Inspired by her two Vizsla dogs, Marianne (who goes by her first name only) launched Trotting Dog, a dog-loving brand that sells anything from humorous greetings cards to personalized gifts and stationery. Running her business from her home, situated on the beautiful Isle of Wight, Marianne sells her designs to dog lovers all over the world.
Her designs feature mainly Vizslas but not exclusively. “We do love creating gorgeous illustrated dog collections but more importantly support people who work to rescue and re-home Vizslas,” reads Trotting Dog’s website. Her products might feature Spike, her Hungarian Vizsla, or Milo a rescue Vizsla cross who joined the pack last year after being rescued from the streets of Cyprus. “As a result, we want to give a little back to help other gingers find loving homes too,” she writes.
Her business was founded in 2017 after Marianne crowdfunded and self-published a children’s book featuring illustrations of Spike. Her drawings became so popular she decided to create lots more cards and personalized gifts for dog lovers. Now, Marianne hand prints her designs herself on mugs, bags, cushion covers, and prints.
“The beauty of being a creative today is that I really can personally connect with my customers and design things using their feedback and ideas,” she shared with the Printed blog. “I love that I am part of a global pack of dog lovers which the internet and social media has opened up. As a bit of a late starter, I am 47 and solo parent my kids, working in the creative industry from home with an online business has been completely accessible.”
Take a look at some of her adorable designs in the gallery below:
