Last autumn I received an email from Top Drawer, the UK’s leading design-led trade show, welcoming applications for their PaperAwards category from the exhibitors of Spring Summer ‘22.
Not holding the highest of expectations, I submitted my Botanical Valentine’s Day cards and Wildflowers postcard set. Fast forward to just before Christmas, I was delighted to receive another email saying I had been shortlisted!
My Wildflowers postcard set was chosen for an award category - Emotive Design. The three other categories were Exciting Use of Colour, Engaging Print, and Best Stationery Design. I was simultaneously totally surprised and jumping for joy at the news!
This award was judged by several important people in the industry - G.F Smith, Design Museum, Pencil Me In Shop, Fortnum & Mason, Five and Dime, Nest, The Hambledon, Postmark, and V&A Museum, so having my work recognised was a huge pleasure.
The next step was down to the public, to start voting for the winners and the runners-up. I spread the word via social media and kept my fingers crossed. It was a waiting game for a few more months and then in early February the finalists and runners-up were revealed…
…and I got a runner-up place! Although I didn’t get the final place I couldn’t be any more pleased to be a runner-up in the Emotive Design category for PaperAwards. I also felt immensely grateful to be shortlisted in the first place.
When I attended the trade show it felt surreal to visit the PaperAwards area and see my postcard set and greeting cards with my name on display. I was also given a certificate and got to stand alongside finalists and fellow runner-ups for photographs.
To everyone who voted for me- I can't thank you enough, it really means a lot!