Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Little Brown Pen

Nicole Robertson is one of those super talented & interesting people that seem to be able to do a little of everything. In addition to being a freelance writer and a pretty awesome photographer, Nicole is one half of Little Brown Pen—the other half is her husband, Evan. Nicole is the idea person and Evan is the illustrator and together they offer sweet and lovely printable paper treats.

Nicole and Evan just recently moved back to the US after living in Paris for a little spell and Nicole shares pictures and commentary of their stay on her Blog, as well as other things that strike her fancy and updates about Little Brown Pen.  Like I said, she is an interesting person and that’s why today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with Nicole.

1. What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?

Our shop is Little Brown Pen, and we sell printable notecards, calendars and art. We started our shop just over a year ago after making some templates for our son to use to send notes to his grandma. We liked the idea enough to share them with others, and the shop took off. My husband Evan does the illustrating and I am more of the idea person.

Our shop is actually just a fun little hobby of ours, and we’re a little behind with adding new designs. I am a freelance writer and copywriter for a European organic skincare brand, and my husband runs his own consulting business. When we are not juggling work, we’re juggling two young boys, so finding time for the shop has been a challenge. But we’re planning to add some new items for fall.

Window boxes in Montmarte

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

Paris. We moved to Paris this winter for a few months, and there is inspiration everywhere. I’ve never been more thrilled just to wake up in the morning, and I have lots and notes and photos that continue to inspire me everyday.

In addition to that I’m inspired by Matthew Arnold and William Wordsworth. Matthew for his debates on regarding the value of a liberal arts education and culture, and Wordsworth for his magnificent words related to nature.

3. What’s your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni and cheese. My mom always made it with extra sharp cheese, and there is nothing that comforts me more than tangy, greasy noodles with a sprinkling of chili powder on top. Lucky for me I get to indulge quite often, as it is a favorite of my husband and sons as well.

Here is her recipe:

Macaroni and Cheese

1 lb macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups of whole milk
16 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese – grated
salt
chili powder

Cook macaroni in large pot.
Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Once melted, slowly add flour and blend well. Add 2 cups of milk and heat until just about to boil (don’t let it boil). Stir in cheese and blend until melted. Add salt to taste.
Drain the macaroni and pour it into a large casserole dish. Add the cheese sauce and stir. Top a generous amount of chili powder.

4. Share something silly about yourself.

I make up silly songs and sing them to my cat. I take inane pop songs and challenge myself to come up with new lyrics. I am pretty proud of my ability to improv. My husband swears he’s going to secretly record me.

5. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I read The New Yorker cover to cover, and I scan design and lifestyle magazines. I’m actually quite disappointed by the quality of magazine content these days and usually do most of my reading online. My favorite blogs are decor8, Simple Lovely, S.HopTalk, My Turtleneck, Coko +Kelley and a variety of economic and market-related magazines (I am a closet day trader!).

6. What’s new? Any products or projects you’d like to share?

I am writing something fun related to my experience living in Paris and starting to brainstorm a few new items for our etsy shop.

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I’m re-reading Dangerous Liaisons, watching The Tudors (catching up on Season 3) and listening to Camera Obscura.

More images from Nicole of Paris