Made in Scotland: Jenni Douglas Designs
This month we are thrilled to be interviewing Jenni of Jenni Douglas Designs. Jenni creates modern, thoughtful and colourful print designs right here in Scotland, remind you of anyone else? Her pieces can be picked up as prints, cards, canvases, mugs, coasters, worktop savers, tea towels or even jewellery! There are so many beautiful images to choose between, we are partial to the Edinburgh inspired pieces naturally but there is something for everyone here. Read on to find out more about Jenni and get a little glimpse into her colourful world!
Jenni herself!
Can you tell us how your business got started?
I started my business back in 2011 after deciding to make the move to being self-employed. I’ve always been very creative and after years of feeling just okay about the jobs I was doing, I realised I could probably make myself much happier by creating my own career path, so that’s what I did! It’s been a massive learning curve but it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done.
Winter at the Forth Bridges
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
Like a lot of artists and designers, I love using my environment for inspiration. So, whether that’s in the city centre, a forest or a beach, I’m always on the lookout for an interesting way to tell a story or set a scene. I’m very colour driven, so sometimes that’s an inspiring starting point, too.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
My designs usually start with a drawing which I develop using a combination of my favourite materials, which might include carved lino blocks, paper cut outs, pen and pencil work, charcoal and crayon. The materials I use differ from design to design, depending on what kind of style I’d like to go with.
The actual making of my products happens in my studio/workshop. I still make almost everything myself, to order. It would probably save me a lot of time having more products manufactured for me, but doing it myself makes it more practical to try out lots of different designs.
Jenni’s Cityscapes print in various colours
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Around 5 years ago, I started designing and making statement jewellery pieces using my block printed designs and these have now become some of my most popular products, along with prints and cards. One of my favourite designs is my linocut print from 2015, based on Edinburgh’s old town. It means a lot because it reminds me of the streets where I grew up, and I was lucky to have it featured in the Edinburgh Art Book, published in 2019.
Beautiful jewellery pieces featuring Jenni’s work
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
Tough question! I’m very fond of East Lothian for the sheer diversity of nature and townscapes it has to offer, from deserted beaches to ancient forests, stunning geology and lots of places to enjoy a really good coffee (which is essential!).
Beautiful views from Tyninghame beach of the beach, North Berwick Law and Bass Rock in the distance
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I’m a big fan of ceramics, and one of my favourite makers is Gavin Burnett, who specialises in porcelain and is based in Fife. Also, I love Julia Laing’s work. Julia is a designer/maker from Midlothian who creates beautiful ornamental textile pieces.
It’s really difficult to choose because Scotland is jam-packed with talented designer makers.
Made in Scotland Gavin Burnett and Julia Laing
Thanks so much to Jenni for chatting to us about her beautiful and colourful pieces – they are right up our street! Make sure to check out her Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and keep up with her new creations!