Celebrating East End Prints female artists and mums: DEAR PRUDENCE

Dear Prudence was created in the summer months of 2010 by Scottish designer Laura Park.
Laura studied textiles at Glasgow School of Art and later found her illustrations lent well to cards and paper goods.
She runs her small business from her home studio in the City of York. She joined us in conversation and here is what she told us about her design line, her inspiration and being a female artist and mum nowadays.

   

I set up Dear Prudence in May 2010 and I haven't looked back since. I love having my own business. You call the shots and if money is tight you just work harder to make things happen. Coming from a textile background I am always drawn to fabric patterns, weave structures, lace and quilts. I love drawing the detail.

What inspires you? How would you define your style?

Animals are also my other constant inspiration. They bring humour and personality to my work. I think they will always be popular on greetings cards and prints. My style is naive, whimsical and narrative driven. I work with a natural colour palette in watercolour and fine line media.

How has live changed since becoming a mum?

Since having my son Amos I wonder what I did before I had him. There are so many hours in the day that i could have used more productively. I am so organised now and have my day planned out from the moment I wake up. The day starts at 6am and I have to juggle a very energetic one year old, a business, a home and activities. My husband does all the cooking thank god!

I used to just dream the day away and now I know I have 2-3 hours quality time in my studio while Amos naps. I have to get everything done. Orders take priority and if I have time I can maybe design.

So many people ask me why I don't take amos to nursery but I just feel so lucky to be able to look after him and still run my business. Not many women have this opportunity and I will never get this time with him back again. I love going swimming with him and going to the park. After a busy morning Amos plays with his toys and then it gives me an opportunity to quickly answer emails on my iPad. It's not easy and some days I feel like I am climbing a mountain but it's worth it. My work has also progressed since having Amos. I now see a whole other market out there and I can tap into the world of babies and kids. I designed my first collection of new baby cards and hope to launch some animal garlands for kids rooms.

Amos has also inspired me to want to write and illustrate my own children's book one day.

Any advice for young designers trying to make it in London?

London is a hard place to break into especially freelance. It's a very expensive city. I had to work full time in a shop and work on my business at night. It took a year before I started to see the rewards. Be patient and take baby steps. It takes time. You don't need a huge bank loan.

Focus on one or two products to start with and get them out there. People need to see your work so get a platform and go for it.

Dear Prudence whismical print range is available at East End Prints.

Bring some magic home, get them HERE.