WEDF Talk by Karen Welman from Pearlfisher

Last night I took a trip to the Arnolfini in Bristol to attend a talk by Karen Welman, founding partner of the infamous Pearlfisher. To me they have always been one of those companies that I am incredibly in awe of and jealous of at the same time, because they create such great, beautfiful clever work and packaging that I could look at for hours on end.

From Waitrose to Coca Cola, Absolut Vodka to Innocent, we have all probably got atleast one piece of packaging in our homes that has been designed by them. Most of the packaging that I have ever picked up and loved the look of has been designed by them, they seem to get it right every time.

So I was pretty excited to find out that Karen was speaking at the Arnolfini so bought my ticket the day before and waited in anticipation. I am always intrigued to find out how people have 'made it' in the business, especially women, as I find it hard to find people to relate to, so it's good to know that it is do-able! 

She spoke more about the journey of Pearlfisher, how their company works in terms of their culture and how they invest time, money and commitment into their employees and it was very refreshing and insightful to know that design can be like that.

They have people who have been with them as a workplacement and then grown to be a Creative Director and have been with them for over 15 years. Every 'big' birthday they take all their employees on surprise holidays to India, The Alps, The Ice Hotel.

She told a story about how the Cawston Press packaging, which I love, was born out of a 4 week letterpress course that they had all the staff do (even the receptionist), and I suppose this kind of investment and commitment to your employees really makes all the difference.

I can't really put into words how inspiring and uplifting a talk it was, it just made me realise the kind of mind frame, ambition and drive that you need to create great things. Here are a few snapshots from the talk, and if you want to have a look at their gorgeous work it can be found at www.pearlfisher.com. 

The Pearlfisher team on their 5th birthday holiday to the Alps...

... and in the Maldives (I think, wherever it is, it looks hot!)

Create, embrace and force the change on yourself 

Boob of the month award... 

Cawston Press packaging 

Pearlfisher letterpress course

No free pitching! 

Lovely (cheap) prints from Society6..

Am loving all these prints (and their super cheap price tags) from society6.com, especially the take on the Disney princesses... 

London Town with my gals...

So yesterday I tool a trip to London for the day to visit my good friend Kelly Brown who was also being visited by my other good friend Jen Manning. After finding her home in the lovely Queens Park we had heard that there was a crazy golf course on the top of Selfridges (obviously) so decided to go check it out. It was amazing! All of the holes are London landmarks made to look like cake to celebrate the jubilee. Naturally I won :) and then we explored Carnaby Street and found the most amazing chocolate shop which had a cafe upstairs called Choccywoccydoodah, definitely death by milkshake and chocolate! I had a really good day and love the fact that now that I am in Bristol, London is a super quick hour and a half on the train. Am going to have to make this a more regular occurrence! Check out the pics below....

Monday Obsession - Niki & The Dove

I have had this on repeat alllll day long. I love it. I actually heard it in the New Look changing rooms but that is beyond the point. It's amazing. Listen to it and it will make your Monday evening feel like a Saturday night. I wish... 





If you like the sound of that, you should give the rest of the album a listen, it's called Instinct and it is what has got me through the Monday Blues...