Getting to Know...Alio Prints

Why did you choose to work in crafts?

I have always been a crafter, for as long as I can remember. When I had my children, I couldn’t find anywhere to get beautiful personalised prints made at an affordable price, and so, Alio Prints was born!

Where did you get your ideas for your designs?

Absolutely everywhere! A picture, a view, a nugget of an idea from a customer, the list is endless!

What is the most exciting thing about your job?

I love working on new designs. In particular, I love it when a couple gets in touch with a vague idea of what they want for their perfect wedding stationery, and we can create it for them.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

Trying to control the urge to start a million designs at once! You can get a burst of ideas and the hard part can be ‘putting a pin’ in some of them for a while.

What is the process of creating your designs?

I start with a basic idea of what I want the piece to be all about, and go from there. Some ideas transfer very well to a finished piece, and some take a lot more time to get them just right.

Do you have a favourite piece?

I don’t have a favourite piece, but I have favourite custom pieces I have done. I love being involved in creating a commemorative piece, or something for a big milestone.

Describe your style

That’s a tough one! I use a few different styles, so it’s a bit of everything really! I like to try new things all the time, and find inspiration everywhere.

Who is your favourite designer/brand?

I love anything vintage or shabby chic, and I also love big bold bright colours. I don’t have any favourite designer or brand, it just depends on my mood.

Who is your audience?

Our pieces are for every and any occasion, so, our audience is anyone who appreciates personalised pieces!

What inspires you?

Great artists, music and really motivated and driven people inspire me.

When you get the equivalent of writers block, do you default to any template or design?

I usually tend to go back to the ideas I have ‘put a pin in’ when this happens. For me, starting a few things at once usually helps to focus my mind.

What does your working day look like?

Most of the day to day admin happens during business hours, and the creative part usually starts in the evening time when the stars come out!

Who are three people you admire?

Kate Bush, Eleanor Roosevelt & Andy Warhol

Desert island crafty must-haves?

Craft punches, cardstock, embellishments and a glue gun!

Your proudest achievement?

I have a few! I have done a few custom pieces and the feedback has been amazing. They were bought as gifts, and the recipients were moved to tears. Probably not something I should aspire to do, but to think that a piece can mean so much to someone makes me very proud.