Who are you/what do you do?
I’m Lynn! Owner of Lynn Doodles. I’m an illustrative designer from Lanarkshire and I run a monthly enamel pin club.
Is there a story behind the name (if it's not your own?)
The story is a simple one. My name is Lynn, and I doodle!
How old is the business and how did you get started?
I have been freelancing for too many years to count but I started Lynn Doodles in 2019. It started out as an outlet to work on my own personal illustration style as for many years when freelancing and working for some fab companies I became a bit of a chameleon and this seemed like the best place to start to find a style that represented me.
I would say my style was bold, fun, and colourful… almost cartoony.
Who/what/where inspires you?
Anything that makes me smile. Usually childhood memories, places I’ve been, food I’ve eaten. Anything that sparks that little bit of nostalgia. That feeling is what I try and capture in my work.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly… I used to say I wanted to be paid to doodle! I started out wanting to be an art/design teacher which I may circle back to eventually!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Just enjoy and be content where you’re at in life and don’t keep looking to the future as some kind of destination. There are ups and downs at every stage.
How did you learn your craft?
I’ve got a few qualifications in fine art, illustration and digital art but I didn’t really start learning how to use my skill to make money until I got my first design job. I’ve been very fortunate to work with product based companies that encouraged me to learn the full product design process and the budget that you have to consider when it comes to selling them.
What do you do on your days off?
I can't remember! (Haha) I spend time with my family on my days off and with that comes ignoring my phone so I can be as fully present as I can. Going out for dinner is my own personal fave though.
Biggest highlight or achievement to date?
Personal achievement would be my kids. Work wise I don’t I have one stand out highlight, but I always love seeing my products out in the wild and being able to say “I did that!”. I also feel that the day my subscription business became profitable was a big achievement and it meant that I was doing something right! You can’t beat getting a good review as well, when you know you have made someone happy it reminds you thats what it's all about.
So much to do, so little time! Frequently I have to take a little step back and work out how much time I have and how I should use it. Sometimes that means I have to cut back on what I want to set out to do. With that comes clarity and focus so for me it can be a good thing. It is what lead me to adapt to a subscription / preorder business model as it was the best way to manage my time.
What sparks joy in what you do?
Knowing that once a month I send out a little happy post amongst the dreary utility bills and if it gives someone a wee smile, that's what sparks joy for me.
Dream stockists/brand to collaborate with?
I’d love to be a featured Papergang artist.
Any lessons you'd pass on?
It's the most boring bit but keep on top of your finances and budget, especially that profit margin which can change frequently!
What's next for you and your business?
I’m actually reducing my product offering to fully focus on Pin Club. The more that grows, the more I can add in to it. Eventually adding stationery and paper products.
Find Lynn Doodles:
Instagram: @lynn_doodles
Facebook: lynndoodles1
Website: lynndoodles.co.uk
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