Harry and I (Zanna) met in 2012 when we started our degree in Illustration. Both of us have always been hard workers, so it’s no surprise that we spent many late nights and weekends in the studio together, and by the end of our first year we were an indivisible pair.
Halfway through our second year we realised that our uni days would soon be over and the real world would come calling, so we started thinking about ways we might be able to support ourselves with our illustrations. We experimented with a few ideas until Papio Press was born in June of 2014. In our early days we sold anything we could get our work printed on and afford to buy - pocket mirrors, badges, prints that we printed by order on our university printer. We became relentless about perfecting our listings and products photography. We attended craft fairs by train or bus, dragging our stock behind us in a giant suitcase. We were determined, and every penny we made went straight back into Papio Press.
By 2016 we were both able to go full time running Papio Press. The business worked like a portfolio and before long we were over the moon to find ourselves illustrating books as well. I feel so lucky that I get to do both.
As time has gone on we've specialised in jewellery and art prints, finding a way to create jewellery that stand the test of time of time whilst still being affordable.
We couldn’t have done any of it if no one had wanted to buy our work, and we are so grateful to everyone who us supported us along the way. When you support a small business like us, you become part of someone’s story, you’re right alongside them helping them achieve their dreams. We appreciate you all ❤️
Zanna & Harry x