Award category shines spotlight on industry’s best young designers
There are many roads into the greeting card industry, with a love for art and creativity at the heart of most, and the breadth of talent is portrayed brilliantly in The Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer Or Artist Award at The Henries.
This special award category in the UK greeting card awards programme is aimed at shining the spotlight on the newest artists, illustrators, designers, photographers, and font maestros aged under 35, and many took the time and effort to enter their moodboards for this year’s finals.
They were all displayed at the Henries Awards live judging round a couple of weeks ago where 35 buyers from grocers, multiples, small groups and indie retailers – including category sponsor Postmark’s md Mark Janson-Smith – all had the chance to check out the entries in the flesh and their collective votes from the day decided the eight finalists.
Here PG Buzz gives an insight into two more of the 2023 finalists, Lil Wabbit’s Georgi Doig and Lottie Murphy…
Georgi Doig, founder of Lil Wabbit
“We launched our small business in 2020 when my grandmother passed away and I inherited her watercolour paints and began drawing for the very first time.
“Lil Wabbit was built from our London flat, cards taking over every drawer and wardrobe – three years on Lil Wabbit is now our family business run out of our studio in West Sussex.
“Before the pandemic I worked in the film industry and hadn’t picked up a paint brush since year nine! I think it’s this lack of a formal art education that has allowed me to have an unrestricted approach to my work and produce designs that stand apart.
“In the last three years I have designed hundreds of cards, hailed by customers and retailers across the country for their unique and distinctive style.
“Our most popular collection to date has been our StreetVet Christmas collaboration – a range featuring illustrations of real dogs living on the streets of the UK with owners who are currently experiencing homelessness.
“The cards feature paintings of real StreetVet patients, with a photo and paragraph on the back that outline the story of the animal and the care they have received from the charity, such as Freddie.
“In early 2022, Freddie was bitten by another dog and left paralysed. Within six weeks of the incident Freddie had received all the necessary initial care from StreetVet and it was time for him to begin hydrotherapy sessions – we’re very pleased to say that, with the excellent care and attention of the StreetVet team and the dedication of Freddie’s owner, he is now walking again.
“Each dog has experienced varying levels of care, from emergency lifesaving operations to routine vaccinations, warm coats, blankets and cuddles. We couldn’t have been prouder to have donated £8,000 to StreetVet last year by giving 50% of the profits from the range.
“I love making cards am so thrilled to be a part of this industry. I couldn’t imagine a friendlier and more vibrant place to develop my craft and learn new creative skills!”
Lottie Murphy, founder and designer of Lottie Murphy
“Finding a purpose for my love of drawing, I began illustrating cards from my London studio in 2018, following in the creative footsteps of my photographer father.
“Celebrating timeless design through the combination of hand-drawn illustration and modern day influences, I aim to recreate traditional artistic techniques, designing cards that can be enjoyed or kept for years to come.
“I’m Inspired by much of life’s surroundings, from blooming florals to whimsical animals. “Encompassing a hand-crafted feel, I love that every card has its own story before going on to play a part in someone else’s. From each unique and intricate detail I capture on paper, to marking a celebration or an occasion all over the world.”
The full list of finalists for the Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2023 is:
Rosie Bennett, in-house designer for Paper Salad
Stephanie Davies, founder and designer for Stephanie Davies
Georgi Doig, founder and designer for Lil Wabbit
Nicole Elders, founder and designer of Nicole Elders
Esme Lintin, in-house designer for Woodmansterne Publications
Hannah Marchant, founder and designer for Hannah Marchant
Lottie Murphy, founder and designer for Lottie Murphy
Sophie Thorne, in-house designer for GBCC
The winner will be revealed along with all the product category and best service awards winners at the industry’s Mardi Gras-themed big night on 5 October, at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. Tickets for the event can be bought here.
