of having an excuse to buy lots more plants! Hehe.

How did you get into greeting card design?

Greetings card designs developed as a natural progression from designing personalised typography prints. It seemed like the next step in branching out in my small business.

What’s your creative process?

Sometimes I’m inspired to just create and design whatever has come in to my head, whether that be a certain phrase, or image idea. Other times I research trending themes and go from there.

What inspires your designs?

I am definitely inspired by nature and flowers, as well as my own life experiences. I am also inspired by TV shows and current pop culture!

What do you like to do outside of work?

When I’m not working I love to spend time with my family. I love being in the garden, trips to the beach, reading, paddle boarding and sipping on the occasional G&T. But curled up on the sofa with my family is my favourite place to be.

Check out some of Olivia’s designs below and get inspired to find that perfect card for your next birthday or any celebration!