Designer Q&A: The Great Lakes Goods
“There is nothing better than getting mail that isn’t junk.”
We sat down with Rose Lazar of The Great Lakes Goods and asked her a few questions about how she got started and where she see the future of letter-writing heading. Be sure to check out the rest of our Designer Q&As after this.
Write_On: Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what drew you to design cards and stationery?
Rose: My name is Rose Lazar and I'm the founder of The Great Lakes Goods. I'm a printmaker by trade and when I was starting to think about a great way to make prints and connect with people, stationery seemed like a natural fit. I always think about the card design as being made for someone specific. Whether it's for a friend or family member or in reaction to something I've seen or heard, they feel like their made with someone in mind.
Write_On: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Rose: My design aesthetic is influenced by the 60's arts and crafts movement. It's important to me to see the hand in everything that I make.
Write_On: How do you use your designs to inspire people to connect in writing?
Rose: Each time I make a new card design, I hope that people feel the touch of sentimentality in each design. And thru that it reminds them of someone the card is perfect for. Whenever I get the opportunity to do craft or trade shows, I love seeing how people react to the cards as they realize it's perfect for someone that they know.
Write_On: What does your process look like for creating a new card or stationery design?
Rose: I print all of the cards by hand using the process of screen printing. So, every design starts as a black and white drawing that I do by hand. The color comes through the process of printing them.
Write_On: How have hand-written letters shaped your life and relationships?
Rose: When I was really young, I had a grade school teacher that I loved who was leaving school to become a nun. She was going to Italy and travel throughout Europe and before she left she suggested we become penpals. I was 7 years old and loved every minute of it. My mom would take me to buy letter writing paper and supplies and nothing made me happier. And then every few months I'd get these letters and postcards with fantastic postage stamps and know that it had come from somewhere far away. It inspired me to always write letters or send cards for any occasion.
Write_On: What do you find most difficult about writing a letter?
Rose: Being ok with having nothing to say! Just sending a note to say hi can make someone's day.
Write_On: What does your letter-writing practice look like?
Rose: It's very spur of the moment. I'm always in my studio so there's plenty of supplies around to decorate envelopes and such. But, I never send my own cards. I always send fellow designers and friends cards that I love.
Write_On: Modern times have made digital correspondence increasingly available and convenient. Why is it important for people to send handwritten cards and letters?
Rose: There is nothing better than getting mail that isn't junk.
Write_On: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about letter-writing?
Rose: I don't know if I've received advice about it! I've always just done it so, sometimes people expect a card. And often they're late ;)
Write_On: What’s the next letter you’re planning to write?
Rose: Gotta put some special notes and things together for all those special moms in my life.
