Creative notecards and paper goods are some of my favorite things, and Wit & Whistle offers just that. All products are designed and illustrated by Amanda Wright and inspired by her love of drawing and her desire to indulge in light-hearted creativity. Take a peek into her workspace and read about her typical work day and more!
When did you start Wit & Whistle and what inspired you to do so?
I started Wit & Whistle in 2009 because my graphic design job at the time wasn't allowing me as much creative freedom as I had hoped for. I really missed working with my hands and drawing. I started making greeting cards on the side, and lo and behold people wanted to buy them!
What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
There are so many rewarding parts, but most of all I love having the freedom to work on whatever I feel passionate about at the moment.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Every morning after breakfast I make a cup of tea and go down to my studio to ship orders, restock, and things like that. I reserve my afternoons for creative pursuits like sketching, brainstorming, photography, writing blog posts, and such.
What was most important for you when setting-up your workspace?
Because my workspace is in our basement, I wanted to make it as light and bright as possible. White furniture and a cluster of paper lanterns over my desk really help chase the dark basement feeling away. I also made sure to keep all my supplies within arm's reach, which makes my work flow as efficient as possible.
What items did you splurge on? Save on?
I don't think I really splurged on anything for my studio. I try to be as thrifty as I can in my work space to avoid cutting into my profits. Most of my office furniture is from Ikea, and my glass-top desk was a hand-me-down from the previous owners of our home. It's huge and heavy, so they left it for me instead of moving it
What is your favorite thing about your workspace?
My absolute favorite thing about my studio is that it's all mine! I can listen to blaring music, make a huge mess and never clean it up, talk to myself in a funny voice, or chase my dogs around the room. I don't have to worry about bothering anyone, and I can do whatever I need to do (however weird) to keep my creative juices flowing.
Is there anything you would change about your workspace? If so, what?
I would love to have more windows in my space. There's something about natural light that really seems to fuel my creativity. A nice high ceiling wouldn't hurt either!
What tips can you share for keeping yourself as efficient as possible?
List making really keeps me on track, since I get an incredible amount of satisfaction from crossing off completed items. I also record how I spend my time using Yast. Time tracking ensures that I won't accidentally waste an hour browsing Pinterest when I should be working!
What tips can you share for balancing work and personal life?
Don't be afraid to say "no". Having time for friends, family, and enjoying life is so important, and this means you can't take on every opportunity that presents itself. Learn to be okay with that!
When not at your desk, you can be found ___ .
Cuddled up on the couch with my dogs and my sketchbook.
