For the last designer interview, I chose Liz Libré of Linda & Harriett known for her pattern designs ::  fresh and colorful and full of personality!

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The talented Liz Libré of Linda & Harriett. 

 

Right before the National Stationery Show, Liz posted an entry on her blog letting her followers know that she had re-evaluated what direction Linda & Harriett would take in the future. For years, Liz had worked with brides one on one, designing custom invitation suites, mainly with her signature rubber stamp designs. Although I was taken by surprise by her honesty in the re-evaluation of Linda & Harriett’s future, I was inspired by her thought process and felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t the only one battling with what I really want for my business. Reading Liz’s post really inspired me as I walked through NSS. It meant a lot to have the chance to meet Liz in person and thank her for the refreshing post. Lucky for Liz, her re-evaluation came at the perfect time as she and her husband are expecting their first child in a few months!

 

I had seen her posts in the past regarding her booth designs, but this year was by far my favorite! Top image by Fig. 2, others courtesy of Linda & Harriett. 

 

As some of you may know, Linda & Harriett’s calendars have a great recycling element to them. The back of each month is a post card! So once the month is up, just trim the bottom off and you’ve got a fun postcard to send, or in my case save because it’s too nice to send! This year, Liz’s booth had vintage post cards (found on e-Bay) framing the booth walls and interspersed she placed a few of her own designs. They stood out beautifully against all the handwritten cards in the background.

 

Being a type lover, I am always intrigued by hand lettering and Liz's is so charming! Images courtesy of Linda & Harriett.

I was so glad to meet Liz. She is just as nice in person as she seems on her blog. Being the gracious booth exhibitor she is, she was more than happy to answer a few questions and chat with me about her plans for Linda & Harriett. Some great things are happening, so let’s welcome Liz!

 

The Birthday Calendar is available online at the L&H shop. Images courtesy of Linda & Harriett.

Claudia :: You mentioned you are excited about your birthday calendar, inspired by the fact you and your husband have 18 nephews and nieces! As designers, we draw inspiration from all over, what inspires your work on a daily basis? 

Liz ::Well, I wish I were creating on a daily basis.  But as a primarily one-woman show, I inevitably have to fill some days with invoicing, shipping, email, and just general upkeep.  With my new direction of monthly projects, I'm doing more idea-thinking these days - What product do I want to introduce? What materials do I want to work with? Can I come up with something that isn't currently out there or do it better than what is?  When I'm thinking about these questions, new projects & coming up with ideas, I feel the most inspired when I've got a clear head, when I'm not in front of a computer, when I don't have a long list of to-dos staring me down, when I can be alone with a notebook & pen and fill it with ideas - big & small, good & bad. When the ideas can flow freely on the page without judgement, that feels good. And then the act of creating & fleshing out those ideas has to be just as free - letting them take form & seeing what happens. 

 

Linda & Harriet will continue to work with brides one on one. Images courtesy of Linda & Harriett. 

 

Claudia :: This was your 4th year exhibiting at NSS. A post on your blog right before NSS 2010 talks about how you've come to really focus on why you set out to do what you love and decided to pull back quite a bit on what you offer wholesale. I'm excited about your monthly limited edition projects. Any sneak peak news you'd like to share? 

Liz :: Even though I've pulled back on wholesale, it was a good show for me.  My monthly projects will likely tend towards paper for now - but look out for textile & possibly wood projects early next year. 

 

Image by Fig. 2.

 

Claudia :: How do you manage everything? I see you posting regularly on your blog, plus you Tweet and have a baby on the way (congrats!), all while designing and running your business. How did social media affect your experience at NSS? 

Liz ::Social media has increasingly made the NSS more exciting.  It started with blogs a few years ago and this year (since I was new to Twitter over the past year) I felt like there was a definite buzz surrounding the show.  People were sharing photos directly from the booths, planning times to meet up, tweeting what booths were must-sees.  There was a real energy in the air that felt great to be a part of.

 

The 2011 Calendar will be available in August. Order soon, they sold out quickly last year! Bottom left image by Fig. 2, all others courtesy of Linda & Harriett. 

 

Claudia :: What is the best part and what is the worst part about exhibiting at NSS?

Liz ::The best part of exhibiting at the NSS is catching up with & meeting people - fellow exhibitors & designers, new shop owners, magazine editors, bloggers.  I love that part the most, but it's also exhausting.  I don't talk that much on a daily basis or have to be that "on," so I'm totally tapped out by the end of the day; especially this year being pregnant.  That was a whole new level of tired for me:)  Other drags about the show can be the costs.  I luckily live nearby & am able to store & reuse materials year after year.  But I think the exposure & experience of showing outweighs those costs.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Linda & Harriett.

 

Claudia :: Lastly, what is your best piece of advice for a first time exhibitor? 

Liz ::My advice for a first time exhibitor would come in a few parts. 

For set up, try to do so early if you can, so if you need anything last minute, you'll have time.  I find the set up pretty tiring, so it's nice to give yourself a little cushion before the big days ahead.  Also in terms of set up, if you drive your stuff, you can double park a car/van/truck out front as long as someone is there with it.  You'll have to haul the stuff in yourself, but I think it's far easier than having them move you in.  (I hope they don't ban me for saying that!) 

For booth display, I'd recommend simplifying your space as much as possible.  Try to have your products clearly visible (light!) and make sure the eye isn't too distracted.  I'm always fighting the urge to fill up the space with stuff (plants, tables, chairs, candy jars), but attendees are going cross-eyed after an hour there, so the simpler & more focused, I think the better. 

For things to have on hand, you'll definitely want press packets.  The first year we put them in the press packet area, where press can come & grab all the press packets at once.  But I think it's better to hold on to them & give them out as you want.  That way, you'll have control over who gets them & in turn, you'll get the business cards of those press people to follow up with after the show.  Plus, you have the advantage of meeting them in person & talking face to face about your product - more interesting than a press packet on a shelf, don't you think? 

Come show time, get lots of rest, wear comfy shoes, and have fun.  After the first couple days have passed, have someone man your booth while you walk around & talk to other exhibitors.  That's the best part of this show - meeting fellow paper people!  So step out of your booth & introduce yourself.

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 Thanks so much for your time Liz! I hope to see you next year and will continue to check in with Linda & Harriett  for your monthly projects. And thanks again for your pep talk on the blog, it really has inspired me!