Tell us about your business and how it started?
Ochre & Ocean began through a love of creating art and as an expression of my creativity.
I often created various print designs as sentimental gifts for friends and family. The feedback I received inspired me to establish an avenue - Ochre & Ocean - in which my pieces were accessible to more people.
Ochre & Ocean consists of unique hand-designed art prints. These designs are inherently inspired by nature’s beauty, through a carefully considered, earth-inspired colour palette. I also design illustrations for other businesses in order to showcase their products or services in a unique and eye-catching way.
Through building and launching my online store, I was able to nurture this passion, and the rest as they say is history.
What is your biggest achievement in business?
Collaborating with and designing an exclusive, mindful colouring page for OAK Magazine Issue 8 was very rewarding. To see my design in print, and for readers to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of colouring, is something I am very proud of.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?
It has been immensely rewarding to see how customers enjoy their Ochre & Ochre prints especially when they share how they've chosen to display and style their prints. It is a surreal feeling knowing that my designs are being admired and adored.
What is your next big challenge/project?
I am very excited to be working on new print designs which are in the final stages of development and will be released shortly. These prints are designed to exist alongside my current designs; you can mix and match at your leisure.
I would love to see Ochre & Ocean prints stocked in a local retailer and to be able to expand my customer base. If you would like to stock Ochre & Ocean prints, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you!
What impact has COVID-19 had on your business and how have your changed your direction?
COVID-19 inspired me to slow down and develop a timely product which was therapeutic colouring bundles. I felt this was one simple way I could contribute to providing an outlet of mindfulness to others during an unpredictable time.
I created 15 unique, bohemian style colouring pages and sold them as a downloadable product from my online store. Designed in black and white, these pages were ideal for at home printing - making them easily accessible during a period of lockdown.
Taking time to sit down, pop the tunes on and colour-in with a cup of tea is therapeutic at any time.
What do you love about your product?
I love that Ochre & Ocean prints are all unique and lovingly hand-created, whilst being a very affordable way to enhance a space. My prints are mix and match and available in a range of sizes. They are versatile and can be styled in retail stores, Airbnb, offices, living rooms, bedrooms and nurseries. All prints in the Ochre & Ocean range bring a focal point and a touch of boho luxe to your interior.
Who or what inspires you and your creative process?
Inspiration can be found everywhere - anything and everything can be a potential source of inspiration during the creative process.
From golden sunsets and dappled sunlight to vintage photographs, love stories and motifs from bygone eras. Ochre & Ocean encapsulates all aspects from land to sea and everywhere in between.
You'll often find me with my Polaroid camera in hand, eagerly snapping shots of vibrant sunsets and dainty florals to explore in future prints and illustrations.
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Stephanie Dolman is the founder of Ochre & Ocean, an ode to the natural world around us from the land to the sea. Stephanie's modern, hand-designed art prints are governed by this connection to nature.
