Interview :: Leah Duncan

Leah Duncan's style is right up my street and she also happens to be one of the friendliest people I've encountered in the design world. Isn't it nice when that happens? We're very pleased to be sharing an interview with Leah alongside some photos of her beautiful studio and her four legged studio pal. The Q and A with Leah happily coincides with the addition of her wrapping paper designs to our shop. They're perfect for gift giving, but we like them so much that we've got some designs framed and hung up in our office. You should too!

Where do you work from and how would you describe what you do for a living?
I'm currently living in Brooklyn, NY, and have a studio space in the Clinton Hill Navy Yard. I'm an illustrator slash designer who has a product line that includes textiles, home goods, and stationery. I also license my work to companies who produce things like bedding, journals, wrapping paper, cell phone covers, and other things they fancy.

Do you have a set process with which you approach new projects?
I sometimes think it would be easier if I did but I like to look at all projects as a journey rather than a blueprint. I work well when things get a little messy and the unexpected pops up.

Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature, animals, color, and the small moments in my life.




 
Do you have any formal arty training?
I have zero formal arty training, but I learned a lot working as a graphic artist after college for a screen printer. I think my lack of formal training has given me a unique perspective in that I'm not so concerned with following rules or things I've been taught when it comes to the content, color, and technical aspects of my work.

What's your number one piece of advice?
Be brave. Be kind. Be strong. Give yourself time to listen to your heart and don't let it be drowned out by everyone else's noise. Never be afraid to make mistakes. Work hard. Appreciate what you have. Smile. Wear pink.

That came to more than one piece of advice but they are equally important!

What's your favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
It's normally spent cleaning. But because our new NYC apartment is so small it doesn't take very long! So after the cleaning I sit around in my pyjama pants and look at how sparkly our apartment is. It's also nice to head to the park for an afternoon picnic if the weather is nice.


Thanks for chatting with us, Leah! You can buy Leah Duncan designs from our shop right here, and see more interviews here.

All photos ©Leah Duncan

In the shop :: greens

A selection of artwork, stationery, books, and jewellery in our online shop, all handpicked just for you.

1. Handmade green balloon brooch
2. Green and blue geometric notebook
3. Blackbird Bakery gluten-free recipe book
4. Autumn Tree original screenprint
5. Handmade illustrated book necklace

Click on the links above to shop Shipshape.

See more colour moodboards.

In the shop :: pinks

A selection of artwork, stationery, publications, and jewellery in our online shop, all handpicked just for you.

1. Handmade pink and wood bow tie necklace
2. Lionheart magazine, issue 2
3. Flamingo love card
4. Blossom print
5. Tea and Cake recipe book

Click on the links above to shop Shipshape.

See more colour moodboards.

In the Shop :: Geometric notebooks

Aren't these notebooks to the Shipshape Studio Shop cute? Each notebook cover features a black and white photograph decorated with colourful geometric shapes and there are 8 different ones to choose from. Inside, you will find lovely thick white 100gsm paper with a couple of colourful sheets too, and they're the perfect size to pop in your bag.

Shop the range here.

Black and red notebook
Black and white notebook
Red and pink notebook

In the shop :: Neutrals

A selection of artwork, stationery, magazines, and jewellery in our online shop, all handpicked just for you.

1. Pink and orange notebook
2. Pelican card
3. Oh Comely magazine, issue 11
4. Black and white Cafe print
5. Handmade bunting necklace

Click on the links above to shop Shipshape.

See more colour moodboards.

In the shop :: blues

A selection of artwork, stationery, and jewellery in our online shop, all handpicked just for you.

1. Tomorrow Bear print
2. Toucan card
3. Set of 4 water themed cards
4. Flight lino print
5. Handmade nautical anchor necklace

Click on the links above to shop Shipshape.

See more colour moodboards.

Interview :: Hannah Latham

I'm always intrigued to know a little bit more about artists and designer-makers, and thought you might be too, so I'm starting a series profiling some of the artists and makers that we stock at Shipshape Studio. First up is Hannah Latham, who designs some mighty fine patterns that she turns into greeting cards, gift wrap and tags, and large prints to perk up your walls. Hannah is a real pleasure to work with and her work has been very popular already. I think we've almost sold out of her moustache gift wrap already! See below to find out more about Hannah in her own words.

I'm a designer based in Manchester, having graduated from The University of Huddersfield with a Textile Design degree in 2010. I currently work as a towel and bed linen designer by day, but explore my own design projects by night. 

During those evenings you'll find me sat at my makeshift desk (my Gran's old G-Plan coffee table with cushion on the floor), with my little cat Pip. It's a wonder I ever get anything done, what with her attempting to sabotage my work by chasing the mouse curser and jumping on the keyboard. In between Pip's mad moments, I work on a range of goodies, from pattern and card design to home textiles and illustration, with a core focus on charming and playful visual content and trend led, carefully considered colour palettes. 

I'm inspired by animals, antiques, Scandinavian pattern, vintage fabrics and wallpaper, old photographs, nostalgia and everyday objects.