About Dainty Bee Design
Hi, I’m Karen - I am the creative behind Dainty Bee Design and I am based in the North East of England: Newcastle upon Tyne / County Durham.
Dainty Bee Design started life in 2017 after being 'relived', I mean, made redundant from my job where I worked in pre-press, sending large format billboards, London underground and bus artwork to print. Before I was 'relieved', I had found myself becoming quite bored and frustrated with the monotony of the daily grind and uninspiring workload (or lack of it). I knew I didn't want to go back to work for another print company and I was in need of a slight change of direction, doing something where I was able to release my creativity whilst achieving a better work/life balance - I had two very young children at the time. I started off with a little freelance work whilst building up my business, designing and creating personalised pebble art pictures. The pebble art took off a storm on Etsy and Amazon and then exploded during COVID. Since then, Brexit and changes within Etsy meant sales of pebble art declined. I knew I had to move forward with Dainty Bee Design. Since early in my career, I had always loved designing business stationery and menus (maybe because I love food) - so in my quest for a new challenge, I discovered Wedding Stationery! Pebble art is still around, along with personalised greeting cards, but Wedding stationery is where I'm at!
As I have mentioned, my background is in print, which is where I have spent my whole working life: artwork design, project management and pre-press. During this time, I have worked across both large and small format print (Litho, Digital and Screen), and on artwork for large companies you will know. Some of the items I have worked on may have been posted through your door, used on your gas meter, you may have seen some in shops and supermarkets and on buses or billboards around the UK. That vast experience gave me a solid foundation.
Outside of work I love spending time outdoors, whether that’s wandering along the North East’s stunning beaches, exploring the countryside, camping with my family or finding a little calm on my yoga mat. Yoga is my gentle reminder of flexibility, balance and precision. That same approach flows into my work at Dainty Bee Design.
I have recently rekindled my love of photography, and I love to get out and about with my camera. Monochrome photography has always been of interest to me since doing a GSCE at school (many years ago, and leaving with an A+ in the subject)! I just love the contrast and dynamic aspects that black and white photos give you. I am developing a passion for Street Photography, with it's diverse and arty take on life. Design and photography go hand in hand for me, and I am lucky to be able to assist with photography at some wonderful local schools and nurseries around the North East. It’s an exciting avenue that brings fresh inspiration into my creative journey, sitting perfectly alongside my creative design work at Dainty Bee Design.
So, what kind of person am I?
I'm very much an introvert - but I think of that as my superpower. I can read people, read the room and generally get a good feel for things. Music keeps me going and I'm into almost anything alternative - Rock, Indie, House, Trance, 60's, low-fi and anything else that takes my fancy. My radio is always tuned to BBC Radio 6, or Smooth Chill (if I want a bit of head space). I'm a proper foodie, and I love cooking colourful, natural, healthy food... and of course eating it! I've got a laid back, but organised approach to life and I like to think I'm compassionate, thoughtful and honest. A witty, quick sense of humour is sometimes thrown in for good measure, but it is normally kept under wraps until I get to know you :D
I really don't like AI posters (just had to get that in there!).
That's me in a nutshell.
Drop me a message.
I’d love to chat and design something that’s perfectly you!!!
