Jude Smith, founder of Design Smith

Design Smith Studio

swannington, norfolk

Design Smith is the creative partnership of Jude and Tina, working from a studio in Norfolk. Jude is the illustrator — hand-drawing designs rooted in vintage design, everyday objects, and popular culture, with a wit and warmth that makes them hard to forget. Tina keeps the business running: organised, precise, and making sure every order leaves exactly as it should. Together, they make things that feel genuinely considered — not fast, not throwaway.

The story behind the business
Meet Design Smith Studio

We're Jude and Tina — the two people behind Design Smith. We make illustrated cards, prints, notebooks and paper goods rooted in vintage design and a love of the everyday.

Neither of us followed a straightforward path into creativity — Jude first worked in horticulture and IT before earning a first-class design degree, while Tina built her career in a different field altogether. After years of running Design Smith as a side business, we both decided to make the leap: Jude left her job in September 2024, and Tina followed in March 2025.

Leaving our jobs in our mid-50s to pursue Design Smith full time has been the best decision we’ve ever made. We love being self-employed, working side by side, and dedicating our energy to a business we’ve built from the ground up.

founder Credentials

  • 50s Plus Founder
  • Female Founded Business
  • LGBTQIA Business

Returns

Need to return an item? Visit our friendly customer service hub at holly.co/delivery-and-returns.

Be the first to know

Sign up to our emails for brand new small business magic and inspiration. And if you create an account, you’ll also get exclusive product drops, discounts and more from Club Holly & Co, too.