Back to our regularly scheduled program…Today I bring you the husband + wife master minds behind Fugu Fugu Press, a small letterpress studio based in Pasadena, California. So let’s meet this talented duo.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Shino has been working as an illustrator doing children’s books, newspaper and magazines for years, and had experience working at Two Piglets before we started Fugu Fugu Press. Ken is a pianist and teacher, and loves all vintage things… especially machines. We had been talking for quite awhile about what kind of business to start and at one point had even talked about opening a bar. After a bit of looking though we came across a printshop here in LA that was selling off their presses and miscellaneous items and we made a deal and started our company!
How and why did you create Fugu Fugu Press?
Shino had been experimenting with a new look and design concept while still working at her former position at the letterpress card company, Two Piglets. We felt it was time to see how her new concept would do on its own, designed, printed and marketed by us!
Where did the name originate from?
We think blowfish are goofy and cute. We love fish, the ocean, swimming… and sushi. We thought Fugu sounded just unusual enough too, plus… blowfish are small, but they’re dangerous! (and yes, of course… “Fugu” is blowfish in Japanese)
What is a typical work day for you?
Shino gets up bright and early, does designs and invoices, and folds cards and packs shipments at the shop. Ken rolls in to the shop around noon and fidgets around for an hour or so, then curses at the presses and takes the dog out for a walk.
How do you keep distractions at bay?
Having a shop away from home totally helps. We don’t have internet or TV there. We rabidly listen to NPR, and that’s about it.
What are your best selling pieces/designs?
It takes a little while for the hot ones to emerge from the pack, but our “Big Thanks” whale card, “Preggers”, and “Father’s Day Bears” cards have done really well.
big thanks
preggers
Who/what are your inspiration?
Our friends inspire us constantly. We’re guessing that we love the same folks everybody else does here… Egg Press, Hello Lucky, Hatch Show Print, Red Cap cards, Night Owl paper goods, Maginating, and Blue Barnhouse to name a few. Thinking about our mortgage payment gets us out of bed in the morning.
Do you have any business advice that worked well for you that you’d care to share?
Design your own stuff. Print your own stuff. Limit your exposure to debt and keep your overheard low. Get to know people that do what you do, and apprentice with them or find some way to work in the industry for at least a year before jumping out there on your own. Try to see what “look” each card company has developed and why it’s working – or not working for them. And… be sure to listen to other people, but with only one ear.
What are your favorite hobbies?
We love swimming, hiking in the hills with our dog, having friends over for drinks… and Ken is on some big wild gardening kick lately. (He keeps whispering “heliconias… such pretty heliconias…” in his sleep.)
What’s currently on Ken and Shino’s wish list?
Cool modern outdoor furniture. And getting the dumpster back at the printshop.
Name your top 3 website/blogs.
“Blogdamnit!” from Blue Barnhouse. “Beast Pieces” from Studio on Fire. And of course, “Design*Sponge“.
Thanks Ken and Shino for sharing with us what you do!
website :: blog :: etsy shop
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