Kerry is he creator behind Paper Joy, based in East Yorkshire. Working from her home studio and fitting time around her 3 year old Kerry creates bright and colourful artwork with a kindness / happiness vibe.
I am a twin! No we’re not telepathic but that would sound much more fun.
I was always creative but for some reason choose to do a degree in fashion & textile management, I then realised it wasn’t the career for me. Whilst in London I did an illustration and design course, which is where I found my love for creating again. From there I did work for other companies, designing toys, products etc.
I always say Max (my 3 year old) is my muse. I’ve really driven by the thought of living something good behind for him, so if I can make the world a little tiny bit better with my artwork then it’s all for him.
There is no typical day. I start at 7am ish and from there I try to tick off my to do list. Firstly I’ll get my online orders done (sometimes Max is at pre-school and sometimes he’s not), I’ll sometimes have client work to get stuck into like creating a brand identity or doing an illustration to go on a toy for example. I might give up trying to work with a toddler around and then come back to my desk at 7pm to work late and then by 10pm I’m usually done.
My work is mostly computer based so I’ll usually throw it out the window (joking!). I walk away from the screen and start to draw instead. Or one thing I’ve started to do recently is I force myself to notice things around me that I otherwise never notice, like watching rain or listening to the sounds around me. Then that helps me refocus.
I can’t pick a top three because I’ve been so lucky to work with some wonderful small businesses who are part of my community. Every time I’ve worked with a small business it’s been a dream, they pay you on time (honestly!) and I’ve given them a little seed to help grow their business with a logo or a product design.
I work in Adobe Illustrator on my mac. I sketch out ideas in my notebook and refine them digitally. I’d love to say something cool like I use a chisel and a hammer to create my work!
If you live with a 3 year old like me then inspiration can come from anywhere. They’re always looking at things from new angles so a toddler mindset is my best inspiration.
Be proactive, make a portfolio and always get clients to sign a contract when you’re starting out because I’ve had one or two people disappear.
I’d like to do one big collaboration with other artists. Maybe a book full of kindness inspired artwork from all kinds of different people? Can someone make that happen please.
Danii Pollehn is a print designer and illustrator living in Hamburg, Germany. After graduating with an honors in Fashion Design from the Academy of Fashion & Design in Berlin and Hamburg, Danii has worked as a freelance stylist for magazines and print-commercials for several years. With a special interest in nature, traveling and paying attention to the details in everyday surroundings Danii finds an endless source of inspiration to create unique and innovative artwork and designs.
I´m addicted to asian food, chocolate, trench-coats, Frank Ccean, Sampha and James Blake, my sneakers, books, art, breakfast, grocery shopping and I‘m leaving a crumb trail!
I was always painting and drawing so it seemed like a logic career path to me.
Plants and flowers of course but traveling and my every day surroundings are always a great way to get inspired!
Starting with a great breakfast afterwards checking and answering emails, and working and preparing orders. Painting in the afternoon and working on Instagram in the evening.
Just stop forcing it and try to use the time to meet friends and have long walks!
Recently I did flowers for a big company which I really enjoyed creating. Winning a design contest to have a textile design with Urban Outfitters was amazing when I started out, or I also enjoyed creating an entire print collection for a local surfwear company!
Procreate and Photoshop.
Pinterest or I also love to check out old books on fleamarkets!
Get yourself out there and start networking!
Designing for big fashion houses like Gucci or Chloe or just have my stuff on big billboards in NYC would be awesome! Having my own home decor collection with ikea would also be perfect!
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