An interview with artist Matthew Langille, who brought Kippi and the Kippins to life in our latest collection.

New York-based artist Matthew Langille is one talented guy. His work has been shown at galleries around the world and featured in numerous publications. Most recently, he customised some shoes for a little girl by the name of Blue Ivy Carter - yep, Beyonce and Jay Z's daughter and probably one of the most famous kids in the world!

He has created images for many global fashion + design houses including Marc Jacobs, Adidas, Swatch and now, Kippins!

Working closely with our team, Matthew helped to bring the story of Kippi (where the Kippins live, a magical place that exists in the most just before you fall asleep) and the Kippins to life, and his work can be seen on our limited edition Kiplet rattles and KippinTale muslin Wrap & Snooze blankets. Here, we get inside his (very creative) head.

What were you like as a kid?

I was a class clown. I always liked and still like making people laugh. I think that is why I was intent on making art work that is fun and light hearted.

Did you always know you’d be an artist?

I come from a family of artists. So it is something in my veins for sure. It comes naturally to me. My grandfather Harold Krisel was an american abstract artist and architect with work in museums like the MoMa, Guggenheim, Whitney museums' collections etc. (haroldkrisel.com) My mother (judylangille.com) was an incredible art school teacher and is a well known fiber artist as well. Few people from my family aren't artists in some regard. I grew up at age 11 glassblowing at an early age and working with ceramics. That's what led me to Art School for University. 

What’s the best part about your job?

My favourite part of my job is the final product. I love seeing my work on products and being used by people. It's a type of happiness I can't describe but I'm sure you all understand since Kippins are art as well. 

What inspires your work?

I'm inspired by many things. I love people, pop art, movies, nature, gardening, eating well, and having fun. I'm inspired by fashion brands as much as artists as well. I wanna make people smile with my work. That's my only goal. :)

What’s your favourite thing to draw/create?

I always draw a girl I call my 30 second girl. I draw her quickly and she's always different. She's interesting to me because like life, no one person is the same, and the same goes for these drawings I do. I draw them with pen or marker quickly resulting in each girl having her own look and attitude when i'm done. I love it. Then I adore drawing creatures. Things that don't exist. I'm inspired by deep sea creatures, and outlandish characters. 

What kind of brands do you like to work with?

I love all brands. Each brand is so different which is why I feel so lucky to work with so many different brands from different parts of the world. I must admit that Australians are the most fun for me to work with. I've been involved in the Australian design world for some time now and I continue to have long lasting friends from past collabs all over Australia. But Aussies are fun, and I think that the design coming out of Australia these days is something to be reckoned with. 

What are some career highlights? You must have some cool stories!

Haha. Yes I've had some lucky and fun moments. One is definitely having billboards of my artist collection Swatch watches in Times Square NYC, China etc. The Swatch release of my designs and several other artists in 2009 was released in Venice, Italy. They rented an island off Venice for the after party. That was nuts. Along with having my artwork plastered all over the walls of the Piazza San Marco via projector. It was and still is surreal to remember and luckily my wife Karen was with me as well to experience the madness with me. Then of course designing custom Pop Shoes for Blue Ivy for her Halloween Costume a couple days ago was kinda nutz. I admire her parents Beyonce and Jay Z so much so for me it was quite the trip.  

If you were a Kippin, which one would you be and why?

Bam. I think he's sweet and cuddly. I always had an affinity for him. We kinda click. 

Our limited edition collection featuring artwork by Matthew Langille is now available online and in select retailers worldwide.