This week’s Friday Feature is the talented Anna from Anna Cheng Design. Using modern, digital techniques, Anna illustrates greeting cards and prints with a really gorgeous, fun, and distinct style. All of her designs feature florals or botanicals, and many also include food, drink, or (very cute!) cats.
We wanted to get to know more about the lovely creative woman behind the small business, so we asked Anna some questions…
Creativity has always been a core part of who I am. There’s an undeniable thrill in bringing an idea to life—capturing a feeling, a fleeting moment, or simply creating something visually pleasing. Knowing that my work might resonate with someone else makes the process even more rewarding. Whenever life feels overwhelming or I find myself out of sync, engaging in something creative helps restore my motivation and balance.
I don’t have a single defining moment—creativity has been part of me for as long as I can remember. As a child in the early ’90s, I spent countless hours drawing, playing outdoors, and reading. Some of my fondest memories are of lying in the grass in our Norfolk garden, lost in a world of doodles and crayons.
My business began in the summer of 2020, during my first pregnancy. At the time, my agency illustration work had slowed down due to clients facing budget cuts during the pandemic. I saw it as an opportunity to create something entirely my own—something I had full control over. With a slower pace of life, I had the freedom to explore and refine my illustration style, which eventually led to the launch of my small business. I started drawing for myself, which evolved into the fun, botanical-inspired work I create today. My goal was to bring a little brightness into people’s homes during such a challenging time.
I love the expressive nature of illustration—being able to interpret botanicals in my own style while also working across various themes for seasonal greeting card agencies. Seeing my work come to life on products in stores like Walmart, TJ Maxx, The Card Factory, and Trader Joe’s is always a surreal and rewarding experience!
I absorb inspiration from everything around me, much like a sponge. I enjoy exploring current trends and have a deep appreciation for collecting beautiful botanical books that spark new ideas. Discovering unfamiliar places, whether through a walk, a holiday, or a simple staycation, always fuels my creativity. I also love taking part in online creative challenges for illustrators—daily prompts are a fantastic way to keep my creative energy flowing!
Patience is key—I see things through even when they take time to come to fruition. I also listen carefully, which helps me understand what my customers want and how I can evolve my work to meet their expectations.
Beyond getting my work into major retailers in the U.S., one of my favorite moments was participating in the Meet the Maker markets at Derbion shopping center. Having a professional, high-end stand and meeting new customers in a place I’d never been before was such a special experience.
Absolutely—there have been plenty of wobbles! But I tend to stay calm and find ways to adapt. One of my toughest moments was when a project I had worked on for so long didn’t get published. It was heartbreaking after putting so much effort into it, but I still hold out hope that one day it will be released. Until then, I remind myself that setbacks are just part of the creative journey.
I adore the creative community, and being a woman within it has introduced me to so many inspiring, like-minded individuals. There’s a strong sense of support and camaraderie—a little network of incredible women who uplift and encourage each other. Many of the connections I’ve made through markets, events, and online have turned into lasting friendships, and I’m so grateful for that.
Right now, life is a whirlwind with two small children! I don’t get as much time to create as I’d like, but I cherish this phase of life—these are the moments I’m sharing with my kids. As they grow more independent, I know I’ll find more time for myself again. In terms of business, my next big goals are launching my website, expanding into wholesale, and developing exciting new products for 2025.
We think it’s so lovely that out of something really difficult (lockdown) so many wonderful small businesses were born, Anna Cheng Design included. It just goes to show that if you’re a natural creative, as Anna is, you’re going to find a way to create, no matter what!
If you love Anna’s fun botanical style as much as us, you can find her cards and prints on Etsy (etsy.com/shop/annachengdesign), and make sure you check out her Instagram (@annachengdesign) for some behind the scenes content and a peek at those daily-prompt illustration challenges she sometimes takes part in (spoiler: her entries are always amazing!).
If you haven’t already found us over on Instagram – why not come say hi and give us a follow. We would love for you to join the conversation and help spread the movement by liking and sharing our content.
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