We are excited to share the interview we did with Luiza Holub this week. Luiza is a Sheffield based printmaker and paper artist. She celebrates colour and texture with her handmade processes, and is inspired by the everyday. Luiza's work is very calming and unique, we are mesmerised by it!
If you could describe your work in three words, what would they be?
Contemporary (with a nod to the traditional). Expressive. Spontaneous.
When did your business first start and what made you do it?
I have a masters in Contemporary Fine Art and have always been actively creative but it’s only really this year that I took the plunge and instead of going back after maternity leave I quit my part time bank job and started printmaking every moment I got.
How do you create your work from start to finish?
My current work starts off as quick line drawings and is then carved onto lino, inked up and printed. I choose the colours instinctively and I mix them in the moment - that and the nature of block printing makes each print completely unique in colour and texture. However, my creativity ebbs and flows. I try to hone in on the creative moments as much as I can but also push myself when I’m not feeling very inspired because more often than not it will get me started again.
You're a mum of three :) How do you juggle home and work life?
It’s definitely a juggle, especially at the moment. Currently, I look after the children (8, 4 and 15 months) in the day and can sometimes sneak in a product photo shoot or pack some orders when the baby is napping, reply to messages when the kids are playing or do some drawings, but not always! My printing happens in the evenings when the children are in bed. That time alone printmaking re-energises me after the chaos of the day.
Which digital platforms and programmes have helped shape your business?
Instagram has been incredible in connecting with other creatives and leading me onto new paths. Etsy has been really great too - my prints have found homes all over the world which still blows my mind!
What is your best seller and why do you think it is?
From the word go I said I wanted to make one-off, original and affordable pieces. My original lino prints have definitely been the most popular.
Do you have any advice for those looking to start their own business?
Trust your work and don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Having a dedicated space (we converted the garage into a studio) has definitely helped and means I can return to the mess I made the night before which helps with the creative momentum.
What is on the horizon? Any exciting things planned for this year?
More prints, more greeting cards! I would love to have my products in a department store and to see them on walls of beautiful interiors in beautiful interior magazines. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind few months and I’m hoping that magic will carry on.
If you would like to receive 10% off Luiza's beautiful work on Etsy, please use code: URMAGIC at checkout.