Graduate work wows greeting card company

The work of recent Textiles graduate Katie Money, 23, has impressed one of the most successful greeting card and wrapping paper publishers in the UK.

Katie’s beautifully decorative paper cutouts - inspired by her favourite childhood poems, fairytales and stories - have caught the attention of Watermark Publishing, which supplies cards and gift-wrap to retailers including Clinton Cards, Sainsbury’s and WHSmith.

Magical and atmospheric

Her painstakingly hand cut scenes of houses, trees and churches, created using a paper cutting technique perfected whilst studying at MMU, are magical and use the light to cast shadows and create atmosphere.

Katie explains: “I’m a big fan of Rob Ryan, who has made paper cutting and folk art cool again, and started experimenting with both paper cutting and kirigami, which involves cutting and folding, during my degree course. You could say it’s become my signature style; I even draw directly with a scalpel now. I love the way my work can come apart and plays with the light.”

Commercial success

Katie caught the attention of Watermark with her submission to their card design competition. Art students from four universities were asked to design a card range with the same theme using different techniques. Katie’s collection was announced the winner and the talented artist won £500 and a week-long work placement with Watermark.

She said: “I was so surprised to hear I’d won the Watermark card competition, but it’s fantastic. It’s a massive step for me in terms of recognition by such an influential company and a great opportunity to gain real design industry experience. It’s surprised me that my work is proving to be so commercial. I’ve received commissions for a series of wallpapers and hangings I created for my final year degree show and the possibility of being paid to do something I love is amazing.”

After gaining further experience in the industry, Katie hopes to undertake an MA in Set Design. In total, entries from seven MMU art students made Watermark’s top ten card designs.