Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Huller Eisemann
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Liz—a storyteller, maker, and everything (except the muse) behind Gilmore & Friends.
Gilmore & Friends is a pawsitively powered greeting card and gift brand famous for my hand-drawn illustrations that are sometimes a bit cheeky but always filled with magic, whimsy, and tons of JOY!
With a BFA from Syracuse University (no need to mention how long ago), I’ve had a few careers that I loved and that brought me satisfaction and pride, but nothing compares to the joy of drawing every day.
What started as a fun project with a new iPad and a very long dachshund puppy (the real Gilmore) at my feet has become a fulfilling business. When I’m not creating for Gilmore & Friends, I’m busy illustrating for others (just don’t tell Gilmore!).
I am kind, compassionate, and generous with my time and heart. My illustration work is a source of pride, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back. I have donated my time creating artwork for multiple dachshund rescues across the U.S. and have designed numerous Pride-themed products, with the profits benefiting LGBTQIA+ charitable organizations in San Diego and Houston.”
Gilmore & Friends cards are more than just folded paper; they are little bursts of JOY, fun to send, and an absolute treat to receive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Gilmore & Friends’ journey has been relatively smooth, although I’m not growing as quickly as I had hoped.
It is most definitely a challenge managing everything myself—illustrator, designer, logistics coordinator, packer, shipper, customer service, and marketer—all with little to no capital.
My most significant struggle has been standing out in a crowded marketplace. The wholesale greeting card industry is extremely competitive, and finding the right audience is still a work in progress.
There are moments of doubt when I wonder if I’m banging my head against the wall, but the messages, great reviews from happy customers, and giggles inspired by one of my cards remind me why I love Gilmore & Friends so much. I’m learning to adapt, grow, and appreciate every part of this journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Gilmore & Friends is all hand-drawn, based on the imaginary adventures of Gilmore the Dachshund and his friends. I believe what makes us special is that every greeting card, sticker, key fob, pin, t-shirt, sweater, beach towel, and pillow tells a little bit of their story.
Everything is drawn on an iPad using my finger and an Apple pencil. The first few years before the Apple pencil had been developed, I drew solely with my finger. Some of my best images were drawn with just my finger!
I have learned to draw in layers, transferring them from the iPad to Photoshop on my Mac, enabling me to create designs for multiple products from my drawings. My skills have certainly evolved because of my hard work and the many opportunities for online classes.
While dachshunds are my specialty, I love illustrating other people’s dogs, cats, and all the furry (and not-so-furry) friends Gilmore and I meet along the way.
The benefit of drawing on an iPad is that you can take your drawings everywhere, experiment with different mediums, and share your images in an instant.
Customer service has always been one of my most notable skills. I genuinely enjoy thanking and engaging with each person who supports Gilmore & Friends, no matter the size of their purchase.
My greatest joy comes from drawing Gilmore and his closest IG friends, sharing their silly adventures on social media, and connecting with the community that follows us.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Though I was born and raised in Boston and will always consider myself a Bostonian, life has taken me on a tour. After 25 years in Southern California, I moved to Texas three years ago to be closer to family—let’s just say I didn’t go quietly! I am adjusting and enjoying the days in my sunny studio on the water with Gilmore at my feet and look forward to what this next chapter brings.
Come by the studio and gallery at Watergate Yachting Center anytime. You don’t have to be a dachshund enthusiast to love my designs! They are full of personality and guaranteed to make you smile; even those without a dachshund obsession have been known to laugh out loud.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gilmoreandfriends.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilmoreandfriends_/
- Other: https://gilmoreandfriends.etsy.com
Image Credits
All images belong to Gilmore & Friends ©
