Meet James Piatt | Industrial Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Piatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Over the years, my business has evolved from my personal need to bring my ideas to life and my passion for manufacturing products. The process of conceptualizing an original idea, developing it, and finally seeing and touching the finished product is my driving force. I started my business unofficially in 1999 when I collaborated with highly skilled craftspeople in Los Angeles to create a lamp. Since then, I have gained extensive professional experience as an industrial designer for several renowned brands such as Kohler and Toto. This hands-on product development work has not only expanded my knowledge of manufacturing techniques but also provided me with invaluable insight into running a successful business, including marketing, sales, and brand development, which I have since applied to my own business and brand.

I strongly believe that my work has a positive social impact. As a member of the creative community in Frogtown, I am passionate about using my art to create a positive change in society. Every two years, I participate in the Frogtown ArtWalk, where I open my studio to the local community, allowing them to engage with my work and ideas.
To support sustainability, I work with both local and international suppliers in the technology and manufacturing industries. Whenever possible, I source recycled materials for both my products and packaging, reducing my environmental footprint.
My artwork often aims to shed light on social, political, and religious issues, using satire and irony to encourage viewers to think more deeply about these important topics. My hope is that my work will inspire others to become agents of change and contribute to progress in our society.

I am constantly taking risks in my work, and the investments of time and money that I make in my projects can sometimes seem illogical to others. However, my passion for what I do drives me to continue taking on these risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.
When a particular product, such as one of my handbags, becomes popular and in high demand, I am able to reduce some of the risk by expanding the product line and using the revenue to fund other projects. However, I recently undertook one of my most risky and challenging projects yet: an upholstered lounge chair. Every step of the process involved weighing the risks of each decision about each component, and I had to make careful calculations before proceeding.

As a creator, I am always mindful of my audience – whether I am making art or consumer products. I understand that my customers expect more than just a well-made, functional product. They want something that is unique, thought-provoking, and memorable – something that will inspire conversation and leave a lasting impression.
If I were to focus solely on creating something that is beautiful and functional, I believe that my work would fall short of my customers’ expectations. After all, there are many other brands out there that already excel in this area. Instead, I strive to push the boundaries of design and create products that are both innovative and functional.
While this approach certainly involves risks, I believe that it is ultimately the key to my success as a creator. By creating something that truly stands out, I am able to capture the attention of consumers who are seeking something special and unique. And by continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of design, I am able to maintain my position as a leader in my field.

The idea of giving up simply doesn’t register for me. My work is not just a job or a career, but rather an extension of who I am as a person. I derive so much joy and fulfillment from what I do that the thought of abandoning it is almost unfathomable.
Of course, there are always challenges and setbacks in any creative pursuit. It can be a long and difficult road, with progress often coming in small, incremental steps. But for me, the key to persevering through these challenges is simply to love what I do.
While creating products that appeal to consumers and contributing to the world of art is certainly important to me, it is not the driving force behind my work. Rather, I am motivated by my own passion and curiosity – the desire to explore new ideas and create something truly unique and meaningful.

I often find myself working longer hours than I probably should, whether it’s designing for other brands, collaborating with friends, or creating products for my own brand. Juggling these different worlds, including my personal life, can be challenging. Each has its own unique dynamics and obstacles. The most difficult part is managing my time and attention, constantly switching between these different spheres. Nevertheless, I recognize that each of these worlds is interdependent and complements the others. In fact, they are all essential to my success. While it can be difficult at times, I embrace this lifestyle as the best option for me right now. That said, I do aspire to simplify my life in the future and work towards that goal.

I find joy and fulfillment in a variety of things. My design work and art-making are both deeply satisfying to me, from the moment an idea takes shape in my mind to the final expression of that idea. It’s especially rewarding to see others connect with something I’ve created. Lately, I’ve discovered a new passion for gardening. I love learning about different plants and creating beautiful, harmonious outdoor spaces. There’s something about the beauty of nature that artists and designers can never quite replicate.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am multi-disciplinary artist, architect, and industrial designer. I graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where I studied environmental and industrial design. I went on to build a successful career in the design industry, working as an industrial designer and leading design teams for major brands in the US and internationally. Throughout his diverse experiences, I came to understand that concepts in art, design, architecture, and fashion are interconnected and this understanding informs my interdisciplinary practice today. I have been featured in numerous museum exhibitions, and have received awards and patents for my work.

Creating art for me is a process guided by several key principles. Firstly, art can take many forms and be expressed through various mediums, such as objects, sound, emotions, or thoughts. This allows for a wide range of possibilities. Secondly, I believe in the ability to bring my ideas to life, no matter how unconventional they may be. I often draw inspiration from my surroundings and take note of ideas that come to me, which can include product designs, furniture, handbags, and art. Recently, I have been focusing more on creating art, as my list of art-related ideas has grown.

I also believe that art is always kinetic, even something as seemingly static as a painting or sculpture is experienced as a sequence of events through time and can affect our future perceptions. Ambiguity also plays an important role in my work, as it allows for multiple interpretations. Lastly, I take inspiration from a fellow artist who said that art should always be created with the thought that no one else will ever see it. This approach ensures that the art is true to one’s own vision and thoughts, rather than being influenced by external considerations such as audience or marketability.

Creativity and innovation can come from anywhere, even the most mundane and uneventful experiences. Sometimes, it is the routine and everyday activities that can spark new ideas and perspectives. It is important to keep an open mind and be aware of the potential for inspiration in all aspects of life, not just in grand or extraordinary experiences. By being open to the possibilities that can come from everyday situations, one can increase their chances of having new and unexpected ideas.

Designing is not just about having a great idea, it’s also about testing and refining that idea through a process of exploration and experimentation. A good design is one that not only has a strong concept but also goes through a thorough process of exploration and testing to ensure its functionality, usability, and aesthetic appeal. A design that combines both an inspired idea and a thorough process is a design that stands out and is successful in its purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to entertain an out-of-town visitor, I would recommend visiting the Huntington Gardens, hiking to the Hollywood sign, exploring both Getty museums and the Broad museum, dining at Musso and Frank Grill and Tam O’Shanter’s, watching a movie at the New Beverly Cinema, spending a day at El Matador beach and Barnsdall Art Park, and catching some live music at Zebulon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my father for encouraging my creative pursuits.

Website: jamespiatt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/james.piatt/