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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

No matter how far technology advances, there really isn’t anything as satisfying as sharing great stories face to face. This November 1, we have another chance to do just that at California State University, Long Beach. We’ll be giving a talk to a class of mainly Graphic Design students, but, the event is open to the public and we invite you to join us. We’ll be sharing our early years, how we got started, building our brand, and what we see in the future.

This year alone, we’ve had the honor to speak at Wharton, UC San Diego, and Creative Mornings, Los Angeles. We are looking forward to CSU Long Beach, we know the talent that comes out of that school and it’s always great to connect with future artists, designers, and optimists that are coming up in the world.

From Creative Mornings, Los Angeles at Herman Miller Showroom

From our talk at University of California, San Diego.

Join us for a little conversation, November 1 (Tues.) from 7 to 9 p.m. at California State University Long Beach, University Theater at 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA. Admission is FREE. Parking is available in the adjacent lot with a $5 general parking permit. RSVP here.

Mark your calendar, see you real soon!

Hanako left Japan in 1997 for Ireland where she studied Visual Arts and English. Then headed to England to explore her passion for Child Psychology, eventually finishing her degree from the University of London. Despite (or perhaps because of her studies), she found a renewed love for art and has since enchanted us with her exploration of nature, the animal kingdom, psychology, fantasy and her native culture.

We were curious to see how inspiration sprang from the mind of Hanako so we asked her to share a slice of her life with us. Hanako sent us a few snapshots of her daily life and with it we place ourselves in her proverbial shoes.

This is me and as you can see I’m heavily pregnant (9 months). My tummy is getting bigger and bigger every day. Can’t wait to see my daughter soon!

Check out Hanako’s wallet and mousepad.
Find more of Hanako at ilikesleeping.com.

This week, we’re saying hi to Scott Kitano, an educator, music maker and one of our regulars at Poketo events. Based on the cool, self-mixed CDs he’s given us, he has an awesome taste in music. You might remember him from earlier this year, when he channeled his love for music into a fundraiser for Japan. Here’s a little more about him:

Hi, Scott! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Scott Kitano and I am a teacher, musician, artist and someone who loves to cook.

Where in the world are you?
I am born and raised in Culver City but have also lived in Honolulu for about five years.(I just came back from a recent trip to Hawai`i where I found tons of cool patterns and design ideas.) I moved back to Culver City about three years ago to regain my inspiration. Plus, I missed Mexican food!!

We also know that you are a teacher and also a DJ and musician. What a cool combination! What subject do you teach? And what level?
I teach 9th grade Algebra 1. I started teaching in Kapolei, a city on the west side of Oahu. When I moved back to Los Angeles I taught at a school in the West Adams neighborhood. I enjoy teaching the kids at the 9th grade level because you can positively shape the next four years of their high school career. Everyone comes into a math class with predetermined disdain so I am motivated to change that. Learning math can be fun if it’s meaningful to the kids.

How did you come to be both teacher and musician?
Teaching is just an extension of being a performer. Playing music in front of people is just the same as giving a lecture to the students.

Could you tell us your earliest memory of music?
The earliest I can recall is listening to vinyl from a band called Kalapana (they’re like the Rolling Stones of Hawai`i), Mama’s and Papa’s and the Beach Boys. I also remember borrowing my brother’s Kool Moe Dee cassette tapes. The first CD I ever got was Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” which was right when the discman was first invented.

How does music make your life better?
Music is everything to me. It’s a soundtrack. It’s a memory. It’s history. It represents so many emotions. It can make you feel something that nothing else can make you feel. That is powerful.

You’ve given us some kickass music CDs, so we want to know, what’s your latest musical inspiration?
I have been producing music for over 10 years now right from my bedroom studio called Dojo Arigato Studios. I have a couple EPs I am working on for some musicians in Los Angeles (Ami, Tim & the G-minors, Miya) and my solo Scott Eats Ohtoro EP. The gem I am holding onto is the second record with my band Hearios. We have Aloe Blacc on a couple songs and they are amazing!!

What is ESO Music Art and Scott Eats Ohtoro? Could you tell us more about them?
ESO Music Art is my company where all my creative projects live. From albums to design work to re-salvaged lifestyle pieces to Hawaiian quilts, everything is thought of and created there. ESO has always been the name I gave my art and there is really no thought provoking reason behind it; I picked it because the letters are easy to work with. Being in Los Angeles has taken a new meaning which translates to “that”. So I guess it’s that music art from Scott.

Scott Eats Ohtoro is just saying what my favorite food is. Traveling to Japan and the love I have for that country, I wanted to showcase their appreciation of food.

How did you first find Poketo?
I went to a Felt Club art show that my friend told me about. I have always liked trees. I’m walking around and I see a cool looking tree on a shirt and I need to have it. Turns out it was a Poketo shirt and when I look at their other stuff I was instantly hooked.

What Poketo stuffs do you have at home or at work and could you show us how you use it?
I have a bunch of shirts, some mugs, some wallets, the apple vinyl print that my other brother gave me and stickers I use as bookmarks. When I am travelling, I always have something Poketo (During my recent trip to Honolulu, I came with nothing but Poketo shirts).

Scott’s traveling gear. All Poketo. Wow!

What do you think has been the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far?
Never give up. If there is a passion for something and outside forces are making it difficult to continue, you can’t give in. You can’t stop. Even if it hurts, you need to keep it going because in the end the journey will be worth it.

What’s next for Scott Kitano?
Well, I am going to be very busy. For my music, I am really excited to release the Hearios LP and to finish up the Septt Eats Ohtoro EP. I am working on a collection of my re-salvaged lifestyle products and my mom has just taught me how to sew so I am going to start whipping out some Hawaiian patchwork quilts. Oh yeah, I am also starting to brainstorm an autobiographical cookbook which will have my original recipes inspired by Japan, Hawai`i and California.

Thanks, Scott!
Thank you so much for the opportunity. I am really honored that Poketo has chosen to interview me. Thanks Angie and Ted!!!

Find more of Scott at ESO Music Art for all the songs, artwork, recipes and updates.

Know someone we should talk to for our next installment? Send us a quick note. We’ll be glad to hear from you.

Update: In honor of this interview, Scott just released a free to download EP, “Like to Love.” Listen here.

Joe went to school at California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. He began as a painting major, but found his way to illustration as well. Joe’s work is amazing, super detailed and often very humorous, whimsical (just like this Poketo shirt!).

We asked Joe what inspired such a fun design and here’s what we got:

When did you first learn to bike? What was the experience like?
I think it was probably around when I was in junior high. My parents bought home a semi-rusted heavy red Huffy from the salvation army. I fell a lot but I loved it.

How did you get hooked on cycling?
My folks got me a mountain bike when I went off to college. That was how I got around for a couple of years.

What’s the best part of riding?
Riding with friends. Coasting down a long hill after a long climb.

Could you share one of your favorite memories of biking?
A thanksgiving ride maybe close to 10 years ago, I rode with my brother and his friend up and around Mt. Tam. It was a struggle to get up the mountain. I don’t get to spend as much time as I’d like with my brother, so this was a really great ride.

What’s the strangest type of bike you’ve been on?
When I got on a tandem bike with Rob Sato, an artist friend of mine. That was a great day. I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a while.

If you could see anyone (person, animal, object) on a bike, who (or what) would you want to see?
I love the visual of animals on bikes, especially bears but I’m not so sure if the animals would appreciate it so much.

I also love the look of Victorian era bikes (at least I think they’re Victorian). The image of folks in fancy dress bikes with a mixture of large and small wheels makes me laugh.

Check out Joe’s shirt on poketo.com. Unisex and womens styles.

You can also get this shirt on the CicLAvia route this Sunday October 9th!

Find more of Joe To on doodlebang.com.