The following is an interview with Lindsay Craig, the creator behind the Etsy store, Magic Mushroom Paper Company. In this interview, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor Barbra Dillon chats with Craig regarding the impetus for her art print business, where she finds inspiration for each new print, her latest releases, and where readers can learn more about her products!
Barbra J. Dillon, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor: The Fanboy Comics staff recently discovered your amazing geek-themed art prints through your Etsy store, the Magic Mushroom Paper Company. For our readers who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe your products?
Lindsay Craig: My prints are pop-culturally relevant with a charming vintage twist. They’re mature enough to hang in your living room but still nerdy enough to geek out over.
BD: When did you first find an interest in creating art prints, and what encouraged you to create your own line of products?
LC: Ever since I was a child, I’ve always LOVED dinosaurs, superheroes, and pretty much anything out of this world. This past year I developed a sincere admiration for vintage travel posters. It wasn’t long before I merged the two concepts and voilà !
BD: Does the Magic Mushroom Paper Company have a staff of creators, and what can you tell us about these individuals and their contributions to the company?
LC: Magic Mushroom consists of only myself. Every dollar spent on one of my pieces goes directly towards paying off my student loans!
BD: Are there any artists or other elements that have inspired your work?
LC: As I had mentioned previously, I just love the simplicity of vintage style. The colors are warm, the lines are clean, and I am thrilled to see that my generation recognizes and appreciates it.
BD: Can you describe your creative process for designing and producing new prints?
LC: Magic Mushroom is a relatively new store. I’m still in the process of searching my mental archive for places I’d love to visit from all the great geek fantasies. I do my best to fill custom requests and really appreciate new suggestions from Etsy followers and visitors to my pop up shops.
BD: Aside from having your prints on sale through Etsy, have your creations been featured in other special events or outlets? Likewise, are there any goals that you hope to achieve with your work?
LC: Thus far, I haven’t had any mainstream exposure, but I greatly appreciate all the shares and recognition through personal Pinterest and Tumbler pages!
BD: Can you give us the inside scoop on any upcoming projects in the works?
LC: I just completed 3 Star Wars Planet Travel posters due to multiple requests! I’m hoping to complete 2 more planets in the near future. Death Star and Naboo maybe?
BD: What is the most important piece of advice that you can offer to individuals who aspire to create their own designs and creations?
LC: Don’t be afraid to take the leap! You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try. Look to what inspires you and you’re guaranteed to put a little piece of you in each project.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about your work?
LC: You can visit and follow my Etsy shop at www.mmpaperco.etsy.com or by checking out my sister site, www.thegnakedgnome.etsy.com. I regularly update our Facebook page with the latest news and local events you can find us at.
