Designer Spotlight: Kirstyn Cogan

Happy Wednesday- please welcome designer Kirstyn Cogan to the blog!

1. What made you decide to venture out on your own and leave the corporate world?

After spending a lot of time working as a staff artist within the garment industry, I started doing freelance work with a longtime friend who was art directing for a quilting fabric company. I was increasingly itching to have time to explore creative ideas and the final push, to go solo, came in 2008, when the company I was working for closed its doors. It was a “sink or swim” moment – and with the support and encouragement of my family, I was able to “dive in.” In spite of the challenges of going 100% solo, I haven’t looked back.

2. What is the best part about owning your own business?

It’s both the relationships I’ve built and the ability to develop creative concepts that wouldn’t have been possible while working for someone else. I’ve also found a wonderful community of people working within the textile/quilting/sewing industry. More often than not, people in this industry want to see each other succeed and there always seems to be someone to point you in the right direction. I am grateful for that.

3. Tell us about your brand and what sets you apart?

My Scandinavian roots inspire the work I do (in particular, modern Scandinavian design). I’m always looking for ways to reduce visual clutter and create more “space” in my life and work. I like to think the work I do is beautifully simple and above all – happy. To me, simple is beautiful… and less can often be a lot more.

4. What long-term opportunities do you see for your creative viewpoint and products?

I see myself expanding beyond textiles into a wider range of product, especially geared toward the home décor and giftware markets. There just seems to be a natural progression between any kind of surface design which requires me to be open to opportunities as they arise and (as always) investing in relationships along the way. There’s always the “unknown” of what the future will bring, but in my view, that’s what makes the journey so interesting!

You can find Kirstyn and her work below: