Award category puts industry’s best youngsters in the spotlight
The Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer Or Artist Award category in The Henries shines the spotlight on the top under 35s artists, illustrators, designers, photographers, and font maestros.
The moodboards entered for this prestigious award, which is sponsored by indie retail chain Postmark, gives great assurance as to the abundance of creative prowess.
They were all displayed at the live Henries Awards judging round a couple of weeks ago where 35 buyers from grocers, multiples, small groups and indie retailers 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 another two of the eight 2023 finalists. Today it’s the turn of Stephanie Davies and Hannah Marchant…
Stephanie Davies, founder and designer for Stephanie Davies
“I began my career as a head in-house designer in the craft sector, where I designed greeting cards and surface patterns for paper pad collections.
“I saw my work being sold weekly on UK shopping channels such as QVC, Ideal World and Create & Craft, and my paper craft designs can often be found in shops such as The Range and Wilkinsons – then I decided to take the leap and create my own business after leaving my first design role, and went in to designing greeting card ranges under my own brand.
“I like to keep my style timeless and nostalgic, and I have a very keen eye for detail. I make sure each card has as much love and attention as my original paintings and drawings.
“I truly love what I do and love immersing myself in the little characters and objects I create. I realise every day how lucky I am to have this incredible job in such an inspiring industry.”
Hannah Marchant, founder and designer for Hannah Marchant
“I’m a greeting card publisher from the heart of the West Country. I have a passion to create greeting cards that are something a little bit different!
“Inspired by nature and sustainable resources, I create ranges of biodegradable seed greeting cards – once the card has been enjoyed it can be planted where it will grow as part of your garden. Not only are the cards compostable and eco-friendly but, as they grow, they echo the good wishes of the loved ones who sent them.
“After gaining many years’ experience working within the print industry I set up my little business six years ago and I’m extremely proud of what it has become.
“I thoroughly enjoy being part of the greeting card world. I am also very proud that all of the greeting cards I produce are designed, printed and finished by myself with a small team helping to pack orders all in my Somerset studio.”
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.
