DIY City Blog

Welcome to the new column here at DIY City entitled “I Heart Paper.” The idea is to give paper artists of all varieties a visual voice and a way of introducing themselves to all you DIY City readers. I put together a basic questionnaire and contacted a select few artists working in the industry who I think are amazingly talented and creative. I asked them to make this questionnaire their own by injecting their style into it. The response I got was simply wonderful. I have some really great artists lined up and can’t wait to share them with you all!

First up is Cheryl from ScotiaMade paper goods, based in Halifax, Novia Scotia. This papergoods shop has cleverly combined simple and elegant graphics of the sweet animal variety primarily and set them right beside clever and extremely humorous sayings . The combination equals brilliance. Check out Cheryl’s “I heart paper” submission below along with some samples of her work. Be sure to stop by her store and say hi! More information: www.ScotiaMade.etsy.com

By Kate of OhSoSuite

Kate: What made you start creating paper goods?

Cheryl: My love of doodling on the computer, coupled with the hulk like nature of my hands when attempting to create other things.

Kate: How did the name of your company come about?

Cheryl: It seemed geographically relevant. I also felt it alluded to the handmade nature of the products. Four glasses of pinot noir also had their part. Well played, pinot noir…well played.

Kate: What’s your favorite product in your line right now?

Cheryl: Gah! You may as well bring Solomon in right now to split my baby in half! Ha ha, seriously, I love the mini-notes. I’m someone who will tell a person they are being a bit of a cock…so I like to offer that liberation to others.

Kate: Where do you see your company going?

Cheryl: If I play my cards right, I fully believe Hallmark will offer me millions. Alternately I would like to continue to expand at a sustainable rate until, perhaps, I could quit my day job. I see that happening over years, not months.

Kate: Any advice to newbies just starting in the industry?

Cheryl: Holy moly - I am still a newbie myself! Make what you like and what appeals to you…people will dig it!

Kate: List five words that describe your work:

Cheryl: 1. Ha! 2. clean (uh…visually) 3. funny 4. earnest 5. rabid

Kate: Do you have a favorite competitor in the industry? Why?

Cheryl: You know it! Junk Mail Greetings. I am not sure that she is aware of my existence, but I love her. Elegant and razor sharp.