We are an independent product design studio in Detroit that specializes in designing and manufacturing toys and homewares. The work coming out of our studio exhibits a simplified graphic approach to form with an intense focus on detail, material, and experience. All of our products are made from materials sourced in the US and assembled by hand at our studio in Detroit.

We’re consistently inspired by spending time in nature, making a point to leave our screens and studio to be outside. Here in Detroit, we’re often on Belle Isle, a large island park located in the Detroit River between Detroit and Canada. Beyond that, we travel as much as possible and gain inspiration from visiting museums and design festivals. Most recently, we had the chance to go on a tour of The Eames House in Los Angeles, and found it very moving. 

When it comes to designers, we admire the incredible weaver Anni Albers (who should receive more attention than she does!), as well as Eva Hesse, who was ahead of her time. Of course, we also are life-long admirers of Ray and Charles Eames, they played off of each other so well and broke through in so many mediums. They defined what good design meant in America well past their passing.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

We’re most proud of the fact that we’re able to manufacture our products locally, as this allows us to support other Detroit businesses, many of whom have been in the city for generations. When each part comes together for a new product, especially as it’s often a team effort to get it to the finish line, this final step is extremely rewarding. 

In the coming year, we plan to continue the internal work of streamlining and growing our business. You can follow along with us on Instagram at @taitdesignco, or sign up for our newsletter on our website if you’d like. Stay tuned for more!

See more of their Turbo Flyers here!

I like to try new art mediums which is not great for my studio space since I have accumulated quite a bit of materials. My focus though is in fiber arts particularly in contemporary embroidery and crochet.

Like many millennials these days, I find inspiration in nature, traveling, plants, textures, food, and my pets. I will often stop walking on the trail to crouch down and look at what's growing - a patch of moss with tiny mushrooms starting to sprout and yet, it looks like a whole little world. Especially living in Juneau, it's hard not to be inspired by all the nature around me not only by how it looks but also by how it feels. I like to feel the surfaces of rocks, trees, and leaves; or how squishy the ground is beneath my feet. It's also really hard for me not to touch all the yarn walking down the aisle in a craft store. I also love food - cooking it, eating it, making crocheted replications of it - the possibilities are endless.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

I'm very product oriented so my satisfaction usually comes at the end. When I'm crocheting, there comes a moment where I add the eyes and a mouth and all of a sudden, it becomes 10x cuter. When I'm embroidering, it's really gratifying when all these lines of thread becomes a picture.

I have a plan to do a series of various social justice oriented embroidery pieces where a profit of each piece would go towards an organization that corresponds with the theme of the piece. I have also started making cards with hand carved stamps - so designing more to have a bigger collection to span the greeting card world.

See the complete ramen collection for sale and for props at Rebecca's NOODS photo booth tonight at Kindred Post from 4:30-7pm! Plus, more here!

This week we are featuring artist and illustrator, Keiko Brodeur! Keiko's work hits us in all the adventurous feels; so much of it combines the beauty of the outdoors with the sweetness of sharing it with someone you care about. Learn more about her and her process in our interview, and definitely check out her our full collection of her work online! 

Who are you?

Drawing, painting and designing are the most fun and important activity for my business but I mostly do administrative work to keep everything chugging along.

Children's book illustrators inspire me the most of all, but I am also inspired by nature, fashion, photographs, television and everything around me.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

I have a couple of favorite moments: the first is when a painting is finally coming together and looking good and the stress of creating melts away; the other is when I get a shipment of brand new cards in my studio and I can hold the final product of designing and manufacturing in my hands.

I'll be continuing to try to make better products and illustrations for Small Adventure. I'd also like to start some personal projects I've been meaning to work on for awhile now.

See more of Keiko's work here!

What do you do?

I am a multidisciplinary artist. I make hand engraved Tlingit jewelry. I also work in wood, fur, paint, photography, horn and more. 

My biggest inspirations are my family, I come from a long line of Tlingit artists. I have a beautiful wife who is very supportive of my culture and art, and two amazing daughters that inspire me to be  my best self.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

My favorite moment in creating art are the moments when a new concept or idea flashes in mind. There is a wave of excitement as you rush to see it come to fruition!

Next, I am excited to start moving into new mediums and mediums that I don’t work in as much. I recently designed my first button dance robe which was a great pleasure and learning experience. I also plan on creating works for the SHI 2020 juried art shown in three categories; goat horn spoon, wood, and metal.

Theresa Abbas, mother of two, wife of one and friend to many.

What do you do?

All thing nature.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

Being in my kayak with my kids in a remote area of SE Alaska. Each of us quiet, in our own moment, in the middle of nowhere, taking it all in and becoming whole. Couldn’t be a more perfect moment.

What’s next?

It’s a secret…..