Grown-up Shoes

October 27, 2011

Sponsor Spotlight: Studio SloMo

I am super excited to have Sarah Wymer’s Studio SloMo, a local design and letterpress studio, as our latest sponsor. Sarah’s bright, pretty prints landed her a post on Design*Sponge  and I can personally speak to the incredible work she does—she letterpressed my business cards which I seriously love handing out for their gorgeous texture and design. Whether you’re looking for a cute card or a personalized wedding invitation, Sarah is your girl. So, check out her cards! And contact Sarah if you’re looking for customized work. 

I asked Sarah a few questions about starting her own business and where she gets her inspiration for her lovely work. Her answers, after the jump!

I love Studio SloMo! A lot of your cards focus on simple shapes in happy, vibrant colors. How did this style come to you and where do you find inspiration?

I have always been drawn to bright, eye-catching hues. It just comes naturally. I love to bring pops of color into my life whenever possible. For example, I repainted the filing cabinets in my office sunshine yellow, my kitchen has a bright green accent wall, and my favorite shoes are hot pink. Using lots of bold colors can be tricky though. I try to keep the graphics simple partially because that is how the ideas come to me, and partially to let the colors be a large part of why the design works.

 What’s one solid piece of business advice you can share that you’ve learned while creating SloMo?

LOL! I am probably the last person anyone should ask about business, but the biggest and most important thing I have learned is: ASK FOR HELP! Once you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on doing what you do best, and delegate the rest.

What is your process when designing say, a wedding invite from scratch for a couple you’ve just met?

I really like to sit down and get to know them. I want to hear all about the wedding, from catering, to colors, to flowers and what types of things they are drawn to. You never know what little piece of information that seems totally unrelated to the wedding will come out and in turn inform the entire design.

Totally obsessed with your recipe cards right now. They feel like the perfect gift for a culinary-loving friend. Do you have people in mind when you are designing pieces or do you just make things that you love?

Lots of times, I just have an idea floating around in my head for a while. Unfortunately, I don’t know where they come from. I wish I did, because it would make the design process a lot easier. I do like when someone comes to me and says “I really wish you had _______ in your collection.” That gives me something to focus on and more of a purpose, which helps a lot. I think the recipe cards came from my mom nagging at me to make some for about a year!

What’s your favorite part about having your own business?

Honestly, I like being the boss (I wonder what that says about me?). I like making my own schedule and the flexibility that allows.

What’s your least favorite part about having your own business?

The absolute LEAST would be the inconsistent paycheck. Second to that is the immense amount of responsibility. If something goes wrong, you are the only one to blame.

 What other letterpress and design studios get you inspired?

I get a daily dose of inspiration and support from working with my husband, Derrit DeRouen. We have very different ways of thinking about design, which helps keep me seeing projects in a new way. We share a studio, collaborate occasionally, and constantly consult each other on work. As far as letterpress goes, when I first learned about the craft, I was completely enamored with Egg Press. I still very much admire their work today, especially the illustration style. I also love Hammer Press for their way with hand set type and Satsuma Press for too many reasons to mention.

 

Thanks, Sarah!

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