What do you do if you find out that someone else is doing a similar-but-different product as you, on the other side of the island, and not only that, but that they’ve actually been doing it longer?
Well, you support them, of course!
I’ll admit that when I first heard about Brenna MacNeil’s “I Love Cape Breton” project, last month, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. (She’s been doing it since 2010.) First I worried that she would think I had copied her. Then I felt competitive, and wondered if she had copied me, which, it turned out, wasn’t even remotely true.
Then I took a deep breath, put on my big-girl panties, stopped over-thinking, remembered my manners, and wrote to her. I told her I had just seen her work, that it was great, and that I wanted to order some.
There is one sticker missing off this sheet already — couldn’t resist! I love stickers.
Then I realized: Hey! The folks that already know about and have purchased my “I Heart Cape Breton” products would probably also love Brenna’s products! She’s got slightly different products from what I make, and as I’ve said before (about blogging), the more Cape Breton love that’s out there, the better. A rising tide raises all ships; in other words, I hope we all make it.
So, let me introduce you to a fellow graphic designer and adorer of Cape Breton: Brenna MacNeil!
She’s a momma to Lucinda (above) and wife to Brandon (below).
She’s a superb graphic designer with lots of great ideas.
And she’s a born-and-bred Cape Breton gal: Brenna grew up in Inverness. She lives now in Halifax, but comes back to Cape Breton often. She sold at the Mabou Farmers Market several times this summer, and her work is available on her website, at the Inverness County Centre of the Arts, at the Inverness Bearpaw, and at the Cabot Links gift shop.
Miss Brenna’s website is here. And her online shop is here. (You can also get to the shop from the website.)
Her stuff is great! Go check it out. I ordered one of the custom prints with my two hometowns (Baddeck and North Sydney — that picture is at the top of the post), and a calendar. I really love the quality of the work, it’s beautiful.
Oh and have an awesome Thursday!
I Love your work! and I also LOVE Cape Breton. Lived here all my life and always will.
Hurray! 🙂
I think it is so cool that you found her and that you both have such a wonderful take on CB. It is such a glorious place and I think you are right, the more CB love you can spread the better! I must have lived in Cape Breton in a previous life, doncha think?
Totally you did, Rhonda. !!
This is a “Noble” approach, but it is not always so amicable. Recommend you both start doing this if you intend to make money and not give away your carefully conceived designs: http://www.trademarkcanada.org/?gclid=CjwKEAjw5NihBRCZmdLkuuTHyWYSJACtCY0Jg4wsk-PNebOUjjhsLd6ex9l335lNxr8CNaMqlROKtBoCIyjw_wcB
Great point, Marian!
Leah, thank you for sharing my story and my Cape Breton Collection. I love your Dream Big Cape Breton project, your positive energy and belief in sharing the love. Cape Breton is a special place that people are passionate about – including us. I am very happy our paths have crossed.
Thank you too for the trademark reminder marianwhit : )
Me too, I’m so happy to have found out about you! 🙂
I was woundering if you had any green t-shirt in medium size left. We met at farmer’s market on sunday. If not please let me know if you will be printing more.
Thanks
What a wonderful part of Canada….love it!