Dec 10, 2013 8 Questions with: Jill Lee
Jill Lee started her card company, Beau Ideal screen printing cards in her home studio and selling them at the Brooklyn Flea. Since then she’s moved down to Miami and expanded Beau Ideal, stepping away from hand silkscreening and more on designing new cards and mass producing, but she still packs all the orders by herself. Her amazing designs have been featured in publications and blogs like Real Simple, New York Magazine, Time Out NY, Paper Mag, Design Sponge, Oh Joy, Apartment Therapy and more. She’s graciously taken the time out from her busy day to answer our 8 questions.
1) What are you currently working on?
I just put into production a Happy Valentine’s card that will be in Paper Source’s 2014 collection. It’s a really fun card using transparent neon inks to create an array of colors. Once it’s printed, we’ll have thousands to barcode and pack! I’m also working on some State inspired sketches. Besides being printed on paper, I’m still researching other product ideas. There’s a good chance that they might end up on kid’s tees, so stay posted!
2) Where do you find inspiration?
My surroundings mainly… being around nature, the Art Deco type and architecture all over Miami Beach that I love, my daily internet feeds, my hard working friends and peers that are also doing their own work and running their own small businesses, and of course my son. Watching him explore the world is refreshing and amazing.
3) As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
An artist / painter…as in showing in a gallery or museum. That was my childhood dream until getting thrown into the real world. Not that you can’t be a successful artist…I have many talented friends that are. I just realized that I wasn’t cut out to be that kind of artist, so I started my own business instead. I’ve always loved working on paper and having it accessible to everyone. If my work ends up in a gallery or museum, then it would be the best of both worlds!
4) What are you reading at the moment?
Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris. I love him because I love a good laugh!
5) How would you describe your job?
To self-promote, to find the funds for my next project and to travel for trade shows, to set myself apart from other stationery companies, and to find time with a 2 year old toddler is a challenge everyday. But I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love, which is to make my own work and be creative. It’s very rewarding when hard work pays off.
6) What does your average work day look like?
Check emails, feeds, do a little self-promo, go to the studio for a few hours to pack and ship orders if needed, then sketch, prep-files, or research new products…all this with my 2 year old son. Of course going to the park, pool, classes, play dates, and visiting Sebastian’s grandparents are all thrown in the mix too. Basically work is scattered all day long whenever there’s time!
7) What’s your favorite post‐work destination?
Lately, our balconies with a glass of wine or beer. It’s a great place (and also free!) to unwind and relax even if it’s just for a few minutes! We have a great view of Miami, beautiful sunset skies, and the weather is perfect this time of year.
8) If you could give some advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
I love this question. It would be, to be true to yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. Everything happens for a reason, and that’s how you learn and grow as a person. I didn’t realize that myself until later in life, but better later than never.
Be sure to head over to Beau Ideal Editions and pick up some cards for the holidays or any other special occasion!
Take 25% off all holiday cards and sets through Dec. 25! Just enter code HOHOHO25 at checkout.
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