Product Photography for Local Print Maker

Katie Dean is a local artist here in Tacoma, Washington. She creates beautiful block-printed designs using hand-carved linoleum blocks, oil-based inks, and an old letter printing press out of a shed in her backyard. Katie’s brand, Little Green Design, carries her print designs in a number of different formats, including kitchen towels, Swedish dishcloths, and greeting cards. Her design and printing process is fascinating and while I did get to photograph that as well, today I am simply sharing a few of her greeting card designs.

Here’s what Katie says about her brand: “My mission is to enhance people’s lives through the beauty that inspires me…My artwork is known for vibrant color combinations and natural themes that, when looked at closely, tell a visual story.” You’ll notice below that some of her designs are a little more on the feminine side, and some are designed to be a little more masculine. She asked me to enhance these themes by using deeper colors and more natural, woodsy props for some, while others have a lighter quality to them with more delicate and antique props.

Katie found me through Spaceworks Tacoma which is an awesome program that helps small businesses and artists get their feet off the ground here in Tacoma, Washington. I love Spacework’s mission! Here’s how they talk about it on their website, “We know that strong communities like Tacoma are built on having rich opportunities for everyone. Opportunities for people to create and innovate, connect with their neighbors, and make the world a better place. At Spaceworks, we create and unlock those opportunities by providing space, training, and resources. From the creative entrepreneurs and artists who dream big dreams, to the Tacoma residents and donors that love their city and want to see it thrive, we’re revitalizing the city one brilliant idea at a time, empowering the Tacoma community and creating lasting impact for a bright new future.”

Check out some of Katie’s work below and comment your favorite design to cheer her on!