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At Lush Lobster, every card starts as a real drawing by a real person — not a stock template. So we thought it was about time you met the people behind the doodles. This is the first in a new series spotlighting the independent artists we work with, and we couldn't think of a better place to start than Esme Blue.
Meet Esme Blue
Esme Blue — otherwise known as Sophie Sargent — is an independent illustrator and writer who describes herself, perfectly, as "the most esoteric girl at this bodega." That tells you most of what you need to know: her work is witty, a little offbeat, and quietly heartfelt. It's the sort of thing you'd actually want to keep on the mantelpiece long after the birthday's over.
"Want to show them you love them? Send them a Lush Lobster card — designed by moi." — Esme Blue
Drawn by hand, made to be sent
Esme's cards are unmistakable: loose, hand-drawn illustrations with a sense of humour and a soft spot for the people we love. A silly sausage dog with the words "sorry for being a silly sausage." A little washing-line of tiny clothes. "To more blurry nights with you." They're imperfect in the best way — the kind of imperfect that only comes from an actual human hand, and the reason a card like this feels so different from something mass-produced.
That's exactly why we love working with independent artists. When you personalise one of Esme's cards and pop it in the post, you're sending a small piece of a real person's work — to a real person who matters to you.
Write to your friends
Esme puts it more simply than we ever could: write to your friends. In a world of group chats and disappearing messages, there's still nothing quite like a card landing on the doormat with your name on it. It says I thought about you, and I made the effort.
If you'd like to read more of Esme's wonderfully esoteric writing, you can find her on Substack — and if you'd like to send a bit of her artwork to someone you love, her cards are waiting for you.