contextual research

I took a trip to Paperchase yesterday to see what kind of paper products and general nice stuff was being sold so i could start a list of things i want to make for my 4th brief - (continuation of book brief.) There were lots of good greeting cards there, i was hoping to find some illustrations/designs that were across a range of products but they didn't have much variety.




juicylucydesigns.com
This is an illustrator with a business team who produce a wide range of products all based around fairies. As well as cards, they make stationery, magnetic products, magical message notes and even babywear. I think they would be good people to ask for advice if I were to sell my stuff.\







knit & purl - felt design. I cant find anything about the makers of these on the internet but they were my favourite. They were all photographed knitted objects and reminded me of violent veg.



Vimrod
These designs called vimrod are created by lastlemon productions ltd and are very well-known. They have over 4600 different designs and a wide range of products including books, cards, mousemats, coasters and mugs. Illustrations like this always appeal to me where there isn't much detail or drawing skill but something witty is said.



Weenicons
Weenicons created by urban graphic, are a set of cards which show characters from popular culture in a really simplified way but you can instantly tell who they are meant to be from certain features/objects and signifying characteristics. I like these because it feels personal to get someone a card with a character that they particularly like. I think with my cards I will make a few different ones with different food and drink on to give people a choice, or i will propose to make custom made ones from a list of loves and hates.









I think the best thing about these cards is that you get a free sticker with it - im going to copy off this and include badges and stickers or maybe make a little gift set. This has also reminded me that i need to consider designing the back of the cards.


Other items of stationery and printed products in Paperchase were things like badges, letter writing kits, packs of thank you cards and paper bags. I would like to try and make a bag like this edward monkton one. I think it would be pretty easy. Now i need to make a list of things i want to make, do more ink drawing which will work on each format (I want to change and add to the collection of drawings) and then do more screen printing onto these paper products. i will have to send away for mouse mats and mugs.