This collection launches July 24th at 10am Mountain Time. Sign up for our newsletter here to receive a notification straight to your email!
We at Wunderkin are so excited to be working with illustrator Erin McManness of Paper Raven Co. once again. We had the pleasure of working with Erin last spring on a capsule of lush flower printed bows and couldn't wait to work with her once again.
Our new 2018 collaboration of wildflower inspired bows are the perfect floral compliment to our "Ode to Summer" seasonal collection of plaids, solid double gauze, and colorful linen. We had the opportunity to do a little interview with Erin to learn more about her inspiration behind this collection and her talent that translates so perfectly to Wunderkin's hopes to encourage confidence and curiosity in young girls everywhere!
What inspired this collection?
This collection was inspired by fields of early summer wildflowers. Wildflowers are incredible in their variety and in their resilience; they require no one’s permission to bloom, and can grow just about anywhere. I wanted to celebrate those qualities in this collection, with pretty, colorful illustrations.
How did you get started as an illustrator?
I received my Masters Degree in Illustration in 2014, and went full-time creative entrepreneur in 2015. I started by working hard on my brand while day-jobbing for others, building an online presence behind the scenes. I drew daily in my sketchbook and gave myself projects to build my portfolio. I love working as a full-time illustrator!
Do you have a favorite print in this collection? What print do you think translates best to a bow?
I’m basically in love with the Summer Picnic bow! I love all of the pink tones. The bow I am most surprised by is the Mint bow - the teal and blue tones are so rich and beautiful.
What inspires your work on a daily basis?
I live in Atlanta, “The City in the Trees”. We have so much natural beauty here in Georgia, it’s hard not to be inspired in the spring and summer months. I am also very much inspired by folk art, symmetry, and vintage prints.
If you could create from any place in the world, from where would you create?
Honestly, the beach or some body of water. This summer, I have been dreaming endlessly of a tropical vacation, but I’m afraid the closest I’m going to get is a baby pool in my backyard!
What would be your dream illustration project to work on?
I would love to work on a Home Collection for Anthropologie. Perhaps some lovely bedding or tea towels.
What words of advice to have for young creators like yourself?
When you’re just starting, work hard while the fire is hot. Be true to yourself and your point of view, don’t take too much inspiration from others. Make work for fun, give yourself space, and get outside as much as you can!
