The Story Behind Our Hand-Drawn Pet Designs
Hi There!
Welcome to the heart of my small business, where art meets a deep love for animals. My journey to creating these designs is deeply personal, rooted in nostalgia, and inspired by one very special dog: Milly.
How It All Started
Milly was my “heart dog.” She was by my side for 10 incredible years, and we did everything together. She was more than a pet—she was my best friend. When she passed away, I felt an emptiness that words couldn’t describe. I wanted to keep her memory alive, and that’s when the idea for this business was born.
I started creating designs in her honor because I knew how much joy it would bring to have a little reminder of her with me, everywhere I went. My goal is to share that same joy with others through my products—whether it’s a sticker, a keychain, or a bookmark, I hope it reminds you of the love and bond you share with your pet.
A Creative Journey Rooted in Nostalgia
As a child, I loved drawing animals, often inspired by my favorite toys from the early-mid 2000s. These toys, some with their big eyes and others with adorable, chubby-like features, sparked my imagination and shaped the way I sketched animals.
Some of my earliest designs came from experimenting with digital art on the Paint software that came pre-installed on every Windows computer. I’d spend hours clicking and dragging with a mouse, bringing my ideas to life. Even though my tools were simple, the process was magical—it taught me creativity, patience, and the joy of bringing my ideas to life.
Fast forward to today, and those childhood inspirations are still a big part of my creative process. My style has evolved, of course, but I’ve held onto that playful and endearing aesthetic that made me fall in love with drawing in the first place. Now, I use my iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to bring my designs to life, allowing me more precision and freedom in my work.
From Inspiration to Creation
Every design celebrates the unique personality and markings of animals, allowing you to find something that looks just like your furry (or not so furry) friend. I’m constantly inspired by pets I’ve seen, stories from customers, and, of course, the memory of Milly.
Why I Love What I Do
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my art become a cherished part of someone’s life. Whether it’s a sticker on a water bottle, a keychain on a bag, or a bookmark in a favorite book, I hope my products remind you of the special bond you share with your pet.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning! I’m expanding my designs to include more animals (even ones that aren’t pets) and exploring new product ideas to make sure there’s something for every animal lover.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you’d like to see more, check out my shop or follow along on social media (@millymadedesigns) for behind-the-scene peeks into the creative process, as well as small business tips and product launches. And don’t forget to share your pet photos and stories—I love hearing them!