Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Bourne.
Hi Alexa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Petrea Prints started about ten years ago, when my cousin asked me to design illustrations for her wedding invite and table number displays. People loved them, and gradually asking for custom watercolour cards, large paintings and the occasional wedding board.
For years it stayed as side passion between moving away and career shifts, until about 4 years ago when a friend asked me to help her at a farmer’s market. Because it was Mother’s Day weekend, I decided to bring 10 cards with me for the heck of it to see if they would sell while I was there, and I sold out! Gradually I started doing more designs, and those cards led to doing children’s name illustrations, seasonal cards, wrapping paper and gift tags, wedding stationery and linen signage.
Today I create annual calendars, take part in Christmas markets each year, and make custom illustrated artwork for hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. It all began with one wedding and a lot of word of mouth!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I love about design work is that much of it can be done remotely, with files delivered digitally, depending on the client and the project. The real challenge is printing. Every printery has its own way of working, and requirements change from one to the next, so hiccups happen: files get rejected, and prints can come out looking different than expected.
I like to add new offerings to increase my visibility in the marketplace, but new products and new materials come with their own challenges. Any time a machine, printer or computer is involved, anomalies can happen that become part of the learning process, but also timing setbacks. There is always risk involved when taking on custom work for a new products and hoping that it all works out to the clients approval.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an illustrator and the creator of Petrea Prints (named after the flower), a small home based design studio based in Barbados where I specialize in custom illustrated stationery and artwork including greeting cards, wedding stationery, children’s name watercolour illustrations, seasonal cards, wrapping paper, gift tags, and annual calendars, and custom illustrated artwork.
I grew up painting with watercolours, and I love the effect that watercolours gives. It’s my favourite medium, so I think I am best knwon for that.
People say I have my own style or a specific style which is tropical, colourful, and whimsical.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to be a Pastry Chef!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petreaprints/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petreaprints/
