Welcome to my first monthly studio round-up, a little look at what I’ve been making, learning and growing at Polka Dot Teapot Studio.
When I first thought about writing a monthly newsletter, I wasn’t convinced I’d have enough to talk about. Then I started looking back through August… apparently I’ve been quite busy!
There’s been a new planner, finished client work, a website refresh and a new printer that I’m probably more excited about than is entirely reasonable.
And because it wouldn’t really be a letter from me without them, there are a few flowers and an update from Aries too.
This planner started as something I was making for myself, until I realised other small business owners might find it useful too.
Launched in August, the Small Business Marketing Planner is a 132-page workbook to help you organise your ideas, set goals and plan content, emails and campaigns, without trying to do everything at once.
Print it, type into it or make it your own in Canva. And yes, I made it pretty too.
August also saw me finish two product brochures for Ultrimax, bringing together more than 100 pages of products, technical information and guidance across their Paint and Consumables ranges.
There’s something very satisfying about taking a huge amount of information and making it clear, organised and easy to find your way around. The work involved both content development and design, making sure the brochures felt connected while helping readers navigate the different product ranges.
It’s not all fonts and pretty colours over here!I’ve put together a case study with a closer look at the brief, the finished brochures and the thinking behind them.
I finally invested in a new studio printer (she is a beauty!), and it’s opened up some lovely possibilities.
Being able to bring my illustrations to life on paper, test my digital products and photograph the real things makes such a difference. Seeing something on a screen is one thing; holding a finished print is another.
Naturally, it’s also given me several more ideas…
The website has had a little attention too, with a refreshed homepage, clearer service pages and new product photos. All to make it easier to find your way around, explore the shop and see what I can help with.
“Be consistent” is advice you hear everywhere in marketing. But it can be very vague and not particularly helpful, especially when it gets interpreted as “post every single day”.
Because honestly, who has time for that? Your colours, fonts, voice and values all play a part in making your business recognisable. It’s not just about how often you show up, but whether things feel connected when you do.
I wrote a few thoughts about this in August, along with a little infographic about creating recognisable marketing without posting for the sake of it.
The dahlias are having a bit of a moment, and I’m still squeezing a few bouquets out of the garden before autumn takes over. Everything is looking much happier after the recent rain, there’s a little more summer to enjoy yet.
Aries is also appreciating the change in weather. Much better for walks and all-important sniffing. A trip to the dreaded vets was less appreciated. Apparently, that wasn’t the sort of outing he had in mind.
Cooler walks: approved. Vet visits: absolutely not.
Thank you for reading my first little studio round-up!
It’s been lovely to share a bit of everything that goes on here, beyond the finished products and projects. I’m looking forward to the cosy months, with some big projects planned, new products taking shape and plenty of ideas to keep me busy. I’ll share more as it all comes together.
If you’d like the next little letter delivered to your inbox, you can join my mailing list using the sign-up form at the bottom of the website.
Until then, take care and make a little time for whatever makes you happy.
Laura & Aries x
