Paper Nerd readers know that nothing tickles my fancy like discovering a fresh new brand at Market — and then seeing it grow before my eyes, both online and at subsequent Markets. If I’m really lucky, the maker becomes a friend too over time. That’s definitely been the case with Becca Gore, founder of Drawn Goods.
Rebecca’s frothy pink corner booth at Atlanta Market this past January was definitely the biggest booth I’d seen her in yet — and clearly by the time I snapped the below shots, I was nerding out bigtime (for obvious reasons). Shortly after that Market, I had Anthropologie Specialty Buyer Sally Diguette on The Paper Fold, and wasn’t even a little surprised when Sally mentioned Drawn Goods as one of her stationery Atlanta Market faves. There is just something light, airy and fun (not to mention delicious!) happening here, yet this Chicago range still retains an honest, unexpectedly warm and rather of-the-moment vibe to meet every last modern messaging need. [Warning: naughty words and a few mature themes follow!]
Becca kindly answered a few questions about her work and brand origins.
SS: Your brand feels so fresh to me, but in your logo, you tip your hat to your grandfather Morrie Gore’s Chicago biz in the 50s + 60s: Gore Supply Company. Can you speak to how growing up with the shadow of that biz informs yours (other than honoring the logo design, of course)?
BG: I never met my grandfather Morrie Gore, but the vivid stories told to me of his life and values make me feel like I did. Both my grandfathers were the most hardworking of men, supporting their families as best they could, allowing their children to pursue their creative dreams. So when I was opening Drawn Goods I took inspiration from their hard work and entrepreneurship and do my best to model myself off of them.
SS: You describe your work as sharing joy through playful imagery — which it certainly does! — but often there is certain contrast between the bright cheeriness of your imagery and the snark of your copy. I am curious if that balance is intentional? How do you know when you have hit your brand sweet spot?
BG: Hitting the brand sweet spot is tricky, and I’m not sure I KNOW or if I just happen to iterate a million times to get there once in a while. It is definitely intentional to balance the joy with snark. I think it feels genuine and real and most like me.
SS: Your subject matter spans celebrity takes to plenty of food, with a lot of all-round strong imagery in between. When you are creating new work, what tends to inspire you?
BG: Food was for sure the initial inspiration for Drawn Goods and still remains to be the biggest driver. But with a growing audience I saw an opportunity to make silly puns with other designs like sports, and clothes, and celebrities. I think that it really is about what hits that clever funny bone that drives me the most.
SS: Do you have a favorite card from your range? Why?
BG: My favorite changes often. I tend to have a top favorite of each new group I design, and then a sentimental favorite, and a familial favorite. My first ever wholesale card is also my long time favorite: “I love you like I love bread.”
But anything with a bagel on it feels very much a favorite because that’s how I started the brand.
And my newest favorite is very niche and specific but, “I’m sorry you’re going through this but, no I don’t think you should get bangs.”
SS: What are you currently working on?
BG: I’m currently expanding the keychain collection. The items that shake and have sparkle are so fun and interactive that I can’t stop! I’m also going to be launching gift wrap next trade show season.
SS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with Paper Nerd readers?
BG: I just want to say that I am the luckiest person because of my job and my clients, and all the support of the paper nerds. Not just because I get to make my living in this super fun and fulfilling way, but because the friendships and kindness I have found in the community are unmatched.
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Same, Becca, same! Thank you for letting me pick that oh-so-creative brain of yours. With so many categories, from cards to stickers to gift bags to mugs to ornaments, paper nerds in the wild can start their shop here — and tell your local stationery shop to stock this all-American, female-owned brand if they are not already!
Speaking of which, those in the trade, don’t miss shop Drawn Goods IRL this summer at Atlanta Market and NY Now, and 24/7 on Faire.
