You know when you meet someone and it feels like you’ve known them forever? Joel Speasmaker is like that. Comfortable, intelligent, down to earth… an old soul. Joel is an amazing designer and a sort of jack of all trades. From publishing to making art to designing, he blows me away with everything he does. This is why Joel is always the “go to” designer for a majority of Poketo’s special projects. The poketo colors and identity you see on this website, Joel helped create. Now, Joel has lent his visual design to our newest Colorparty wrist watch we launched just a couple weeks back. Here we go, lets chat with Joel Speasmaker.

You do so much work from art shows to commercial work to zines. How would you describe yourself — artist, designer, publisher? Anything you absolutely love over another?

I think that I keep each of those things — artist, designer, publisher, whatever — separate in my thinking. But this isn’t intentional. They are obviously all related, and I try to keep a consistent philosophy throughout, but I’m less confident with some, and more confident with others. There are positives and negatives in this.

We first met when you created and published The Drama quarterly arts magazine. I believe at the Alternative Press Expo back in 2005. How has making that magazine shaped your current work and personal life.

It shaped everything, really. On top of learning so much throughout that period of time, I inadvertently set up this huge network of insanely talented and kind people that I’ve been able to eventually work for, collaborate with, live with, or simply be a friend of. It’s pretty amazing, actually, and I don’t think I realized the significance of it at the time while it was happening. But I appreciate it so much now. If only I could find the time for one last related project I’ve been planning…

Tell us about your design firm, Forest. What is the philosophy, what type of projects do you enjoy working on? If you had to pick 3 words to describe Forest, what would they be?

The easiest way to explain my method behind working is this: you have to create your space. Something can’t exist without a framework. Create the space for the something to exist. Empty your mind and allow it to move through you. Don’t look at the internet. Don’t obsess over what your peers are doing. Be thoughtful and honest. Forget about design. Learn other things.

Give us a glimpse of your Brooklyn studio. You are also surrounded by other great artists and designers in the building. What is a typical day like?

I love my studio. Super tall ceiling, tons of light coming through, a train going right by the window. Brooklyn is crazy and frustrating and loud, and my studio is a nice escape from that. Lately a typical day starts a little later, tea in my thermos, working a bit in between watching soccer.

Your aesthetic is clearly seen in all of the commercial work you do. Do you feel like there is a distinction between your personal work and the work you do for clients? How do you work both harmoniously?

I actually struggle much more with personal work, as opposed to client work. The method and form seem to present themselves to you as you go through the motions with a client. I’ve learned to separate myself from this work, while still taking it just as seriously as my own. I have a hard time with design awards and accolades, because there was so much more going on than just me on any given project. Shouldn’t the client be just as recognized for something that is successful? Whatever I’ve created wouldn’t exist without their problem needing to be solved. And in the end it is simply that, a solution created within the restraints of my aesthetic combined with the process of reacting to a clients desires.

On the other hand, personal work is so intensely personal for me that it is difficult to share it. I love the process of it, I spend more time thinking and doing research than actually creating something. But when finished, there is of course that human need for some sort of recognition or validation. Some people thrive on this and create their whole career around it. But I try to fight that instinct.

As most people know, you created our Poketo visual identity we see today. Give us your thoughts on designing the Poketo identity and how that translates to your latest project with us, The Colorparty Watch.

We went through a large amount of variations and ideas, before eventually coming to what you see today. I think it portrays (at least how I feel about) Poketo in such a simple and strong way: a modern sense of fun and collaboration. It’s been rewarding to then apply the identity to new and unique projects, namely the line for Target, and now the Poketo watch with Furni. We were limited in a sense to what we could customize on the watch, so I’m glad we went with a simple application of the Poketo colors. Each of these projects seem to inform the next one, I wonder what’s on the horizon?

Three words that describe The Colorparty watch:

Subtle color statement.

More from Joel at thisisforest.com.
Check out the Colorparty watch here.

We’re super stoked about our partnership with nonprofit art center Creative Growth up in Oakland and we wanted to share the work of another artist with you.

John Hiltunen is a master of collage. Before he found his medium, he dabbled in rug making, woodworking and even ceramics. Now living in Fremont, California, his collages surprise, shock and elicit a bit of laughter with their jarring juxtapositions. We asked him a few questions, he sent back some collages…

If animals were people, what would they look like?

Show us your favorite animal as a collage.

Thanks so much, John!
Check out Creative Growth wallets on here.
Learn more about Creative Growth Art Center here.

Art is for everyone, everyday… this is a basic philosophy both Poketo and Creative Growth Art Center share. Since 1973, Creative Growth has been working with adults with mental, emotional and physical disabilities, giving them a creative avenue to express themselves.

This visual art center and art gallery and nonprofit abounds with creativity. We’re proud to be working with Creative Growth to produce artist wallets showcasing the work of their talented roster, which includes Merritt Wallace.

Born in Japan in 1963, Merritt Wallace’s Poketo wallet traces out a colorful cityscape that started out with simple black and white lines. You can see the wallet here. Now, lets get to a quick illustrated Q&A with Merritt!

What’s your idea of a perfect breakfast?

How are you feeling today?

Thanks so much, Merritt!
Check out Creative Growth wallets and an interview with Creative Growth Projects Manager, Jennifer Strate O’Neal here.

At Poketo, it’s the people around us that help keep it real. Inspired by their great vibe, this series puts the spotlight squarely on them, their aspirations and their brushes with the Poketo world. It’s also a great way to keep in touch, don’t you think? Yeah, we thought so too!

Spotted on the way to an art show: Sarah with a bag from our Target collection!

Sarah is the West Coast alumni director for Columbia College Chicago. On top of that, she has a passion for shopping which she has turned into a personal shopping business (dream job, anyone?)

She’s married with one dog and lives in the Arts District of Downtown LA. “I have the biggest crush ever on this amazing city – I’ve found myself, many times, telling people that Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world and I totally mean it,” says Sarah. Hear, hear!

Hi, Sarah. Let’s start at the juiciest question. How did you get into the world of personal shopping?
I just jumped right in! I was looking for a fun project and fashion is something I’m definitely passionate about. I did some research and thought that starting a personal shopping business would be fun and
exciting, so I launched Soignee.

What does Soignee mean?
Soignee is French. It means:
1. Showing sophisticated elegance; fashionable
2. Well groomed; polished

I kind of love it.

Have there been any awesome clients you’ve done personal shopping for?
One of my favorite Soignee clients came to me early on. I knew this musician who was getting ready to launch a brand new website and she needed a series of outfits for a photo shoot. She wanted me to pull these looks from her own closet instead of going out and dropping gobs of money on a whole new wardrobe – completely understandable.

In the process, she also wanted me to edit her closet, which is one of my absolute favorite projects. (Cleaning out someone’s wardrobe is a cathartic experience – love it!) While several items went to Goodwill, we were able to pull together 5 fantastic looks that really expressed her style as a musician. We were able to do this with only purchasing a couple of items too, so it saved her a lot of money.

Good for her! If you had to take someone to LA in the search for the perfect fashion find, where would you take them?
The sample sales, of course! I absolutely LOVE a bargain, but it’s got to be a quality bargain, so sample sales are an ideal shopping excursion for me. They happen year round too, so you can always find a great deal on designers. A recent fave was the Rachel Pally sample sale. The fabric she uses is to die for and I stocked up.

We love bumping into you and seeing you wear some Poketo finds. How did you first find out about Poketo?
Simple. You guys are my neighbors! When the Barker Block lofts first opened, there were so few people living here and we all knew each other. Ted and Angie were a couple of the first people I met in DTLA and I fell in love with the Poketo. It’s been so fun to see them grow as a company (and as a couple with their marriage and the adoption of Nori!) I love how Poketo has expanded their brand with their line for Target and getting more into fashion and accessories.

Very cool. We always see you with different Poketo goodies. Which ones are your favorites?
I love the sunburst tunic. It’s very cool and versatile. I wore it as a swimsuit cover up this summer, but will wear it over a turtleneck as it gets colder. I get tons of compliments on that top!

I’m also a little obsessed with your Chloe satchel that I have in licorice. I cannot get over how soft it is. I’m a bit of a leather snob, and I’m telling you – you cannot tell this bag is faux!

The rope knot bracelet is amazing and right now I’m really eyeing the cream-colored upcycled leather tote.

Thanks, Sarah!

Find more of Sarah at Soignee LA and Facebook.