Jatinder Creates is a small business that offers a range of art prints, greetings cards and stickers often influenced by her South Asian heritage.  Learn more about her thoughts on gift giving and how lockdown and family support gave her the confidence to turn her drawings into a growing business. 

Find Jatinder on Instagram here 

How did you get into creating South Asian art, greetings cards and illustrations?

During the pandemic last year I was put on furlough. During that time, like many others I took comfort in art. I began by posting a few of my drawings on my personal social media account and lots of family and friends got in touch requesting their own pieces. This alongside my partner’s support spurred me to take it on more seriously and share it with the wider world.

It’s important to support a small business as you’ll be supporting originality and individuality.

Jatinder Creates

Why do you think it’s important to support small businesses?

It’s important to support a small business as you’ll be supporting originality and individuality. A small business is often run by a single person, so in turn you’ll be supporting their dreams and passions and will receive something created from quality and care.

What do you think makes a great gift?

I often think when there’s a wonderful story behind the gift that’s what makes it great. And it doesn’t have to be a big grand story either. A lot of my customers have gifted my pieces of art to their friends and family with gift messages that are often along the lines of “This reminded me of the conversation we had” or “I saw this and it made me think of you”. 

Marigold, art print, Jatinder Creates

When you’re unsure of what to gift someone, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to get it right.

Jatinder Creates

What are your top tips for finding the right gift for someone?

Gift giving can be so personal and challenging at times. Do you give something sentimental? Do you give something practical or do you give them the agency of choice? (and by that I mean a gift voucher lol). When you’re unsure of what to gift someone, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to get it right. Sometimes the act of giving and receiving gifts will actually make a person feel better than the gift itself. 

What are your recommendations for favourite places to buy gifts?

I think places such as Etsy and Not On The High Street are great for finding unique and individual gifts that you can often customise to make it really special for the receiver. 

What is the best gift you have ever received?

When my Grandmother was young and living in India she would hand weave a lot of textiles, in particular Dhurrie rugs (a type of thin rug). I have a piece handed down to me which I absolutely cherish, I’m just waiting to have a living room large enough to proudly have it on display! 

Visit Jatinder Creates Etsy shop for more ideas and inspiration for unique gifts

I’ve bought quite a few greetings cards from Jatinder over the last year, one of my favourites was a tiger holding balloons – I loved the design, it’s simplicity and it’s playfulness; in fact it reminded me of the Tiger that Came to Tea which made it even more nostalgic and a perfect card for my friend’s Birthday. A while back I also bought her Durga Maa wall art. I don’t have any cultural connections to this as lots of people will do, but for me I loved the idea of having a beautiful representation of feminine strength and positivity in my home and every time I look at it, it makes me want to learn more about her. 

I’d thoroughly recommend this shop for unique and thoughtful gifts. 

For other Etsy recommendations, check out my vegan self care ideas, curated from a range of small businesses, creating thoughtful products to look after ourselves and the environment.