James Andrews is the creative talent behind Norfolk-based Pickled Prints, ‘the UK’s quirkiest online, independent card and gift company’, which is now stocked in Oliver Bonas. Here, he shares his story
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello! I’m James and I am the boss, head designer, accountant, social media executive, stock controller and chief tea-maker here at Pickled Prints.
When did you first have the idea – what were you doing before?
I first had the idea for Pickled Prints in 2018. I’d been working for Clinton’s for nearly eight years and thought “ok, I can design my own cards and make them funny and make a bit of extra money. Working for a big card company really gave me an insight into what people were buying, the trends and the seasonal timeframes, so I had a great head start. In 2019 I opened up my Etsy store (sold four cards to my Mum) and the rest is history!
Are you Norfolk born and raised – does this part of the world inspire your work?
We moved to Norfolk in 2021 from North London – doing the stereotypical “escape to the country” move and I honestly can say, it was the best decision. The whole sky/ fields/ sea ratio is a winner for creatives. I take Pickled Prints on tour around North Norfolk and Norwich, selling at makers markets (Creake Abbey, The Burnhams Market and Holt Sunday Market, to name a few) and I have an expanding range of Norfolk themed products which are consistent bestsellers and inspired by the places I go and the people I meet. A breakthrough moment for the business was being asked to create bespoke cards for Holkham Hall, which was a real pinch me moment and I felt I’d made it into the Norfolk fold.
How would you describe your card designs?
The Pickled Prints designs are all about quirky conversations. I love hearing my customers say “that’s so true!” or “oh, our Julie does that!” and I love them laughing in the Pickled Prints marquee! But I also have a range of Kindness Cards which Idesigned during lockdown, helping people sending emotional, positive messages in a time when we all needed to hear a little kindness. This range has expanded as the world has got a little squiffy at the moment and I’m really proud of them.
How excited are you to be stocked in Oliver Bonas?
Another breakthrough moment for Pickled Prints has been to stock in Oliver Bonas for their Father’s Day collection. I’ve been sending my friends out to their local branches to take some snaps! It’s been incredible and very exciting and I love taking my friends and customers on this journey with me – because they all get design proofs to see if something is funny or even half-decent – I trial a load of new designs on my Norfolk market tables!
Where else can people find your cards?
My cards can also be found online at Moonpig, Funky Pigeon and Thortful and in independent shops up and down the UK.
One of my first ever stockists was Cards ‘n’ Things in Norwich. Owner Helen, was so supportive in those early days of trade – and continues to be!
Any plans for the future of PP you would like to share?
The future of Pickled Prints? No idea. Probably a few G& Ts in the garden and a few more silly cards for you to buy! Fingers crossed, after PG Live (a greetings card trade show) in June, more and more shops will stock Pickled Prints. I’m looking at my wall calendar now and I’m booked up with markets throughout the year and into Christmas – so I’d better start drawing snowmen as I sunbathe!
Visit Pickled Prints
Featured images – supplied
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