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April 14, 2010 •
The Birmingham Bunch
This ‘sweet home in Alabama’ has birthed a bevy of stationery designers.
So, how exactly does one city on the American landscape generate a disproportionately large number of stationery designers? Is it because Birmingham houses the University of Alabama, recently ranked among the top 50 public universities for the eighth consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report? Or because Birmingham is the headquarters for Southern Progress, publishers of Cooking Light, Southern Living and Health, among other publications? Do its many little pockets of restaurants and shops, as well as a thriving art and theater scene, account for it? Or maybe it’s because the median age of its 242,820 inhabitants is 34.3, younger than the national average.
Perhaps all these factors make Birmingham both the largest city in the state and the home base of a startling number of stationery designers. While there’s no guarantee the eight we’ve chosen to highlight are the only locals printing stationery, all of ours do have a national presence — and their own distinctive voice.
Local Color
All are influenced by elements within their locale. “Nature definitely inspires our line,” stated Alan Henderson, co-owner, Night Owl Paper Goods. “I feel lucky to be so close to nature in the middle of the city, and often take my sketchbook to the park near my house to draw.”
“There’s always something green or blooming,” agreed Jennifer Tatham, Henderson’s co-owner cohort. “Camellias, gardenias, daffodils, wisteria … bamboo grows like crazy! Squirrels are fun to observe all year long, and our huge fig tree provides great bird-watching come mid-summer.”
“Personally, I’m a gardener,” explained Prentiss Douthit, owner/designer, Prentiss Douthit. “Being from the South and coming from a family of gardeners, I would say that’s the biggest influence on my work. Southerners have a long tradition of gardening, and gardens are a big part of our social life.”
Stationery product from Birmingham seems to share a certain thoughtfulness, described Patsy Bell Howard, owner/president of the Birmingham invitation and stationery store Village Press. “I believe the reason there are so many people who produce stationery here is they are not in a hurry to produce just anything to put it out there for the market. I believe there is a slow process of thought put into designing a product that people want. Each company is different in what it produces.”
Indeed, while the prevailing notion is that designers thrive in cities with myriad inspirations and resources, some also flourish with a slower pace of life, pointed out Stacy Claire Boyd, president, Stacy Claire Boyd. “For us (and obviously many others) a smaller, more unassuming town, such as Birmingham, offers a relaxed environment where there are fewer creative expectations and a less-stressed way to carve out your own niche.”
Birmingham also combines big-city culture with its low-key, small-town charm, noted Jenny Dixon, partner, Periwinkle Press. “There is a small, but active art community here, (plus) great galleries, music, ballet. All the things a larger city has to offer, just on a smaller scale. (These) really feed into living a creative life, as well as producing creative work.”
This local creative culture also serves as muse for Sonia Davis, founder, Sonia Davis Design. “I feel influenced more by other creatives in Birmingham than anything else. From local artists, to design firms, to the music scene, I think it all plays a subconscious role.”
This diversity also brings a dynamic quality to Paper Belle’s paper creations, said Shana Breeden, owner. “Our office and home is located about 10 minutes away from the city. Our traditional looks come from Birmingham’s small town charm, (while) the modern designs and colors are influenced by the arts and shopping in the city.”
Southern Flavor
The Southern influence cannot be underestimated, Douthit emphasized.
“The longer I live here and the more I travel outside the South, the more I appreciate the richness of this culture. There’s a lack of arrogance here I find very appealing. The more I think about the long history of authors and artists that originated in the South, the more I realize we further define it.”
The age-old idea of Southern hospitality also drives in Birmingham stationery lines, suggested Boyd. “I think the nature of our business goes hand-in-hand with the idea of Southern hospitality — going out of your way to extend a kind word or friendly gesture to someone just to let them know you care.”
Another big part of the South is its traditions, commented Anne Johnson of Sweet Pea Designs. “Birmingham is a city built on traditions. People here love to send Christmas cards, baby announcements and invitations to their parties. They use gift enclosures for their gifts.”
“When we began our company, we were just naturally influenced by these traditions and wanted to provide a new look with a new line of stationery,” added Kim Kreis, Johnson’s co-owner and designer. “That same thinking remains with us today as we continue to design for a new generation.”
The unique joie de vivre of Birmingham celebrations is something that Meredith Roberts, owner of Lipstick Shades, attempts to convey in her line. “Certain occasions in life are celebrated with excitement and exuberance, and we try to reflect that sense of whimsicality in our designs.”
The fact that there is no rigid Southern style helps everyone develop their own voice, Boyd suggested. “Many of the people that drive the creative spirit of this city have their own spin on what it means to be Southern … always looking forward without forgetting to look back.”
“Southerners have a style all their own,” agreed Dixon. “As a group we are known for being friendly and accessible. I think that accessible quality is something that comes through in our design work.”
Most importantly, the living here is easy — and that’s reflected in all Birmingham products, and can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. “Birmingham is such a beautiful community in which to live. Designing stationery here is a pleasure,” Johnson shared. “The weather is fair most of the year. The geography has mountains and valleys. Many beautiful flowers grow well. Fall tends to be very colorful. And the people are friendly and social. So, speaking just for the city itself, there is much in terms of inspiration to draw from in creating our designs.”
