Catch-up with Dina from Print Cut Hang

Dina is a self-taught designer who has been crafting since a young age. Her love for graphic design is clear to see through her fun party printables, seamless patterns, and beautiful cuttable gift boxes.

We chatted with her about how she began Print Cut Hang, her creative process, and tips for anyone wanting to begin their own design business.

Could you please introduce yourself, and explain what you do

I am Dina, the owner of “Print Cut Hang” on Creative Fabrica. I usually draw party printables and everything that goes with them, from clipart to small packaging.

How did your creative journey begin? Why did you decide to start designing for a living?

I am a crafter from early childhood. After losing my job at the age of 47, I decided that I would no longer look for my usual jobs, but that I would turn to something in which I could develop. For example, I wanted to do knitting and crochet patterns. Since English is not my mother language, I decided that a drawing would come in handy. Taking a photo of something I drew on paper wouldn’t look very professional, so I started learning to draw on a computer.

I started with Inkscape, I already had some basic skills in Photoshop (also one of my hobbies). Now I mostly use Corel Draw, and yes I am a self-taught designer. In the beginning, I had no money for any course, just a bunch of free time.

How would you describe your illustration style?

Do I have any style of my own? I’m not sure. Do I like a certain style? It’s like asking me what kind of music I like. All types. It depends on the mood. So, my design depends on who I work for, what the client’s wishes are, what the audience is like at a certain marketplace… and so on.

Could you please describe your creative process? When do you feel the most creative?

I draw every day, at least something. If I have no idea, I take a look at some tutorials, how to use some tools, and then the ideas go by themselves. I also like to look at how someone else is doing things, how someone else has solved something, and then while I’m working one idea drags another along.

What is your favorite thing about designing?

When I was younger, I was obsessed with fashion, making my own clothes. In graphic design, I like the fact that the mess is smaller 🙂

I prefer vector programs to raster ones. I keep all my vector drawings. They can always be disassembled and reassembled. Also, there are always new things you have or want to learn, and that fits the math part of my brain.

Do you have any tips for somebody who wants to grow their graphic design business?

If money is the only motive, you better do something else, because you will not get rich, at least not overnight.

But that you can do business with what you already have at home, it is true. You just need a PC, a bunch of time, and goodwill. Don’t be ashamed to show the world what you’ve done. It doesn’t have to be perfect, because it never will be. 

And always leave yourself some time to learn something new, how to use a new tool, a new program, anything …