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Featured Kawaiiland SF artist: Iris Chen

Featured Kawaiiland SF artist: Iris Chen was inspired to create art at an early age, we are pleased to share our interview with her below!

How did you become an artist?

It just happened- I was bored a lot as a young kid and would sketch random things to entertain myself.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Something endearing, innocence worth protecting.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

Many- Psycho-pass, Ghost in the shell, Higashi no Eden, X/1999, Loveless, Paradise Kiss, Mushi-shi, and many many many more.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I want to mix art with fashion and inspire people to be unique and not separate their passions but bring them together.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Do it for you- don't do it for money or fame or whatever. Genuine work is hard to come by now, but it should be the base of all art/design/fashion. Passion for your work and your craft. Passion for bringing a vision into the world that isn't present in the now. Bring back a community that isn't just people who want to make money off of every little thing. That's what I'd like to see from people in the future who want to get into this lifestyle.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Makeup Artist: Crystal Fitzgerald

:::Beauty and the Bay is::: B E A U T Y + B A D A S S straight out of the SAN FRANCISCO BAY!

Crystal (owner/operator) was born into makeup in 1984, when her mom went into labor while working at a cosmetics counter in Honolulu. After working in retail skin care for many years, Crystal is now a formally trained Esthetician, beauty blogger, and has been freelancing in makeup artistry since 2013. She likes Harry Potter, glitter, and cats. ::B A T B:: began as a way for Crystal to combine her blog, portfolio, and freelance business all into one giant makeup-y machine! ::F O L L O W:: Instagram: @beautyamdthebaysf Twitter: @beautyandthebay WordPress: http://beautyandthebay.wordpress.com/

How did you become an artist?

I started working in retail cosmetics and skin care over 7 years ago, which developed my love for makeup and skin care. I later went to work for a cosmetics counter, and I got the opportunity to better my skill. I then decided to attend Cinta Aveda Institute in San Francisco and work in esthetics. However, right around the time I started training, I got some opportunities to do freelance bridal work. The rest, was history!

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

A lifestyle of all things super cute and japanese-y

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

My favorite cartoon is Spongebob Squarepants! I love his cute quirkiness

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

Ultimately, I would like to expand my makeup and skincare business into a mobile dream machine, and take my blog to greater heights! I also would like to develop a line.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Work really hard, believe in yourself, be confident in yourself AND your work, never give up, and most importantly, never let anyone tell you that you can't.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Vendor: Efers & Mui

EFER & SMui Productions is a duo; two old college roommates. ...Once upton a time, in a University of California, far, far away, two girls met up at their orientation. Roommates, E & S managed to keep in touch. By their second year of college, the two were roommates and would remain so until they graduated. This is the fruitation of their 'creativity'insanity creative endeavors boredom.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

We are two Bay Area artists who met in college in Southern California. After graduation, we both ended up moving back to the Bay and settled down in office positions, but having both involved with creative works throughout school, we wanted to do something that allowed us to continue making art. Eventually, we started a little business selling buttons - first starting with text and two years later, we started working on the world foods and animals.

How did you become an artist?

EFER: This is going to sound pretentious, but I don't think you become an artist - it just kind of happens and if you enjoy it, you pursue it. At least, that was the case for us.

SMUI: I agree with EFER, but I also want to add that we've always liked and appreciated art even when we were younger. So we took it one step further and made our own.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Japanese for "cute".

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

Both of us have genres we like, fandoms we're into, and art styles we prefer, but we don't really have a set favorite.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

To make everyone's day a little brighter.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

It's hard and you have to work through the artist block and procrastination. There is no "waiting it out" or hoping that inspiration will strike and make you work harder and faster. It is a lot of hard work and determination.

Featured Kawaiiland SF vendor: Twinkie Chan

Twinkie Chan is a San Francisco based crochet designer with an insatiable appetite for creating deliciously fun, food-themed accessories. She launched her website in 2005 with a dozen scrumptious scarves and some tater tot dolls. Since then, her unique work has been featured online, in print, on television, and in art shows.

The incredible demand for her crochet patterns inspired her to write her first book, "Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats To Wear" in Fall 2010, which won About.com's Readers's Choice Award for Best DIY Fashion Book in 2011.

Twinkie's latest project is her clothing & accessories line, "Yummy You! by Twinkie Chan," which she just launched in order to make her signature pieces more accessible and more affordable. Yummy You! is all about celebrating bright colors, bold patterns, fun textures, and feeling cute at any age. With both Yummy You! and her own handmade items, Twinkie hopes to help people feel more yummy and to make the world a yummier place.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

- I'm a crochet designer from San Francisco, and I love to make cute, food-themed accessories that make you feel yummy. In 2005, I launched TwinkieChan.com and focused solely on designing and crocheting food-themed scarves, like toast scarves, cupcake scarves, and bacon and egg scarves, and I'm excited to now have a diffusion line, Yummy You!, to make my signature work more affordable and more accessible to more people.

How did you become an artist?

- I grew up in a very DIY household and was always told to "go home and make it!" My best friend's grandma taught us how to crochet when we were about 10 years old. After college, I worked in book publishing for 10 years, but I started to pick up crocheting again on the side, just for fun, and just for myself. I had no idea that other people would be interested in wearing pizza scarves, too!

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

- To me, it has meant friendship. For most of my life, I never really knew who my "people" were. I was never really punk or goth or hippie, etc. I guess I was pretty nerdy, but book/school-nerdy, and not into comics or anything like that. When I first started to discover Japanese street fashion and kawaii culture, I had my ah-ha moment. I wanted to be that! I wanted to hang out with that! While I wouldn't say that I am full-on "kawaii" or fairy kei all the day everyday, I definitely love to infuse color, fun, and nostalgia into my everyday life, and I love meeting people and making friends with those who share this same energy.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

- I fully admit that I don't watch much anime or know about it at all! I'm fired!!! :P When I was younger, I watched the Last Unicorn over and over and over again and wanted to be Strawberry Shortcake. Also, I used to have a crush on Dexter from Dexter's Lab!

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

- I think it would be super cool to have a Yummy You! brick and mortar shop one day... with a nail art salon and a cupcake cafe inside!

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

- Just do it! Work hard, be yourself, be unique, and be nice!

Featured Kawaiiland SF Artist: Kidoairaku

Check out our interview with passionate and talented Kawaiiland SF artist Kidoairaku!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I go by kidoairaku 喜怒哀楽 online, which means 'emotions'... it's something that I think art should evoke in a person and I strive to be able to show that in my art

How did you become an artist?

Ever since I was introduced to anime + manga in jr.high/highschool, I started drawing in all my free time, just learning all the techniques I could from what I saw, and I joined deviantart and learned from many more artists there.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

It means cute... but I guess to me, it means mostly the cute plushies out there... like rillakuma, the capybara, tsumtsums, and more <33 (I love plushies if you can't tell-)

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

It's too hard to choose a favorite :'D but I do enjoy a lot of slice of life, shonen, and rom coms

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

To mostly have fun with it and hope others enjoy it too.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

I would say... stay humble. There's always stuff out there to learn and don't think that you know everything. Also, never tell yourself that you'll do something when you get better at it. The time is now. The more you work on it, the better you'll get!

Kawaiiland Featured Vendor: Nerdy Cat Crafts

Kawaiiland Featured Vendor Nerdy Cat Crafts features exclusive, handmade 8-bit style designs inspired by video games, cats, and all things geeky.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Lauren Wong, and I am a cosplayer, crafter and owner, creator and designer of Nerdy Cat Crafts.

NCC specializes in exclusive, handmade 8-bit style designs inspired by video games, comics, cats, anime and all things geeky. Right now, NCC only makes cross stitched pins and magnets, but will be adding embroidered patches, prints, and jewelry in the near future! I also love taking requests and custom designs. :)

How did you become an artist?

Since I was 2 yrs old, I've always loved to draw and work with my hands -- my favorite mediums being paper, cardboard and tape. I would try to build anything with moving parts, including a (miniature) wheelchair, a car, and most notably, a gas station pump including spinning numbers and credit card/receipt slots. I also used to make flip books.

When I was 12 yrs old, my grandma's friend taught me how to needlepoint and cross stitch with yarn and floss. I started by making Looney Toons pieces from a needlepoint book. Then I started making my own designs, mainly as gifts for friends and family. Being a huge San Francisco Giants fan, I also designed and made pins after my favorite players on the team - mainly JT Snow and Ellis Burks.

I continued to do needlepoint and cross stitch on and off throughout the years only as gifts. It wasn't until 2013 that I discussed with friends and family about how I should make something of my talent. Then, on September 28, 2013, with the inspiration of another admirable artist (Arthur Moy aka SpeedBrkr), Nerdy Cat Crafts was born. :)

Aside from cross stitch, I also love to cosplay. So far, I've made and cosplayed as Chun-Li from the Street Fighter series and Panda Annie from League of Legends.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

When I think of the word "Kawaii", I think of "cutesy" and "Japanese". :)

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

I grew up watching cartoons such as Rugrats and Doug on Nickelodeon, but my all time favorite cartoon is the 80's classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -- COWABUNGA!! :D Though I do have a lot of anime designs, I didn't actually grow up watching anime, so I can't appreciate the nostalgia and hype my friends have for animes such as Sailor Moon or Dragonball. However, my boyfriend introduced me to a few animes and my favorites are Death Note, Soul Eater and Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I love designing and crafting things that make people go, "Wow!" The ability to express and share my love for video games, cats, comics and all things nerdy is what inspires me to keep creating. I recently got a new embroidery machine and can't wait to start adding patches to my shop! I enjoy meeting new fans and artists who share the same love and passion for gaming, kawaii and nerd culture, and would love to collaborate with them some day. I want to be able to travel more, meet fans and set up my own booth at other conventions. My ultimate goal is to make NCC a well known brand in the nerd/gaming/kawaii communities all around the world. :)

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Keep practicing to discover what type of artist you want to be and to develop your own unique style. Browse the works of other artists for inspiration. Don't be afraid to try new things. As artists, we are our own worst critics, so it really helps to put your work out there and get the opinions of others.

But, the most important thing to remember is to love what you're doing. Video games have always been my passion and my go to "escape from reality," and crafting has been the only thing to match up to that. Once it starts to feel like work and you're no longer having fun, that's when you need to take a breath, take a step back, and put your attention elsewhere for a bit. Then, when you come back to it, you'll be ready to go twice as strong! :)

Featured Kawaiiland SF Designer: Annmarie Bustamante

Featured Kawaiiland SF Designer Annmarie Bustamante is aspiring to create her own label for sustainable, affordable, unisex, unisize garments made by extremely well paid workers in lovely working conditions. We applaud her and her work fired up our San Francisco runway!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I'm a recent college graduate of Apparel Design and I'm a super, super, ambitious, person and I love to stay busy. My two favorite projects have been the most recent ones. For Fall 2013 I recorded, directed and designed my own music video. I had some incredible friends model 60's psychedelic lingerie under water in this pool we snuck into.. It was so exciting! Then, for my spring 2014 line, I made metal bras and panties in the style of ancient goddesses. Creating them was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to see my first men's wear new line go down the runway!

How did you become an artist?

I've always loved to draw and create things, but I learned the art of altering clothing when I was young because I was too small to fit into the clothes I liked. I also didn't like how clothing was so sharply separated by gender so I hope to develop more unisex apparel for preteens. I am currently pursuing lots of forms of art, such as: Movie making, Painting, sculpting, metal smithing, and apparel construction.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

At first I thought this was a Hawaiin festival. As in Kawaii, Hawaii. Woops! Now I know it is the Japanese word for cute and I love it. I've always admired the daring nature of the East Asian street style. It's creative, flamboyant and shares many similarities with what I like to wear. This event is sure to be a powerful and an exciting one.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

I used to watch a few Anime cartoons such as: Dragonball Z, Inuyasha, Pokemon and Eureka 7 and now my favorite american cartons are: Bob's Burgers, Archer, Adventure time and South Park.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I feel fulfilled when I am pushing the boundaries of style and art through my designs. I don't want a label that follows trends or is limited by anything. I want people to be proud to be different. Also, I DON'T want to fashion objects that waste energy in their creation. I am a huge believer in building a fashion industry that utilizes or resources in a sustainable manner. 90% of the fabrics and materials I use are from second life materials. I get them through second hand stores, clothing swaps and donation.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Use Etsy, it opens a lot of doors. Use spoon flower if you wish to create custom fabrics (it's soo affordable!) Document everything you create, come up with projects that your school doesn't assign you. Get business cards, and give them to strangers you meet in bars. You never know who is looking to invest in you.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Vendor: Holographic Dreamz

Hilary of Holographic Dreamz -- featured Kawaiiland SF vendor is heavily influenced by 90's grunge, Seapunk, everything pale or pastel, patched or spiked, psychedelia, Bohemia, raving, kawaii, festivals, etc..

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Hilary and I run Holographic Dreamz. I design dope beanies, jewelry and other odds and ends...

How did you become an artist?

Ever since I can remember I've been drawing, painting and designing. I've always wanted to be a fashion designer, the art life chose me.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Kawaii means a world of cute things and sweet people. Kawaii is a lifestyle not a trend!

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

I grew up watching Sailor Moon, I still love it. I also love Adventure Time, Card Capture Sakura and Death Note!

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I would love to be successful through this brand eventually. I really look up to Di$count Universe, they are much larger than years before but they still maintain that underground vibe that I love.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

If you're passionate about designing and art, I say follow your dreams and pursuit what you really want to do! Don't get discouraged and don't take it too seriously. Let it flow.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Designer: MJM Artwear

Featured Kawaiiland San Francisco Designer Madison McClintock's bubby and infectious energy imbues her work. She killed it on our Kawaiiland SF Runway. Each MJM Artwear piece is completely ONE OF A KIND!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I’m Madison Jo McClintock, an Indiana native currently residing in California. Ever since I could pick up a pencil I have been drawing, any and everything. My love and passion for art of all mediums has grown and evolved throughout my entire life. I absolutely love learning and creating beauty that intrigues the mind and makes you think. MJM Artwear is a culmination of everything I’ve learned not only about art but also about life and the world. By taking all of my talents and passions to create and applying it to reusing and recycling items, I have developed MJM Artwear. To me, it is more than a clothing line and more than a clothing brand….it is a new way to see beauty in all things, that nothing is trash and that everything can grow and be made into something more extraordinary than it was before. MJM Artwear includes custom silkscreened clothing of all kinds for women and men, custom hand painted shoes, hats and bags and soon accessories. I am the CEO, Designer, Artist and everything else in between for this company and I absolutely love it.

How did you become an artist?

Becoming an artist is one of my very first memories. I was a little girl, just got a coloring book for the first time and instead of just coloring in the book, my mother, who is also a wonderful artist, gave me a blank sheet of paper with it. I would draw out the image from the book on the paper and color that instead. After the first time, I started drawing everything! Ever since then I have been an artist in a multitude of mediums including illustration, painting, sculpting, acting, designing, singing, animating, dancing, printmaking, sewing, cooking and I am not only still teaching myself new things to this day but always have a growing thirst to learn more!

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Kawaii to me means lovely or lovable but on a deeper level it means that you should be proud to showcase the uniqueness that is you because we are all lovely and lovable! Your spiritual self is what really matters and your outward self is an expression of that. So, why would you ever want to hide who you truly are on the inside by wearing things on the outside that don’t convey your true spirit? I think you should let it OUT! No one can tell you who you are and what to wear. If you can happily express yourself and show love to others, that’s what really matters!

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

I have always been a big comic book fan and would draw tons of cartoons and some anime. While I’m a fan of both Marvel and DC, Batman is definitely my favorite of all time. He had no inherent superhuman abilities but he still wanted to make a difference in the world. So, he grew his knowledge and skills and utilized everything he DID have to do so.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I am absolutely in love with the work I am doing and every day I am getting better and better! I love that I can create beautiful, useful, art and also send valuable messages with it, not only with the company philosophy of reusing/recycling but with each design itself. I believe that MJM Artwear can raise the awareness of people and change the mentality that things can’t get better. If you put in the love and effort you can transform everything from your clothing, to your mind, to the world outside of you and beyond. I would love to have these ideas spread to larger audiences so that I, and MJM Artwear can grow and continue these philosophies through creating unique “wearable art” in a “graffiti for clothes” fashion for everyone while putting it in their minds that you should pursue your passions and live you imagination.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Learn everything and put your whole self in it! There are so many things that come with art, design and fashion. I have been studying and pursuing all of these things my entire life and while I have learned so much, there are still so many concepts and ideas I want to know! Also, if you think of something you’ve never seen before and have no idea how to do it, TEACH YOURSELF! By trying to teach yourself what you imagine you will awaken the skills inside of you and at that point anything is possible! It is hard work but if you love what you do then you should be more than willing to work extremely hard at it and become the best you can! Another very important thing, do NOT be scared! Don’t ever worry what anyone will think of you or your work because it is YOUR WORK! Of course you are doing your art/design/fashion for others but you should also be doing it for yourself! People have doubted and put down creative minds since….forever but the one person that you cannot allow to doubt you and put you down is YOU! You have to be your biggest supporter and without taking the risk and challenge of putting your ideas out there, you can never evolve. Learn. Express. Create. Grow.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Vendor: Cakey Monster

Featured Kawaiiland SF designer Cakey Monster s an adorkable monster that loves anything from Japan, bright colors, octopi and hand made jewelry

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

Cakey Monster jewelry my a way to make people smile ! I am influenced by kawaii culture, pop icons, and animals. I am a graphic designer, with a healthy addiction to all kawaii things, anime, Chik-Fil-A sandwiches and laser cutters.

How did you become an artist?

I have always had a love of creating. The process of having an idea, getting it on paper, then creating a tangible item is intoxicating to me. I love to share my creations and am grateful that other people like what I do !

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Kawaii means glitter, pink, stars and ice cream ! Smiling ladies wearing Cakey Monster jewelry are always kawaii too !

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

Kill la Kill is my favorite anime, Matoi and Senketsu are a force to be reckoned with. Gurren Lagann, FLCL and anything from Studio Ghibli make me geek...hard.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

Cakey Monster wants to make you smile with cute jewelry !

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Do what makes you happy, find others who appreciate you and what you do. Do lots of research, have integrity and respect the craft. Grow thick skin, and moisturize daily.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Artist: Bunny Conlin

Featured Kawaiiland SF Designer: Tiny Bunny Designs is a little online shop where you can get anything from adorably cute to amazingly geeky.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I am addicted to all things cute!

I have always been encouraged to explore art and music growing up and went to college for fine art and graphic design. That background in creativity has lead me to many hobbies like baking, clothing design and jewelry design.

How did you become an artist?

I always enjoyed drawing and making things. No matter what I am doing, I have always made time to keep my hobbies alive.

I started selling my art and jewelry at local craft fairs a few years ago. The positive feedback from customers really motivated me to take these quiet hobbies a step further.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

It more of a lifestyle than a word. To me it's keeping your world cute, happy and positive with the hope that some of that happiness reaches the people around you.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

I would have to say its a tie between Sailor Moon and Invader Zim.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I am always working on my goal of opening my own boutique!

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Do what you love, and put yourself out there.

It's hard for your brand to take off if no one knows it out there. And don't give up! If you work towards your goals you will get there.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Artist: Dooo Dolls

We absolutely love Dooodolls® -- designed by Darren Chen, featured in Kawaiiland LA and SF. His characters are inspired one way or another by the people around him. “Every Dooodolls® is created with a special talent, and this inherently highlights the unique personalities of people that I personally know and love,” says Chen.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work

BSV Toys is a newly formed company that is small in size and big and upbeat on ideas. Our slogan is “Your laughter our passion”. As corny as it may sound, we truly live by this, here at BSV Toys!

How did you become an artist?

It is with great pride and inspiration for Darren Chen, artist and creator of Dooodolls, that we are thrilled to introduce and spread his expressions and sense of humor. His love for character doodling as a child, developed into a strong interest in drawing and later bringing them to life into a colorful line.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Some of us at BSV Toys had no idea what Kawaii was prior to this event. We can all agree now, that Kawaii is all that is charming and cute, a culture of all things that are delightfully cute.

Do you have a favorite anime?

Yes, we are inspired by Darren Chen's art.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

Our ultimate goal has always been to bring these characters to life.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design?

We at BSV Toys try to mirror Darren's successes by expanding our creative minds at all times and places.

Featured Kawaiiland SF Artist: Burnt Green Tea

Featured Kawaiiland San Francisco artist Nelson Kuang of Burnt Green Tea creates colorful, kawaii anime art confections!

How did you become an artist?

I held onto my passion of creating since I was young when I noticed it was something I really enjoyed doing. It is also thanks to my peers and friends who pushed me in the direction of becoming an artist.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Cute, of course!

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

My favorite anime is Gurren Lagann while my favorite cartoon is South Park.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

To share my art with the world! It's a simple goal, but it's not simply easy.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Make it your obsession. Love it, hate it, but in the end enjoy it.

Kawaiiland SF Featured Designer: Coco Mama Wear

We were excited to feature Coco Mama Wear's sexy designs live on the Kawaiiland San Francisco runway

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I grew up traveling around the world at a young age always inspired by the beautiful colors and fun in tropical cities! I loved spending time at the beaches and my passion for the design of a great bikini went wild! I love bringing the inspiration of different cultures and colors into my designs, I also love to work sustainably helping promote eco friendly fashion and creating a story with my designs

How did you become an artist?

I became an artist by following my passion always dressing up and creating new ideas for better more fun designs with my friends. I love having fun and seeing other people have fun! This inspired me to follow my dream and begin my own line, coco mama!

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

Kawaii is so fun to say! To me it means bringing out your best self, enjoying life and brining innocence and play into life, CUTE!

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

My favorite cartoon is the little mermaid :) probably because she is in a bikini all the time ;)

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

I hope to continue making awesome dynamic swimwear here in california and around the world. I would love to be featured in vouge or some other amazing fashion magazine and make people happy with my designs.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Follow you heart, follow your dreams and don't give up!

Kawailland New York Featured Artist: Mars En Route

Featured Kawaiiland New York Vendor Maria of Mars En Route produces one of a kind handmade products to those who feel a little bit eccentric, unique, and everything in between. Every product is carefully hand crafted with love delivered for you to love.

Check out our interview with Maria!

The talented artist herself: Maria Kay

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

I’m a New York based artist and recent illustration grad. I’m and avid fan of pop culture and art + fashion in which I enjoy combining all together to make fun crafted products.

How did you become an artist?

I’ve always been into art since I was a child. I would take advantage of every art class available, sign up for more art classes, and continue drawing and doodling at home. It was a never ending loop of the arts. During my second to last year of college is when I really dove into more of the crafts and combined everything that I enjoy which got me to where I am today.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

The word Kawaii gives me an overall feeling and connection to Japanese culture in which always inspires me. From the fashion to their perspective and sense of individuality, Japanese culture sparks something that no other culture has which makes them stand out in the world of art and fashion. It makes me excited that it’s something that I’m allowed to take inspiration from. To me, everything that is kawaii is cute, artistic, and unique.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

As MANY other people would say, Sailor Moon was big for me when I was young. It’s the ultimate ‘girl-power’ sort of story, which any girl would agree that it’s important to be shown that girls can kick ass too. All the Sailor Scouts rocked but Sailor Mars was always my favorite.

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

My goal at this point is to grow my brand in every sort of way. I like being hands on with everything I make and would like to keep it that way for a long time. I want to develop my skills, branch out even more to different areas of the art and production world, and find a way to possibly make creating and establishing my brand a full time job.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Any advice I would give to anyone is the same advice many others would say. Just don’t stop creating. These days no one is a one trick pony, so try to expand and take charge of different areas of the creative field. Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to take advice. Anyone who can’t take criticism is most likely not going to make it far. So be patience and listen up while listening to yourself!

Featured Kawaiiland New York Artist: Astrl.

Featured Kawaiiland New York Artist Lin of Astrl. is an artist who is not limited to just one medium. Her work is not only mounted on prints but featured on skate decks also!

IG: @astrldaze

FB: astrlshop Twitter: @astrldaze

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Lin and apparently I’m a “bro”. I love to board, I prefer longboards and cruisers over skateboards, and my ultimate dream is to learn how to surf and move out to Hawaii. I got my first cruiser a year ago but only recently have I started riding it religiously.

How did you become an artist?

I initially came out as an artist under the alias Cosmic Serenity shooting landscape photography with the intention of moving out to Hawaii shooting seascapes and waves, while owning my own gallery and skate shop. I quickly became board with the landscape of my town and Cosmic Serenity was no more. I still had a very strong desire to create skateboards and was still in the process of getting the materials needed to do so. I began to make lifestyle graphic prints and changed my name to astrl. to get myself out there as a skate brand. I fell in love with pyrography (wood burning) and decided to incorporate that in my skateboard designs. Although my main focus right now is making the skateboards and prints, I hope to make surfboards and expand into the jewelry industry as well including making wooden and stone plugs for those with stretched ears.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

When I hear the word Kawaii my brain immediately goes into cute mode. I think of cute rice balls with faces, baby animals, and mythical creatures. Kawaii is so much more than being super cute… it’s the ultimate form of self expression and I admire the Kawaii culture for being so brave and confident with themselves.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

My favorite show is Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler). I’m absolutely obsessed with Grell he is my FAVORITE!. If you haven’t seen that show both seasons are on Netflix, I highly recommend you check it out.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

If you want to get started in the art and design world I recommend setting up an etsy shop. It’s a well established niche market with so many artists selling on it. They really do a lot to help new shops get started. I also recommend being patient and never giving up. I just started astrl. a few months ago and I am extremely lucky to have been invited to such a wonderful event so early. But for the most part it takes time and a lot of hard work before anything happens. But if you’re passionate and dedicated to your brand it will definitely work out for you no matter what!

Kawaiiland NY Fashion Designer: Wear the Paint

Wear the Paint designer Victoria rocked our runway at the Kawaiiland New York fashion show! Check out our interview with the talented designer below

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Victoria and I am co-owner of Wear the Paint. Wear the Paint specializes in hand painted tops such as, crop tops, sweatshirts, and tees. I focus mainly on men's and women's clothing, but a baby line is soon growing!

How did you become an artist?

This venture was started in March of this year, and I felt like I needed something artistic to do. I thought to myself, how fun painting on sweatshirts and tees would be. Shortly after, Wear the Paint was born from my partner, Claudia, and I.

What does the word Kawaii mean to you?

When I first think of Kawaii, I think of cute anime characters, bows and sparkly things, and everything Japanese.

Do you have a favorite anime or cartoon?

My favorite anime would be Cowboy Bebop!

What is your ultimate goal with your brand?

My ultimate goal for Wear the Paint would be to grow the brand and one day own a store.

And finally, what tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in art/design/fashion?

Some tips of advice for getting started in the fashion industry would be to do your research and not be afraid. There are so many brands that crumble because designers don't have the finances or know about the business side of fashion. What you hear about fallen designers should never stop you from your ultimate goal either. Just do your research! Learning about what goes into the business side of fashion will not only make you more knowledgeable, but also make you a smarter designer and push you towards making the right decisions for your brand!

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