Jen Bennett Gubicza is a graphic designer, owner of Zooguu and has always been drawn to designing for the target audience of kids and families. As a creative director at a studio called Big Blue Dot, where she was able to design kid-focused products for companies like Disney, VIZ Media, National Fire Protection Association, MoMA and more. She loves bold color; simple, clean design; and making products that appeal to people of all ages. A stuffed animal can be functional as a toy, but it can also be a beautiful object to enjoy in the home or office.I made my first stuffed animal as a gift for my husband, who is an illustrator (http://goobeetsa.com). He had drawn this little bird that was too fat to fly. I tried to make it for his birthday, and it actually came out pretty well! I think my background in package design helps me to think and design an object in three dimensions. After I made the first animal, I began making them for other friends. Then they began asking me to make animals for their friends. Finally, I opened an online store on Etsy.com so I could sell them to people all over the world.
This summer, my husband and I moved from the Boston area to Brooklyn, NY to expand the business and take it on full-time. Together, we design, cut and make every single animal that is ordered. We love working on a custom basis, so that we can provide our customers with a toy that is exactly what they are looking for. A pink elephant? A purple monkey? Sure - we love making it all!
Being a creative duo, we love having brainstorming sessions to come up with new products. We're also beginning to collaborate with other illustrators to make limited edition plush versions of their characters. We also work in an amazing warehouse studio space with a view of the Statue of Liberty. We share space with about 10 other designers that make a variety of items from clothing to letterpress to custom carpentry. Being surrounded by creative people means there's never a dull moment, and plenty of inspiration.Please tell us about your best selling items and favorite experience with your profession?
My best sellers right now are penguins and hedgehogs. The fugu (blowfish) is also gaining in popularity. Usually, when I create a new design and instantly fall in love, I know it's going to be successful. One of my favorite experiences is going out and vending at different events. I love seeing people's faces turn into a smile as soon as they get to our booth. People young and old turn into kids instantly. It's amazing to see how people react to what we make. It makes it worthwhile to spend so many hours providing high-quality products that will become new friends for our customers.
Visit http://zooguu.com and www.sweetestpea.etsy.com.
owwwh
so cute