Artist Kate Dittmann is a DEMDACO product designer focused on developing items for our reimagined line of gifts for baby. During her more than two years here, we’ve expanded our focus on Baby with warm, neutral colors, lush textiles, and heartfelt messaging that inspires deep emotional connections between young children and loved ones. The soft goods Kate designs feature luxurious fabrics and uniquely endearing touches that are “perfectly imperfect.”
You’ve probably seen some of her work, such as the Tender Love Elephant and Bird, Wishing Pals, the Prayer Lamb, and Welcome to the World Bundles. She also had a part in rolling out the beloved Giving Bear, and Kate played a big role in designing the new Jumbo and Mini Giving Bears.
Despite all the joy Kate evokes through her art, early on she wasn’t confident that she could make a living as an artist. Originally studying Elementary Education in college, we’re glad that Kate followed her heart and wound up in art school, where she became acquainted with members of the DEMDACO product development team.
Kate’s interest in art began with her grandfather, a World War II veteran who painted peaceful landscapes as a way to deal with post-war health issues and stress. Sometimes, he’d sketch something, and they’d paint it together.
“He planted the seed for my enjoyment of art,” she said. “And that love continued to grow.”
Kate’s inspiration for the gifts she designs is still firmly rooted in family, and family connections, as we found out in this Q+A with the artist.
What do you like most about your job?
The part where I get to find inspiration from my nieces and nephews (Reilly, Pip, Rose, Emma). Watching them grow and finding creativity from that makes the products I get to design more special to me.
Which of the products you designed for DEMDACO is your favorite?
A favorite product I designed is the “Let’s Explore” Kitty Wishing Pal. I’m completely biased towards cats, but that kitty is absolutely my favorite out of the line, even if it isn’t quite as popular as some others. I look at it and just feel like it needs a hug and a friend.
What’s your favorite of all DEMDACO products?
Almost anything in the Everyday category. I love the whole Gatherings collection, and the majority of my kitchen has been designed by that team — I love that! The handmade textures and sincere messages make me proud to have them in my home. It’s a fun feeling to have friends over who compliment something, and I get to say “Thanks. It’s from DEMDACO!” I think it’s very important to genuinely love the product that your company produces. If I didn’t like what we produced, then what would be the point?
What’s it like to design products that reach so many people?
Almost anything in the Everyday category. I love the whole Gatherings collection, and the majority of my kitchen has been designed by that team — I love that! The handmade textures and sincere messages make me proud to have them in my home. It’s a fun feeling to have friends over who compliment something, and I get to say “Thanks. It’s from DEMDACO!” I think it’s very important to genuinely love the product that your company produces. If I didn’t like what we produced, then what would be the point?
It’s really exciting to know I’m designing products and characters that people will see and purchase for somebody they love. That’s what is specifically fun about designing for Baby—hardly anything is purchased for self. Either a mom or grandma is buying a stuffed animal friend for their child/grandchild, or a gift is bought to celebrate a new pregnancy or child at a baby shower. It’s fun to know people see the things I’m designing and it’s connecting them with someone they love.
What do you hope people experience when interacting with the gifts you design?
I want the gift-giver to feel proud of what they’re sharing with family and friends. I’d like the receiver of our gifts to recognize that there’s a story and emotion behind it, and the people who made it really care – I hope they don’t just view it as “stuff.”
What do you think is unique about how DEMDACO chooses which products to develop?
For the Baby line specifically, we’re designing for special moments families will already have, but we’re hoping to make them even more special and meaningful. I love that we aren’t just trying to sell product, but genuinely want to lift people’s spirits and bring some form of joy or comfort to their lives.
When you were in art school, did you ever imagine getting a job designing snuggly, engaging gifts for children?
I didn’t think this is where I would land after art school, but I am completely psyched that I’m here. I have the coolest job in the world. I get to draw elephants and monkeys for a living, and hugging stuffed animals is literally part of my job. Designing for kids and babies helps me stay in a young and creative mindset. Kids are honest. If they aren’t into something, they’ll let you know. It’s really exciting to see pictures online of kids I don’t know connecting with something I made. It’s special and I’m very lucky.
I know you also write stories for some of the children’s activity books you design. Do you enjoy that part of your job?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, and it is a fun part of my job. With a lot of the copy I write, I’m honestly writing it to my nieces and nephews. It makes it so much easier. If I wasn’t writing with someone in mind, I don’t feel it would be genuine. But when I’m writing to Pip, Rose, Emma or Reilly, the words come much more easily.
Looking down the road, how would you like to further develop your skill set? Are there products you would like to have a hand in designing one day?
It’s hard to say. Honestly, I love what I’m doing right now. I can see what I was doing a year ago and see how much better my rendering skills, writing, and knowledge of the subject has developed. I think it’s coming more naturally because I’m passionate about learning more about the industry. Personally, I do have a few ideas for illustration books that relate to young adult life. At DEMDACO, I want to continue doing what I’m doing, but grow and get better at it.
Top
