SCRIBBLE & DAUB
Former art curator Caroline Kent left Scotland for the Americas before starting her dream job when settled in England
Tell us about your background Drawing was my first love, but my parents weren’t keen on me going to art school so I went to university in Edinburgh to study social anthropology. It was fascinating, but I knew I’d made a wrong turn, then I spent time in Mexico with some creative people who suggested I get an internship. I ended up working at the Ingleby Gallery in Scotland.
When did you start making cards? My husband and I travelled to North America, Colombia and Argentina. When we came back, we moved to East Sussex. One day I sent a card to a friend who ran The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh. He asked if I could make a few for the gallery shop. Two days later they’d sold out, so he asked for more. That’s how it began!
How did you expand the business? I had Arlo, my first son, so had to slow down for a while but I wondered if it was something I could do while being a mum. I wrote to Liberty with some samples. A couple of weeks later they said they’d like to place an order and it’s evolved from there.
Can you explain your style? I started with simple, universal imagery that people can relate to. I always liked the idea of giving something with a human touch and people respond well to the hand-drawn element.
How does the production process work? I drew everything by hand up until three years ago when I had Casper, my second son, then I found a letterpress print workshop in Rye. Now my originals are made into magnesium plates and Ian, the printmaker, prints everything by hand.
What’s next for Scribble & Daub? I’d love to do children’s stationery and even limited-edition prints. I’m also working with Le Bon Marché in Paris to create Christmas cards. I’ve had great feedback from customers who say they’ve framed a card and kept it for years. You send these things out into the world and are never sure what becomes of them, so when they become a part of someone’s life that’s very rewarding.