Features Industry Profiles
January 5, 2021 •
Designer to Watch in 2021: Janine Kwoh
Janine Kwoh, founder of Kwohtations, has shown herself as a stationery star and is one of Stationery Trends’ 10 Designers to Watch in 2021.
Aesthetic of the line?
Kwohtations is a line of letterpressed and hand-painted greeting cards that celebrate a diversity of identities and life experiences with empathy and humor. My hope is that anyone can recognize themselves in Kwohtations, and feel a bit more seen, more connected, and less alone.
Current Bestseller?
“Cheering You On” Encouragement Card.
Personal Favorite?
“Permission to Grieve” Sympathy Card. I wrote this card a few months after I lost someone I loved, and it speaks to the fact that there is truly no right or wrong way to grieve.
Surprise Hit?
Affirmation Sticker Sheet.
Iconic Selection?
“Thanks For Being My Person” Love & Friendship Card. Representation matters, so many Kwohtations cards reflect a diversity of skin colors, genders, and sexual orientations.
Favorite Color?
Black + white with a pop of color.
Current Design Obsession?
New York has always had a lot of public art, and I’ve been really appreciating all of the public murals, posters, and installations I’ve seen this year that are each so unique in their style and so powerful in their messages. Artists help to lift up stories that we may not otherwise know or connect to, and help us to imagine the world we want to build.
Favorite Flower?
Dandelions, specifically in the puffball stage.
Favorite Indulgence?
Once in a while, I’ll get up, eat breakfast, and then go back to bed. It’s the most indulgent sleep-food-sleep sandwich.