CAT'S MEOW MAGIC WITH JO!
We're so excited to catch up with Jo Kalute, the creative mind behind our much-loved Cat's Meow print, as we celebrate its return! Jo brings a thoughtful, playful approach to design that blends storytelling, intuition, and a love for the handmade. We talk about her journey into creativity, what inspires her work, and what it feels like to revisit a design that has resonated so deeply with our community!
1. When did you know you wanted to become a designer and where do you draw inspiration from?
Growing up in Kenya, I was creative from a young age. I was the kid who was always doodling in class. Fortunately I did well academically so my creativity was encouraged by my parents and teachers. I studied Architecture at University, which gave me a solid foundation in design thinking.
I draw a lot of my inspiration from my visual surroundings and by spending time with other creatives. I am lucky to live in a part of Sydney that is abuzz with art and music festivals. I love visiting my local nursery too. It's a well curated kaleidoscope of plants and flowers with the added bonus of live Jazz and Blues music on Saturday mornings. It's a special place that gets my creative juices going.
2. Walk us through your making process from idea to finished piece.
My process is quite varied - I love engaging in analogue techniques of creating work. Sometimes I play with paper cut-outs, other times I sketch my ideas on my notebook before fleshing them out digitally. The process can be a bit back and forth as I figure out the elements but I love to retain that hand-made character in my work. As I have recently downsized, I no longer have a home studio where I can spread out and leave my mess for another day. I use my Ipad on the go and my process is a lot more streamlined.
3. How do you approach sustainability and longevity in your work?
Such a great question! After a serious burn-out, I have been decluttering, downsizing and being intentional in what I consume. Doing so has freed up a lot of space in my brain to be creative in the ways that matter to me. I took a hiatus from design work and got part-time work as a support educator which has been fulfilling. As for longevity in design- It's important for me to be aligned with the right audience/ clients/ businesses, those are the motivators that will keep me doing the work that feeds my soul.
4. Now that Cat's Meow is being re-released, how does it feel revisiting this design, and what do you hope people feel when they wear it?
Cat's Meow was one of my first designs for Zuri. I am pleasantly surprised that it was so well received by the Zuri community that it's making a comeback! I want everyone who wears the design to go about their day feeling energized.
5. Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
I finished sewing my art smock just in time for the second release of the Cat's Meow design. I absolutely love how it turned out- it only took me two years to finish it!
Check out all of her designs available for purchase here!
We're reading Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami, a dark, compelling novel that traces the fragile line between survival and self-destruction. Set against the gritty underbelly of Tokyo, it follows a young woman drawn into a world of money, friendship, and quiet desperation, where loyalty and ambition begin to blur. It's sharp, atmospheric, and deeply human!
We're listening to Here With Me by Kenyan artist Karun, a moody, soulful track. With her signature blend of R&B and alternative sounds, Karun builds a slow burning atmosphere that draws you in and holds you there. It's the kind of song that rewards repeat listens!
