Just another Warm Wishes artist blog!
Thank you for sending your positive feedback for the Amy Zhang blog. I am excited to continue to share stories from the artists behind the products at the shop—it’s been so fun to deepen my relationships with them in the process too. As we are deeply enmeshed in spooky season, it felt right to feature Katie Wilson of the Good Twin next. The Good Twin's cards, stickers, and enamel pins have been a part of Warm Wishes since before the brick-and-mortar shop opened over two years ago. If you’ve bought a card or sticker with an illustration of adorable dogs or sweet woodland creatures, it was likely made by the Good Twin.
Warm Wishes from the Good Twin
How did I first discover the Good Twin?
Just like with Amy Zhang, I think I found the Good Twin through my own shopping. I remember buying my best friend a birthday card at White Rabbit in Iowa City (sad face) designed by Katie Wilson, owner of the Good Twin. Katie is, in fact, a twin. Her status as being the good one depends on the day.
Location
Los Angeles, California - specifically on the east side in Highland Park. The Good Twin studio is behind their brick-and-mortar shop, Crush + Touch Art Supply.
Behind the scenes
Katie: "All our products start with analog drawing. I do all of our illustrations (even the type) and work in a sketchbook with pencil to start. From there, I ink my favorite drawings to refine them, and move them onto my laptop to put everything together and add color. My files are infamous for containing hundreds of drawings that I'm hoping to use in a release - there is always a lot left over and sometimes a character finally finds a home months (or even years!) after its initial creation. I have a large collection of art books and reference materials, and I also try to head to the library regularly to research art movements, color theory, and all the other beautiful things that make their way into each release.”
Brand values
Katie: "The Good Twin is colorful, heartfelt, funny, and unique. We see our products as an accessible way to own a little piece of art - and on top of that, to allow connection with your favorite people through a gift or a card.”
Something I love
Katie: "Well, if you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love pugs - I currently have two, Buffy and Stevie. Any pug item throughout the line is based on my own pets, and it really delights me to immortalize them in sticker, card, pin and keychain form."
What does Katie like about working with independent shops like Warm Wishes?
Katie: "Without independent shops, The Good Twin wouldn't exist - we are so thankful for everyone who makes space for us on their shelves. I love shopping at small stores! Seeing the collection that another person has curated and assembled feels like a peek into their home and brain. There's nothing more delightful than taking my time and wandering through a shop, picking out the perfect treasures for myself and friends, so the fact that my products have found a home in so many different, special places and can be a part of that experience for other folks is a great honor.
I also really value the relationships that I have with so many shopkeeps and buyers! We've been in business over ten years now, and many of our accounts have supported us for much of that time. The stationery community is truly special, and I am so happy to have a place here!”
I met Katie in person at one of the stationery/gift markets, Shoppe Object, in February 2023. She is a kindred spirit. I'm so grateful to help share the Good Twin's work wwith the Warm Wishes community. You can check out our current Good Twin products here. To learn more about Katie and the Good Twin, visit their website.
See you again next month!! Let me know if there are any makers you'd love to see featured in the future.
xo