Good Friday Morning, Everyone. Well, what a week it has been. I have to say, I'm pretty wiped out physically and mentally right now, but in so many ways, this week has been a turning point. Up here are a couple of images of what I have been busy with.
The top image is a new pattern I've created for paper, called Kilim Weave, which was probably, to my surprise, the best seller. I wasn't quite sure if the paper market would really like the sort of tribal look. But, I really wanted to celebrate a design style that is so inspiring to me, and to adapt it for paper.
A little history on the Kilim shape -- it is actually, in weaving, the symbol for a star. At this point, I found that particularly inspring, both from a personal and professional standpoint.
The bottom is an image of my booth at the show
I've definitely got thoughts on the show, and on the state of business in general, so I hope to assemble them sometime soon. I will tell you that this year, the Stationery Show was different. I can't exactly figure out how...but will be thinking about that more.
Have wonderful weekends all. Anyone who came by at the show...thank you so much. It was a pleasure to see you, speak with you, and get to know you better. Susy
***update***
Perhaps you've been following this post over at Design Sponge...it's quite interesting, and is something I was thinking about prior to working on my collection, and to participating in the Stationery Trade Show.
I've never done this before, but here's a video I made on the topic. I highly recommend you watch the initial video on Design*Sponge first... and this one by Megan Auman too.
On Innovation and a Recent Trade Show from Susan Connor on Vimeo.
Susy, you're the best! You have so much wisdom to share and you do it in such a lovely, thoughtful way that reminds us that we are all part of a big global family...and that we should always push ourselves forward in though and action (whether that be in tiny or groundbreaking ways). I too was struck with such a feeling of excitement and joy to see so many vendors showing who I've seen grow in the indie community from hopeful beginnings to current success. I love that part of my job as a blogger so much!
So I'm not sure if I stayed "on topic," but I really loved what you had to share...and "hello" your new collection is gorgeous!!! Big hugs to you. xo Ez
Posted by: Ez | May 20, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Dear Susy, I have been following your blog for quite some time now (ever since the business cards over at Ez's Creature Comforts, if you remember me and my grateful email to you), and I just want to reiterate that I not only liked your style back then, but have found personal meaning - not to mention beauty - in these glimpses of your latest designs.
Though I read Design*sponge, I did not watch Grace's video and am really grateful you pointed to it, because one of my best friends is in design (though outside of the US) and this topic is super relevant to me for that reason.
Regarding my friend's case, I would say that not everyone who is designing right now has positioned themselves most favourably (or is in a favourable geography) to cultivate an audience. My friend is not fresh out of college, but has been crafting designs for well over a decade.
That being said, when I look at both his designs (of furniture) and yours, it is possible to see a clear identity. So, when I listened to your vlog about innovation, I really appreciated the point about giving to one's clients what they have come to love in one's designs. I teach writing, and argue that we each have our unique voice that we are called on to craft and refine.
Which isn't to say that our voice or designs then become static, but if innovation is organic (like what you said - here I shall liberally paraphrase - about innovation waxing and waning over the years), it would be artificial for innovation to always be manifest in the same "wow factor" way.
Also, must design make a person say : wowie, or can't it also provide the comfort of a trusty house plant?
It happens that I'm currently researching a 20th century innovator and scientist. His view on innovation was that its purpose was to help us better understand the language of the universe. In that respect, innovation is ultimately timeless.
Well, I've contributed more than my fair share of two cents - I hope you can cash these words in!
Posted by: Greta | May 20, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Wow. Your booth looks fabulous. I'm not surprised Kilim Weave was a top seller for you. That print/pattern is just amazing. I love it! Is that a packet of note cards, or a notebook? I'd love to have a Kilim Weave notebook.
Posted by: Brittany | May 20, 2011 at 05:08 PM
WOOWWW... this is really so fantastic.. good blog
Posted by: Casus Kamera, Gizli Kamera | May 22, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Hi Suzy, I met you many years ago and have been an avid follower of your blog since. Your video is so thoughtful, I loved hearing your insights on the shows this year and hope you post more videos in the future. Even though I am a novice designer, I can see how challenging it can be to create new designs while still maintaining your brand and fulfilling the needs of your customers. It seems like so many things are in flux at the moment: the economy, our resources, and the growth of many young designers. I hope that the ICFF opens up to smaller (but no less innovative!) designers out there in the future and helps nurture them. I feel like this discussion is a wonderfully invigorating one, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Posted by: Shannon | May 22, 2011 at 09:04 PM
well said Susy and thank you for mentioning me : ) xxx
Posted by: INK+WIT | May 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Hi Susy! I just found you via Tara's twitter stream. Thank you for this video. Your honesty and kind and thoughtful way which you presented it is very needed right now. And your designs are gorgeous!!
Posted by: Marisa Anne | May 25, 2011 at 03:03 PM