Anna Cote is the designer and owner of Modern Printed Matter, a stationery and graphic arts studio based in Rhode Island. Anna has always considered herself an artist, although it is until only recently that she has brought creativity into her professional life.  Growing up on a small island off the coast of Maine, Anna occupied most of her time as a kid with artistic pursuits.  Also very talented in math and science during high school, Anna was encouraged to pursue a career in engineering.  She attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI and excelled during her pursuit of a degree in Environmental Engineering.  Upon graduating, Anna worked for 5 years in the environmental consulting industry in Rhode Island and California.  In 2005, burnt out from long hours in the corporate world, Anna decided that she needed a creative outlet.

Anna began Modern Printed Matter as a ‘nights and weekends’ affair, selling her stationery designs to local stores throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  Based on the local response, it quickly became evident that Anna was onto something.  Before long, Anna’s products began popping up in stores across the country and beyond, with a steadily growing national and international list of over 250 stores.  In May of 2007, with her first appearance at the National Stationery Show in New York, Anna officially made Modern Printed Matter a full-time affair.

In September of 2007, Anna Cote and Modern Printed Matter found the amazing world of Etsy.  Since opening up her Etsy shop, Anna has been able to experiment and explore new designs and medium while feeding off the interaction and community that makes Etsy so successful.  A new line of nature inspired botanical cards, notebooks, prints and a brand new 2008 desk calendar has garnered the attention of the online design community, furthering Anna’s exposure.  Anna has been featured on design blogs design*sponge, poppytalk, decor8, modish and more.

Anna’s designs are bright, simple, modern, and fun.  She is inspired by nature, by color, and by modern design of all genres.  She loves loud music, her two crazy bunnies and kitties, and her ever-supportive architect husband, Chris. Anna Cote loves being an artist, even if it took her a while to get there……….