Los Angeles-based designer and blogger Joy Cho (of the Oh Joy! blog) has teamed up with whimsical children’s furniture and bedding company Land of Nod to create an exclusive collection of colorful bedding and cheerful décor. Oh Joy! For Nod features over 40 playful pieces for babies and kids, including bright printed linens, pillows, rugs–and some of Joy’s favorite artwork.
Launched in 2005 as a graphic design studio, Joy Cho’s Oh Joy! brand includes licensed product lines, how-to lifestyle videos, and a daily blog focusing on design, fashion, food, and “joyful” moments in everyday life. Joy consults creative businesses, and has written books about blogging and how to run creative freelance companies.
She joyfully chatted with NYF about what inspires her fun and fanciful designs!
How did you start designing?
When I went to school for graphic design, I thought I would pursue corporate work (logos, branding, and advertising). But I transitioned into textile design when I began working for a fashion designer who had launched a home line. I designed bedding, pajamas–and I fell in love with textiles, patterns, and home products. I launched my own graphic design business, and did freelance work for other fashion-based design companies while I built my Oh Joy! portfolio. Now everything I design are Oh Joy! branded products, and I collaborate with other companies– like the Land of Nod!
What is your creative inspiration?
Everything starts with color. A color palette is the basis for me, so I try to surround myself with inspiration that provides a rich color—walking through a farmer’s market, going to an art museum, going outside to play with my daughter. Seeing colors, shapes, and lines help me create the patterns that I use in my designs.
How do you describe your artistic sensibility, design, and aesthetic?
Feminine and whimsical. Oh Joy! is known for color, pattern, and whimsy. There is a lot of mix-and-matching, and bright colors. My designs have a little bit of whimsy and an element of surprise. Many of the products have a “pop of surprise.”
How did you partner with the Land of Nod?
I did a Christmas video about decorating your tree using beautiful Land of Nod decorations. They then suggested that I design kids décor inspired by a vision of what I would like for my daughter’s upcoming “big girl room”. I was very excited because as a new mom, I wanted to design more for kid’s spaces. And the Land of Nod was an ideal partner for kids bedding and décor.
What is the overall look of the collection Oh Joy! For Nod?
I call it “pattern party.” You can mix it up– bedding from the collection with pieces you already have. In the past, kids bedding was very “matchy-matchy,” everything had to match, even the wallpaper. Now parents want the flexibility so the look will last longer. If the child wants something new, you don’t have to change the entire room–you can just swap pieces in and out. My designs are child-like, but not too baby or too big kid. I want the designs to span from childhood through the teen years.
What are your favorite pieces in the collection?
I love the ice cream bedding. It would be a wonderful dream to sleep in a sea of ice cream! There are “sprinkle” sheets and waffle cone duvet covers. They are fun and playful. And I really like the lamps because they are great in children’s rooms, but also work well in adult spaces.
$19.95
How did your daughter’s move from nursery to “big girl room” help inspire the collection?
I realized that when you transition from baby to big kid room, its important to pick a look that you and you child will continue to enjoy for several years—maybe into their teens. And its important to find the right balance between youthful, but not overly baby-ish. That is what I’ve tried to do in Oh Joy! For Nod.
You’ve written about how to run a freelance business. What is your advice for creative entrepreneurs?
It is very important to stay true to your personal style. You must give in to your own creative style, and do not try to expand into areas that are not within your creative arena or aesthetic. Realize your strengths—and that will be your best work.
$19.95
You blog about fashion, food, home décor, lifestyle… What’s next for you?
I want to do even more parenting and mom-based content. New (and experienced) moms always need useful information to help navigate parenthood. And I’m working on an Oh Joy! lifestyle book. It will be a project-based book, with great Oh Joy! DIY ideas for things to make and give as gifts. Stay tuned!
