Did you know that I used to run my own business from 2021 to 2023? Yup! I started a sole proprietary brand called Angelope Design and got a business license + reseller permit so that I could sell paper goods to stores nationwide.
I learned how to run a successful wholesale distribution business and sold greeting cards, stickers, pins and other accessories in 27 U.S. states. This included both large chains and small gift shops like the Seattle Art Museum, PCC Community Markets, Powell’s Books, Wing Luke Museum and Half Price Books. I illustrated all products in Procreate before turning them into tangible, marketable items.
Thank you so very much to every single person that ever supported my business! This was one of the greatest achievements of my career and it was such a privilege to design whatever I wanted which is so different than my day job.
I wanted to work with a local printer in Seattle to produce all my cards, so I partnered with Girlie Press in Capitol Hill who has been in the printing business since 1995. Each card was printed on paper made with 100% renewable wind-powered electricity and packaged in a clear compostable sleeve made out of plants.
In 2021, I was so fortunate to partner with PCC Community Markets and was able to land over 16 card designs in 15 stores. It was such a huge moment to see my designs in a PNW chain! They continued to be sold at PCC for 3 years.
A card I designed at the start of 2023 to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. This had stamped gold foil details and came with a red envelope for good luck.
I illustrated all pins on Procreate before getting them produced at Wizard Pins. I went with “hard enamel” rather than soft which is the highest quality possible. I designed the packaging in Illustrator and printed the art cards at Moo. I hand packaged each pin for every single order.
I created this pin in 2022 to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. In Korea, it is believed that a tiger turns white after overcoming many trials and achieving a deep understanding of life, making it a symbol of purity and nobility.
What you don't often see is the behind-the-scenes of a shop and the work that goes into the production, so I wanted to show a little of that here! Each pin artwork was vectorized and spec’d by a production designer at Wizard Pins with PMS color and size considerations.
I learned quickly that this category is not high performing compared to stickers or greeting cards, so I only created this one titled "Bad Apple". I hand packaged each one in an eco-friendly clear sleeve made out of plants.
Stickers were by far the best selling category in my shop followed by greeting cards. They were printed on water proof, dishwasher safe paper and made easy impulse purchases.
Most stickers were sold in bulk, but for select vendors I hand-packaged them in a set of five. I printed all the hanging cards at home on my inkjet before hand-scoring and sealing each bag. This one specifically was a big order for the Seattle Art Museum!