It just startet one day...
One day I was dreaming out the window overlooking Tramore bay - thinking of what gift I could bring to my clients in Germany... that's when it happened. I took a pen and paper - scribbled what I saw outside my window and eventually turned this drawing into a flat illustration days later - my first image was created. My first poster.
I had this idea of setting up a 'giftshop' for a good little while as I couldn't find any gifts I liked to bring with me. I was inspired by beautiful posters and useful items in small coastal villages in the west of France. I had always thought I don't have time to do such an undertake of creating gifts and selling them as my family life was busy enough with 3 children and a freelanced job which was fueled in Germany and me living and working as a designer in Ireland since 2014. Commuting.
I have been designing personal and corporate design for over 25 years, from idea and concept, to logo, screen, print, keyvisuals and text. But it has always been for other people... the likes of international agency networks in Munich or heavy weight businesses like BMW, Microsoft, Siemens, various banks and financial institutions. I have never created things for myself and I never created products. Oh gosh I totally underestimated it! With products came packaging, came shipping regulations, came extra taxes, an onlineshop, returns, sleepless nights, overtime, stockists, 'wholesale' and 'RRP' lists (didn't know what that was) and beeing sold out. I won a competition (Tramore Bansky Project) and put my price money straight back into my little enterprise I had called 'LoveTramore'. It was born in autumn 2019 with the a first post into Tramore's Community Facebook page.
Luckily I only got good feedback.
Although I was used to coordinate and organise due to my own agency-work 20 years earlier in Munich, where I founded a co-working space to suit my work-life balance with children I struggled with everything. My 'location branding' and 'product marketing' required so much more sales and online engagement and I never finished a days work. Than came Covid. My onlineshop worked out fantastic. Great sales... and I slowly got the gist of it making sure products are changing, that I have 'specials' on sale and also to market them on social channels as this was new.
I established 'LoveTramore' illustrations on paper and fabric and as a brand in various shops around Tramore.
I produced far too much... (and sometimes the wrong things) it was fun - but hey you learn! (to stay with 3 key products...) it was all a steep learning curve.
Than I was asked to create something for a craft exhibition in Waterford. I designed scarfs/pareos. Beautiful things.
With 'LoveTramore', I have done my apprentiship in 'location branding' and 'product marketing' and I am happily on the way to continue with Seasights, designed scarfs/pareos and 'LoveWaterford'. Slow and steady. I feel I am contributing to the image of my adopted hometown Tramore, embrace collaboration and I am enjoying the more tactile side in design, crafting and product developement.
I am happy to hear from you or just leave a few lines.
Best Kathrin
Brands
'LoveTramore' are valuable design products like teatowels, mugs,postcards, notebooks, snoods, beachbags and different sised posters.Based on Tramore-related illustrations and ispired by local sights and sites. The collection aims to promote Tramore as a holiday destination with a unique attitude towards outdoor lifestyle like surfing or swimming and reducing quantity for quality living. All gifts are useful, clever in their idea, sustainable, custom designed and some are even handsewn, like indicidual cushion pillows.
They appeal to a conscious generation of leisure travellers, outdoor and sports lovers
and seekers of taste and quality of life. A mobile society..
'LoveTramore' design products have a new attitude and a unique quality standard with a trending visual approach. Reduction to simplicity. Reduction in production to zero waste. Reduction to the essential things that matter in life.
Seasights presents an exquisite collection of scarfs that are inspired by the seaside. Our designs feature stunning patterns of shells, waves, and other coastal elements. These scarfs are made from a luxurious, silk-like material that is lightweight and quick-drying. With their vibrant colors and towel-sized dimensions, they make for perfect gifts. Shop Seasights now and elevate your with a touch of seaside!
LoveWaterford-gifts are the ultimate brand for those seeking a distinctive and valuable teatowels, postcards and mugs for their loved ones in Waterford or abroad. The collection boasts stunning designs of the city and county's landmarks, special events,
and historical places, all presented in a sleek and modern style. LoveWaterford gifts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and-friendly, making them the perfect way to create unforgettable memories.