Meet Juliet Jackman
Illustrator
Juliet Jackman is a fashion illustration company that produces bespoke hand drawn designs inspired by the style of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
Founded by Juliet in December 2010, the South London based company’s designs can be found on limited edition greeting cards, prints and posters.
Juliet Jackman is poised to launch a luxury wedding card range later this year.
Why did you decide to start your business?
I completed a fashion illustration course a couple of years ago which was fantastic and made me realise how much I enjoyed drawing.
Thinking back I remember keeping a folder that included cuttings of fashion illustrations that I used to collect from magazines. I was always trying to replicate the illustrations, dreaming that one day I would also be able to illustrate like that. In addition, whilst growing up, one of the dinner ladies at my junior school used to sketch Victorian ladies. I was fascinated by this and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since.
I am extremely passionate about fashion, design and the arts and I knew this was something I had to pursue. The desire to work for myself has always been within me.
Encouragement from friends and family combined with their overwhelming feedback to cards and canvasses I had made for special occasions gave me the motivation to move forward with starting my own business.
What was your career path prior to starting Juliet Jackman?
I initially started out with the intention of being a fashion designer. On completion of my Diploma in Fashion Design I decided to freelance with a couple of other designers from the course and together we put on fashion shows.
This was great fun, but didn’t always pay the bills so a career in retail management followed, then PR and other administrative roles. Now I am doing something that I am passionate about which is design and illustration.
Tell me more about your designs, what makes your products unique?
All of the designs are hand drawn, original, elegant, couture in style and each range is limited edition.
I use several different mediums when creating my designs that enable me to bring out the textures of the dresses. The mediums I work with include oil pastels, pencil crayons, watercolours and chalks.
I pride myself with the knowledge that when someone purchases my products they are getting quality and craftsmanship. Each illustration can take up to two hours to complete. I believe that as a customer you will receive something unique, personally created for you. No two cards will ever be the same so you will be purchasing something that is one of a kind. I am extremely passionate about my designs and this is reflected in my work.
Where can I buy your designs?
Juliet Jackman greeting cards are currently available to purchase at From the Forest Coffee Shop in Forest Hill and in the coming weeks all my designs will be available to buy online through my website www.julietjackman.com. So watch this space!
What are you working on at the moment? Can you describe your typical working day?
I have a few projects underway at present. I’m working on my wedding card range, which will include invitations, and my spring range of pretty florals and pastel designs which I am really excited about.
I do not really have a typical working day as each day is different, although researching, sketching and creating new designs is definitely part of my daily routine.
What has been your favourite commission to date?
Now that is a difficult question as each commission has been really exciting to create. However, if I had to choose a favourite it would probably be an Audrey Hepburn influenced design for a 50th birthday. The customer who purchased the card commented that her friend was so pleased with it that she framed it!
What have been the highlights of running your own business?
Constantly feeling inspired and motivated by doing something you are passionate about.
Being your own boss and not having anyone to answer to.
What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Making sure that you are organised, being disciplined and not allowing yourself to be complacent can be really difficult. Also being accountable for everything as the only person you can rely on is yourself can be hard. The responsibility for everything is a challenge but something I also thrive on.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
A friend of mine reminded me “everyday lost is an opportunity missed.” Continually look for different areas in which to expand your business and don’t allow yourself to be pigeonholed.
What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
I am very inspired by anyone who never gives up and follows his or her dreams, despite no matter how many knock backs they may have received along the way. You can reach your goals with sheer determination. If you believe in your idea and put everything into making it a success then you will eventually bear the fruits of your labour.
I feel that there is a businessperson in all of us. It is just realising your potential. My children inspire and motivate me; they are very self-driven, determined and are extremely supportive of my business.
What are your future goals for Juliet Jackman?
Ideally, my future goals are to turn Juliet Jackman into an international brand, to expand the brand to include interiors, soft furnishing, stationery and for the designs to be made into dresses.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their first business?
Do your research and if you believe in your idea go with your gut instinct. Be innovative and don’t limit your thinking or ideas. Never lose sight of your goal.
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For more information on Juliet Jackman visit www.julietjackman.com. You can also find Juliet Jackman on Twitter
For enquiries or commissions you can email Juliet Jackman on info@julietjackman.com.
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Juliet Jackman was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.
The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning networking organisation for Black female business owners. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter and Facebook.
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Awards
Future 100 social enterprise award winner, 2010
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