Liz Kinnmark is one half of Design Glut, the product design studio she started with former Pratt Institute classmate, Kegan Fisher. Together, the women formed Design Glut to remedy an overcrowded market of useless design objects. “Our objects start conversations, cause you to crack a smile, and add something meaningful to your life,” explains their website. You’d have to agree after exploring their store, which includes greeting cards for awkward moments, a Dow Jones handkerchief, and candles shaped like power cords. See what makes Liz smile in her 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Happy, clever, surreal.
2. Who is your creative role model?
James Dyson.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Go to the gym – it’s always the first thing I let slip when I get really busy, but it makes all the difference in my mood and ability to focus.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Probably my home, I’m a pack rat and collect lots of odds and ends that inspire me and surround myself with them.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Hmmm, lifeguard? I seriously didn’t get enough beach time in this summer.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Stuffed creatures – last Christmas I gave all of my friends these little guys that I named “Mr. Crankypants.” They have shiny pants and sad faces – they’re very cute! And for Kegan’s birthday I gave her a stuffed plant that I made – she’s really into terrariums and carnivorous plants so it seemed fitting. Maybe someday we’ll start a Design Glut toy division.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Oh dear, difficult! Probably my couch – it was an incredible Craigslist find. I’ve been obsessed with space-age mod furniture ever since I was about 15.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.” I very much believe that to be true. It’s also the title of a wonderfully inspirational
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Letters of Note, No Smarties, CMYBacon, Sight Unseen, The 99 Percent, Fast Company.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
Well, I’m an insane perfectionist, so nothing is ever really done. If there were no deadlines (or budgets), I could work on a project forever. Luckily though, there are always constraints that cut me off. I just strive to make something the best I possibly can in the given constraints.
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