We’re bringing you a new brand profile this month, coming from the suburbs of Chicago by the name of Koala Art & Design. Jamie Koala is a young artist and designer who started her company at the age of 16, and it has evolved into an alternative clothing and accessory line producing eye-catching, handcrafted pieces. Now, with her first patented product in her store, the plug earring converters, Jamie is excited to be expanding her line and growing as an artist. We had a chance to ask her about the inspiration behind Koala Art & Design, so check out what she had to say below!
Your name & position with Koala Art & Design:
Jamie Koala, Owner/Designer
Location:
Internet based website, but Carol Stream, IL.
How did your brand begin?
Koala Art & Design was established in 2006 by me (Jamie Koala) at the age of sixteen. The initial vision for the company was to make my art and graphic art available to local bands in the form of merchandise design and web advertisement.
As Koala Art & Design expanded in 2009, the company mutated when I introduced my hand crafted apparel and accessories along with selling my original art work and graphic designs. Many of Koala Art & Designs pieces I manufactured by hand with custom created molds, custom patterns and even powder coating. In the year 2010 I took an interest in photography, shooting my own ads, bands and portraits; although, parted with commissioned photography a year later, I still pride myself on shooting all of my own ads. Koala Art & Design not only designs and sells unique clothing and accessories, it also offers custom products.
What do you feel Koala Art & Design represents?
My creative work.
What do you want to accomplish overall with your brand?
I want to bring new and innovative products onto the market. Not only edgy and unique accessories or apparel, but pieces that have been long needed such as my patented Plug Earring Converter. Initially I had come out with “Rose Dangle Plugs” which at the time were the only rose with dangling chain and feather plugs on the market. Once I saw masses of people being inspired by my original piece, I decided that something more convenient for plugs needed to be created. Thus, the Plug Earring Converter was invented. Although, it was invented a few years back, it just released late last year because I was waiting for the Patent papers and legal aspects to be there.
What are your top 3 ‘highlighted’ (favorite) designs & why?
Honestly, I found it very hard to only choose three items. A lot of my products I view as mini art pieces, so I am semi-attached to all of them. I chose some of the more interesting pieces on my website, although there are many more cool products in my store!
I first chose the customizable Gas Mask Purse because its sewn from scratch and includes a real (gutted) gas mask that you carry around with you – as a purse. I have never seen anything like it, and people go insane when they see them.
I then chose the Deer Chandelier Necklace because its an extravagant large piece, again made from scratch. I sculpted the deer head and antlers, and then created a mold to make multiple acrylic necklaces. The necklace also features real Quartz stones with dripping black acrylic and a mass of draped chains.
Thirdly I chose the Koala Crest Shirt because this is one of my cleaner designs, and its universal, some people don’t want to wear scary dripping eyeballs or anchors made of bone. Thus, the Koala Crest Shirt is perfect for everyone! Also, its tri-blend, and I love tri-blend…
Finally, I could not make a decision on which three to pick, so if I had a fourth it would be The Conversation Starter. The Conversation Starter was inspired by my Dental School Student brother who came home with a dental impression one day. I created a mold from this, created an acrylic replica and then each necklace gets a mini paint job. Once the acrylic piece is ready its than it gets some chain and is ready to wear!
Why do you think people should check out Koala Art & Design?
I think people should check out my brand because I like to make odd pieces, if its not a handcuff clutch wallet its brass knuckles filled with cake sprinkles or a scorpion encased in acrylic. I want to give people joy and confidence when they are wearing my pieces, I want people to stop on the street and say “Hey, that is a cool shirt and necklace” to my customers (and they do), life is too short to not be a little eccentric! Even if edgy isn’t your style, who doesn’t love an anchor necklace; there is something for everyone’s style because it is more fun to design for more than one type of person. I am grateful and appreciative of every person who even just takes a peek at my work.
Stay connected with Koala Art & Design through social media:
Official Website // Jamie’s Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr
