Begin your Animal Crossing New Horizons sticker collection now!

Begin your Animal Crossing New Horizons sticker collection now!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. My Journey as a Graphic Designer
3. From Traditional to Digital Design
4. Discovering the Joy of Drawing on an iPad
5. The Birth of My Etsy Shop
6. Animal Crossing Characters: The Inspiration Behind My First Collection
7. Testing the Waters: Launching My Sticker Collection
8. The Design and Packaging Process
   1. Finding the Perfect Sticker Supplier
   2. Choosing the Right Packaging Materials
   3. Adding Personal Touches to the Packages
9. Branding and Promoting My Etsy Shop
   1. Creating the Perfect Shop Name and Logo
   2. Business Cards and Thank You Notes
10. The Excitement of Making My First Sales
11. The Future of Char's Illustrations

My Journey as a Graphic Designer

As the creator of a successful YouTube channel, I have always been drawn to creativity and design. Graphic design has been a significant part of my life. From studying it in school to pursuing it as a career through college and university, I have honed my skills over the years. While my passion lies in digital design and print, my recent venture into the world of drawing on an iPad has opened up new opportunities for me.

From Traditional to Digital Design

While I appreciate traditional art forms, there is something unique and exciting about digital design. My comfort with software like Photoshop and Illustrator has allowed me to explore various creative avenues. Whether it's creating illustrations, advertising materials, or print designs, I have found my stride in the digital realm.

Discovering the Joy of Drawing on an iPad

During the lockdown period, I decided to invest in an iPad for personal use. Little did I know that it would spark a newfound passion for drawing. The versatility of the iPad and the ease of using apps like Procreate have allowed me to explore my artistic talents in ways I had never imagined. This journey of self-discovery led me to contemplate the possibility of turning my passion into a small business.

The Birth of My Etsy Shop

With a desire to share my designs with the world, I took the plunge and launched my own Etsy shop. While my aim is not solely focused on profit at the moment, I wanted to gauge public interest in my creations. Through my Instagram account, I have been showcasing some of my designs to garner feedback and build a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate my work.

Animal Crossing Characters: The Inspiration Behind My First Collection

Being an avid fan of Animal Crossing, I found inspiration in the adorable characters within the game. Seeing other artists create fan art of these characters motivated me to create my own collection. I started with ten animal crossing characters, hoping to capture their essence and bring them to life in sticker form.

Testing the Waters: Launching My Sticker Collection

As a first step, I decided to create stickers featuring the Animal Crossing characters I had drawn. Stickers, being a popular and affordable choice for many, seemed like the perfect starting point. I opted to release packs of five and ten stickers, priced at 3.99 and 6.99 pounds respectively, offering free UK delivery.

The Design and Packaging Process

Finding the right supplier for my stickers was crucial. After careful research, I chose a supplier that allowed me to order 200 stickers with ten different designs. This allowed me to test the market without investing in expensive equipment upfront.

Packaging was another critical factor in creating a memorable unboxing experience for my customers. I purchased A6 craft envelopes and craft cards, but upon realizing the need for sturdier packaging, I also ordered A6 cardboard-backed mailers. To protect the stickers, I invested in A6-sized cellophane bags. For a personal touch, I included "do not bend" stickers on the envelopes and "thank you" stickers on the cellophane bags.

Branding and Promoting My Etsy Shop

To establish a cohesive brand, I carefully designed a logo that reflected my unique style and showcased the essence of my Etsy shop. Utilizing the elements from the logo, I created business cards, highlighting the name of my shop and my Instagram handle. Additionally, I designed thank you notes, which served as a personalized touch to show my appreciation to customers.

The Excitement of Making My First Sales

On the 6th of July, the day before my birthday, I officially launched my Etsy shop. The response was heartwarming, as I received three sales on my birthday itself. Packaging these orders and sending them out to customers filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Each package was carefully put together, with the stickers protected and adorned with a personal touch.

The Future of Char's Illustrations

While my Etsy shop is in its early stages, I envision expanding my collection and reaching a wider audience. The positive feedback and support I have received so far have fueled my ambition to continue creating unique and engaging designs. Whether it's stickers, prints, or new collections inspired by different themes, the journey of Char's Illustrations is just beginning.