Formex August 2015

 Hello Friday!

Long time no see. I was just about to make the excuse of being too busy... but it's just untrue, plus I'm not a big fan of the "too busy" excuse. (You always have time, it's just a matter of what you decide to spend your time doing.) I've had plenty of time to pop in here to update you on what's happening behind the scenes... I just haven't.

Anywho, 3 weeks ago I presented my work at Formex for the second time. Since I had shown my work at Formex in January I had learnt a thing or two which I tried to implement this time around. In January I tried to show as much of my work as possible, and didn't really think about the overall look of my booth. This time I showcased just my scarves and my illustrations and designed my booth to look a little bit like a candy shop or bakery. I am really pleased with how it all turned out, plus the gorgeous bouquet of flowers really brought everything together. I'm also totally in love with the perfect periwinkle color I picked for the counter and frilly banner!

Another thing I also learnt from last time is that many people (or maybe just Swedes) are pretty timid when it comes to getting close to you to take a closer look so I built a little counter to bring my work a little closer to the walk ways. This way people felt a little more comfortable stopping to pick up a business card or stop for a chat and take a quick look at my work.

How did I find this Formex compared to the first experience?

The first time around was really exciting because I really didn't know what to expect. I felt really new and people seemed excited to see something new at the fair too. I met tons of people who really took the time to complement my work and chat with me about my process etc. I made a handful of sales and connections that definitely made the fair worth it for me.

The second time around was just as exciting but this time I felt I really knew what was going to happen, and I was really pleased with how my booth looked overall. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side. It was incredibly sunny and people didn't seem to want to be stuck indoors. So the overall feel of the fair from speaking to others too was that there wasn't as many people there and people were really really stressed, not taking the time to stop for a chat. I still feel that it was worth standing at the fair because I made a handful of sales and connections this time around too that will potentially lead to lots of exciting work. So no complaints from me. But I had hoped that more people would have recognised my work from the last time around, and a little press would have been nice. I gave out over 100 business cards, so who knows what that will lead to in the future.

By the way, did you know that I'm the top selling Etsy shop in Sweden in the category of Art. Pretty neat huh?!

Rearranging my Office/Studio Space

Hello Friday!

I've been itching for a change in my home office/studio for awhile now. We've lived in our apartment for nearly 2 years and my room has stayed pretty much the same since we moved in. Change is so much fun plus a quick easy way to increase my motivation and inspiration, even if it's just subtle. So after Formex was finished I had the good problem of having more products to store. I decided to bring in the white metal shelving unit that I had at the fair and moved my desks and other cabinets around to make room. Strangely even though I have more furniture in my small space it feels more spacious, put together and even more functional. Go figure! 

 It's been a while since I switched out the images and clippings from my inspiration board. I really should do that since it's nice to get new ideas in my head... but this is what it looks like for now. p.s. I adore fairy lights!

In my new white shelf I have now organised all of my new products, shipping supplies, and of course my tutu. A gorgeous reminder of my ballet days. Since the shelf is so big I have plenty of room for everything and more. For the moment I'm really loving looking at my new pillow collection. Am I allowed to say that I think they are so very pretty?

My EmmaKisstina social media sign moved into my room too. Are you following me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook, hehe ;)

 Oh and what do you think of my current view, a white Winter wonderland. Stunning right?!

FORMEX

Hello Friday!

Yesterday I attended Formex, Scandinavia's biggest trade show for design, here in Stockholm. Formex is huge! There are so many amazingly talented designers and brands from all nordic countries and from every side of design shown here. Everything from fellow illustrator's work, to textile companies and interior design firms. I haven't gained the courage to set up my own booth here just yet but I'm working towards possibly showing all of my designs at the next one. Crossing my fingers!

My favorite part of visiting the fair is of course to see what other illustrators are up too. I love being inspired by other illustrator's different techniques, and the products they decide to produce. This year's Fall Formex fair gave me soooo much inspiration my head may explode! Pastels were all over the place, as well as many gorgeous graphic prints. Here's a peek at some of the amazing booths I was especially in love with.

Lisa Edoff. A friend of mine who designs gorgeous trays, cushions, and silk scarves.

OYOY Living Design. Super cute and quirky pillows and the such. 

Edit och Björnen. Wallpaper and prints inspired by nature. A two illustrator team, they work on each design together.

 Littlephant. I absolutely adore Littlephant and every single product they produce. So many gorgeous prints, pillows, handbags, books, mugs and tea towels. The cuteness kills me!

Michelle Carlslund. Illustrator who creates super fun quirky mixed media prints in several sizes. They are also printed on something I've never heard of called stone paper (as the name suggests, made from limestone plus a special binder and is totally green and sustainable. Neato!)

What on earth am I going to do with all this inspiration and all my new ideas? I hope I think of something soon and get to work on lots of new products so I'll be able to show them off at the next Formex in January. Got to get to work! Have a great weekend.

New to EmmaKisstina: Press Photos

Hello Wednesday!

Last week I worked on a few new press shots for EmmaKisstina. I was hoping to take some great product shots but unfortunately this didn't really happen. What I did get was a nice template for a Photoshop mockup image with a white frame and a black frame. I've been meaning to create images like this since forever, so I'm glad I finally got my bootie in gear and actually got them photographed. Now all I have to do is add them to my shop listings!

By the way I've got several online shops now. Instead of just selling on Etsy you can now find me here:

• Great.ly in several Tastemaker boutiques such as Cool Mom Picks or Glitter Guide

• Nordic Design Collective a really great Swedish site.

Spring Flowers

Hello Thursday!

I'm on a bit of a blog/social media roll. (Don't want to jinx it though!) I've been working extra hard this week to create new illustrations, take nice photos, plan new projects, and introduce myself to new contacts. I feel like I lost a little focus after my two vacations at the beginning of the year and I also haven't updated EmmaKisstina in over 2 years, it's true. So it's about time that I make some changes. (For the better of course.)

I'll let you in on a little secret. Every few months or so I have a little freelancer freak out. (I had one last weekend, sadface.) I get down on myself for not working hard enough, or not putting myself out there, or just feeling like I don't know what I'm doing. Fortunately these small melt downs actually seem to help me, as long as I let myself have a short pity party (sometimes you got to cry it out). I always get a new boost of energy and motivation to get my booty in gear, to create new work etc. So I've got a new website in the works, I hope to plan lots of more fun collaborations, and I of course have those new Makeup Bags on their way. (The fabrics are being printed as we speak!)

p.s. Flowers must be the most beautiful things to photograph.

Video Interview!

Hello Tuesday!

I've got something really really exciting to share with you today... my first ever video appearance. Holy Moly!!! You finally get to hear how I sound both in English and a little pinch of Swedish, how soft spoken and slow I am, what I look like, a peek at some weird art I created in college and a few glimpses of where I work and live. 

Way back in September two really lovely German girls came to Stockholm to do a video portrait of me as a part of a school project. We spent two days together exploring some of my favorite places in Stockholm, and at home in my studio where I showed off some past and present artwork. We talked about all sorts of things. There must have been sooo many hours of footage, I can't believe they were able to cut it down to under 4 minutes.

It was a really fun experience and I'm really pleased with the final outcome. I think it really portrays who I am and what EmmaKisstina is. It was a little scary to watch myself on film the first time around (man I never noticed how slow I talk... oh and is that a double chin, hehe) but I'm trying not to be too self critical. I'm actually pretty proud of myself. Go me!

So I hope you enjoy this short little film, and get to know me better.

Blogshop Stockholm!

This weekend was so much fun! 

I was lucky enough to work as an intern for Blogshop Stockholm with the lovely founding ladies Bri Emery and Angela Kohler. I had been looking forward to this weekend all month and I'm so glad it was just as fun as I had imagined. Everything went so well, all the students were really nice, Bri and Angela were really knowledgable great teachers, the studio was gorgeous, and everyone learned a lot. 

The weeks leading up to the workshop I helped just a little to set up the studio, catering, pick up supplies, and had all the goodie bag items sent to me. (I felt to important.) During the class I (and my friend Asia who also interned) got to assist Bri and Angela with teaching the students. I've worked with Photoshop for years and know all the important basics but I learned a lot of great new short cuts which are seriously going to make my Photoshop life much easier. 

First off let's take a look at the gorgeous paper decor created by Ilona Hansson. Gorgeous right?!

The class was a perfect size of 11 students, full of a great mix of ladies and one gent from Sweden, Norway, England, Ireland, America and Canada. I think everyone learned loads... maybe even made new friends.

Meeting the ladies was really amazing as well, especially Bri who I've followed in internetland for quite awhile. I must say it's a little strange meeting people you know so well from their blog etc but don't actually know. But Bri is exactly as she seems, aka really nice, open, creative, quirky, and maybe a pinch of fun crazy. 

I'm going to remember this experience for a while. After the workshop was over my mind was buzzing with new ideas and inspiration. I think it's going to feed me for a long time. 

p.s. Do you like the blogshop-esk look to my photos? I tried at least.

My First Illustration

Today's Question: What was the first illustration you ever created for EmmaKisstina?

Hi Tuesday!

Thought I'd share something a pinch sentimental and simple with you today. Here is the drawing that started it all. I can't quite remember if I came up with the idea for EmmaKisstina first or if I drew this Chanel N°5 illustration first... but I know this is definitely my first EmmaKisstina illustration ever. Neat huh?! I'm glad I've saved it... though I think I should get the original framed. (Don't you?)

Etsy Revamp! Yay!

Phew! I've just spent all weekend plus Monday and Tuesday revamping my Etsy shop. A tedious and rather boring task fixing over 200 listings but I'm just so happy it now finally done... and big plus it's going to be sooooo much easier for all you buyers out there. Did you know that Etsy got a little bit of a revamp? Well if not, let me show you all the new features!

1. Now it's so easy to Like my shop, and add my items to your favorites. (Which btw they have also revamped so that you can have several lists of organised favorites. So smart!)

2. Bigger photos!

3. This is my favorite new feature!!!! Now I'll only have 2 listings for each image, instead of a listing for every size. My sizes Small through Large are in one listing, and my 2 poster sizes you'll find in another listing. You get to pick the size Print or Poster you like, rather than have to search through my entire shop for a print in the size you'd want. So great. I'm really excited I've finally fixed all my listings so that it'll be so much easier for my great buyers.

4. With bigger photos, I've added a watermark to all of my images to protect my work. I've been having lots of problems with my work being stolen lately with out my permission, hopefully this will help just a little. Illustrations will of course not print with the watermark.

5. This is nice too. Every time you look at an item a few of my other shop items will be shown to the right.

6. You can easily get in contact with me and request custom items. I love love love doing custom work so don't hesitate to ask.

7. This is new too! You can read my great feedback easily on every listing, and view my shipping details and policies. My shop policies were really difficult to find earlier. (Not sure anyone ever read them.)

8. Since I now only have 2 listings for all of my images, I link to the other sizes direct in the listing so they are really easy to find.

9. I think the new layout is really light and easy to read. All the information you need is really accessible and easy to find. Love it!

10. You can learn more about me and my workspace too.


What do you think of Etsy's new look, and my new shop features? I sure hope you like everything. Please always feel free to ask me questions or request images you'd like to see in my shop.
Thank you!

Studio Tour!!!

This Week's Question: Where do you work?

I think it's about time we take a closer look at my new work space. My studio, my office, and my girl cave. This is where I spend a ridiculous amount of my time and I really love it!

In my studio I have plenty of space to create and I have tons of storage, which is soooo great. I love having two desks so that I can have one for my computer and one free for drawing (aka. storing lots of piles of crap which were removed before the photo. haha) I've got a huge gorgeous window over looking a maple tree which lets in tons of great day light which is perfect for drawing... and daydreaming.

I'm also loving having space to display all my girly stuff since this is my room (no boys allowed). I have my shelves full of my makeup, shoes, and girly art, plus I've got a great cork board for inspiration. I adore having everything so close at hand, and it looks pretty too.

Well, hope you enjoyed seeing a closer look at my room... I certainly enjoy it.

p.s. Yes that is newborn Kristina.