Meet the Makers: Judy Bainbridge of Judy B Design

Judy B Design in front of graffiti wall at Cheerfully Given

Cheerfully Given chats to Judy B Design

This week, our Maker of the Week is Judy Bainbridge from Judy B Design. We asked her a few questions so you can get to know a little bit more about her and her business.

Originally from South Africa, Judy is based on a farm in beautiful Cumbria with her husband Jonny and their three children.

Judy B Design incorporates Judy’s freelance work as a graphic designer as well as her products, which range from fun, colourful Christian greetings cards to watercolour Bible verse prints and Christian cushions inspired by a life of worship.

My Soul Christian Cushion by Judy B Design at Cheerfully Given

Can you tell us a bit more about how you became a Christian?

I grew up in a Christian family. My dad has always been in full-time ministry and I’ve been nurtured in some amazing church families too. Although I ‘said the prayer’ at a young age, I only came to a more personal understanding of my own faith in my late teens, as I began to work through my own thoughts and grapple with my relationship with Christ.

How did you get started with your product business?

I initially started making cards to keep me busy while I grew my freelance design business. I soon expanded my product range to include cushions, and more recently prints. I needed the flexibility of my own business to be able to work around my family, and I wanted to have the freedom of developing my own ideas. I felt strongly that God wanted me to use my design ability for Him, and that is what ultimately inspired me to take the leap!

Living in Cumbria, you must have some seriously lovely landscapes around you. What do you take inspiration from?

First and foremost: the beauty of creation and the incredible and unending range of colours, shapes and forms that God gives us to wonder at daily. Living in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside has given me a renewed appreciation for all of these things. Secondly, the inspirational, life-changing soul-poetry of His word

Lead me to the Rock Bible Verse Prints by Judy B Designs at Cheerfully Given

Can you tell us a little bit more about your design process?

I usually start with a sketchpad, and then transfer my ideas to my favourite program, Adobe Illustrator. If I’m creating an illustration, I use gouache and coloured pencil, acrylics or pens to create a piece that I then scan in and edit further

What are some of your favourite business resources for running a creative business?

I have recently been listening to the ‘Honest Designers Show’ Podcasts which have been immensely helpful. I also dabbled in SkillShare and learnt some valuable skills and techniques. Other than that, I tend to rely on trial and error and the advice of honest friends and fellow designers.

Are you involved in any ministries with your chuch?

I am very involved in the church that I attend and am a member of. I help out with Sunday School, sing in the worship team, and am the go-to person for any design/visual communication/interior design jobs! I believe very strongly in the importance of being involved in church, and helping to build the spiritual as well as physical fabric of the church as a team.

What’s your favourite Bible verse?

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

— Zephaniah 3:17

You’re a really gifted chef, and obviously working with food is creative too – what are some of your favourite foods?

So, so many favourite foods… I previously worked as a cook, and I love, love, love cooking, baking and food in general. It all depends on my mood, but I have a weakness for any nostalgic South African food and flavours.

We love your sense of humour in the seller community, you always bring smiles to our faces. How would your friends describe you?

Wacky, creative, full of jokes and craziness and frankly strange ideas, but I always feed them well and am happy to listen!

Do you have any top tips for other mums who might be juggling working from home with a young family?

Don’t do it! Haha. Other than that, be willing to lower your housework standards and try to put your family above deadlines and work if you can.

Kingdom of God Bible Verse Card by Judy B Designs at Cheerfully Given

What do you do in your spare time do you have any other hobbies?

Spare time? What’s that?! If I do get any, I love getting stuck into a good book or catching up on my favourite TV shows (mostly antiques, home makeovers, arts, ‘Great British’ anything!) or planning my next home décor project. My erstwhile hobbies have morphed into my business, so in some ways I do my hobbies all the time!

And that's a wrap for today!

Thanks so much for chatting to us, Judy!

You can find Judy’s storefront and her range of products here (including her incredibly fun Colouring-In Cushion!).

If you have any questions for Judy, leave us a comment, we’d love to hear from you.

Find Judy B Design on Instagram and Facebook - pop over and say hello!