I just wanted to say P&P will be off for a couple of days - just whilst I make sure my family are all set up for the Coronavirus UK lockdown.
Many of us find ourselves in lockdown at the moment or in self isolation and will most likely be without paid work over the next few months. The one thing we can do is keep on designing and building our portfolios ready a time for when things do get better.
Maybe we can have a go at tackling some things we never had the time for when busy completing client work!
How about finally putting together that Society6 shop or Spoonflower Shop you've always fancied? Just look at these examples below from Society6...
Preparing work for these online platforms takes quite some time, but needs no physical resources and can be done from home just using digital files. They can also be completed without any financial cost other than your time.
You probably wont expect to get any sales just now, but at least you will be ready for when things take a turn for the better.
Above : Artworks from Society6 Below : Fabrics on Spoonflower
Maybe now is also the time to indulge in that dream project you have always fancied doing but could never afford the time. Something big - like illustrating a kids book, or creating your own greetings card range.
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Other jobs that can be done include updating or creating your website, decorating/tidying your studio, revamping your logo/brand identity.
If you need inspo How to Style Your Brand is the best book I've read on this topic.
Top agent Lilla Rogers is offering a free course to help designers and over 9000 of you have already enrolled.
There are plenty of other fab courses to do as well if you have funds such as those by Victoria Johnson and Bonnie Christine.
If you are making products such as cards, cushions, wall art prints etc. why not use this sunny Spring/Summer at home to photograph them for your online shop or style them for Instagram. You'll then have lots of lovely bright snaps that you can still be posting right into the Autumn when days are too grey for photography.
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Make it in Design are recruiting people who can share their knowledge or teach their skills to others.
See the advert on the jobs board here.
Make it in Design are also offering a free course for anyone in need of help and ideas during this unsettling period. It will also be great for anyone home schooling children.
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I am certainly planning to do some decluttering in my home and studio during the lockdown!
The most important thing of course is to stay home to stop the virus spreading. Stay safe and protect yourself and your family.
The producers from the TV production company Darlow Smithson Productions are hoping to start filming the second series of 'Interior Design Masters' for BBC2 this summer, despite the uncertain times,
They are in the final stages of reaching out to creative individuals who may wish to apply for the new series. They are looking for talented designers to take part that are either already working in the industry, recently qualified or making their steps to launch a career in Interior Design.
Darlow Smithson Productions understand that we are all working through a particular surreal and testing time at the moment, but anyone who may benefit from this opportunity, please do redirect them to designers@dsp.tv
The deadline for applications is Monday 30th March.
This beautiful selection of designs are from Scrapbook label Pebbles Inc. (part of American Crafts since 2009. The particular range featured is called 'Peek a Boo' and comes in two collections : boy or girl. I thought it would make a lovely showcase to cheer up those of us who enjoy looking at cute baby and animal designs, and it's always good to see how to co-ordinate collections with a great mix of placement prints and repeats.
Despite the current situation with Coronavirus P&P is going to continue showcasing lovely patterns as long as people are happy to see them, although some service will be reduced. It is currently not possible to pop out and explore the high street with my trusty camera. But hopefully we will still have plenty to enjoy. The month of March in normal times see the launch of many new season home furnishing fabrics and today I'm posting the latest designs from Harlequin. All these fabric and wallpaper prints are from their new Momentum and Mirador collections.
