Meet Keri Kubota | Graphic Designer & Creative

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

Hi Keri, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I chose to major in Graphic Design, I had no clue what it was, I just dove in head first. Growing up, I was (and still am!) awful at math and science, so as a teenager I decided I’d probably do something in the arts. I was always doodling on my notes in school, carried my point & shoot camera everywhere with me and would express myself through my emo Xanga posts and custom MySpace layouts. In hindsight, art / being creative wasn’t necessarily something that came easy to me, but I would always enjoy the process.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first gig out of college was for a small Social Media Firm which only lasted a year. It was after my experience there that I decided I never wanted to have a boss again. I had never planned on working for myself or running my own business, so in the beginning I kept myself trapped in a pretty small box of what I thought it meant to be an “artist”, trying & failing, but still determined to try. 9 years later, I’m 6 years into owning a business, freelancing and working independently with several local businesses that are all in alignment with my values, and giving back to their communities in various ways to create a better world. It has taken me some time to get here— enduring several challenges as I continue to grow, but I’ve always known my mission: to inspire happiness through my art & human connection. Whether it be through illustration, design and photographs, or words, ideas, and conversations, I’m always finding new ways to express myself and connect with others.

The pursuit of Happiness is a fundamental human goal. Our ideas, passions, and what we aspire to be are the seeds on this earth. Growth happens when we take the time to nurture what’s important. Just like the nature that surrounds us, we’re all growing together to create something beautiful. My brand Our Garden Collective was brought to life to be an extension of myself, a creative platform to design & inspire.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m born & raised in Hawaii but spent 6 years in OC / LA while I was going to school. First stop, dispensary. If we’ve got time, we’re road tripping to Joshua Tree for some epic time in the desert and beautiful skies. If we’ve only got a few days, we’ll probably hit up Disneyland, The Getty, drive along PCH, Rose Bowl Flea Market or Thrifting in general, maybe dip into San Diego and of course FOOD. I’m an island girl so I’m taking you to In-N-Out, Chipotle, grabbing some street tacos and we’re set.

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 know it’s cliché— huge shoutout to my PARENTS. From being present through their love from day one, working hard to provide my brothers & me with a college experience away from home, giving me space to find my passion, encouraging me to follow my dreams, beaming with pride for every accomplishment, and last but not least, being exceptional role models in all aspects of life. I am forever grateful for their support.

Website: www.ourgardencollective.com

Instagram: ourgardencollective

Image Credits
Mar Mizunaka, Jordan Anderson, Tien Austin