We are so excited for Garden Girl + Graphic Designer Lisa Dickinson as she's partnered with Jenni Bowlin Studio to release her first paper line. We were lucky enough to get a little background behind the collection from Lisa!
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Tell us about your upcoming collection: "Modern Mercantile" is my debut line with Jenni Bowlin Studio and it combines the classic vintage charm you expect from JBS with a bit of modern flair. The collection features fresh color palette in aquas, greens, and yellows that coordinate with the Jenni Bowlin Studio for Ranger ink colors. There are six double-sided papers, a journaling tag sheet, and a mini pattern sheet, along with coordinating Printed Chipboard, Flatbacks (metal "flair buttons") and Mini Deck Card Sets.
What was the inspiration behind it? Where do you look for inspiration? I started with several inspiration pieces from Jenni's personal collection, including old quilt squares, fabrics and trims, along with printed pieces: catalog pages, advertisements and books.
My goal was to incorporate these antique elements with simpler, more modern designs like chevrons, stripes, and polka dots in a fresh and bright color palette.
Once you have a concept for a collection, what is the design process like?
I start with (very rough) sketches to get an idea of which elements are going to work together. I also start brainstorming about a color palette, selecting swatches that will both coordinate with existing product and work well together across several patterns.
Once I have a basic idea for several papers, I begin by translating my sketches into digital images on my computer. Some of the vintage pieces were scanned and incorporated into the patterns. I worked on the "A" sides of each paper first, trying to get a wide variety of scale, patterns, and colors throughout the collection.
How do you decide on the name for a line?
The collection has its roots in antiquarian imagery, with trendy and modern colors and patterns mixed in. Modern Mercantile was the perfect name because, ultimately, the collection is a fusion of contemporary and vintage.
How do you name the papers?
I sought out terms that you don't hear everyday to christen these papers. The names are somewhat old-fashioned monikers for items you might find in a mercantile: Sundries, Patchwork, Novelties, Miscellany.
What is the most rewarding part of developing a collection?
After weeks of viewing/tweaking/critiquing/ adjusting the digital images on a computer screen, I was thrilled to actually hold the printed papers in my hands! Having something tangible to show for your work, and being able to put the papers to use on a scrapbook page is definitely the most rewarding part of this process.
What is the most challenging?
Because this is the first paper line I've ever designed, I had countless ideas floating around in my brain. Narrowing down all my brainstorming concepts into just six designs was difficult, but it forced me to focus on the overall theme of the line and choose only those images that best reflected that theme.
What is your favorite piece from your new release?
I am partial to the paper Sundries, the large chevron pattern. It was the first piece I designed and It's definitely the boldest, brightest piece in the collection.
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Thanks so much for sharing with us, Lisa!
I am so exciting to see this line, The colors look amazing and I really like vintage imagery.
Posted by: Dawn McDowell | 01/13/2013 at 05:28 PM
Fun interview and I liked reading the behind the scenes design process. Congrats on your line, Lisa! It's beautiful!
Posted by: Ann | 01/14/2013 at 11:01 AM
Great vintage images.
Posted by: Lynnette Cyparski | 01/15/2013 at 08:37 PM