Animal prints are a fun and funky way to add personality to your home. They can be used in a variety of ways, from wall art to bedding to furniture. If you're looking for a way to add a touch of whimsy to your home, animal prints are a great option.
Here are a few tips on how to use animal prints in your home:
Animal prints are a fun and versatile way to add personality to your home. If you're looking for a way to add a touch of whimsy style to your space, animal prints are a great option.
See all our Animal Prints Here.
]]>
Creatives, much like entrepreneurs, need to get discovered to showcase their work to the world. Whether you are a fashion designer, an artist, or a maker, it is essential that your work gets seen by as many eyes as possible. But, how do you stand out from a crowded field? How do you create successful opportunities? Here are some ways for creatives to get discovered, shared below courtesy of The Underdog Print Shop.
If you are a creative person looking to get out of obscurity, you need to treat your work as a business venture. Creating a well-researched business plan is essential before diving into the deep end. A business plan should outline your brand's mission statement, financials, marketing strategies, and opportunities. Without it, you’ll struggle.
Innovation in the digital world has done wonders for creative individuals. If you’re having trouble embracing digital innovation, solve for this with 3D painting. For instance, a 3D texturing tool allows artists to create stunning works of art, from textures to digital materials. The tool allows artists to give their 3D models a realistic texture by adding high-quality materials like paint, wear, and tear. 3D modeling software has taken the art industry to the next level. It is a tool for modern creatives not to overlook.
To get your creative work discovered, you need to find ways to get it viewed by as many eyes as possible. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great for this. Social media platforms allow creatives to connect with people that share the same interests, create a fanbase, and increase the visibility of their work. Providing free online workshops, uploading video tutorials on YouTube, and creating informative blog posts can help increase views and establish authority in the industry.
A portfolio is an essential tool for creatives to showcase their work. The portfolio should include high-resolution images of your work, manufacturing specifications, descriptions of the materials used, and stories that inspire it. Consider making an online portfolio so that people can view your portfolio with ease. A professionally made portfolio can make a massive difference in getting discovered.
Hard work and talent alone won't cut it when it comes to getting discovered as a creative. You need to know how to navigate the business world. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the legal language, understanding contracts, and finances. Knowing your industry, having a deep understanding of your target audience, and keeping track of your budgets are essential. Take as many courses as possible, watch relevant TED Talks, and research business practices.
Finding a mentor who has experience in your field can be a great help. They can provide guidance, support, and advice on how to get discovered. Mentors can help you fine-tune your craft, offer feedback on your work, and give you the push you need to reach your goals. Look for mentors in your industry, someone experienced in your niche, and ask for help.
Being a creative can be incredibly rewarding but requires taking the right steps to get discovered. The most important thing to remember is to never give up. There will be many obstacles along the way, but with determination, hard work, and utilizing the resources available, you will ultimately get the recognition you deserve. Follow the tips above, and with the right attitude, you could be well on your way to success.
]]>
Embarking on your first entrepreneurial journey can be scary, especially when your educational background is in art rather than business. But nearly anyone can start a business if they’re passionate about entrepreneurship, and these three ideas from The Underdog Print Shop will help to make the process seem a little less daunting and a lot more attainable.
As an artist, you already possess skills like problem-solving, creativity, self-confidence, and critical thinking: All strengths that can be transferred to your new career as a business owner. And while certain entrepreneurial skills such as leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning can take a bit longer to develop when you’re new to business ownership, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset is easier than you’d think. Here are a few ways to get started:
In addition to developing an entrepreneurial mindset, connecting with a mentor can help you to build confidence as a first-time business owner. Mentoring provides you with an opportunity to ask questions about business ownership, improve your entrepreneurial skills, and build professional relationships through a series of virtual mentoring sessions. Mentorsme is a great starting point for finding a mentor as an aspiring entrepreneur in the UK.
For those who live in the US, the SCORE Association offers three options for finding the right business mentor. You can either request a mentor that matches your specific needs, browse mentors online, or connect with a mentor through your local SCORE chapter. SCORE Mentoring is free, effective, and perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs.
If the high cost of marketing has you second-guessing your plans of starting a business, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of ways to advertise your new business at practically no cost to you. As a few low-cost marketing ideas, you could publish relevant blog posts on your business website; create promotional videos for YouTube and TikTok; and post attention-grabbing graphics on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
When it comes to creating marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and brochures, there’s no need to hire a professional right off the bat. Your artistic skills and talents can be used to design these marketing materials online before saving them as PDFs and having them professionally printed.
In the event you need to edit your marketing materials in the future, you can even use a tool to convert a PDF to Word online. These conversion tools make it quick and easy to edit your PDF files without losing the original formatting, and all you need to do is upload the PDF, download the editable file to your computer, and make your edits in Word before resaving the file as a PDF.
Art may be your expertise, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the entrepreneurial skills needed to start your own business. You may not go from artist to entrepreneur overnight, but your creativity, critical thinking skills, and ability to solve complex problems will help you to confidently take strides toward business ownership.
The Underdog Print Shop showcases original artwork created by independent artists. View our art collections, check out our blog, or get in touch with us at info@theunderdogprintshop.com.
]]>Photo courtesy of Burst on Pexels
Guest Author - Lucy Reed
Are you working from home? If so, you've probably figured out (now more than ever) how essential it is to have a functional, inspiring, and productive workspace. US News reports that over 58% of Americans have started working from home ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. And in between the kids running around, the dogs barking, and the roommates partying - you're going to need a quiet space to call your own. The good news is, though, that a revamped home office setup doesn't need to come at the cost of your wallet.
In this article, our team at The Underground Print Shop shares our favorite budget-friendly office upgrade hacks.
Bring your porch flower planters or outdoor plants indoors to your office space doesn't cost you anything extra. If you don't have too many greens lined up outdoors, find a wholesale nursery near you and collect all the plants you can. Why? Well, plants have been scientifically proven to increase feelings of productivity, happiness, and even relaxation. And with the right greens in your office space, you'll have enough oxygen circulating to get all that thinking work done with ease.
Offices need to be designed keeping in mind the everyday practicalities. Most people sit at their workspace for upwards of seven hours a day, so ergonomic furniture will be an absolute must. Invest in a sit-stand desk if possible (check out eBay or Craigslist to find well-loved items for cheap), as that will ensure you keep your back happy and the pains far away. An ergonomic chair customized to different heights, tipping points, and more will also be critical.
At the same time, don't forget that your space needs to capture your spirit too! Be sure to incorporate some unique and funky items. You can go DIY here - why not use pallets as storage or thrift funky lighting for a mix of mood and task lighting options? Add in your favorite art prints from local designers - check out these options at The Underground Print Shop for some inspiration - and voila! You have a worthy video call background for all those remote meetings, not to mention a functional and comfortable space.
The most budget-friendly way to keep your space looking fresh and tidy is by ensuring you're setting yourself up for organizing success. If you have a closet handy, keep all your office documents and equipment like printers and fax machines tucked away - out of sight, out of mind. Or else DIY or thrift a personalized storage cabinet that is designed to fit everything you need. Don't forget hidden storage solutions like drawer organizers, under-table storage, and furniture with built-in storage.
While DIY and thrifting go a long way, there will likely be some key items you want to invest in. Whether that's ergonomic furniture, new tech, or a comfy new couch, you may need some funding help along the way. Choose to ‘refinance my home’ as it is essentially a way to replace your existing old loan with another that offers a higher balance. You'll then be able to cash out the difference and use the amount to transform your work from home office space!
Despite all the people working from home, a survey conducted by Furniture and Choice revealed that a third still don't have a dedicated workspace at home. A lack of working space can cause a lack of motivation, failure to be productive, and even discomfort and back pain. Worst of all? You'll never feel truly settled into a routine. So take the time and consideration to design a space that works for you and with you.
One of the most budget-friendly ways to upgrade any space is through curated art prints and artwork. At The Underground Print Shop, we support up-and-coming artists that put as much love into their art as you do into your work. Be sure to shop our fabulous art prints here today!]]>(Photo via Pexels)
Thinking about finally stepping into the world of entrepreneurship? Making the decision to start your own business is exciting, yet it can be full of overwhelm. For those who have multiple ideas for a business, picking just one can be a difficult task. And if you do not yet have a business idea — but know that you want to start your own company — you may be having a challenging time coming up with the right concept.
If you’re looking for a business idea that is both simple to start and run, The Underdog Print Shop shares four fantastic ideas that you can use.
Graphic design services
Have an eye for aesthetics? Do you have education or experience in creating logos, marketing materials, book interiors, web sites, and the like? If so, opening your own graphic design business could be an excellent choice.
Offering graphic design services takes little preparation and planning. It is also a cost-effective business to start if you don’t have much saved for start-up costs. Begin by investing in a new desktop or laptop computer that works well with design software. Next, research today’s industry leading design programs to find the right one for you. After taking these two easy steps, you have almost everything you need to begin.
Online boutique
Have you ever dreamed about running your own boutique? Whether you want to offer custom apparel with your favorite sayings, or unique gifts, it is easier than ever before to launch an online boutique. Get ready to open your store by coming up with your official product list.
Life coaching
Individuals who enjoy helping others can consider starting their own life coaching business. There are a variety of reputable online certification programs that teach you everything you need to know to work in this role. Upon completing your chosen program, you can begin offering in-person and/or online sessions. You can get creative and offer group programs, webinars, or even write a book.
Pet sitting and/or dog walking
Love spending time with dogs, cats, and other pets? People who have a passion for caring for animals can launch a pet sitting and/or dog walking business. Those who live in larger neighborhoods can often find a client base minutes from home. Rather than offering your services through an online platform, maximize your profits by going into business for yourself. Fitting this type of work into your daily life is especially easy, as you can control how many clients you take on at one time.
How to get started
All new business owners will have to complete similar tasks to get their businesses up and running. From applying for business licenses to getting required inspections, it is important that you research what needs to be done before your official launch date. Keep in mind that you can find attorneys who specialize in securing the permits and licenses your occupation and location requires, which saves you some headache and ensures your business is compliant.
Before getting started, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) which is assigned by the IRS to identify your business. You’ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and form a business entity. To simplify the process, you can hire a service to handle your EIN application.
Additionally, it is helpful to purchase tools that can quickly help your new business grow. For example, when looking to organize your bookkeeping and accounting, having the right software is essential so you can effortlessly manage day-to-day operations by running payroll, managing inventory, and more.
Becoming an entrepreneur is an exciting endeavor. Utilizing the above tips can make your journey far easier, and can set you weeks ahead in terms of your progress.
Visit The Underdog Print Shop for gorgeous plant-themed prints!
]]>Image via Pexels Guest Post by Lucy Reed
If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your space as the world still struggles to get back to normal, keep reading for a few tips and tricks to boost your interior and exterior to the next level.
Why Make Updates?
Re-envisioning your personal space has many benefits. The most obvious is that it can enhance your property value. If you think you might sell your home in the next couple of years, improvements that you make can help you get more from your property. Talk to your realtor about what’s trending, and make a point to keep up with changes so that you can justify a higher selling price.
Just as important as achieving a return on your investment when it’s time to sell is making updates to your home that make it more affordable and comfortable now. You can save money each month on your utilities by doing things such as replacing your roof and adding energy-efficient appliances. If these aren’t in the cards at the moment, even sealing air leaks and setting your water heater down a few degrees can have a positive impact.
Beautiful on a Budget
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a £10,000 or more renovation, don’t worry. There are many cost-effective techniques that can help you completely revitalize your space. A few ideas are to:
An Outdoor Oasis
When you have a bit more budget to work with, consider turning your efforts outdoors. Two major updates that will improve the quality of life for you and your family include:
The pandemic has been a downer for everyone. Although you’re likely leaving your house a little more these days, it never hurts to enjoy the space you call home. And, in case of an resurgence, you’ll be glad that you made changes that make your home a happy place.
Visit The Underdog Print Shop for unique wall art that can enhance your home!]]>Image via Unsplash
Guest Post by Lucy Reed.
We live in very different times than we did just over a year and a half ago. While most areas of the country are returning to pre-pandemic routines, some are bringing back restrictions. In any case, it’s safe to say that business is conducted much differently than it used to be, and we can expect it to remain that way for the foreseeable future.
If you run a home-based business, chances are you will need to host both in-person and virtual meetings on a regular basis. With safety and efficiency in mind, The Underdog Print Shop has provided some practical advice for how you can do that:
In-Person Meetings
While technology comes with its perks, sometimes business calls for meeting in person. Here are some ways you can ensure the safety of both you and your clients when they come to your office:
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Ventilation reduces the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Take every precaution you can to ensure adequate ventilation in your office. Frequently check that your HVAC system is working properly, and on hot days, consider opening the windows in your office.
Using UV
For more than 100 years, ultraviolet (UV) lights have been shown to kill bacteria, mold, and viruses. These lights are now used in hospitals, grocery stores, and restaurants for germicidal purposes. Look into installing air sanitizing or coil sanitizing lights in your HVAC system.
Wearing Masks
Though there has been no shortage of confusion surrounding the topic of mask-wearing over the last year and a half, we can be fairly certain that wearing one doesn’t hurt. As long as your clients are OK with it, consider wearing masks anytime you have an in-person meeting.
Taking Other Precautions
Other simple precautions you can take for meetings in your office include social distancing and using hand sanitizer. General guidelines still define social distancing as keeping six feet of distance between you and others. And consider keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer available for any clients who come in.
Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings such as Zoom calls have become the norm for many companies. Let’s touch on a few methods for how you can make your virtual meetings more effective:
Implementing Tech
Along with the video conferencing software itself that you use for virtual meetings, consider other types of technology that you can use to boost your operations. For instance, there are a plethora of SaaS offerings on the market specifically designed for small business owners. Invest in software to automate tasks like batch invoicing, tax calculating and filing, and time tracking. Such products, in turn, can reduce the need for meeting clients in person.
Setting Up Lighting
Lighting is critical to a professional-looking virtual meeting. And nothing is better than natural lighting. Position your meeting spot in an area that provides plenty of natural light. If you need additional lighting, turn to floor lamps or desk lamps.
Staging Your Background
Virtual backgrounds, like those found on Zoom, tend to appear unprofessional. Instead, opt for virtual staging.
Designate a corner of your office for virtual meetings, and be sure to keep it tidy and decluttered at all times. You don’t want your background to be overly complex, but it doesn’t hurt to have some interesting, attractive furniture and decor in the background, such as a minimal abstract by The Underdog Print Shop!
Dressing the Part
Finally, just as your office needs to look its best, so do you. The safest bet is to dress professionally from top to bottom. Wear clothes that you would feel confident wearing if you were working outside of your house. Remember—your appearance will play a part in the first impression you give to clients, and it will serve as an indicator of how seriously you take your business.
Times have changed, and the changes are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. If you want your company to be successful, it’s critical to roll with the punches and make the most of your in-person and virtual meetings. Along with the advice above, keep looking for other ways that you can keep your meetings as safe and effective as possible.
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our art printing services? Visit TheUnderdogPrintShop.com today!
]]>Peter Edwards is a traditional illustrator hailing from London Old Town who excels at creating fantastic worlds and wonderful characters. Peter mostly illustrates using pen, pencil, paper and occasionally dabbling into the digital realm.
We were fascinated by Peter's use of traditional techniques and the amazing detail in his illustrations. His fish illustrations are to die for and always show you more every time you look at them. We chat with Peter about what's new, his techniques and a little about some of his illustrations he has available at our wall art shop.
Welcome Peter! How are you doing? What creative delights have you been conjuring this past year since joining us? we can’t wait to see more! Can you give us any spoilers or insight into illustration work you have been creating since we last chatted?
Hello there! This year I've been working on launching some t-shirt designs and various art prints. In my career thus far, I've mostly concentrated on big commissions but I've more recently been trying out some more ideas for 'merch'. It would be nice to see as many people as possible wearing or hanging my designs! I've also been practicing my spray paint skills. This is something that in the past has been a bit out of my comfort zone but I love the social aspect of street art and the feeling of creating something huge. Also, I like the idea of leaving a big piece of mine behind when I travel, leaving my mark on the world, as it were.
Milly Burst - Illustration Art Print
It's clear to me you have been creative since birth. I was the same and my mother was my main inspiration in art from being little. I was also inspired by retro video games back then. I would love to hear more about your early days! your kind of talent does not grow on trees.
Your experience does not sound too dissimilar to mine! My mum was and is a major inspiration, she used to work in an art shop so I got all sorts of wonderful materials for cut-rate prices. I've always been into fantasy and sci-fi, be that in videogame, film, cartoon, book or comic format and these started my interest in illustration and continue to inspire me to this day. I'm also a big nature and science geek and I love inventing my own versions of animals, creatures, machines and the like. At school, I was the kid who always got told off for drawing all over my books and tables :)
Since joining us have you had any exciting new projects to tell us about?
I recently competed in a competition called the Illustration World Series UK. This involved timed head to head battles with other illustrators which were then judged by a panel of industry experts. Unfortunately, I did not win but I went out to the overall winner so I didn't feel too bad about that! Also, it was very motivating to meet so many great artists who were in the same boat as me. Sometimes, freelance illustration can be a lonely life and it was nice to realise I'm not alone in this! After the competition, I stayed in touch with many fellow competitors and have been working with some of them on some large scale murals. I've also been working on a science fiction graphic novel project called HERITAGE. This is a bit of a magnum opus and may still not see the light of day for a few more years yet!
You are very talented with traditional techniques but you have done some digital art. How do you find the transition? Does it all just flow into the digital workplace or do you encounter challenges you can otherwise avoid with pen and paper?
Most recently, I have been working almost exclusively with fineliner pens and alcohol markers. I feel this combination has the best of both worlds: The accuracy and flat, bold colours of Photoshop / Procreate with the immediacy, charm and textures of using paints and inks. I have a bit of a personal issue with exclusively digital paintings: I find no matter the skills of the artist, all the pieces end up looking a little too similar for my liking. Digital painting and design now seems to make up the bulk of the industry and I feel this is a little bit of a shame. The artists that I'm drawn towards always use more traditional techniques, at least in part. I like to use digital techniques to clean and perfect my work, not to create it.
We know you have travelled a fair bit over the years. How do you think this has affected your artistic style and has is opened the doors to new ventures and opportunities? (I firmly believe travel broadens the mind to coin the cliché phrase)
Yes, I certainly feel travel has influenced my work a great deal. As I mentioned before, nature has been a great inspiration to me throughout my career and seeing curious beasts in their natural environments is incredibly motivating. I think to a certain extent, all artists like to play 'God' and seeing the work of the 'real deal' in the flesh inflames this desire! If I could bioengineer some bizarre new lizard / fish / bug hybrid, I would! Alas, I can only draw such :) Being surrounded by differing human cultures and foods will also trigger the imagination. And lastly, being an artist is tough! But one of the best things about it is that it can be done in any location. I like to embrace this idea and work and travel as much as possible. Last year in Thailand, I painted one wall piece which lead to a local hotel commissioning me to produce one for them, then his cousin wanted me to produce one from his shop etc. In theory, this dynamic can be continued indefinitely.
How have you found social platforms have benefited your career in illustration? We found you on Instagram but how much engagement and work do you feel you get from it and other platforms in these incredibly competitive times?
Instagram has become a great tool for me, not only for networking but also for providing immediate feedback to work that otherwise would remain on my website at best, and rot in my sketchbook at worst! I've had lots of work come in through Instagram and it is now an invaluable source of commissions for me, however I'm still not the most social media savvy of artists. Maybe I'll try some other platforms in the New Year!
Fish - Art Print by Peter Edwards
Do you listen to music when illustrating? If so what album gets the creative juices flowing the most and why?
I used to listen to a lot of music, however these days I've become somewhat of an old fart. Any modern music you could recommend? I mostly listen to audiobooks as one can stop and start them and not have to change the album every 45 minutes. At the moment, I'm listening to the unabridged 'A Song of Ice and Fire' audiobooks. The current book I'm on has more than 48 hours of material (and there are 5 of them!). If I've got a deadline, however, I find heavy metal to be the most motivating music to listen to. It's tough to zone out to Slayer or Metallica and it keeps one sharp!
If one piece of art you created defines you as a designer, which would it be and why?
A tough question. I love painting and drawing fish and those works have garnered me a lot of attention. I will always come back to this topic, which variations in style and technique. ONE piece, hmm. I have an old piece (10 years old perhaps?) called Dark Throne. This was exhibited at my degree show and drew the interest of a company who I worked with for many years. The success of that piece was my springboard into the world of professional illustration. I like to think my science fiction work, however, will come to define me eventually.
If you could tell your younger self one bit of illustration advice, what would it be?
Be inspired by other artists but do not attempt to emulate them! It is your unique style and ideas that will get you the most attention and your passion is what will make your work stand out against the competition.
Finally, we ask all the designers this question. What is your favourite movie and why?
Again, a tough one. One of my favourite movies this year has been Alita: Battle Angel - some seriously creative cyborgs and wonderfully outrageous death scenes! I hope they make a sequel. If you twisted my arm, The Fly 1986 by David Cronenberg would be my choice for the GOAT. An amazing soundtrack, a beautiful, tragic romance between Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis (who I have a huge crush on and who were in a relationship when this was filmed). Also, some of the best body horror of all time!
You can see all of Peters Collection here.
]]>In this blog post, we want to discuss the ever-present status of botanical illustration art. Used in a wide range of disciplines from beautiful home prints to scientific illustration posters, this style of design has fascinated intrepid home stylists for years.
Perhaps our obsession stems from our need to be linked to nature, especially considering the more and more we are being pushed away from it. Sometimes just a simple leaf print or monstera pattern can create that bridge to the wild we all need from time to time to escape our busy day to day lives.
This is why we created our Botanical Art Print Collection.
We created inhouse some beautiful geometric art infused with the iconic leaf of the monstera deliciosa plant which has become a trendsetting design whether used in artwork or a real plant in a home. These prints are designed to create a wow factor. The colours are bold and bright and perfect for neutral walls or an over the top gallery wall area.
We have a wide range of designers and our illustrators Figen Demireva and Cristina Quero utilize the wonder of plant and floral design in very different and subtle ways.
Figen uses plants and florals as backdrops in her 2 impactful designs below. The beauty of the women in the print is amplified by big amazing leaves behind which makes the leaves almost as important as the portraits in the foreground.
Cristina Quero creates beautifully simple digital illustrations with subtle hints to Botanics included in the designs. See the 2 illustrations below featuring little nods to Botanical art aesthetic.
We believe that a beautiful plant art print can add another dimension tour interior styling and. Bringing the outside in has always fascinated people and although a house plant isn't always possible, there are always options for prints. Whether you cant fit a Monstera Deliciosa plant in your house or you want to add natural shape and form to an existing gallery wall, the options are endless when it comes to botanical prints
This beautiful Monstera Orange Print is perfect if you want the feel of a botanical art print but not too sure on a real plant.
Browse these wonderful designs by Emily Dayson which infuses spiritual illustration with natural splendor.
If you love house plants anyway and have a lot, then why not go overboard with a gallery wall of prints like above to enhance your natural interior temple. You could also merge your style with one of our contemporary art prints.
Thank you for reading our fantastical plant art print blog. We will keep adding to this collection with new designs such as cacti and succulents in the coming months, so please check back when you can and also stay posted on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
To finish off, below we have included some links to once of our favourite Instagram feeds for inspirational interiors, frames from Ikea for your prints and finally, The Plant Shop in Manchester which we just have to tell you about.
Ikea have a great range of styles and sizes, perfect for your art print from The Underdog Print Shop. Eventually, we plan on providing frames but we can honestly say the choice at Ikea is great. We even sized most of our standard sizes by a trip to the local Ikea for market research.
You should go and follow color_place_interior over at Instagram for inspiration on your next interior decorating project. Their feed is absolutely gorgeous and features chic interior ideas, on-trend decor ideas, and styles that ooze contemporary and modern interior design aesthetic.
If real plants are your thing (as well as a print of course!) then Plant Shop Manchester is a must-see! You can grab yourself a new plant from their huge range in Stockport and the newly opened store in Sale. You can also order on their gorgeous website now! We do highly recommend a visit though so if your in South Manchester do not forget to stop by.
Go follow them on Instagram @plantshopmanchester
]]>Read on to find out what they had to say!
Hello Mapply and Welcome to The Underdog Print Shop! We are really chuffed to have you on board with your awesome map prints. What drew us to the maps was the clean, illustrative style of the designs. How did you come up with the idea of Mapply and what inspired you to draw and sell city maps specifically?
Myself and business partner Ian (who also happens to be my brother-in-law) are pretty avid travelers, so maps, places and interesting parts of the world were always at the front of my mind when thinking about a new venture. Personally speaking, I had in the past bought vintage maps and thought we could work a modern spin on this with more colour and vibrancy - so Mapply was born!
We are big fans of the Manchester Print (Obviously) and looked closely at it for all the little nooks and crannies we have been whilst living here. Does it take a lot of research to get all the map correct? Can you sum up the process used in producing them?
We use open source map data to give us the foundation for our prints - so we try and keep as much detail in there as possible. But where the magic comes is our detail around only highlighting the interesting bits, removing lots of noise from the maps and bringing them to life with our choices of colour combinations that help contrast and bring out the features of the prints.
Tell us a story from a visit to one of the cities in the collection! Go on :)
There are so many! One of my best memories of Lisbon where after lots of food and plenty of drinks, myself and some pals were befriended by an eager group of Portuguese people who took us around some of the local bars and attractions of the city. After a while, we all hopped into taxis and headed out of the city. Things got a little bit weird when we thought we were going to get murdered - but all turned out ok - we arrived at this huge warehouse rave, which was CRAMMED full of people - the place was incredible. It was the biggest techno festival in Portugal. So that was pretty amazing as we had no idea about it.
The night didn't end so great, however - when I arrived back to our Airbnb at 6 in the morning. On the way in a passed some chap leaving our apartment block and went to sleep. Only later that morning, when the others came back, did I realize each of our apartments had been robbed, so either we were set up or it was a very strange coincidence!
Have you guys ever designed world maps as well cities?
We haven't got on to world maps just yet - but its something certainly on our radar. You'll be the first to know :)
Out of all the designs, which ones do you consider special for any reason? Don't be shy :)
I think the Leith, (Edinburgh) map we have on our website in Dark Grey/ Yellow is my favorite, because its what got us started and we are quite well known locally for this. Also, we both live in Leith, so are obviously a bit biased. I also really like the Scandinavian cities or anything with interesting coastlines as you get a nice colour contrast of land vs sea.
Do you take requests? For example, if someone asked you for a quaint town in Wales, would you be able to do it?
Pretty much - if you wanted a custom map and we don't have it already, we can make it for you. Super small rural locations don't tend to look so good if there isn't much road detail.
Finally - We have to ask, What's your favorite film and why!?
Scott - Hmm its a tough one - there are so many. I'm a bit of a WW2 buff, so I would probably say Saving Private Ryan - but I'm not sure what that says about me.
You can find more from Mapplyco at www.mapply.co or on Underdog Print Shop of course! You can also find us on Instagram at @mapplyco.
]]>Simon Bonner from Aylesbury UK, joined us in December 2018 and since then has added some excellent additions to our Print Shop of the abstract and geometric variety. We chat to Simon about his design aesthetic, some of his recent work on Kickstarter and how he balances design being a parent.
"The Underdog Print Shop jumped out at me as being an exciting avenue to get my work out so I had to send in some of my designs as soon as I read what you’re about and what you wanted to do getting art out into the world in an affordable way." Simon Bonner
We are really thrilled to have you on board and knew straight away after seeing your abstract print designs, that you would fit perfectly with the whole ethos of our shop. The first question has to be the most obvious! Your geometric designs and patterns are bold and beautiful. What inspires you most to create these designs and can you give us a brief story of why you do what you do?
The geometric art I’ve done for the shop really stems from a fair few years ago when I first started using adobe illustrator professionally. As I got to grips with what it could do and manipulating vector designs for my day job, I spent many a lunch hour playing with shapes and compositions for my own experimentation and development. So much of it starts as a circle, square or triangle and then I’ll rotate, crop, cut out, overlay until I find a pattern that catches my eye. I like random patterns as much as regular ordered patterns. I paint, cut stencils and spray paint, doodle intricate patterns in sketchbooks, but I saw this as the perfect opportunity to put my geometric and vector art out there.
How did you begin your career in art and do you have any significant insights into past projects and accomplishments you would like to share?
Honestly, I wouldn’t call it a career… yet! I have sold a few paintings and recently ran a Kickstarter project which was funded but I’m not in the territory of giving up my day job for the time being. I studied art at school up to A-Level. While I was doing a foundation course in art and design to do graphic design at university I made a short film and switched to studying film and video production for my degree.
A Showcase of some of Simons Mosaic and Geometric Designs.
We absolutely love your Mosaic designs recently added. Can you give us a brief rundown on how you came up with these colour schemes as we think they work great!
The mosaic designs were fun to do. They’re far more focused on the colour than the design. The palettes are generally colours pulled out of images that speak to me, a beach scene, a misty forest, an old weathered piece of wood, a gaudy advert, a mixed-up Rubik's cube. Sometimes I pull colours from my favourite paintings or posters. The adobe colour app is good for inspiration too.
Recently you had a kick starter project on some unique art prints. How did that go and how did you find the Kickstarter platform. Does it come with a lot of risks? I'm sure there are aspiring young people out there thinking of doing something similar. Can you give any insight to inspire anyone interested?
The most art success I’ve had to date was through my recent Kickstarter project which I’m currently working on the fulfilment. By the end of April, I’ll have over 50 prints in 20 different countries which blows my mind. I recommend every artist to have a look at it as a platform to get work to a wider audience but it’s by no means easy. You need to have a clear plan of what you want to produce and why people should back you. Your art could speak for itself but it helps to have a story and look professional while you’re telling it to give people confidence you’ll fulfil your project should it be funded. If you plan well and have a realistic target there’s no reason that any artist shouldn’t give it a go.
Sigil Earth Art Print
As a parent (trust us we know!) how do you balance your work/life/parenting routine? Is it some kind of sorcery?
Coffee! and maybe a little more coffee too. That, and I’m in the process of changing my career to free up more time so that I can be much more involved in my son’s upbringing. I’m setting up an art school in High Wycombe called art-K for 6-16 olds (and I might do adult classes too). It means I’ll be working fewer hours closer to home and I’ll be doing something worthwhile that I actually enjoy doing too.
And finally, the question we always ask, because we know everyone loves films. What is your favourite Movie and why?
I studied film so there are quite a few pretentious choices I could go for… I do actually like Citizen Kane and the films of Zhang Yimou. Really though I love the Marvel films, Die Hard and stupid stuff like Bio Dome and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure just as much. Time to watch them is now the main factor and my entertainment diet has a lot of In The Night Garden in it. I will have the pleasure of introducing my son to Star Wars which is something to look forward to.
You can see Simons Collection here.
See more from Simon at his website here.
We thought we would share a guide on how to get the best out of geometric designs and try to help you in choosing the perfect design for your home.
Seasonal Designs for Contemporary Lifestyles.
These designs were created with trending styles and colour schemes in mind. As a set, they focus on shifting colours between Spring and Autumn inspired by fashion colour trends over the years. These prints are slightly textured to enhance the shapes and make the prints pop. Use these designs in modern, clean living spaces and add a contemporary feel to an otherwise empty wall. They work brilliantly when complimented with mid-century furniture and a natural aesthetic.
Click below to view the collection.
Complimentary and Matching Designs.
With these styles, we would consider partnering the designs with a full-colour wall. In this example, we have included our Coral Reef and Aqua Coral Designs. Coral Reef uses hints of blue to sync with the wall, then boom out from the wall with the bold red, inspired by Pantone colour of the year 2019, Living Coral.
Aqua Coral explores different hues of blue to marry up with the wall, yet also matches the wooden furniture and flooring to blend with each other beautifully.
Beautiful, Neutral Geometrics by Simon Bonner.
Simon Bonner from Aylesbury UK joined us late last year and has since given us the pleasure of showcasing some of his finest geometric designs. Some of his artwork is bright and colourful, others more muted and mild. These prints are perfect for a focus point or a place of work. Like the image above, you could add Simons prints above a mid-century unit. They would instantly draw the eye to the area and allow the person coming into the space to know this is an important area. Make your space speak volumes.
Click here to view Simons Collection.
Retro and Monochrome Geometric Aesthetic.
Geometric Prints don't need to match space to make their mark. They can exist solely to appreciate a certain colour or shape. These Prints by Neil Irvine do you just that. Add them to a shelf or on a unit as shown to simply draw your eye to them as you walk in.
For us, we appreciate geometrics for their shape as well as style. Retro on the left gives a sense of nostalgia with its beautiful tonal shift of vibrant pinks and purples. Fax on the right take a spin on normal geometric expectancies by making them more abstract and almost glitch art In style.
Whatever your interior, a geometric print can just break the space enough and give you something unique to appreciate in the room.
Final Thoughts.
Geometric Designs are not for everyone. We can understand that they may be just too abstract or minimal for everyone's tastes. What we will say is search the design on its visual style instead of content. We believe there is a geometric print out there everyone will love in their own way. One which will just give you waves of emotions by simply staring at it.
Why not give one a go and start your next interior experiment? Find the collection here.
Some of our favourites...
The Candy by Beatrice Pizzi.
Miami Electic Retro Art Print.
Pastel Beach by Simon Bonner.
Forest Greens Geometric Print.
]]>
"Going into a project, sometimes I'll have an inkling of what kind of image I want to create or distort"
See more at Allison Website here.
]]>Now then! We are obsessed with your designs and find each one intriguing, bombastic, and sometimes terrifying! I think glitch art such as yours can cause all sorts of emotions by combining techno-infused imagery with bold bright colours. What's your thought process when producing your work?
Thank you so much! I'm particularly psyched that you included "terrifying." I suppose because my images are all my babies (so to speak), I don't find any of them menacing, but back in my very early days of glitch (when I wasn't sure if it was something I'd even pursue), one of my best friends told me that a certain series reminded her of recurring nightmares she had as a child. In person, I am quite approachable (strangers always ask me for directions or assistance, for example), so to be responsible for something that prompted fear was extremely appealing and was genuinely a key motivator to dive into glitch for real!
In any case, back to your question. I'm a writer by trade and for several years was totally gung-ho on writing jokes, which I posted on Twitter and turned into typographic street art. I stumbled into glitch accidentally, when I was trying out apps to add filters to photos of my street art, which I assumed was always going to be "my brand." I took to it more intuitively than I anticipated and was thrilled that I'd found a way to visually express myself, without needing manual art skills (like drawing, painting, silk screening, lithography) that at one time or another I've attempted to master, with...varying results (to be generous about it).
I'm self-taught, so my thought process is actually mercifully blank when I am making my art; glitching is a true reprieve from the busy consciousness of my mind, and—since I make everything with apps on my phone—I'll often make my best work right as I'm falling asleep and am the least self-conscious (or hardly conscious, period!).
Going into a project, sometimes I'll have an inkling of what kind of image I want to create or distort, but very rarely do I produce exactly that—or if I do, I discover that a totally different approach yields far more interesting results. So, in contrast to the writing side of my brain, I can clear my head and just flow with visual experimentation. Plus, fun fact: All of my glitch images start either with my original photos or with previous glitch work, so I embrace distortions, errors, and imperfections as they come since transformation is the goal. I appreciate the resulting organic, off-kilter details, which feel more engaging and unique than if I were to construct intentional work entirely from scratch.
In terms of the technical process, I simply follow my instincts; when I land on something that I find arresting, surprising, or appealing, I figure someone else might like it, too. I'll try out tons of different techniques on the same image, and something just clicks when I hit upon a winner. When I can't help but say to myself, "Hell yeah!" I know I've struck gold.
What would be your perfect career path considering your art as the main focus?
I've worked at record labels, toured with bands, was a college radio DJ, have dabbled in electronic music, and at one point was seriously considering music journalism, so there's a part of that realm that still runs deep. And, of course, I'd like writing to remain a foundational part of my life.
But at this point, I'm really feeling digital abstraction wholeheartedly, so I'm keen to apply it to as many cool projects and surfaces as possible, while weaving in some writing and music elements: hotel art, environmental art that people can live with every day (wallpaper, prints, wrapping paper, carpets, and other textiles for homes and offices); museum products, light projections (especially for on-stage performances), album and Soundcloud art, concert flyers, branding, book covers and packaging..ideally mixed in with some mentoring and volunteer work.
Which artists inspire you most and do you have a favourite classic?
I love so many artists across many genres, so I'll do my best to narrow down. At first thought, the ones who share a playful take on color and geometry (which is my current jam) are the most intriguing at the moment: Bridget Riley, Josef Albers, Victor Vasarely, Mark Dagley, Frank Stella, Sol LeWitt, Michael Kidner, and Ellsworth Kelly. When it comes to technology (and really clever concepts and messaging), Nam June Paik, USCO, and Jenny Holzer are favorites.
Within my own circle, I'm a huge fan of Alex Kittle, Allison Bamcat, Sarah Gay O'Neill, TJ Kelley III, Lukas Therien, David Bojay, Pat Falco, Tim McCool, and...my dad, Edward Tanenhaus! They all have distinct lines, thoughtful points of view, striking colour work, and really different (but hilarious) senses of humour, even when they're tackling heavy themes. As soon as I see work by any of them, I immediately know who made it and am bound to love it!
When it comes to my all-time fave (aside from my father, of course)...it would have to be Dick Bruna. I was exposed to books and games featuring his illustrations when I was very small, and the limited colour palette, clean lines, and simple shapes drew me in and never let me go. There's a timeless solemnity amongst the playfulness (in contrast to typically pandering, garish art for little kids), and so much life and dimension, despite the flat perspective. One of my most fulfilling travel experiences was visiting the Miffy Museum in Utrecht. The fact that he was beloved and celebrated for much of his good long life makes me so happy; he wasn't toiling in obscurity and darkness, but revered as a Dutch treasure. So there's a joyful context surrounding his work, which is a refreshing (and deserved) twist on tragic artist lore.
We can clearly see elements of technology in your work. What retro/lo-fi media elements, if any, inspire your work?
I would say that tech elements more enable my work than inspire it, though both are to some degree true. For example, some of my favourite recent imagery was made possible by applying watercolour and etching effects to my glitch pieces, which gave them all new textures and vibes. More on this in the next answer, though. :)
We have to ask, what's your favourite movie or game and why?
For games, it's a little tricky—I was a very anxious child, so I never wanted to play video games. The idea that you could DIE in an activity that was supposedly fun and recreational simply did not compute. I liked to watch my brother and his friends play, but taking the controls, and literally being responsible for a character's life or death, was way more than I could handle.
One summer, I was able to play a few rounds of "Wheel of Fortune" on my friend's Game Boy, but that had limited appeal. I do remember a couple computer games (before we had video game consoles in our house) that I enjoyed: "Winter Games," where you could participate in 8-bit Olympics (MIDI soundtrack and all), and another game (I can't remember the name, unfortunately) where you could create comics by adding characters, scenery, and speech bubbles. I always put in too much dialogue, though, so when you'd actually hit play and watch it, the words flew by, so you couldn't follow the story! But appreciation for that old-school computer aesthetic stuck with me on some level, especially with my GIF work (https://allisontanenhaus.com/
As for movies, that's another tricky one! I guess a lot of my influences come from my childhood, and I didn't watch that many movies when I was little. And while I watch more films now, I'm not inclined to conduct repeat watchings. However, one film I will never grow tired of, and in some way has woven its way into my artistic practice is..."Teen Witch."
I first saw it in kindergarten and was absolutely transfixed: it has elements of traditional girl-centric coming-of-age stories, but is also totally f'ed up in so many ways. The main message—use magic to deceive people into liking you and ditch your one true friend in the process—is totally ass-backwards (despite an ending that has traces of sincerity...kinda). The musical numbers are totally cheese-tastic (yet endlessly singable). And there are so many bizarro characters (an inappropriate teacher, a demented brother, a wacky dance date).
Taken as a whole, it should be a mess, but instead, it feels quaintly nostalgic, humorous (I still quote two particularly clever lines of dialogue uttered by the mom), and highly entertaining. It's pure '80s, and since I didn't watch that many movies in the '80s (despite being an '80s baby), genuinely loving it then *and* now feels very satisfying, since I can appreciate it on an authentic level, not just as a retro nostalgia kick. I'm certain that Louise's tulle-based outfit (when she first transforms from frumpy to fabulous)—combined with my early fandom for "Jem and the Holograms"—cemented my adoration of the Patrick Nagel-esque aesthetic you can find in my most recent mini-project, which is glitching out the '80s ladies I've found on various nail-salon window decals. Top That!
And finally, when the robots and AIs take over the world, what's your plan?
Gear up to make some sick collabs!
This week we chat to Neil Irvine about how he creates his abstract patterns, his favourite movie (an impossible question) and how he started his digital style.
Hi Neil and welcome to the designer collections. We are really happy to have you included in our collections and love the abstract patterns you have on site now. When creating your patterns, what do you use for your inspiration and can you explain how you get the focus to concentrate on such clean lines when creating?
Hello, and thanks. There’s no real set way that I work, there’s a lot of happy accidents involved, where a lot of ’stuff’ is thrown on the page in the initial stages. It’sapparentpretty early which ideas have legs, so then it’s a case of focusing on those and working into more to get them as precise as possible. I think there’s a lot of value in designs that take a long time to finalise, pieces that you can really get your teeth into with plenty of detail, but also in the more minimal ones too. The simpler designs are sometimes the hardest to get over the line. Nothing’s ever really ‘finished’ there’s always things you can add to improve something, but if you can look back at work you’ve done in the past and think it still holds up, you must have done something right.
Have you always been creative? When did you start drawing and creating art?
Yeah, pretty much. I was always drawing as a kid. Art was the main subject at school that really interested me, and I pushed a lot of my efforts into it. I did the traditional year-long course at Art College, using Photocopiers & Fax machines to Create loose, organic effects. This was in the days before having any real access to computers, you had to work with what you had! Getting to grips with Adobe software at Uni was next. It was all Photoshop for me back then, I didn’t even touch Illustrator until I graduated, so I’m pretty much self-taught on that front. I like to dabble in both now, usually at the same time. Where do you see your art career in a few years? Shredding artworks in Sothebys with any luck. ;) I’m not sure, just going to see how it goes really. It’s been really good to be involved with Underdog from the start, as one of the ‘originals’, a good litmus test to see if there’s much of a market for the type of work I do as wall-prints. Next steps for me would be to open an Etsy store, something I’m looking to pull together before 2018’s out, see if I can get some traction there. I’m also toying with the idea of buying a Giclee printer, but one step at a time...
Which artists inspire you most and do you have a favourite classic?
There’s so many, it’s hard to even pinpoint. Saul Bass is a big inspiration though so I’ll put him down as my ‘classic’. A bit more contemporary, the work of Me Company was a massive inspiration, way ahead of their time in the mid 90’s. Their cover art for Bjorks albums are something else, along with all the hyper-real florals etc they’re known for. Great stuff. I only just signed up to Instagram in Spring this year (should have bit the bullet years ago) and that’s expanded my horizons to more varied artists. A lot of the motion stuff up there I think is incredible - Antoni Tudisco’s work is ridiculous.
What's your favourite movie and why?
And finally, if you could tell yourself anything about being a creative professional 10 years ago, what would you say and why?
You can find all Neils patterns and geometric delights here.
In the past couple of weeks, we have had the pleasure of adding 2 artists to our collections, Alexandra Levene and Neil Irvine. Both these designers, though very different, have shown us how working with artists can be easy, respectable and deliver results. We are happy to report that we have had a really good response to these 2 artists and can't wait to see what they bring next!
Neil creates awesome patterns and geometric shapes with bold colours. See more from Neil Irvine here.
Alexandra Illustrates contemporary portraits, with messages of power and strength. See more of Alexandra's work here.
As well as designers we have also developed our collections. In there you can now find collections separated so if you want Kids Art for example, then its all in one place for you. As part of this update, we have also started including landscape orientated designs such as the one below.
It's a very exciting time for us as we grow and develop our collections. Please sign up to our newsletter to receive more updates before anyone else, exclusive discounts in the future and news on new designers.
We are also still accepting submissions. If you are a designer, illustrator or artist who would like to join our collections, then please fill in a submissions form now.
Thanks again for your continued support and if you have not been here before, Welcome to The Underdog Print Shop.
Marc Bingham, Founder - The Underdog Print Shop
]]>We interview our very first designer Alexandra Levene on her goals, inspirations and how the hell she fits this art into her already busy schedule. Read on to find out.
Hi Alex and welcome to the designer collections. We are super happy to have you on board. We were drawn in when we saw your artwork and loved the links to poetry and music, but are especially fond of the digital injection of colour you like to implement. What inspires you to create your art and what techniques do you use to finish them in the way you do?
I draw because I really enjoy drawing. It sorts my busy head out. It creates a happy stillness. I’m at my best with a sharp pencil or a fine liner and then I scan them into photoshop to touch up /add stuff in. I’m still learning the digital stuff. I did a fashion degree many years ago and the digital side of stuff was only just starting up. I know it would be a very different degree now. I want to get better at this stuff. I still sometimes feel intimated by this software and I’d like to overcome that.
Having 2 children, it must be difficult to find the time. How do you fit it the artwork and how do the kids motivate you to create?
Having kids has been the biggest obstacle with all this. Every good parent knows that you give your entire being over when the kids are young. You lose yourself, don’t you? But if you don’t feed that part of you that needs something, it doesn’t go away - it gets more hungry and it starts eating away in negative ways. So I had to address that. I had to physically carve out time for myself. Evenings and weekends weren’t happening for me. I was exhausted which isn’t conducive to creativity. I went part-time at work and I paid for extra childcare so I had space in the day to start drawing again when I wasn’t as tired. And it’s working. Treating it like a job that you’ve got to show up for, really helped me. The kids don’t directly motivate me to create but I guess my situation ( I’m a single parent) has triggered some of my work.
Have you always been creative? When did you start drawing and creating art?
I think so yes. Although I’m not sure what that really means ‘Being creative’ - Have I always enjoyed drawing? Yes. But have I regularly drawn/created’? No. I think it can take time to understand how your ‘creative’ drive manifests itself. And that’s when people are truly great at what they do- when they can understand both of those things.
I remember buzzing off being told by my art teacher in school that I was ace at life drawing and then my mum being super proud of my work and framing some of it. I remember searching for more of the same responses after that. Still am I guess.
Where do you see your art career in a few years?
I want to make a living out of doing solely this. I want to give up my part job (work with autistic kids in a special needs school) and be an illustrator. I’d like to design fabric and wallpaper. I’d like to get work in magazines. I’d like to collaborate with people. A friend of mine has started making pottery - and is fu@king awesome at it. I’m going to push to work with her and maybe design some tiles. When you get going with this stuff there are endless possibilities.
Which artists inspire you most and do you have a favourite classic?
Egon Schiele. Julie Verhoeven. David Hockney. Andy Warhol as a character, I read recently that he had an issue with speech and because of this huge social anxiety. I love an outsider. I love awkwardness cos that’s what I associate with. I’m tall and can be quite socially awkward. I have definitely had to overcome a lot of stuff to get to where I am now. That is definitely something that feeds into my work. And what draws me to other artists. Being on the periphery looking in.
Our favourite one of your illustrations is Hands Overlap Colour. Can you tell us more about how you came up with this design?
I am surrounded by kids toys in my house and there was a barbie doll left on my desk. The tiny hands appealed to me. So I drew them. And then enjoyed repeating that as a print. I enjoyed the movement that created. I’m a big fan of the poet Yrsa Daley Ward and it reminded me of her words - “Just because you do it /doesn’t mean you always will. /Whether you’re dancing dust /or breathing light /you’re never exactly the same, /twice."
What are you watching on the TV at the moment if anything at all? Do you love a good binge?
Netflix /Amazon has changed the way we watch tv, hasn’t it?! I can’t remember when I last watched ‘normal’ tv. It’s crazy. The series that are around these days are like films. They are superb. Currently obsessed with Maniac - it’s like a Bladerunner / twin peaks / Wes Anderson hybrid. I fell in love with Transparent when it was on. I also have a lot of time for Ru Paul. My son is the worlds biggest dinosaur fan so Jurassic Park is on *a lot* I’ve actually really enjoyed re-watching it. The music is incredible. And Jeff Goldblum? Well. I don’t need to say anything else.
Finally, what do you like about being in the collections at The Underdog Print Shop?
It’s given me the kickstart I needed - to get selling. It’s a big thing putting yourself out there but I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice to be involved in something from the get-go too. I’ve had some great feedback, and the prints look great in real life. It’s good to have the support there too - as the digital stuff is not my strongest point. It’s definitely propelling me to the next thing - I’ve just secured myself a spot at a Christmas market so things are looking good.
You can view all of Alex's Designs here.
]]>The idea of the print shop was started by illustrator and designer Marc Bingham. Marc has been designing for years and creating prints on other platforms such as Etsy and much larger prints as wall murals. He has developed a good knowledge of the print market and decided to start this shop with a unique vision.
"I wanted to sell prints for many years and did not have the confidence to grow beyond my means for a long time. I illustrated in my spare time, as well working in large format print and doing the odd graphic design job for the asking client. As time passed, I found it difficult to progress in the way I wanted yet learnt a lot about the printing process. That's when I started looking at social channels more and I realised there are a ton of relatively undiscovered, yet brilliant designers out there without a window to sell their art as prints.
I understood the competition having used it myself but that's when I had the vision of The Underdog Print Shop. That vision was to develop a platform to support the artists as I had seen with a more personal touch than other companies and collect these artists to showcase In an original gallery, freeing them up to do what they do best. I believe that every artist that believes in their own talent, deserves a chance and I think that even if I help only one artist with the shop, then this vision will be a success. That is my message, my mission statement; The Underdog Print Shop, a unique gallery shop to support undiscovered artists, you have probably never heard of..."
Marc Bingham, Founder - The Underdog Print Shop.
Our website has just launched. We are working hard collecting our first run of artists for you to browse. You can now read our story, find out more about our paper options and if you are an artist who would like to join our gallery, you can enter a submissions request now or comment below.
We would like to thank everyone who has shown interest so far in the project and please sign up to our newsletter for updates, product releases and more!
]]>