As some of you may know, throughout March I have been taking part in March Meet the Maker; a month long challenge made up of daily prompts created by designer Joanne Hawker. Even though I have taken part in previous years, I have especially enjoyed 2019’s challenge and thought I would do a little summery with some of the highlights.
My March Meet the Maker prompt sheet complete with scribbles, dog ears and pin holes! I didn’t stick to every note in the end but I did finish the challenge.
It is quite a commitment to keep up with the daily prompts and I take my hat off the all the businesses that managed it. I must admit that there were a few days that I fell behind (normally at the weekend) but each day it was great to see the variety of posts from across the board. It was a brilliant opportunity to share a little of what goes into running Kate Sproston Design, how it all started and a great way of looking back over what has been achieved so far.
Left: One of the first embroideries I ever completed, a cross stitch mouse kit. My mum then made it into a coaster and it is in my parents house to this day. Centre and Right: An original drawing and the embroidered corset I made for my university final major project.
My favourite prompt had to be ‘Less Glam Side’ especially as it is really easy to forget that the super curated Instagram world is not reality. It is nice to know that I am not the only one that can be found working amongst boxes and paperwork, with a carpet covered in thread! Parts of running a business can be mentally and physically exhausting, that is why it is so important to enjoy the wins.
Setting up for Country Living Christmas Fair, London. I bit of the less glam side of running a small business. Note the KitKats, coffee and baby wipes on the floor!
Another great outcome of the challenge is how it highlights what goes into designing, creating and finally bringing a product to market. The hours and indeed years it has taken a designer to hone their skills to make a beautiful product look effortlessly made. It helps us appreciate each others talents and it also gives us the opportunity to share some tips and advice with other designers, and maybe help each other avoid some serious pitfalls like impostor syndrome.
French bulldog design from original sketches to digital embroidery file
The customer feedback prompt really made me stop and think over all the lovely comments I have received over the years. It is easy to remember when something has gone wrong, and we always remember the negative comments over the good. This prompt meant I spent some time looking over our website and Etsy reviews to remind myself that there are some truly appreciative customers out there that really get what we do! Thank you to everyone who has sent us a little email with their comments, or shared a lovely story behind a purchase.
One of the reviews for our Sleeping Otter Mum & Pup cushion. “Whilst I know the cushion is a little on the pricey side it is completely worth it. I bought this item for my sister to celebrate the birth of her first baby, and her reaction was absolutely priceless. Beautiful design, lovely quality.”
On a personal note the challenge has made me realise that I can only go at my own pace and that’s okay. There are lots of fantastic businesses out their that seem to be growing at a brilliant rate which is an amazing achievement, but I should celebrate how far Kate Sproston Design has come and know that if I set my mind to it I will grow too in my own time. I am very lucky to be able to do what I do and share it with some very kind customers, and fellow designers along the way.
One of the posts that was all about the business name. It got a lot of lovely comments which got a little lump in my throat!
If you would like to take a look at some of the other businesses that took part in the challenge, simply search #marchmeetthemaker on Instagram. I have added links to a few of my favourite accounts below.
@joannehawker – is an illustrator and the creator of March Meet the Maker. Her feed has a beautiful pastel pallet and is full of her illustrations, paper goods and pins.
@madebylottieday – Lottie produces screen printed textiles from her original drawings. Each product is printed in her studio in Norfolk and has a rustic country feel.
@papiopress – Zanna and Harry are the duo that make up Papio Press. They have the most fantastic products and their IG account is full of their intricate illustrations.
@mendyourhead – Vinegar and Brown Paper is the business behind this IG account, and was founded by Andy Poplar. He creates etched glass products with a vintage feel and inspiring messages.
I hope you enjoyed my little round up/summery and would love to hear any comments you might have below.
Have a lovely weekend,
Kate x