So, you want to turn your artwork into art prints, but don’t know where to begin?

Discover how we helped a West Virginia artist start and scale her business, Bashful Bee Press.

Brighter Days Are Here

If you measure happiness in terms of vibrancy, Lindsay Emmite would be nothing less than jubilant. Says the West Virginia mixed-media artist: “I want to live a life of joy, so my art and business incorporate bright colors and things that make people smile.”

Her journey is a testament to resilience. Despite the upheaval of a divorce and the pandemic, Lindsay Emmite found the courage to launch a business transforming her original gouache and watercolor paintings into prints, stickers, and other goods. Red River Paper played a crucial role in her journey.

Enter Red River Paper

Although Lindsay had to teach herself the intricacies of printing, we provided the support she needed with chat services and our five Inkjet Paper Sample Kits: Art & Design, Photography, Greeting & Note Cards, Scrapbooks, and Build Your Own Kit. Each offers multiple options to really zero in on what you want. For example, in the Art & Design category, you can select the base kit (the most popular “go-to” papers) and then add specialty, lightweight, or double-sided papers to your mix.

Among Lindsay’s favorites are our 60 lb. Polar Matte sheets. The ultra-smooth, non-reflective surface brings out the fine details of a print, while its bright white tone offers excellent contrast. New on the scene is our Glossy Adhesive Sticker Inkjet Paper with a durable adhesive backing.

“I appreciate Red River Paper’s support and customer service above all else,” Lindsay says. “They have a really great team of people and a wide range of products to choose from.”

See More of Lindsay’s Work

Have you caught the Bashful Bee buzz? Fly over to Instagram and Facebook to follow Lindsay’s artistic journey. Check out her recently launched website, bashfulbeepress.com, where you'll discover more of her latest works of art.  If you’re in West Virginia, shop Lindsay’s artwork at The Red Caboose in Huntington and at the Eclectic Goods Market in Dunbar. Explore our Q&A with Lindsay below to learn about her academic background and more.

Enjoy our Q&A with Lindsay Emmite ...

What year was your business founded and how did you get started?
I registered Bashful Bee Press in 2019 but started putting everything into motion in 2020. I’m an independent artist out of Charleston, West Virginia. At 30 years old, during the wake of the pandemic, I went through a divorce and moved back in with my parents. At that time, I purchased a printer and a scanner and turned my paintings into prints. I’ve been scaling my business ever since. I sell at in-person events, online, and by consigning at other small local retailers.

Tell us a little about what product or service your business offers.
I offer prints and products featuring my original gouache and watercolor paintings. I also offer linocut printed bags.

What makes your business unique?
I make fun and colorful pieces based on folklore, nature, and pop culture.

Where do you source your raw materials from?
Whenever possible, I try to get my materials locally or from independently owned businesses. My button pins are sourced from a supplier in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, called Think Twice Buttons. Of course, I get my paper from Red River Paper.

In what ways does the business reflect your own personality?
I believe in incorporating play into my art. I want to live a life of joy, so my art and business incorporate bright colors and things that make people smile.

Who are your typical customers?
I have an incredibly diverse base of customers, but they are usually people who are looking for a unique gift or home décor accent.

What is the most interesting project you've encountered in the course of your work?
I went to school for printmaking, earning a BFA from Marshall University, so learning to make prints from home has been challenging yet rewarding. I would say my linocut printed bags are some of my most interesting projects.

What has Red River Paper done for your business? Is there a particular challenge Red River Paper helped you overcome or a goal they helped you meet?
When I first opened my business, I started from scratch and had to teach myself everything. Learning what paper worked with my printer was very scary and challenging. Red River Paper offered samples that helped me find the correct paper. Their chat services and communication gave me a lot of ease.

What do you appreciate most about Red River Paper's products/services?
I appreciate Red River Paper’s support and customer service above all else. They have a really great team of people and a wide range of products to choose from.

Original Publication Date: June 17, 2024

Article Last updated: June 17, 2024