Typographic Dog Quotes - New Graphic Designs for The Paws

We've been working with The Paws for a couple of years already, and we made tons of surface pattern designs for their dog accessory range. This week we worked on some typography designs for a new range of products. And we couldn't be more pleased with the result.

Typography & Graphic Design was my mayor in Art School. While making logos for clients I can use that love for typography very often but somehow we've not been creating many typograhy designs lately. So it was wonderful creating a series of new designs for one of our favorite customers. We loved playing with type, styles and color. And adding a small illustration here are there.


If you like what you see and need some artwork for your hoodies, shirts or paper goods. if you need any print designs or illustrations for your business you can find more info on our website and get in touch with us there.

Trend alert: Typography monochromes

Some of you might know that typography can make me happy, I have studied graphic designs and typography before I became a printmaker. So seeing typography pop up as a trend makes me go yay! So happy to see this being picked up.

We wanted to feature some of our monochromes for this month’s trend alert. Raw sketches ABC & numbers designs. We have made a series of back to school prints for fabric and also added some typography designs for postcards and iPhone cases in bright popping colors and of course black and whites. Those simple and elegant black and white fabric designs are perfect for gender neutral clothes and home and nursery accessories. And we see an increase in popularity in on our monochrome designs. So come take a look at our collection.

Fabric featured in this post:
Sketch & Type
Spotted dalmatian
ABC Love
Raw Math
Strong Alphabet
Number Love

Back to school // typography designs // special designs for your little ones first day of school

Did you guys know that during my studies I also attended typography classes, where we studied fonts, typographers and got calligraphy lessons? I was studying graphic design & typography on the Royal Art Academy of The hague. Not that it was such a dread, I was a little typophile back in those days i loved smart typography and walking by a Comic Sans sign seriously gave me the chills. It still does! It is that irrational love for typography that get’s me personally offended.

I have written an entire essay about Saul Bass and his typographical movie intro’s, but also about Dutch typographers; about Wim Crouwel, founder of this countries largest graphic design firm. About Piet Zwart and his work for the national postal service. And of course Willem Sandberg, part of the Cobra movement, with his gorgeous print designs. But after my studies I only use all this for simple every day typography tasks we graphic designers do every day, spacing characters on business cards and maybe we get to draw a font for some branding every now and then but that’s about it for me.

So with all this I thought creating a typography inspired theme for our back to school post this year would be fun. Since I create surface patterns I have made several type prints. They never really are hot sellers but our most recent designs, our black and whites and hand drawn designs have been selling pretty well. So here you can see some of the black and whites themes that might be perfect for your back to school gear. Go check out the entire fabric collection on Spoonflower and make some cool back to school fashion for your little ones first day of school.



All designs featured in this post can be found in our Spoonflower online fabric shop where we offer our designs on 16 different textiles and wallpaper. If you have trouble choosing the right fabric for your project check out our Spoonflower frequently asked questions post. And reach out if you need another scale for your project, we are happy to add an extra scale to the shop for you. If you would like to license one of the designs for your business, please send us an email.

Yay it's May // Studio filled with new energy

This post is dedicated to a person that is very dear to me. May always starts with a little knot in my stomach, a trip down memory lane. This year it has been six years ever since my stepfather past away, on the same day as Dutch Momorial day. Right after memorial day the country turns into one big party: Liberation Day.

For me Memorial day will always be a day to remember my stepdad. And every year I buy myself some flowers, he used to bring me those whenever he came over to visit. These flowers remind me to fill my days with joy. Do what I love and bring a fresh energy into the studio. So let's start May by enjoying life to the fullest. Remembering moments we spent with our loved ones and create new ones in this breezy spring air.

Be my valentine // new postcard & print designs // lovely mail

Little Smilemakers designs are available at several postcard and stationary companies all around the world. There is one company in Holland we are working for directly. Kaartje2Go is an online website from which you can send out a postcard to your loved one. You can choose a designs, add images and can even upload text in your own handwriting.

Since social media took over there are not many people sending out postcards anymore but digital mailing services have grown ever since. It is all about that little sweet gesture. Who doesn't want to receive a little note from their loved one with Valentine's Day? I must say it has been a few years, well maybe even 10. Yes, I know how to pick some very unromantic boyfriends (working on that!) Hopefully my Valentine knows how to surprise me this year. No need for a big present. Just a little note is more that enough.

Last year typical red and pink prints were hot sellers. Popular trends this year are minimalistic designs. Basic black and whites with color pops. A more simplistic style related to the Scandinavian trend going on in surface pattern design. But also typography in trending this year. Hand lettering with sweet notes with a little quirky touch. With a background in typography it is always nice to step aside from our daily surface pattern design routine. These hand lettered designs were made in ink and pencil.

So here we are featuring some of this years new trending designs for Valentine. So have your pick, browse around this years most popular postcard designs and send one to your BFF or love of your life. Not sure what to write to your loved one, family member or friend? Hallmark has come up with a series of sentences if you lack inspiration or don't know what message is appropriate. So if you do not know what to write check out Hallmark's blogpost about what to write to your valentine this year.

Top 5 // Most popular Little Smilemakers Christmas gifts 2014

With Christmas just one week away it is time to enjoy some last minute Christmas shopping. This winter lot's of Little Smilemakers projects are finally finished and available in shops around the world. After a very busy summer we are now able to see the result. Fun nursery bed linnen, home wear, new storage boxes. For this year we have hand picked our Top 5 favorite Christmas presents.



1 // Fabric for DIY addicts
With new trends and designs added each month Spoonflower is the number one place to shop for your DIY friends. We just added another 30 designs in our Little Smilemakers Spoonflower shop. We have new winter and kids themes, abstract geometric designs and some quirky pastel ones. But if you'd like to start with some new Spring/Summer projects for your small business you can also purchase your fabric here. Take a look around and enjoy!

2 // Home Decor
It is always a blast to work on home decor projects. Wallpaper, storage boxes, family planners and stationary, it is what we love most here. Being part of someone's interior. If you are looking for some Little Smilemakers Studio originals take a look into the Society6 shop. With these fun pillows you can give your living room a little extra character and if you want to change colors and restyle your home they are easy to integrate and add for a quirky personal touch.

3 // Personalize your phone
It has been a year since we started working for Daily Objects. As you might know Maaike is a great fan of India and when she was asked to make an entire range of designs for this new rapidly growing company she was excited to add her Indian designs to their collection of designs. Now more than 200 designs are available on Daily Object's website. Take a look around, there must be something suitable for your friends and family in there.

4 // Sewing supplies and fashion accessories
This year another fall/winter collection by Maaike Boot is available in Veritas shops. If you are located in Belgium or Netherlands you can order the entire range online. Sewing supplies like fabric and sewing storage boxes are part of this year's design series but also fashion accessories: bags, scarfs, undies and cosy home wear. A completely new collection is out now. But be quick! There is not much left!

5 // Tickets to the unknown
Book two tickets to a place you have never been and go explore the world with your bestie or loved one. It is better to invest money in experiences then stuff. Get out of you comfort zone!

Saying goodbye // celebrating life // make it count

Today I got some sad news: a dear friend of ours has past away this morning. He touched the lives of so many people all around the world. These prints were inspired by your kind heart and your fight for what is right. Safe travels to the rainbows my dear friend.

New iphone case designs // modern typography & bright neon photography

Working on some new typography iphone case designs. Transforming travel photography into new artwork. These are some drafts. I love hand lettering so I am amusing myself making new ones. What do you think?

Sweet fox & typography nursery poster series // a giant leap to yellow

What do you think of the Minty & Sunflower color scheme? Ever since I was a little girl I skipped using yellow crayons, pencils and paint. I just have this weird aversion against this color of the happy. Never wanted it in my kindergarten drawings or in my home and never used it in my design work. Not sure why but somehow, somewhere along the way this year yellow was introduced into my designs. Right now I am actually embracing the color and enjoying the warmer shades. And yes, working with yellow! What do you think of this color combo? I am getting to terms with this color. Maybe in a while (taking baby steps here) I will do an entire collection. Some day...

> 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

Ready for some serious Christmas shopping | Free shipping & ..... extra discount in this post!

Good news! With this following link you can enjoy free shipping and another extra $5 off your Society6 Little Smilemakers Studio purchase. So if you still have some serious shopping to do for the holidays, check out all new typography, photography, mixed media art and illustrated patterns in the shop! New pillow, tota bags, iphone cases and ipad cases are now available. Which of these following prints do you like most?

> Typography and photography travel inspired art | christmas presents | Little Smilemakers online shop

It is that time of the year again! Decorating the house for the winter season and it's holidays. A while ago I was working on some travel inspired postcards. Designs containing both photography and typography. All telling their own personal story of a country, a culture or a moment. If you are a travel addict yourself or if you are just looking around the internet for a fun christmas present, check out all travel inspired artwork that is available now at society6. Place your order before cyber monday and enjoy free worldwide shipping.

Available on: iphone case, ipad case, laptop skin, tote bag, baby onsie, t-shirts and pillows for your home. Enjoy shopping for the holidays!

> Travel typography & typography designs | only for one of the best...

Some new typography designs are coming. I have been working on a new project for which I was able to make more typography related designs. Also I was able to include some of my travel images. One of my passions: photography. I would love to see my travel series in shops. I can not say much about the entire thing yet but it will be an amazing road ahead with the company for.

> New fashion girls illustration series | new postcard designs

After working for a new fashion retail company this week I was inspired to make some new postcard designs for girls. Hand drawn portrait sketches with geometric detailing and little cute messages for your BFF. The new fashion girl series will be available in the online shop from January. I will keep your posted!

> New typography inspiration | mindfulness inspiration | prints & postcards

For Diana van Gelder Yoga & Meditaion i have designed a series of flyers, posters and prints for a new season of mindfulness on the beach. After finishing i have started working on some new typographic inspiration for online post cards and prints. Here you can see a little peek of the mindful series i have created after some meditation this week.

> World travel | mindful typography | online postcards | Kaartje2Go

There is nothing more special than receiving a postcard from family or a loved one when you least expect it. Old & new typography designs from Little Smilemakers Studio are now available online at Kaartje2Go. If you would like to send your friend or loved one a small inspirational message take look around and pick your favorite quote to send out.

> Happy new spring | new beginnings | happy holi | Amazing festival of colors

Every year hundreds of thousands of Hindus celebrate the Holi festival. The festival celebrates the beginning of spring. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying goodbye to the cold winter season. The Holi festival is celebrated all over the world. Here in The Hague, where Little Smilemakers Studio is situated, but to experience Holi festival in India is pure magic.

Bright colored powder are traditionally made from health improving ingredients. The change of weather is believed to cause fever and cold. Throwing traditionally made natural Ayurvedic colored powders have a medicinal significance. This featured postcard shows an abstract photograph i made during the Holi festival while traveling through India a few years ago. A magic few days.

For more impressions of India during this amazing festival of colors visit: http://www.facebook.com/LittleSmilemakersStudio

> Finished project | New collection of illustrations | spring & easter 2013

I have been designing quite a few themes for Kaartje2Go already. For party invitations, christmas, new years and Valentines Day for instance. This week I have finished some new illustrations and photo frames and borders for Kaartje2Go for spring and easter. Cute spring animals, easter eggs, typography badges, fruit and garden illustrations in both bright colors and pastels. All illustrations and frames are now available online for Kaartje2Go customers.

by Maaike Boot - Little Smilemakers Studio

> Back to business | Little Smilemakers Studio sends you all the best for another creative joyful year!

We have said goodbye to a productive 2012 and are starting the new year with a big pile of awesome plans. Hopefully you will be with us during this journey, making 2013 a year of crazy awesome graphics, unforgettable joyful patterns and lots of inspiration. Let's start creating the new year!

Lot's of projects are to be finished and we're looking forward seeing the final results of a creative 2012. Storage boxes, fashionable lingerie, new series of adorable diapers, new stationary. We'll keep you posted!

> Little Smilemakers interview & postcards

Kaartje2Go had updated their blog with a new designer interview. Read the interview and check out all new postcards and designs! This week it was my turn to get some extra attention. TNX Kaartje2Go!My interview with Kaartje2Go was finished today. Here is a piece of it. All Dutch for now.

Wie ben je? Maaike Boot, grafisch ontwerper, patroon ontwerper en eigenaar Little Smilemakers Studio

Waar kom je vandaan? Ik ben geboren in Breda woon nu vijf jaar in Den Haag.

Welke opleiding(en) heb je gevolgd? Na de middelbare school ben ik naar het Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam gegaan. Heerlijk was dat! Al die creatieve mensen om me heen! Na die studie ben ik meteen gaan werken bij een ontwerpbureau. Daarnaast deed ik de avondopleiding grafisch ontwerp en typografie aan de Koninklijke academie van Beeldende Kunsten in Den Haag. Sinds een jaar heb ik mijn Little Smilemakers Studio en ben ik ook werkzaam voor Kaartje2Go.

Wat doe je het liefst in je vrije tijd? Ik hou van fotograferen, lezen, dansen, yoga, een goede tentoonstelling bezoeken, (cheesecake) eten met vriendinnen en mooie reizen maken.

Hoe ben je op de naam ‘Designalicious’ gekomen? Die naam gaat al een tijdje mee. Tijdens mijn studie moesten we als opdracht onszelf ‘branden.’ Huisstijl ontwerpen, website maken maar ook onszelf als ‘brand’ presenteren naar de buitenwereld. Ik vond mijn eigen naam toch net iets te Hollands deze naam leek helder en duidelijk. Na deze opdracht is designalicious als naam een eigen leven gaan leiden. Voor al mijn online werk via websites gebruik ik deze naam. Het fungeert nu een beetje als ‘dochter’ van Little Smilemakers Studio.

Hoe / waarmee ontwerp je? Een ontwerp begint met een schets op papier, meestal met een zwarte pen of marker. Soms werk ik iets verder uit op papier, met kleur of papierknipsels, en soms vertaal ik mijn schets direct naar een digitaal bestand. Hiervoor gebruik ik Illustrator en Photoshop.

Waardoor raak je geïnspireerd? Ik hou van reizen. Het verandert je perspectief en geeft me elke keer weer een dikke dosis nieuwe energie en inspiratie! Deze inspiratie vertaal ik vaak door in mijn werk. In veel van mijn patronen is duidelijk een thema terug te vinden. Zo maakte ik na mijn reis naar India een Rickshaw patroon voor Spoonflower. Elke keer als ik dat patroon weer zie ben ik weer heel even terug in die chaos van kleur, geluid en geur. Maar inspiratie haal ik ook uit kleine dingen. Een drukke markt, een bont gezelschap aan mensen, een fijne tentoonstelling, het perspectief van een kind. Inspiratie is overal!

Luister je naar muziek als je ontwerpt? Zo ja, naar wat luister je? Bebop jazz, Bossa Nova, Salsa en af en toe Reggae.

Wat is de leukste opdracht die je gehad hebt? Patronen maken voor recyclebare luiers. Van het concept alleen werd ik al helemaal blij. We kopen in Nederland massaal pampers, die zorgen voor een aardige berg afval. Deze luiers zijn uitwasbaar en hebben losse binnenbroekjes die gewoon in de kookwas kunnen. Het was zo leuk om die kleine spruiten in mijn ontwerpen buiten te zie dartelen (meer info).

Wat hoop je nog te bereiken als designer? Elke dag met fijne klanten samenwerken om mooie opdrachten te realiseren. Dat doe ik nu en dat hoop ik nog heel lang te kunnen doen.

Tot slot, wat is jouw favoriete kaart uit je eigen collectie? Ik ben nooit zo goed in het kiezen van een favoriet. Dat verschilt bij mij namelijk dagelijks! Een kaartje dat ik recent heb toegevoegd aan de collectie vind ik wel erg leuk. Een vrolijk geboortekaartje voor jongens met een retro tintje.