Life and Work with Ashley Rodgers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rodgers.

Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got into my head that I wanted to cultivate a small little stationery line. I was working at the time for an engineering company that hired me on as a tech writer and had received a quick and dirty graphic design education as a result. The more I played around with typography and design, the more I fell in love. I always thought about being a writer, and this line of work lets me do that in its own way. And the design element adds an aesthetic aspect that’s so satisfying: like haiku or knuckle tattoos, each design has specific limitations and rules.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, mainly because I had a very hard time defining what exactly I wanted to accomplish. One of the first cards I sold was handmade with collage elements and burnt edges – this could not be farther from Cult Paper’s vibe today. But sometimes it takes a long time to find your voice. So my advice would be to focus in and have a very clear, specific product line and brand in mind. If you’re not there yet, play and experiment and grow until you’re ready. There were days when I doubted myself completely (some days, I still do!) and wonder why I decided to start a business in the first place. But the more I learned, the more confidence I had. So be patient and expect to make lots of mistakes. Be kind to yourself – what you are trying to do is not easy!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cult Paper – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Cult Paper designs and prints modern minimalist greeting cards for minimalists that haven’t purged their sense of humor. I specialize in experimental typography, good design and not taking myself too seriously.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I’m not sure how to answer this. I feel like I’m a young woman at the start of my career and in no position, to give advice. But there were times when I would have given up if my husband hadn’t kept encouraging me. So, maybe find people who support you and excite your brain and stimulate your creativity and never let them go. That sounds like good advice no matter what.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cultpapershop.com/
• Email: heycultpaper@gmail.com
• Instagram: cultpaper

Image Credit:
Cult Paper

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