Admission is free, but you must register through the site.

Check out their roster of guest speakers here.

How did you get into licensing and surface design?

Seeing as we are both illustrators and have worked in editorial, publishing, advertising and animation, we formed Sorry You're Happy to promote and present our work in other markets. In researching new markets, we came across art licensing and the Surtex trade show which is held every spring and is dedicated to selling and licensing original art and design. We walked the floor in 2010 and decided to exhibit last year. Thrilled with the response to our work and with meeting new contacts, we are excited to return this spring.

What's the story behind the name Sorry You’re Happy?

While visiting some friends in Japan, they told us that the Kanji characters that make up Jen's name translate as "sorry, happy, you”, essentially “Sorry You’re Happy”. Jen's parents had picked her name to mean an honest, respectful, lucky person, so we found this alternate translation pretty funny. The phrase is ironic, catchy, and tongue in cheek, so when deciding on a name, we chose "Sorry You’re Happy". It definitely grabs people’s attention. At least we’re not happy you’re sorry, right?

How does your collaborative process work?

After working on some collections individually from start to finish, we realized we wanted to create them more collaboratively. Starting with brainstorming together and figuring out the main images, motifs and details, one of us will then create a number of sketches, characters, different motifs and possible repeats. From that point, we’ll figure out together what’s working, what can be added, pruned, etc. We realize certain collections are better suited to one of us: Kyle’s work is very kid-friendly, while Jen's is more geared towards women with a focus on colour palettes and texture. From the sketches and colour stories, one of us will then return to the collection and finalize the artwork at which point we do a final review together to make sure we’re happy with everything.

What's the appeal of surface design and pattern for you?

Jen: I love textile and fabric design. It’s tactile, beautiful and mesmerizes me. I could spend hours in a fabric store. Fabric is used to create something else, a quilt, a shirt, a bag, anything. I love that my artwork is contributing to the community of craftsmanship. Kyle: I’ve always had a soft spot for the kids’ market. And being able to reach children through games, books and toys really appeals to me. I can begin projects with my own voice and ideas, then propose the artwork to be used in a variety of ways.

Can you describe the experience of jumping into a new market?

Being in a new market is tough but educational. It takes time to build your presence and for manufacturers to know your work as the industry is highly competitive. We've also had to learn about licensing, adapt to new business practices and develop new marketing skills. For example, neither of us had ever put out a press kit before, but now it’s a skill we’re learning.

Surface design has forced us to rethink our own processes and become more versatile in how we work. But even with the bumps along the way, we’re confident in our work and what we offer.

Where are you products available?

The products from our first licensing deal are now available for purchase here. We also opened up an etsy store selling prints of our artwork. We're adding paper products and textiles soon.

Can you give us any hints about upcoming projects?

We’re excited about the new collections we'll be unveiling soon. We post some close ups on our dribbble account as teasers. In the spring, we’ll be introducing the collections of Aaron Leighton and Katy Dockrill, two members of Nook. We’re thrilled they’re working with us! To stay in touch, follow us on twitter, sign up for our newsletter, or keep an eye on our website, sorryyourehappy.com.

Any parting words of wisdom?

Perseverance takes a long time.

A group setting is a perfect environment for this hands-on class, where you'll learn through examples, demonstrations and exercises given.

$55

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An additional $10 materials fee will be collected on the evening of the class.

OR

Bring your own supplies:

• black india ink
• ink well (cup)
• cup for water
• #6 Sceptre Gold II brush (or equivalent, but this one has a really nice point for brush work)
• lots of paper, white
• paper towel for blotting

$55

Purchase Ticket!

From the inkling of an idea, to the tactile feeling of the pen hitting the paper, to the satisfaction of the textures left by the compression of the press on the printed piece – that's the beauty of Letterpress.

This is an advanced class for illustrators and designers with an interest in the creative potential of printing processes.

Join us for a two hour tour of different printing techniques, their advantages and their drawbacks, leading to letterpress, discovering it's unique qualities and it's limitations.

Discussion will focus on the physicality of letterpress and how it works, the pitfalls and possibilities found in such techniques as: overlapping, outlining, unregistered printing, blind impressions, visual embossing, and more. Through these examples we will discuss how different techniques should be handled when preparing digital files.

Participants are encouraged to bring in samples of work that they would like to have printed. The group will collaboratively consider each sample as a candidate for letterpress, based on the information gained in the class. Practical information from this portion of the class will be invaluable, as each application will be unique and pose different challenges.

Micheline Courtemanche is the proprietor of Betty & Bing, a letterpress print shop situated in the picturesque town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Betty & Bing are passionate about paper, ink, design and the infinite possibilities created by that combination. 

After fourteen years as a graphic designer, Micheline was finally able to unite all of these loves in one place: the letterpress print shop.

Thursday, March 29th at 7pm

$55

Purchase ticket!