Step Into the Lost Plots World

Next up in our artist interview series, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Lisa Robson, the talented artist behind our award-winning Lost Plots greeting card collection.

Our collaboration began when one of our former sales agents, also the owner of our long-standing stockist Larks in Liverpool, introduced us to Lisa. Together, we launched a range of funky, psychedelic greeting cards packed with bright, groovy patterns, quirky illustrations, and retro-inspired motifs drawn from mid-century music, design, and film.

Since our first launch, the Lost Plots card collection has grown to include multiple new design drops, eye-catching die-cut cards, and a stylish range of notebooks. In 2024, the collection proudly won Best Contemporary Trend Range at the Henries Awards.

We love working with Lisa, and in this interview, we’re giving you a closer look at the creative mind behind these much-loved designs.

Hi Lisa – we’re so happy to have you in our brilliant artist community, and our shops absolutely love your Lost Plots collection. For those who may not be familiar with your work, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your career started?

Hi! I’m from the North East but currently live and work in Liverpool, I mostly work from home or in my shared studio space in the Baltic Triangle. I have been a freelance illustrator for about 12 years, before this I was a graphic designer, totalling about 25 years of experience! (Head explodes!) I started focusing more on illustration because I enjoyed it more, then the graphic design business I worked for closed down so I decided to start Lost Plots. 

I had worked in a really fast paced, very client-led environment and I wanted to be a bit more creative, the graphic design work had gave me a really good footing in the layout and typography aspects to my drawings.

The influence of 60s and 70s fashion, cinema, and music really comes through in your designs. Is this a key source of inspiration for you, and is there any other places you look to for inspiration?

You’ve designed nearly 40 gorgeous greeting cards (cough, cough, award-winning greeting cards!) and a range of notebooks with us over the last couple of years. If you had to choose, which card and notebook design are your personal favourites?

I think my favourite card is my Happy New Home Greeting Card as it makes me feel quite nostalgic,  the illustration is based on a drawing I used to draw over and over as a kid on any scrap of paper, I was always drawing houses, this card is just a refined version of that. 

My favourite notebook is Evil Plans because it appeals to my inner teenage goth and it’s just good to get them plans down on paper! 

Do you have a process for when you’re feeling uninspired/unmotivated? How do you pull yourself out of a creative rut?

Yes, usually I’ll bore myself out of it with mundane tasks like housework or doing admin or accounts. I often find I get really good ideas when I’m bored, washing the dishes or cleaning etc and then I can’t wait to start drawing again! The power of boredom!

What’s been the standout moment of your career so far – the one that really made you step back and appreciate how far you’ve come?

Probably winning the Henrie for Best Contemporary Range in 2024. When you work for yourself you don’t really have anyone telling you that you’ve done a good job, or giving you a promotion or a raise, you just have to big yourself up in the mirror like a preening budgie, so it’s really nice to get a bit of outside praise and recognition.

Finally, what advice would you give to artists and illustrators looking to take the next step in their careers, particularly those interested in designing greeting cards?

Specifically for greeting cards I would say start out looking at different occasions and thinking about what you would like to see or buy. I always imagine my friends with the great taste and think what would they like?

Draw what you like drawing and bring in what interests you, then it won’t feel like work it will feel like playing everyday. 

Massive thanks to Lisa for letting us into the joyful, funky Lost Plots World - hopefully you've enjoyed learning a little more about Lisa's process and an insight into her inspirations!

Shop the greeting card and notebook collections below and click here to follow Lisa on Instagram.

Shop Lost Plots Cards

Shop Lost Plots Notebooks