We had the pleasure to converse with the owner of Smitten Kitten for our Artist Q & A.
Amy Kwong, the designer behind the brand, started Smitten Kitten in 2006 and
opened the I HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU Gift Shop in 2014.
How did you start?
I started Smitten Kitten in 2006 after I quit my career as a creative director for a giftware company.
I loved the design process and over-seeing the creation of a product from start to finish,
but my design sensibilities didn’t align with the company’s vision.
After butting heads with them one too many times,
I decided to quit working for someone else and start my own company, and Smitten Kitten was born.
Hard to believe that was 13 years ago.
What is your process? What art tool could you not live without?
Well it’s not really an art tool, but I can’t live without my notes app on my phone.
Sometimes ideas come so quick (and I can be very forgetful)
if I don’t jot it down right away, even a few words, I’d loose it forever.
Reading back my notes doesn’t always make sense though.
What’s “Honbre some umbra”?! Who the hell knows. Auto correct is the ducking wurst.
When it’s time to launch a collection, which is twice a year.
I’ll go through my notes to see if any of the ideas have legs.
Then it’s off to races with my trusty sketch book and sharpie where the doodling begins!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Hmmm…not a source of inspo but I find a nice long drive on the highway in
my Mini helps me focus and clears my head.
Also, falling down the social media rabbit hole helps me identify what’s missing in the marketplace.
I’m a bit of a pop culture junkie, so memes and articles that flash across my screens stick with me.
My friends are a brilliant funny bunch too, so we tend to come up with ideas when we hang.
Is there anything you are currently working on that you are excited about?
Yup! Currently working on my 2019 Christmas designs.
Dead celeb RIP Christmas cards and letterpress holiday cards will drop in August at the NY Gift trade show.
