Happy New Year, nerds! For me, a fresh new year means fresh new brands to discover and enjoy — and it’s my distinct pleasure to introduce one of the brightest new stars under the stationery sun, literally coming into the world today. Meet Barone & Co.!
This all-American, woman-owned house of paper is the brainchild of Vicky Barone — and if her work seems slightly familiar and already incredibly polished, that’s because for roughly the last quarter century, this self-taught graphic designer has quietly licensed her work for brands like American Greetings, regularly appearing on the shelves of high-profile shopping venues like Target and World Market.
With Barone & Co. however, Vicky and her dynamic work (and words!) come front and center where they belong with her at the helm as founder and creative director. Vicky made the time to take a few questions from me below.
SS: Having licensed your work to several big card brands for many years, you are not new to the greeting card world. However, your range, Barone & Co., officially comes to life today, January 2! How do you define your brand’s mission? Your overall vibe?
VB: Barone & Co.’s mission is to design card collections and products that celebrate the human heart and inspire connection between you & your people.
Our vision statement is: We believe the best cards feel like paper hugs — crafted to commemorate, celebrate, and connect you & your favorite people. Our brand is wholehearted and unapologetically fun —because life’s too short to be so serious. Our products are current yet timeless, relatable yet specific, and always sustainably produced with our planet in mind.
Our overall vibe is modern, timeless, relatable, humorous, heartfelt, colorful, thoughtful, witty, design-forward and fun.
SS: From conception to printed samples in your hands, how long did it take to bring your brand to life?
VB: The overall concepts and editorial are 25 years in the making — pulling from all of my experience developing content for mass retails. However, it took the better part of a year to curate, redesign and balance a cohesive collection from my body of work.
SS: Do you have a favorite design and why?
VB: As a creative human, I’m pretty fickle so my favorite designs change from day to day. Since the collection includes a wide variety of voices, techniques and styles, it’s really hard to pick a favorite.
SS: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
VB: It’s been difficult to curate the collection from literally thousands of concepts and designs, so we plan to release new ones on a regular basis to continue to expand the offering.
SS: What has been your biggest win so far?
VB: Developing relationships and networking with the absolutely wonderful community of people within the industry.
SS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with Paper Nerd readers?
Maybe just a little inspiration behind my work in general: I’m set on savoring life’s sentimental moments and making the world a kinder place.
My artwork inspires more connection, humor, and play for you & those you love. Because when we feel seen and celebrated — it’s even easier to see and celebrate those around us.
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The world really needs us all to slow down, show up and be kind just now, and this brilliant new range seems to remind us to do just that with every last design. Shop Barone & Co. on its brand spanking new site, where wholesale orders can also be placed. Check out its gorgeous new catalog here, and Barone & Co. is also on Faire of course. Whether you are in trade or a paper nerd in the wild, follow Vicky’s ever-inspiring IG feed here, and be sure to sign up for her newsletter through her site footer or pop-up so you can keep up with the latest marvelous releases and sales.
Finally, Barone & Co. will be making its market debut in a few short weeks at Atlanta Market. Shop it IRL at B3-4-2200. Be sure to tell Vicky that Sarah sent you!
