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Meet Ginger Doodles Designs, an illustrator with a knack for stencil design and bold, pun-tastic creations!
Hailing from trendy South London, SoLo Craft Fair sits down with Ginger Doodles Designs to discuss how the brand evolved, the process behind the products and plans for a growing fashion and accessories range.
“I’ve worked for several years as an illustrator creating illustrations for a range of publications, websites and children’s books. Having studied illustration to degree level, I had experimented with printing, but focused on a more mixed media illustration style, combining traditional and digital drawing techniques. However, I finally decided that designing for myself was a more creatively liberating option, and so Ginger Doodles Designs was born!”
“A couple of years ago I reduced my number of freelance illustration clients and so had more time to focus on designing for myself, and creating work that not only made me happy but also made other people happy as well.”
“Combining my illustration skills and screen print methods, my designs feature bold colours and pun-tastic typography, mixed together with childhood nostalgia with the aim of raising a smile.”
“I started out (and still do mostly to this day) using stencils to create colour layers for each printed image. Each product is unique as they are all individually handmade. I love the simplicity of this way of design, and letting the illustration and colour do the talking.”
“Initially starting with tote bags, greetings cards and prints, my product range has now expanded to include baby clothing and a large accessories range, featuring my latest designs printed onto fabric and then sewn by me. These include wash bags, drawstring bags and travel accessories, as well as more modern items such as facemasks.”
“I like to create items that can be used every day, not only to cut down on single use plastics but also to make products that aren’t deemed ‘throw-away’ items. Instead, each can be treasured and used repeatedly.”
“I am currently working on new designs for my fabric range, and looking into potentially selling the fabric by the metre. Product wise I would like to expand to include stationery items as well as some new print designs – lots of ideas swirling around my head at the moment so watch this space to see what materialises!”
“My top tip for other aspiring makers? Just do it. The first things that you design and make will most likely not end up being where you stay - the only way to grow is to continuously move forward and learn. Also, you can never do enough research: recommendations are great but you won't find out what works for you until you get started.”