15 July
Compostable Canvas: Jive Prints
Say hello to Aimee and Hollie, the Manchester-based design duo behind Jive Prints, our latest Compostable Canvas collaborators. We chat to them about the inspiration behind the new compostable cup designs, what invigorates their creative flair and what inspires them in the realm of sustainability.
Previously they’ve been putting their iconic stamp of playful and vibrant colour use on the Auckland art scene before returning to their home turf. Their studio in Ancoats, Manchester keeps them close to the action of the ever-evolving local art and music scene, something they continue to gain inspiration from and be an integral part of their design.
Hello Aimee and Hollie! Could you please tell us what inspired your Compostable Canvas designs?
The new design was inspired by our two previous cups from NZ - these are also being released in the UK alongside the new design. The cup designs were inspired by summer! We used primary colours for the design - a go to palette that we love to use!
How would you describe your style?
We have developed a signature Jive style together - this always includes fun abstract shapes combined with vibrant colours.
How do you start your creative process?
We work collaboratively on all our projects - when a brief comes in, we bounce ideas off each other and make weird sketches and crazy notes! This is usually followed by cutting out loads of shapes with scissors before digitalising them.
What are your go to tools or products?
We like to work both by hand and digitally so, our go to creative tools are paper and scissors and then Adobe illustrator. We have recently treated ourselves to some Ipads and apple pencils so we can develop our illustration skills on Procreate - which we are enjoying. To stay organised we like to use the Daily and Weekly Planners from our stationery range. They are great for brain dumping all our projects and balancing work/life!
When you were younger, did you always know you wanted to be in the creative industry?
We both enjoyed creative subjects at school but didn't understand how to turn that passion into a career. Hollie was pretty sure she wanted to do something with fashion and Aimee wanted to be a vet haha!
You two met while studying at Leeds Arts University. How did the friendship blossom into Jive Prints today?
We made friends in 1st year of uni bonding over our love for Coronation Street and Guinness. For our final major project, we decided to collaborate (Aimee studied Graphic Design and Hollie studied Fashion). For the project, we experimented with screen printing. We created a collection of t-shirts and accessories, along with fun fashion imagery and branding that formed into Jive! When we graduated, we just continued creating new collections for our online shop - this then developed into large scale art projects and lots of digital design for packaging and event branding in both New Zealand and the UK.
Who's an artist or creative that’s inspiring you currently?
Kelly Anna has always been an inspiration - She has done some amazing projects that we dream of being able to do one day. We have recently discovered Cachete Jack, a Spanish illustration duo and love their work - great to see there are other design duos as we thought we were the only ones haha.
What are some of your other installations or collaborations you have recently completed?
Our most recent murals were for Withington Public Hall in Manchester - we transformed the front of an old public toilet and an electrical box outside the building.
We have also created some event branding for Beeswaxx at the Brewery - an exciting day festival happening in Manchester. Along with the event branding, we will be creating some fun event decor!
What is your go-to drink order that you will get in one of your Compostable Canvas cups?
We’re so excited to get a drink in one; it was such a good feeling when we did it in NZ. Flat white for Aimee and a Piccolo for Hollie.
What inspires you in the realm of sustainability?
We like to support companies and projects that put the environment before profit. We think it's great that companies are embracing sustainability. We’re now starting to see sustainable alternatives to everyday products. It’s inspiring that the consumer mindset has shifted and people are willing to pay a little bit more for a product that is better for the environment.
Compostable Canvas is a limited edition hot cup range featuring local artists designs. The Jive x decent Compostable Canvas Cups are available in 6oz, 8oz and 12oz sizes. Order online, talk to your account manager or get in touch if you’d like to order. Stocks are limited.