Henries Design Awards Finalists: Rocket68

Here at Funky Pigeon, we love any excuse to show off the amazingly talented independent designers that we work with. So, when we heard some of them were finalists in the Henries Awards, we thought it would be great to jump in and introduce you to them and learn a bit more about what goes into their designs!

Jill White, Rocket68

Meet Jill White, the illustrator behind Rocket68, one of the independent designers who creates cards for Funky Pigeon, who has made it to the finals of the Henries Awards, the premier awards for greetings card designers.

Congratulations on your awards news! With over 14,000 entries, how did you feel when you heard the news that your work is in the Finals?

Always a pleasure to reach the finals, this will be the 5th time in the finals for me so crossing fingers this is the winning range!

Was this your first award nomination?

I’ve won the Gift of the Year 2022, and been shortlisted 3 times in the Gift of the year previously. It’s 5^th tome finalist in the Henries for me this year!

Tell us a bit about your Henries nominated range…

Graphic Form is a collection of bold statement cards inspired by vintage modernist book covers. It’s a classic male range to suit all ages. The beautiful FSC textured board enhances the vibrant colourways.

How did you become a greeting card designer?

I started the company while working as a lecturer at a college teaching art subjects. To my surprise the company started taking off and I was gaining many stockists after my first trade show at Top Drawer. I love working in collections and being a card designer gives you so much freedom.

Describe your typical work day…

We always start by getting online orders out. This is usually followed by admin work – an essential part of a small business! I usually then spend the afternoon on illustration projects/new card designs or planning tradeshows. I also run my own shop with all my own products so display is a big part of my daily work.

What’s your creative process?

I start with research and taking in what is ‘on trend’ to a degree. I like to work in. mixed media and combine traditional with digital, so sometimes I’m painting gouache and other days I may be using the iPad.

What are the challenges you face as an independent artist? And the joys?

Juggling is definitely an ongoing challenge! Meeting deadlines and ensuring orders getting out on time on a daily basis. Deadlines can be a positive however, and I personally love that challenge, having previously worked in editorial illustration.

If you had one piece of advice for a fellow artist, what would it be?

Build up a style that is uniquely ‘you’ and don’t be led too much by what you see at trade fairs or especially online.