Meet the Designer

Meet Christen Cushing, the wizardly brain behind our one-of-a-kind prints. Yes, a real human (well, we think she might be part unicorn) is responsible for creating the prints you wear on your lil’ tush every day. Because you probably wear her designs on the reg, we thought it would be cool for you to meet. She’s a ball of energy, love, and light, so get to know what makes her tick. 

How did you know you wanted to become an artist?

Well for the long-form answer of this, ask for a copy of my book about my life. The short story is that I started as a musician, playing the piano at 3 years old. It was my language of emotional expression. At 7 I found out that drawing was that same language and was much more literal and easier to understand. That became the perfect storm for me to become the visual artist I am today. I have characters I still draw today, that were characters who helped me express how I was dealing with life. That is why I love my job as an artist—my ability to encourage others to feel empowered in a mode of self-expression on a daily basis that gets me out of bed in the morning. What a gift!

What are some things that inspire you?

Visual artwork has always been one of my languages of emotional expression. Some artists express to create an understanding of themselves or to make a statement. I like to speak for others! It’s so energizing that I can tap into the latest trends and get into our customers’ world of expression.That inspires me the most. I have characters, like robots, for example, that are a reflection of me, and how I felt growing up. But the value of my work on a day-to-day basis is purely based on being able to amplify what is it that YOU want to say, not me. What use am I as an artist if I can’t help you speak, share or express? Otherwise, I am just running around screaming, talking about myself and that’s not cool. I would much rather create something that empowers others. It’s more life-giving that way. 

What made you want to work for MeUndies?

After 2 years of living in LA from Ohio, I was working for several clients, so many that I felt I needed to turn some down to focus on the ones I really wanted. I had a feeling something was coming, I could sense that I would be able to choose something great from all of them, like a buffet. I was right. I was brought in as a freelancer for a few months, and MeUndies became my favorite role ever. I was turning down all my other roles and gradually making MeUndies my main priority. The huge win for me was that I was the first Textile Print Designer they ever had on staff so it was right up my alley. It also was a role that felt very important to the company. I liked that part of it. I am energized by the idea of letting my artwork be a statement and part of a brand. It was perfect timing, at the right place. It was like the stars aligned. I loved the vibes here, mostly because the reason I had been forced to be freelance was because of the chill vibes I could create for myself at home, and MeUndies carries that vibe. I was so honored to have received the offer to be the full-time Textile Print Designer, and I still am every single day. It's a dream job, and it is proof that doing what you love brings to you things you want, and the world will thank you for it. It's truly a gift.

Tell us about your process?

I start every season with a mood board, which I have found through circuits of trends online etc. I create the idea of these themes and then get into the art style inspiration based on the mood of the character I am designing, or the vibe the customer buying it would want to project. As far as the actual design goes, I am energized when I sit at my sketch desk. I can flow without pressure and can just put on my music that goes with the art style and create the energy in the flow of the pencil. From hand to paper it starts there, always. Then after the character and energy of the design are perfect, just how I like it, then I go to inking it, using micron and sharpie, to make great linework much like a comic artist would. This is my style and has always been my style since I was out of college. After I draw the ink version, I send it to my computer and create the vector work to then create a pattern to communicate to the factory. I work with a 9-12 color process, so I try keeping the colors as simple as possible to keep the imagery fun and playful. 

How do you reset on the weekends?

I am both an extrovert and an introvert! I get so energized every day being around my friends at work and creating within a work environment, but I can get recharged by being completely alone and shutting down everything. I always take a day to not do anything but lay in bed, and it’s very important for my process. I call it a sabbath. I strictly stay in bed, don't answer the phone and don't do anything as far as committing to plans, etc. It is a great mode for me to get back into my rhythm. Then on Sunday I walk down to the beach and take in the ocean breeze. If I can and weather permits, I will go get a drink on a rooftop, or take a boat out from the marina, or even go take a flying lesson at the local airport. It depends on my mood honestly. It’s important that I spend time in this life I have built for myself and work so hard to dwell in. 

Any advice for aspiring artists?

My advice for aspiring artists is to do what you love. Create it every day. Practice makes perfect. The more you refine what you love doing, the quicker you will be able to focus on it and then make yourself marketable doing it. Stay grateful as you go, stay humble always and be nice.