Bug Art – A brief history

Bug Art was founded in London in 1991 by Jane Crowther. Assisted by the Government Enterprise Scheme, Jane developed a small range of greeting cards to supplement her income as an artist.

This first published range featured a cute little bug character with a plastic nose and wobbly eyes. This 'Snout' range became hugely successful and over the next 10 years were to sell in their millions to over 20
countries.

A second range was released in 1993, and although very different in style were again a big hit. These cards had a handmade paper 'look' background and were gold foil embossed. The 'Paper & Foil' range is still regularly updated with new designs.

Both ranges have shown an unusual longevity for the greeting card market and are still available in 2007.

Every new Bug Art design has a tiny little bug hidden in the image. The idea of this was to link the more 'artistic' ranges in with the original cartoon style and bugs of the 'Snout' range (after which the company was named).

Bug Art release approximately 1-2 new ranges a year. They also produce new designs to refresh existing ranges. Our 'Jewel' range was introduced in 2000. These were re-released in 2002 with black backgrounds. The innovative use of 'jewel-like' foil embossing against very dark backgrounds provided a classic yet contemporary look that has come to symbolize Bug Art's style.

In 1995, the business relocated to Nottingham, expanding into offices in 1997 and a warehouse in 1998. A year later, in 1999, Jane's sister Anne Crowther joined the company. Anne, a financial director, with years of commercial experience behind her, could see that the time was right to restructure the company.

In 2002, Bug Art moved out of the office and warehouse. Chris Griffiths and Anne Crowther set up their own warehouse & Distribution company called A La Carte. They were then able to expand this side of the business and represent other publishers with a unique package of administrative and distributive services. A La Carte now provides all these services for Bug Art. Jane was able to concentrate on her role as Art Director of Bug Art and Anne has remained as the Financial Director.

Bug Art have on 6 occasions received official recognition for their designs: twice nominated for the 'Henries', the greeting card version of the Oscars. Runner-up in the International API Foiling Awards, 2nd and 3rd 'highly commended' in the 'Print World' national awards and short-listed for an International Foiling Award.

In recent years, Bug Art have consolidated their range of cards by working with other artists, Louise Bloomer, Marjorie Dumortier and most recently, David Wolverson.