We were lucky to catch a few minutes with Lisa, our Product Design Manager to find out more about her role at Ellison and how she got into design. You may have seen Lisa’s extensive collection of dies, appearances on TV and inspirational videos for the Sizzix social channels.
What do you do?
I’m a Product Design Manager and my day-to-day tasks include designing our products (Thinlits dies, Bigz dies, stamps, layering stamps, stencils, 2D and Multi-Level embossing), working on my own designs – from concepts, to drawings, through to digital illustrations and finally for production – as well as guiding the team. I work with our licensed artists as well to bring their designs to life and develop through to production. I also manage the packaging of Sizzix products and guide the graphic design team.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My favourite part is the designing, seeing my sketches and drawings develop into products that consumers use. I love seeing projects and makes created using my designs!
How did you get into the creative world?
I have always loved drawing and anything creative and crafty! I used to craft with my Nan when I was young, she introduced me to embossing, decoupage and cardmaking. I studied Art & Design followed by Graphic Design at University, then worked as a Graphic Designer for a few years before finding out about Sizzix and landing a job as a designer here!
What is your favourite making type and why? Is there a make you’ve made that you’re really proud of?
I think cardmaking is my favourite – especially since the pandemic there is something so nice about sending and receiving post and making someone smile with a hand-made creation!
What is your favourite product from the Sizzix Product range and why?
I’m loving using our Thinlits dies with the Muted Cardstock colour palette – the colours work so well together! I’m also super excited about our new Stencil & Stamp tool and the beautiful Sizzix stencil designs!
What’s your favorite current making trend?
I always gravitate towards botanical makes and I’m loving the mini floral and foliage trends, everything looks so cute in mini, right?!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
As creatives I think we draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere! I love bouncing off ideas with the team, we have a really strong team of creatives who all have their own styles and ideas. I also love visiting illustration fairs and browsing the web for new trends across the Arts.
What’s your favorite die design you’ve created so far and why?
Ooh there is so many! I think at the moment I’m loving the Delightful Deer (#665945) from Chapter 3 2022! But of course, I’m also very proud of my Botanical Collection dies, I use them so much for so many varying occasions and they are definitely a favourite of mine!
