If you have followed me for a while, you will know that I have decided to dedicate a blog post each month to one of the amazing Mum-owned local businesses here in Kent.
There are *so* many wonderful businesses right on our doorstep which are owned and run by local Mums, and I think it is so important to celebrate them and their achievements.
This month I am VERY excited to introduce you to absolutely lovely (and incredibly talented) Kendall Wright, Kent Mum, Freelance Designer, Maker & Illustrator and the very proud owner of Kendall Wright Illustration.
I recently spent a lovely morning with Kendall to find out all about the wonderful work she does.
We chatted over a cuppa (and there may have been a cheeky pastry thrown in there too!) I learned all about her amazing business (she has lots of exciting plans for the future, and I am *so* excited to see where they take her) and I got to see her in action doing what she loves….
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
Hi, I’m Kendall, an illustrator and graphic designer based in Canterbury in Kent.
In the Summer of 2021 I embarked on setting up my own business to pursue my big dreams of weaving illustration into my everyday…
There’s two parts to my business: firstly, I design and illustrate prints and paper goods and sell them online, at local markets and I’m just in the process of setting up to sell my products into retailers (very exciting!).
My colourful and cheerful illustrations reflect my love for everyday living and more often than not show my love of food!
Although, I do have two new ranges lined up for later this year, that aren’t food-themed and I’m really excited to see where they push me, creatively. Watch this space!
And secondly, I’m a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.
I have a 10 year background in print design for the food and drinks industry; I’ve worked on everything from logos, catalogues and packaging through to shop design, art directing photo shoots and hand-painting 20 metre murals!
I absolutely love collaborating with other people and bringing their ideas to life.
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
I think this probably differs for the two sides of the business…
For my illustrated products I would say that I try to bring a sense of joy and gratitude for the mundane and every day objects that surround us.
And for the freelance side: I would say my collaborative approach. I think it’s often perceived that designers dislike feedback, but I really relish the opportunity to have a chat and talk everything from the big dreamy aspirations at the beginning of a brief, right down to the super small minutia detail / decision making further along in the process.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everyday life and finding the joy in the simple things. A lot of that leads me to food!
I love everything from reading cookbooks / finding recipes online to the weekly food shop, looking at food packaging (especially in the snazzy farm shops and delis!), going to restaurants and cafes, cooking for my family and for friends… the list is endless!
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love so much of my job, but if I have to pick one thing, it has to be drawing, because that’s the main reason for deciding to leave my 9-5 in a corporate design setting, the freedom to draw and illustrate.
But also freedom itself, the freedom to carve out the work-life balance that I knew I could only get from taking the leap to go it alone.
This in turn, allows me to be the mummy I want to be, the one that can flex my day / week to fit in all the fun stuff and not miss my little girl growing up!
If you are looking for a beautiful, unique gift for yourself or someone close to you, please visit Kendall’s Etsy store here and give her a follow on social media.
Claire xx