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 we tap Joel for a majority of Poketo’s special projects. The poketo colors and identity you see on this website, Joel helped create. The Poketo for Target website, Joel designed. 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?

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.

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!

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.

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!

We read all your comments, especially when you take time to let us know we’re doing well…. which is how we found Alex, a mathematician with a love for art. Seriously folks, he got his M.S. in Math at 23. Oh, he takes great photos too.

He wrote to let us know how much he loves Poketo and that he’s been using Poketo’s wallets for more than 5(!) years. Naturally, we wanted to know the man behind the message, so without further ado, here he is.

(Spoiler alert: there is math talk, but also comedy and trivia thrown in. Get ready.)

Hi, Alex! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello there! I’m 27, a Ph.D. student and Adjunct Professor of mathematics at the University of Binghamton. I moved to New York a month ago after finishing a Masters’ at the University of Kansas, and before that, my B.S. at Michigan Technological University (yes, I was a yooper). In short, it feels like I’ve been in college for my entire life.

Despite being a math nerd, I’m surprisingly social, I played tennis as an undergrad, and soccer for over twenty years. I’m a movie buff (gotta break up the math somehow!).

I play the guitar, and I know more than enough useless trivia (every swan in the United Kingdom is the property of the Queen).

I didn’t know that. Now, that trivia will come up in my next conversation. Thanks!

So, what three words describe you best?
I dislike summarizing.
*Badum-ching*

What’s it like in Binghamton, New York?
Quiet. I love it here.

Could you share some of your favorite hangouts?
I love all sorts of movie theaters (aside from all the miscreants that can’t go 2 minutes without looking at their cellphone, in case the President texts them. Nobody’s that important. Nobody) and any place where I can have a stimulating conversation. Generally, I try to learn at least one thing any place I go!

Right now, what’s keeping you busy?
The semester! Teaching, taking classes, giving colloquia (research presentations)… typical grad student-y life.

You’ve always been studying Math it seems. You took it up for college and now getting your doctorate in it. How did you first get into Math?
I’ve been told my first words were, “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.” I didn’t learn this fact until a few years ago, so I guess I chose math.

What keeps you passionate about math?
In math, there are no “i before e except after c, or when sounded like a as in neighbor or weigh. Or weird exceptions. Everything is based on a concrete set of rules, and when you understand the rules, the fact that every single thing in math behaves the way it does makes perfect sense. Most people never get to the stage where they learn the rules (hence the general mysticism of math). I guess I had this… intuition that there was some method to all the madness.

There’s a lot of us who are intimidated by the subject. What’s the coolest thing you’ve found that you could calculate?
Wow. Something tells me “coolest” has an entirely different meaning to me than to a non-mathematician.

Umm… something that fascinates me is Gabriel’s Horn, a shape with infinite surface area, but finite volume (so you couldn’t paint it, but if it were clear, you could fill it with paint and it would look painted). The internet can explain it, if you’re interested, but aside from that “I think it’s cool,” I don’t think I should go into more detail.

Do you have a favorite equation? Is there such a thing?
Absolutely. The sum (from 1 to infinity) of the reciprocal squares is pi squared divided by six. It’s unbelievably unexpected, even to people who like this stuff

How did you first find Poketo?
My undergraduate university, as amazing as that place is, is 200 miles from anything resembling civilization. So, anything interesting I wanted, I had to get online. A webcomic I read had a banner ad with a few wallets on it (“hey, those look neat”), and so the affiliation began.

I’ve carried a Poketo wallet in my pocket every day since my first one arrived in the mail around… 6 or 7 years ago.

Awesome! We love that you keep a Poketo wallet around for so long. What do you love about them?
Your wallets are the best! I love the individuality of not having a plain Jane brown or black wallet. I’ve had many, many conversations sparked by this. Also, the average bi- or tri- fold wallet makes me feel like I’m sitting on a rock. These are slim and minimalist: everything I need, nothing more. I’m hooked for life.

What Poketo stuff is on your current wishlist?
I already have my next wallet (as if there was any doubt). I think my next purchase will be some ideas notebooks (if they were graph paper, I’d probably already have them).

If you had the chance to realize a dream project, what would it be?
I’m doing it! I love thinking about some of the things I’m working on, learning, and the hope that maybe someday people will want to learn what I’ve thought of… It’s our version of fame, really.

If life could be encapsulated in one equation or symbol, what would it be to you?
Yikes! What’s the meaning of life? Well, a guess there’s your symbol. A question mark.

If you had one awesome piece of advice to give to anyone reading, what would it be?
Aside from the fact that Poketo is amazing? (is that the answer I’m supposed to give? Seriously, it is, though.) I guess I’d say… “Don’t be afraid of math. Or mathematicians. Well… some mathematicians.”

Haha. You could be a great comic too. Comic mathematicians, anyone?

Thank you, Alex. That was awesome.

Check out Alex’s photos on flickr.

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

We’re super lucky to have great interns this summer! You’ve met two of them last week, now meet the “star” of Poketo’s Wallet Wonderland Animation, Reese Panganiban! Reese has been helping us behind the scenes, designing some of our brand materials. We love her clean, fun style that’s so Poketo. We’ve also been wowed by her musical skills. Say hello to Reese, folks!

Reese, could you tell us a little bit about you?
Well, I am a hardworking, hand-making, piano-teaching, accordion-playing, fashion-craving graphic designer based in Orange County

Since you have such a wonderful name, I was wondering how do you feel about Reese’s Pieces? :
I looooove them!

What are your top five sources of inspiration?
* My brothers (who inspire me through illustration, graphic design, & videography)
* Handmade design (I love seeing handmade elements being applied to graphic design)
* Saul Bass (sparked my interest in motion graphics)
* Behance network
* Traveling (There’s always something interesting out there!)

What was the last awesome-can’t-wait-to-try it idea you’ve had?
Creating my own visual system of music… I have yet to try it out!

What are you studying at Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB)? Why did you choose CSULB?
BFA in Graphic Design. I knew a few people who went to Long Beach and heard only good things about their art department & its locals

What drew you to graphic design?
I always enjoyed art, whether it be through music, dance (although I can’t dance!), or visual art, but what drew me to graphic design is that it had a purpose. It’s a form of visual communications.

Just driving down the street, there are hundreds of places & signs that help people understand where to go or what they may be interested in, and growing up, I would wonder who made these things. It’s kind of like being a doctor, except in a design sense. I take satisfaction in changing/helping what may be a poor design choice.

Could you describe your style of graphic design?
My style of graphic design is more crafty, quirky, and often handmade

What’s your favorite subject?
Art and music have always been my favorite subjects growing up because I was always surrounded by it. I always looked up to my talented brothers.

Now that you mention music. How did you get into piano and accordion?!
My mom wanted me to do things as a kid that she never got to do, so she made me take piano lessons at the age of 5. She also made me do ballet, choir, and ice skating, but music was the only activity that stuck around.

I ended up teaching at the age of 16 at Millan Music in Carson, Ca, and have been there ever since! I have now been playing for 19 years. My piano teacher introduced me to the accordion 5 years ago and I have been part of the D&G Ensemble ever since. Playing music counter balances my design half. When I need to relax, I turn to my music

You can see Reese play with the D&G Ensemble in this video. They do a rendition of Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man that turns into Santana’s Smooth.

When not drawing, designing, illustrating, what would you be doing?
Either playing or teaching piano. Love it!

Why intern at Poketo?
I love Poketo’s style and purpose! All the products are functional but also designed well.

What do you think is the best lesson you’ve learned at Poketo so far?
What it takes to run a successful business. The people at Poketo all work hard, but they also have fun doing it!

Oh, and also buying resistance. I want everything, but have done quite a good job at holding back

If you were any Poketo wallet, which one would you be?
The Mel Kadel wallet, because its so quiet (because of its color palette), yet so complex because of the details & patterns within it!

Find more of Reese on Behance.