How to find Collaborative Harmony between Brands and Artists -Richard Tillotson

Richard Tillotson successful brand Mungo and Shoddy Cards is reaching 7 years and has published nearly 900 different design offerings! You will recognise his fantastic ranges on Amazon, Paperchase, Card Factory and Moonpig to name a few. Richards designs won two prestigious Henries awards for Tigerprint plus he came 2nd last year with his Mungo and Shoddy brand. Before this, Richard used to write and manage the editorial team in Hallmarks Tigerprint studio. To be able to offer your natural humours voice is one thing, but to switch to a sympathy sentiment message on the same morning whilst writing an uplifting verse for another Marks and Spencer’s demographic is pure talent! Richards designs won two prestigious Henries awards for Tigerprint plus he came 2nd last year with his Mungo and Shoddy brand. We chat about how the business is now working with Mungo and Shoddy’s collaboration with artist Yvonne Robson. These ranges are top sellers reaching no 3 and top 5 on Amazon! Having your own brand is of course great, but having to brief another very different artist's style is a completely different skill, we talk about this and how Yvonne felt working with such an established brand. Richards wife left her job for the NHS to run the business full time alongside parenting two tween daughters a few years ago which of course is huge plus of course this year navigating all of this through lock down! I also want to mention which I think is so inspiring, and very apt for creatives right now is that Richards navigated all of his career without a university degree. Richard's Takeaways- 1.You don’t need a degree! Make sure your portfolio has a strong and varied body of designs. Remember Studios are looking for what they don’t already offer. 2.Sentiment is so important to a card. Make sure it’s given as much thought as the imagery. 3.The freelance world is tough and it’s ok to feel this! It’s a mind game. Confidence is key but it doesn’t define your creativity, it takes inner work. If you’re feeling this too, there’s other ways to freelance. You don’t have to be in a studio waiting to be briefed. 4.Finding your own rhythm is key, you can factor in times for creative thinking and times when you know it will be best for the admin to fit around busy holidays for example. 5.Allow enough creative time when briefing other artists!! 6.Trade shows are another world, reach out to stall holders you admire for advice and tips. You will find most creatives love sharing what’s worked or not for them. 7.Don’t expect instant results at shows or events they are a great place to network. Remember you don’t sow the seed and harvest at the same time. Trade shows are a big investment so research which ones are best fit for your brand. And keep going!  8.Know your customer! Is it the end customer you need to reach  or is it the buyer for a store? They are different! 9.If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with creativity, Why not Have device detox for a week!! You can find all of Mungo and Shoddy’s designs at- Www.Tillovision.com