Features Industry Profiles
December 6, 2013 •
Sarah Skarda
Sarah Skarda
Glen Ellyn, Ill.
1. When and how did you start working in this business?
I graduated with a degree in graphic design in 2000, and have been designing ever since. I started designing for the corporate world in Chicago and then moved to New York City where I started designing for a stationery company. That is when I realized my passion for paper and the whole stationery world! In 2009, I decided that it was time to branch out on my own and start my own company, Shortpockets. I displayed my products at the 2010 National Stationery Show, which really helped get my business on the map.
2. What is your signature style?
My style is clean, colorful and sweet.
3. What are your most popular stationery offerings?
Notecards and thank you cards. Many of my clients love the diversity of a notecard. There is so much you can do with it; mail a handwritten note, personalize it, write down a recipe on it, etc. It's also refreshing to see that in our technology-driven world, people still value sending out a thank you card in the mail.
4. Please share the direction your line will be taking.
I'm obsessed with patterns right now and love creating them. This year I also started our line of gift tags that I really enjoyed creating. That line will be expanding this year along with more food-driven stationery. My love of cooking and my love of stationery are starting to merge together a bit!
5. What are your top three retail tips for success?
Listen to your clients.
Don't question your creative style or worry about if it “fits” in the industry. Keep creating and try new things.
Work hard and put in the hours!
