MEET THE ARTIST: PEGGY DEAN OF THE PIGEON LETTERS

This year, we collaborated with guest artist Peggy Dean of The Pigeon Letters for our NEW Pride Collection! Peggy Dean is a nationally recognized artist, best-selling author, and award-winning educator in the Pacific Northwest. She is the founder of The Pigeon Letters, a proud LGBTQ+ and woman-owned small business. The Pigeon Letters is a platform that provides resources to anyone with a passion to create.  

Learn more about Peggy in our exclusive interview with her! 

Q: What inspired you to create The Pigeon Letters?   

"The name actually started an Instagram account to connect with the community. I love pigeons because they’re just too dang adorable, and the name is a bit of a spin on The Pigeon Post. Sending such important letters in an old school way has so much value, and I feel like my deeper meaning to creating art relates to that. It stuck as I grew, so I ended up… The Pigeon Letters!"  

Q: A big part of The Pigeon Letters mission is your commitment to supporting wildlife restoration and conservation. Can you tell us more about that?   

"I believe that it's important to educate people about the impact of their purchases, especially in the art supplies industry where many products still use animal products (such as fur). We now have the technology to create high-quality products without harming animals, and it's essential that we move towards a more sustainable and ethical approach. Having built a socially responsible company with professional-grade paint brushes and pens, I am dedicated to using only cruelty-free materials and encourage others in the industry to do the same. By making conscious choices and supporting companies with ethical practices, we can make a positive impact on the world and protect our natural resources."

Q: We’re so excited to launch your Happy Planner x The Pigeon Letters PRIDE capsule. What does PRIDE mean to you and what is your favorite item from the collection?  

"First of all, I can’t even express my excitement about this collection enough! It’s so difficult to choose just one, but I think I’d have to go with the Happy Journal, and the reasoning actually ties into PRIDE! I’m a big believer in living our truths, and a lot of that comes from within—more specifically, through mindfulness. Our mental health is so important, and when we embrace our joy and self worth, our stories connect and we find common ground with others who share similar experiences. That's what PRIDE means to me - embracing and celebrating our differences and individuality, while also finding unity and connection. The Happy Journal is the perfect tool to practice mindfulness, self-reflection and celebration of our authentic selves. It's a space to write down our thoughts, goals, and achievements, and to remember to take care of ourselves."

Q: What is your favorite medium to create your art?  

"My favorite medium changes with the seasons haha! I am always drawn to gouache though. I love its opaque vibrancy and creamy matte texture. I’m also a big fan of working digitally (specifically in Procreate)!"

Q: What advice would you give aspiring artists?  

"Firstly, it's essential to practice consistently and hone your skills. Whether it's through daily sketches or working on a larger project, the more you create, the more you'll improve. Seek out opportunities for feedback and critiques, and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other artists! It's also essential to explore different techniques and styles to find your own voice and style. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, and don't get discouraged if it takes time to find your artistic direction. Consider the joy from the journey. Every failure is actually an opportunity to learn and grow."

Q: Why did you decide to collaborate with Happy Planner?  

"I was thrilled to collaborate with Happy Planner because their values and mission align with mine. As an artist, I'm passionate about promoting creativity, self-care, and positivity, and The Happy Planner's products and message resonate with me. Their commitment to inclusivity and creating a supportive community for all individuals is something that I value and aspire to promote."

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?  

"I have the most childlike answer to this. I know there are so many superpowers that would be incredibly useful, but mine is definitely just novelty: TO FLY. I’ve always wished to fly. Not with wings or anything either—Peter Pan style." 

Q: What is your most-used emoji?  

"I have two and they’re both very self explanatory haha: 🤗 and 😬"

Q: Describe your planning style (list maker, likes to write out details, needs to plan in advance, last minute planner, planning cadence). 

"I wouldn’t have had a good answer to this a few years ago haha but I’ve really created a system that works well for me. At a glance, I focus on 3 main tasks each day. Getting deeper, I have project boards with all relevant details. I’m extremely visual so I’m all about a good kanban board style. I think of it as an assembly line. The top of each column is a “stage” and the tasks beneath physically move as I complete each stage."  

Q: Describe your perfect day. What plans does that include?  

"I love traveling and the ideal day would be waking up knowing I’d be exploring a new place that day. It’s funny because, while I’m much more detailed in planning my work, I’m quite the opposite when it comes to my hobbies. I prefer to let the day come at me organically as I wander aimlessly. I love happening upon experiences at random. I find that those little moments are the ones that stand out in my memory the most."

Q: Where can we find you? 

Instagram: @thepigeonletters 

https://www.thepigeonletters.com/ 

The Trevor Project 

In honor and celebration of Pride, Happy Planner has made a donation this year to The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people. The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. To learn more about their life-saving mission, please visit www.TheTrevorProject.org. 

Check out the full collection—available now!