
Valerie had already jumped headfirst into owning a small business by founding an online stationery boutique, "Custom Printables", in 2008, after completing graphic design classes at Wake Tech. Soon after she opened, she found success with clients from her hometown of Merrick, New York to the exotic Abu Dhabi. She branched out from customizable PDF's to so much more in her Zazzle boutique, offering everything from pillows to stickers. One design she created for a New Orleans style save the date won a design award the very same week she posted it!

In writing this post I spent a lot of time looking over the amazing design work Valerie has done so I could highlight some. Here are my three favorite works of art Valerie has created...

I mean, what can't be said about this exquisite melamine plate, with bold modern lines in the emblem, and soft traditional roses of yore. It looks like personalized china, at a fraction of the cost!
![]() "If you're scared, just be scarier than whatever's scaring you!" This wall hanging is just phenomenally cute. It's delicate but solid, and has such a great quote. Not just for the kids room! | ![]() Valerie's growth charts are printed on very sturdy vinyl and are meant to last. Where else can you get a personalized growth chart, nevertheless one this spectacular? |
Valerie can tell you herself why she's so happy to create new art and to own her own buisness: "I love designing, so I offer an eclectic selection of pieces from stationery to growth charts to posters and clothing. I’m always up for a challenge of taking on new ideas! Also, because I grew up observant in the Jewish faith, I am able to provide Hebrew text in a variety of fonts. One of my biggest successes so far has been the onesies I designed for Thanksgivukkah 2013, the only instance in thousands of years on which the first night of Chanukah and Thanksgiving day fell on the same day. My favorite thing to make is custom subway art, the name commonly given to the typography posters that have favorite cities or travel destinations."
Valerie really has an eye for aesthetics and the experience to back it up, declaring in one online profile "Comic Sans is never right. Ever." So we know she's not only smart but has also got a great funny bone! :)
- "Love this print! I can't thank Valerie enough for taking the time to create something so meaningful to my family and I. Her customer service was impeccable from the start and the quality of the print is fantastic."
- "These announcements turned out perfect! They are so well made... My friends and family all commented that it was the best announcement they have seen. Also, the shop owner was very easy to work with..."
- "The print is beautiful and was so carefully packaged and shipped! I'm so pleased to have something that reminds me of home in such a unique and awesome way. Thank you Valerie! Wonderful job!"
You can also see recent custom work and current specials on Bull City Studio's Facebook page.
- $5 off any plate, platter, subway art, or growth chart in the Etsy shop with code SODUPOSSE. Coupon good until December 5th. Find the listings you want by going straight there:
http://etsy.me/11Q2h5m (plates/platters), http://etsy.me/11QPDUE (growth charts),
http://etsy.me/1C6kQmL (subway art and other decor)
- The fine print: "No local delivery or pick-up available (this is to keep me sane!)" and the offer is only good on purchases of $15 and up
- Lastly, anyone who mentions SoDu Parents Posse when they contact me at bullcitystudio@gmail.com I will offer a 15% discount on their first custom stationery order - this offer is good for her Posse friends forever!
and best of all, when you're buying from Bull City Studio, you're supporting the posse and a local mom!
www.etsy.com/shop/bullcitystudio