alexgeorgehughes

January 27, 2016

Why You Should Have a Creative Partner Who is Different Than You

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Philip and I were featured in the newspaper. Well, we are getting married soon, so I figured I should introduce him!

Philip and I met in August of 2012 when I moved to Dallas for a graphic design job. I quickly learned a few key things about him: he is friendly, open-minded, athletic, intelligent, creative, self-sacrificing, and he tells the worst dad jokes you will ever hear.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

January 20, 2016

Block Prints

Fighting Creative Block on the New York Brownstones Print

I originally titled this article ‘The Ugly Process Behind a Beautiful Print,’ because I liked the contrast between ‘ugly’ and ‘beautiful.’ But I decided that calling my own work ‘beautiful’ was a little presumptuous, even if I am happy with how it turned out. And believe me, I never thought I’d write those words, because making this print was SO HARD.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

Bicycles on Grand Case Beach in St. Martin

January 14, 2016

Travel

What To Do in St. Martin

Traveling is a great way to step back and recharge creative batteries. When the temperatures drop in January, I always dream of sunny skies and sandy beaches. My most recent beach experience was a trip I took with two friends to the island of Sint Maarten. If you’re planning an island vacation, Sint Maarten is a great place to visit. Keep reading for trip highlights and recommendations.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

Global Block Prints by Wandering Paper Co.

January 7, 2016

Business

Small Business Goals for 2016

As the new year has begun, I’ve spent some time thinking about my vision for Wandering Paper Co. In my first blog post, I decided that after spending too much time overanalyzing, the best way to start this business was to just dive right in.

Well, I jumped in the deep end and am slowly learning to swim. Now that I’ve gotten started, it’s time to start asking tough questions about what’s worked and what hasn’t, what’s cost effective and what isn’t, and, since this is a side project, I have the luxury of asking myself what gives me joy and what doesn’t.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

December 18, 2015

Business

A Checklist for Craft Shows

This is the story of my very first craft show, and the oh-so-painful lessons I learned along the way. If you are thinking of doing craft fair, I hope you learn from my first-time experience!

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

Editing print designs in Adobe Illustrator

December 4, 2015

Business

Tips for Starting Your Own Print Shop on Etsy

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: diving in is not my thing. So, forcing myself to take a leap of faith and start a print shop was no easy task. But, now I have a real, live shop and it had a great first month!

I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve received, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has liked, commented, shared, and purchased prints these past few weeks. My first month of business has flown by, and it’s been a huge learning experience! Here are a few good things about diving in:

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

November 13, 2015

Block Prints Travel

How My Trip to Nikko, Japan Inspired My First Block Prints

When I was in Japan a few years ago, we took a day trip up to Nikko, a town in the mountains north of Tokyo. It was this trip that inspired my very first block prints: a series of water patterns inspired by the symbolism found in Japanese folk art.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

November 5, 2015

Personal

I Started My Business Before I Was Ready

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” —Mark Twain

My name is Alex, and I overanalyze. Sometimes it’s a good thing. I’m strategic, I’m deliberative, I consider all angles. Give me a problem and I’ll give you fifteen solutions, along with the pros and cons of each. I’m proud of my ability to strategize, but sometimes overthinking can stand in the way of creativity.

by alexgeorgehughes

0 Comments

November 5, 2015

Personal

How Growing Up in San Antonio Inspired My Creative Work

Welcome to the Wandering Paper Co. blog! My name is Alex, and I am a graphic designer and illustrator based in Dallas. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where Mexican heritage and traditions are a huge part of the city’s colorful culture.

It was a fascinating place to grow up: the city held its annual Fiesta celebration every April, we were always prepared for an attack of cascarones at Easter, and in school we honored our ancestors by building ofrendas for el Dia de los Muertos.