Behind the Design: Aimee Willsher
Tell us a little about yourself and your company?
I am an artist/illustrator, living and working in London. I love drawing animals, particularly dogs and you will see that these perfect pooches are a big part of my work and designs. I have designed a range of doggy Christmas and greetings cards of different dogs adorned with reindeer antlers and regal crowns!
Describe your typical working day …
I work from home and I've learnt the most important thing about being your own boss is to set yourself a timetable and schedule to work to! I make sure I'm up at 8 and if it's a drawing day, I work at the dining table. It takes a long time to complete a dog drawing because my technique is so detailed, but I love the slow progression of my drawing process. I always take my dog, Yvie for a walk and it's in the park that I get a lot of inspiration for my next projects.
What is the best thing about your job?
I think one of the best things about my job its flexibility. I can work anywhere as long as I have some paper and pencils. In the summer I love working outside in a park, being outside gives me plenty of inspiration and I always meet new people who make passing comments on my work.
Do you use any specialist techniques or equipment to create your products?
Not really, My most important tool is my pencil! But I have had to educate myself in the ways of computers ... which was rather difficult at first, but now, with the help of my husband who is a web designer, I am familiar with photoshop. This programme is a big help when I began to start my greetings card designs, it allowed me to add the antlers and crowns to lots of different doggy drawings.
What would you like to do next with the business?
I would really love to start printing my drawings on different products, and I'm beginning to investigate companies that can print on ceramics and cloth. I would really love to have a range of plates, cups, tea towels and jumpers adorned with my dogs!
What 'top tip' would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?
Do your market research, write a business plan and take one step at a time!
Your Products …
What is your personal favourite product in your collection?
It's got to be my Chihuahua puppy wearing a crown.
What are the most popular products in your range?
Everyone seems to love Pugs and Dachshunds, so both of these cards have been very popular.
Are you working on any new products at the moment?
I have just finished my range of bird card designs.
What products do you want to introduce in the next year?
I am really hoping to get my designs on ceramics and fabric and have these ready for sale within the next year.
Your Inspiration …
What inspired you to start your business?
Before I began my own designs and illustrations I worked as a painter in Damien Hirst's London Studio. I really disliked having my creativity restricted by someone else's ideas and it was this that inspired me to leave and make a start on my own artistic career, having control over my production.
What inspires your products?
Dogs are obviously a huge part of my creative work, I have my own dog and am constantly meeting new doggy characters when we go for walks. It is the variety of dog breeds that is really staggering and provides constant fuel for my inspiration.
What other card and gift designers / brands do you admire?
I absolutely love the designs of Geninne D. Zlatkis
What business figures / brands inspire your business?
Geninne – she has managed in just a few years to establish a massive blog and Facebook following with her inspiring designs and social media know how.
Quick Questions ...
What is your favourite book?
Anything by Sarah Waters, she really knows how to write a gripping plot.
What is your favourite film?
Breakfast at Tiffany's.
What is your favourite album / band or song? All 3 if you want!
I think Billie Holiday has got to be my favourite artist, and song ... Strange Fruit.
What is your favourite food?
A nice and spicy chicken Dansak.
What is your favourite card or gift brand?
Geninne
What is your favourite website or blog?
I love the Rust Jewellery Website......just love her designs. My husband bought my engagement ring from there and I've loved them ever since!
What can't you live without?
My lovely husband and our silly dog. :-)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sofa time in my PJ's!
Thank you Aimee. Visit the Aimee Willsher website now. www.cardandgiftblog.com
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