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PG Live Newbies
Once upon a time... Everybody has a story to tell, and the greeting card industry is well blessed with some real humdingers of how the plot of life has brought people into this trade. With next month’s Progressive Greetings Live (June 7-8, at London’s Business Design Centre) seeing a whole array of publishers making their debut at the show in the Springboard area, PG was all ears to hear chapter and verse from some of these PG Live newbies.
Oliver Stockley, founder and creator of Oliver Stockley Your plotline: “My career in greeting cards emerged out of really difficult circumstances. Back in 2015, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that left me stuck at home and unable to work. One of the few things I was able to do without becoming more unwell was draw - so I drew, and drew, and drew. Given my illness, I could only draw bitesized things, and wanted to draw subjects that made me happy. So, I drew bunnies, cats and dogs. Adorable, smiley, happy animals. A few years later, when I was well enough to start working again, I thought to myself: I love drawing, and I’ve always loved giving handmade greeting cards to those I care about. So, I put my designs on cards, started selling them, and haven’t looked back since. The greeting card industry is such a joyful, collaborative place, and I’m so happy to be a part of it. PG Live is a celebration of all of that, so I can’t wait to be there and meet more of the amazing people who make the industry the special place that it is.” Above right: A trio of Oliver Stockley everyday designs. Far right: Some festive dressing up, Oliver Stockley style. Right: An adverse situation prompted Oliver to progress his creative talents into greeting cards.
Inset: PG Live is all set to be a right riveting ‘read’!
Why cards? “I want to create objects that make people smile. Cards are perfect for that: they’re a small slice of joy, gifted from one person to another. They represent the connection between those two people. That’s so special, and something you just don’t get with any other product.” Your PG Live page turning launches: “I’ll be exhibiting a small but mighty collection of adorable animal cards that I’ve been refining for several years now. Each of my card designs starts with a detailed fine line pen drawing, lending them a fine art quality. They’re printed on beautifully textured board and coupled with a premium recycled envelope, giving them a luxury feel at an attractive price point. I’m so excited to share them at the show.” The happy ending: “I hope to make some wonderful new connections. Having previously been based in Canada, I’m very new to the UK greeting card community, and am so excited to be taking part in a show that’s such a central part of the events calendar here.” l Oliver Stockley can be found in the Springboard section of PG Live on Stand 812 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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