Inspired:London: Frances & Francis - Beautiful Paper Artist

This afternoon, we discover more about Inspired:London featured designer, Frances & Francis.

What is your name and background behind your company?

Frances & Francis was launched in the summer of 2011 as a design studio focusing on creative solutions using tactile mediums such as paper. We opened an online store to sell products based around our commissioned pieces.

The first ‘Frances’ of our name is in reference to myself Helen Frances, and the second is a tribute to my grandpa who was a great inspiration and whose stationery was so proper that it always felt like an honor to use.

Where are you based?

We are based in St Albans, just north of London and only a 20 minute journey from St Pancras International. We love being located here as we get the best of both worlds by seeing countryside near our studio and being able to pop into beautiful London easily.

How long have you been in business for?

We established Frances & Francis in the middle of 2011 but have only been selling our paper bouquets for the last 8 months.

What do you love most about living in London?

It's the way that you can find inspiration anywhere. It could be the lovely ornate architecture of the Queens Palace to the amazing spirit that came about this year through the Olympics and the Jubilee.

Who or what inspires you?

The drive of being creative inspires and pushes me forward. I can only think and do in a creative manner and so it's proving to people that this is what I'm about.

What advice would you give designers starting out?

The fear of going solo to cover studio costs and expensive London rent will generally give any creative that extra push to work exceptionally hard and all hours of the day to make their business a success. Having said that, establishing a name for yourself as a bench mark is extremely important before taking the plunge. Make sure creditable people in the design world believe in your work before hand and not just your friends and family.