Sustainable Art: Pepper Peach Illustrations

This month we are featuring one of my favourite stationery shops, and it is also Edinburgh based! Pepper Peach Illustrations uniquely designed items, match perfectly with their aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed, and is run by talented Edinburgh blogger: Emmy Rosam (whose Instagram feed is also well worth a scroll).

Why did you decide to start Pepper Peach Illustrations?

It started before I graduated university. UK Greetings are one of the largest greeting card companies in the UK and I was lucky enough to win a competition they had with YCN/New Now. This project at Uni fuelled my love for card design and illustration. After that collection I posted about it on social media and received such amazing feedback I decided to do it for real and Pepper Peach was born.

How do you ensure your products are sustainable?

All our cards are printed on recycled paper. We are hopefully aiming to have 100% recycled/biodegradable packaging soon too. We reuse all our supplies and only print a limited amount at a time/on demand for wholesale to ensure that we are only putting out there what is needed.

What is your favourite product you’ve made so far?

Any dachshund-themed card we’ve put out there (we’ve had a few!).

Who are some of your favourite sustainable artists or small businesses?

BloomByGraceUK & Sonder are my favourites at the moment. Both amazing girls running small businesses and using sustainable practices. Why do you think sustainability is so important? When I studied Graphic Design at University, we learnt that we only have ten years left of the planet in its current state before the world essentially ends due to the lack of sustainability and climate change. We really need to make better actions and think better for our own future. So many people think they won’t be around to see the effects but it has already begun. I don’t expect anyone to be 100% sustainable but thinking about it and doing a little bit can go a long way.

What inspires your work?

So many different things! Friends, family, current events, other amazing talented illustrators and designers. It has taken me a few years to find my style and my voice.

What do you want to continue the voice on right now?

Mental health is a big one. Reminding friends and family that you are there for them even if you can’t be around them. Talking and staying connected is needed now more than ever.

The theme of this month’s issue is letters, what do letters mean to you?

We are all about letters – both in the form of alphabet/words and actual letters. Our brand was based and created during the idea that you should be able to write to loved ones in a time where you feel so disconnected from the world.

Do you have a favourite letter (from the alphabet) and/or a favourite letter you’ve received in the mail?

We are biased to the letter P (lol)! Our favourite letter in the mail is always the surprise letters from family/friends who have spontaneously decided to write to you. It means so much to know someone out there is thinking of you and it always comes when you need it most.

Where can our readers find you?

Over on Instagram or facebook @pepperpeachillustrations or our website.

Interview by Kirsty Taylor