Lucy Maggie Designs is a stationery business based in Liverpool, UK, specialising in colourful greetings cards with a playful edge. Lucy's designs are inspired by current trends, popular culture and are full of colour and fun!

We were lucky enough to catch up with Lucy and talk all things greetings cards and discuss what a day in the life of her 'isolation inspiration station' looks like. If you are looking to put a smile on someone's face during these uncertain times, Lucy's cards will do just the trick!

We would love to know about who is behind the Lucy Maggie cards, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Lucy, illustrator behind Lucy Maggie Designs. I've been making greetings cards for about 5 years now. I have no idea what I am doing most of the time, but enjoying winging it as I go! 

What made you want to start your own range of cards?

Unemployment! Haha. I have always been a keen illustrator, having studied Art and Design at college and then going on to study illustration at University. It was a bit of a stint after quitting my job and travelling that made me get back into it. I mean, REALLY get back into it. Having all that time on your hands can make or break a person (as I am sure many of you are finding out!) I was painting and drawing as a way to keep myself occupied, but then thought, "Hey, maybe you can make something out of this!"
I did end up getting another job in marketing, where I still actually work now, but the card business has continued to grow 'on the side' (Though these days it feels like an extra portion) and I am so proud of to have got to where I am today.

Do you follow any accounts that inspires you or influences your style?

There are LOADS of designers who are utterly inspirational; sometimes I find it hard not to compare myself to them, or evaluate my business against their success. I would love to be as funny as Rosie Made a Thing, as relevant as Rumble Cards, or as quirky as Foggish, but we are all different, and that's what makes the world exciting!  

We have all found ourselves in some unfamiliar circumstances, but we love seeing everyone’s Isolation Inspiration Station… What is your isolation essential?

Is it unprofessional to say wine?! My iPad Pro, which I use for designing, and 'my' Netflix account (thanks Owen!) are absolute lifesavers right now. Also finding it essential to make the most of that daily exercise allocation - I have taken to extended jogs around Sefton Park and its really helping me refocus my energy. 

Do you have any tips for those working from home for the first time?

I was actually working from home 2-3 days a week before everything got all crazy. Get up, shower, BRUSH YOUR TEETH, and put on a fresh set of clothes (even if that's just some clean pyjamas). It'll help get you in the work zone. Don't work where you relax: avoid setting up your workstation in your bedroom or kitchen, if that's where you spend time. You need to feel like you've gone to work, or everything blurs into one and you go crazy. Take your full lunch break, and don't just watch TV. TV is one of the things that really aren’t going anywhere right now, and Netflix is finite.

What is your favourite series to watch at the moment?

I'm on Better Call Saul at the moment; having binged watched everything else there is to watch. Sex Education was one of the best series I've seen lately - easy to watch, uplifting and relatable. 

Is there anything that you have seen/ heard recently that has really cheered you up during this time?

That global pollution rates are falling. It's a really s**t time, but that's one positive we can all take from this and maybe even learn something from? I have also been sent some top class isolation videos by friends and family. It's the little things... 

And Finally, have you ever received any good advice or words to live by that has stuck with you?

Currently: stay at home. My dad is in the NHS and it really does make a difference, so I can't stress that enough. On a general life level: don't try to be someone you're not, embrace your strengths and don't compare yourself to other people and always do your best to help animals!

Have you seen something you like? Shop our greetings cards here

Time for more? In Conversation With Lucy From Creighton's | In Conversation with Caz from Lovely Skincare | In Conversation with Nicole from Native 21