Ink on Paper Source X Molly Anne Bishop

Ink on Paper Source is a collaborative collection from independent artists who inspire us. Discover their creative voices, translated into stationery and wedding invitations exclusively at Paper Source.

Molly Anne Bishop is a ceramicist and artist who describes her style as wonky, earnest, and funny. “My goal for my work is to inject joy, humor, and brightness into the everyday. I wanted to create designs for my Ink on Paper collection that might speak to certain people specifically. A mom who loves to garden, or the friend who always spends a little extra time picking out flowers at the grocery store. The beauty of Ink on Paper Source is you can customize the pieces to make them yours, and I wanted my designs to feel special enough to carry the honor of someone’s name on them!” she said. For her Ink on Paper Source collection, she created custom journals and stationery in her signature playful style.

“I grew up going to Paper Source after school. I went to high school in DC, and there was a giant, beautiful, two-story Paper Source that I would go to on Fridays. I remember seeing the sweet stationery and I knew someone had made those designs. Before that, I don’t think I really knew that school supplies, notebooks, and cards could be cute. I never resonated with the stuff at the grocery store or the office supply store. Paper Source was dangerous for my allowance, but it gave me something to aspire to.” She said.

“In college I majored in craft and material studies with a focus on ceramics. After I graduated, I bopped around the country doing some ceramic residencies and started to slowly use Instagram to sell my handmade pottery online. As I built my audience, I decided to branch out into other offerings, like screen printed t-shirts, accessories, stickers, bandanas, and prints.” She said. “My starting point is always autobiographical illustration, so whether I’m working on a one-of-a-kind ceramic mug or a design for a t-shirt that will be mass-produced, humorous and relatable drawings link everything I make.”

“I find a lot of inspiration from time spent outside and learning about the natural world. Being in nature gives me endless things to draw and calms me down. I have been keeping sketchbooks for 15 years and bring one with me wherever I go. I can be on a hike or at a baseball game and there will always be something interesting to draw. I also love reality television and pop culture, and I’m interested in cultural touchstones that add relatability to my work. Reading is also an endless well of inspiration,” she said.

Bishop primarily works in ceramics but shared that when she does work on paper she reaches for watercolors and fine line gel pens. “Everything starts in my sketchbook. It’s a place to try new things, a record of my days, a memory keeper. When it’s time to come up with a new design, I’ll flip through my current sketchbook or look at an older one and see if anything jumps out to me. I find that ideas flow more easily when I use traditional rather than digital media, so when in doubt, I grab a pencil and some plain computer paper and start with the feeling of the pencil pressing on paper. Ideas usually come if I give them space in that way.”

“I am very proud of the career I’ve built for myself. A lot of people tried to talk me out of this path, and I’m glad I followed my heart. The proudest feeling is when someone tells me that I inspire them to make their own art.” To explore Molly Anne Bishop’s custom Ink on Paper Source collection, click here, check out her website, and follow her on social.