3 Must-Reads for starting up your design business

This month it will be three years ago since I started Little Smilemakers Studio. I have studies and read numerous books and magazines to stay up to date about social media and making my living doing what I love. There are three books that have helped me with the little bugs and errors that come with setting up your own independent creative business. I was lucky to have had 7 years of experience before starting my company so I already had a clear view of what I wanted and especially what I didn't want. But there is no way to oversee it all. There three books have been a great addition.

1 // Mollie Makes Blogging
This is not a book but a magazine all about blogging, social media and how to deal with creative content online. The magazine has great tips for transforming your blog and website into a great visual experience for followers, simple tools to keep in mind while posting content and it has a great overview of all social media pro's and con's. Find out what works best for you and build your creative blog with a steady foundation.



2 // Handboek voor het opzetten van een ontwerp praktijk
I already bought this book before starting my own business. It is a good preparation for what is to come when you do not have a lot of experience in design practice. This book contains all practicalities you will have to worry about while setting up a new business. How to attract clients and how to deal with contracts and numbers. The guide to start your own design business. The book is only available in Dutch.

3 // Art Inc
A guide for building your career as an artist and was written by Lisa Congdon, created by her own experience as an artist. This book is all about turning your skills into a successful business. The book has some great tips about dealing with irregular income, protecting copyright and you can also learn about promoting your artwork, work with creative galleries and selling your art.

Hello Miss Tooth Fairy | Free printable postcard design for little toothless girls

Yes, another printable! We have had so many great reactions on the first one so here is another fun free printable. This time we have made a cute little Miss Tooth Fairy card for your little girl. Let your little girl communicate with her Tooth Fairy. Send the fairy some love and explain what to do with the tooth, maybe your girl had a special wish or use it as Tooth Fairy to send send a short message to your toothless little girl. Just click on the image to download the full size design. Have fun!

artwork is prohibited for commercial use

> Happy spring & a quirky easter | Free printable poster and wrapping paper

We have been working on some seasonal themes. Easter is around the corner so we have decided to to put up these two cute free* printables on the blog for your easter home. You can frame, print your own little postcard, or make some cute little wrapping paper with it. Click on the image and download these cute sprint poster print designs for your own wall. Don't forget to send post a picture on our Little Smilemakers Studio facebook page when they are up!

artwork is prohibited for commercial use

> Merry christmas to you all

Those days before christmas. Shopping presents for friend or family, finishing the last projects of 2013. Busy days. Just two more to go before closing up for christmas. I hope you will all have an amazing holiday filled with love and cheer. Thank you all for your kinds wishes and postcards.

Best of luck to you all,
Maaike Boot

> New designs baby nursery textiles

New designs are up in the La Millou webshop. Have you seen the new Paris hipster design already? I love the combination of crisp black illustrations and silhouettes with pastel detailing and little pieces of typography. Who doesn't love this pearl of love? Which of these three designs do you prefer?

> New retro fabric & wallpaper collection for kids | Spoonflower fall / winter collection

This past month we have been working on a new collection fabric and wallpaper. Over a hundered Little Smilemaker Studio designs are now for sale on fabric, wallpaper and gift wrapping paper. A large series of abstract retro designs, christmas and holiday themes, hipster illustrations and of course new stuff for little peeps, so crafty mommy, be aware! What do you think of the new kids and baby nursery collection?

CHECK OUT ALL FABRIC & WALLPAPER HERE!

> Amsterdam Holland doodle pattern | on fabric & wallpaper

If I am a typical Dutch designer is for you to decide. Maybe the clean shapes and white background is typically Dutch. I am not sure. I let myself get inspired by the world and even though I am located in The Hague, Holland, most of my artwork is about my trips and travels around the world. After getting many requests ('please, make more Dutch designs') I decided it was about time to dedicate some time to creating something typically Dutch. Hopefully you will enjoy these Bicycle and Amsterdam designs.