Celebrating 10 years of working with Jolly Awesome!

Drum roll please... We’re over the moon to announce that an exclusive Scribbler x Jolly Awesome card range has officially landed in our stores nationwide, as well as Scribbler online!

Way back in 2014 (aka 10 whole years ago!) Jolly Awesome trusted us to become their first ever stockist and the rest, as they say, is history. We’re privileged to have continued this friendship ever since and to mark the milestone, Jolly Awesome have especially created for us 18 new greeting cards that nod back to the original collection that started it all.

We sat down with Matt Nguyen AKA the creative force behind Jolly Awesome to find out more about him, his last 10 years of working with Scribbler and how this latest collection came about...

Tell us about your journey working with Scribbler so far – we hope it’s not been too bad!

Haha, quite the opposite. It's not an exaggeration to say Scribbler changed my life - in the best way of course!

In 2013, I was working a corporate marketing job when I started illustrating again in my spare time. I thought they'd make good cards so printed some samples and sent them to Scribbler on a whim. When the Card Buyer got back to me, it was his enthusiasm and encouragement that gave me the confidence to believe this was possible.

We were published online first, then trialled in-store. It went so well that Jolly Awesome cards went national shortly after, myself and then my wife Katie were both able to quit our jobs to pursue Jolly Awesome full-time and have done ever since! Scribbler have always been supportive to not only me, but many independent creatives like me, living up to the rebellious and innovative reputation the brand is known for.

We're honoured to have been a part of your journey! Since starting Jolly Awesome, what would you say has been your career highlight to-date?

 It has to be seeing our cards IRL on Scribbler shelves for the very first time! My parents started sending me loads of photos of the poor shop staff posing with my cards in their local Bournemouth store.

And then seeing this new exclusive collection in-stores, it's a nice full circle moment that we're very proud of.

You're really flattering us now! Let's talk more on your new cards. What inspired your exclusive range with us and do you have a favourite design?

I went back to the aesthetic of our 'Originals' collection, which was the one that started it all. Our designs have always focused on humour and trends - and this one was no different. There's a lot of cowgirl and country music influence of course, which feels very current for right now. Our favourites are definitely Rootin' Tootin' Birthday and Birthday Botox - Katie was very proud she came up with the caption for that one!

Hard agree on those two! Ok, what advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a creative career but doesn't know where to start?

Just start! It can be a side-hustle at first, but you must be prolific. Create, create and create some more until you find your personal brand and aesthetic - then really double-down on that. There's a lot of noise out there, standing out and being distinguishable will be your greatest asset.

Great advice! We know that you guys are big fans of travelling, particularly to Japan – does the culture over there inspire your work, and do you have any trips planned for the near future?

Katie and I are BIG time Japanophiles. I'm an avid gamer, and we love everything about the culture and food. It's one of the reasons that we've jumped at the chance to do brand collaborations in the past with Sanrio characters, Hello Kitty and Gudetama.
 
We both love to travel, although it's slowed down the last year or two since Astrid (our daughter) arrived, we'll all be going to Singapore and Vietnam together in July. My parents are from Vietnam originally and will be joining us along with my sister and her family. It'll be great to have 3 generations over there for the first time and to show Astrid one half of her heritage - I can't wait!

Out of ALL the cards you’ve ever designed, which one reminds you most of yourself?

Fox Shit Up, without a doubt!

And more on you! You’re lucky enough to be based in Manchester – what do you love most about the city? Any recs?

I love being able to walk everywhere in the city. There's a lot going on and it's a super creative place. Many small businesses support each other and there's a big sense of collective community here. 

In terms of Manchester recommendations: Pollen Bakery in New Islington for elite baked confectionary and hands-down the best sourdough loafs to take home. Erst in Ancoats is great for simple, seasonal plates that feel a bit special. Wow Banh Mi in Ancoats for delicious Vietnamese food. Public in Northern Quarter for cocktails. Seven Brothers or Edinburgh Castle for a pint. Just Between Friends or Allpress for coffee. And I think that covers all the essentials!

Immediately planning a trip so we can try all these delicious-sounding food recs! You clearly have great taste, as well as a great sense of humour: what gets you laughing most in terms of TV shows?

I love dark comedy dramas like Succession, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Bear, White Lotus etc. Personally I think TV series' that take you through the full range of emotions mean that when there is a moment of light relief, it's really heightened and the pay off is greater because of all the other drama the characters experience. And I'll always love a bit of 'Friends' too.

Haha you can't go wrong! Speaking of classics, this one’s quite nostalgic but what would your dream tuck shop meal deal be AKA your chocolate bar, bag of crisps and drink of choice?

Great question - Wispa Gold, Walkers Max Paprika, Coke Zero, and I'd also throw in a bag of Haribo Tangfastics if that's not breaking the rules.

Tangfastics are elite so we'll allow it. And finally – tell us your best joke!

What do you call a singer with a laptop on her head?
A-Dell.

Brilliant! Thanks so much for chatting to us Matt. We hope you have the best time away on holiday and here's to the next 10 years!

You can now shop the brand new Jolly Awesome card range exclusively from our website and Scribbler stores.