If you love farmhouse-style décor, hand-lettered designs, and lots of coffee, you’ll love this week’s Silhouette Artist! Jolly Little Prints has hundreds of designs in the Silhouette Design Store that are perfect for all occasions. We had a chance to talk with her about her crafts and her work, and we’re excited to introduce you to this fantastic designer!

Tell us about yourself!

Hello fellow crafters! My name is Cindy Craig. I am from a small town in British Columbia, Canada. I am married, and I am a stepmother to two teenage boys. I work as a teacher at a local elementary school where I teach grades 2 and 3. 

Art, crafting, and design have always been a passion. I started out painting and making signs, but in 2019 I began focusing on designing! I design in the wee hours of the morning before school (coffee in hand) and on weekends and evenings. 

How long have you been a Silhouette user?

I have been a Silhouette user for almost 3 years. I use the Cameo 3 but may upgrade to the Cameo 4 in the future. I have put my Cameo through its paces, and it has held up perfectly. I presently use my machine for testing my cut files. The Cameo 3 has been a truly amazing machine!

How would you describe yourself as an artist or crafter? What’s your creative style?

I am attracted to rustic farmhouse décor.  I often design with signs for the home in mind because of my background in sign-making.

I would describe my designs as having an element of farmhouse style with a hand-drawn twist. 

Tell us about your graphic design career. How did you get your start?

My interest in graphic design was sparked soon after I bought my Cameo and began making signs to sell at our local crafters’ market!  I loved the market experience, but quickly found that I had a passion for designing SVG files, and I began exploring how to sell my designs online.

When did you start designing files for the Silhouette Design Store?

I have had the GREAT pleasure of designing files for the Silhouette Design Store since September 2021.  I am new on the scene here at Silhouette, and I am SO thankful for this opportunity!  It has been an amazing experience!

What is the design you’re proudest of?

I am most proud of one of my original designs, Live Life in Full Bloom.  This design says it all!  It is a clean and simple design with a big message that resonates in my daily life and work.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

I find creative inspiration EVERYWHERE!  I find inspiration in nature, on Pinterest, in stores, from friends, you name it! I am always scanning the world for inspiration.  Often, I find inspiration in my designing process by playing around with images and fonts on screen. 

How do you overcome creative blocks?

I walk away from my workspace and go for a walk, ride my bike, spend time with family and friends, or even binge watch Netflix.  I have many days in which designing just doesn’t happen for me! I am learning that this is okay, and I take comfort in the fact that there are many days when I am extremely creative and able to make up for lost time.  I am learning that inspiration comes more readily when I maintain balance in my life!

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

I love when a design idea comes together.  My process is a messy one that involves filling my screen with many different images and fonts and playing around with them until I narrow it down to something that works for me. The other thing that I love about designing for Silhouette is being able to work in my PJ’s. This is a luxury that I do not have at my teaching job! 

What advice do you have for artists and makers who are just starting out?

There is a whole creative world and community out there for you to explore. Follow your dreams and your passion! You are starting down a road filled with twists, turns, challenges, rewards, and many wonderful surprises.  Enjoy the journey!

Thank you for sharing your designs with the Silhouette community, Cynthia! If you’d like to find more of Jolly Little Prints online, check out her work on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.