KIND, BRAVE and FUN
“When a person buys one of our cards we know they’re sending good vibes to someone they care about,” says Liz Maute Cooke, owner of Lionheart Prints.
Cooke’s cards, much like her personality, are full of exuberance, sunshine and a whole lot of joy. It’s no wonder her company’s motto is, “Gifts and Greetings for the KIND, BRAVE and FUN.”
Cooke is a native Oklahoman turned New Orleanian. Her graphic design career started with markers and scrap paper when she was just six years old. In her mid-20s she says she realized she could turn her favorite thing to do into the thing she does for a living.
Lionheart Prints began in Cooke’s home in 2013 with a line of hand-lettered greeting cards. The business has grown swiftly and now employs six full-time employees, offers a wide array of products from apparel to housewares, and has a cheerful storefront on Magazine Street.
Though the business is certainly successful, Cooke says she is challenged by its fast growth.
“I know we have to spend money to make money but it all brings more responsibilities and more bills,” she says. “I’m looking forward to a plateau where I can catch my breath financially.”
Every Lionheart Prints card begins with a hand-lettered design and is printed on high-quality, archival paper using long-lasting inks. Her designs are playful such as her Valentine’s cards. One says, “FYI, I kinda SORTA LIKE YOU or whatever.” It’s written in hot pink lettering or one with an orange arrow running through orange script saying, “When you know, you know. Ya know?”
Cooke is currently attending “NY Now,” a wholesale trade show that features gifts, personal care items, accessories, stationery and children’s products from 2,300 suppliers.
“We have a booth and our cards are being picked up by stores around the country,” she says. “And I’m looking up and down the aisles looking for products that will be a good fit for our store.”
Lionheart Prints also offers workshops on such things as how to make your own stationery, the basics of brush pen lettering, and digitizing artwork. Upcoming workshops include on Feb. 24, Art Deco lettering with Nick Misani, a freelance designer and illustrative letterer. Students will learn the typography popular in the Great Gatsby Era. And on March 4, Lena Kolb will lead a hands-on weaving workshop.
Cook also offers at no-cost a Mardi Gras parade guide that helps parade goers know who’s riding what float and where they’ll be positioned.
“We designed it to help you sort out all your riding friends so you can get all the best throws.”
With a lot of heart and a healthy dose of humor, Cooke plans to be on Magazine forever.
“We want to become a New Orleans institution,” she says.
Lionheart Prints
3312 Magazine St.
(504) 267-5299
