The Insider: Anna Akawie
Not to toot our own horn, but, our packaging? It’s pretty awesome. And a big part of that stems from the rad luggage-tag style certificates of authenticity that Claire’s cousin, Anna Akawie, designed. The native Angeleno—who’s also responsible for the Of a Kind logo—started her design education early and keeps learning, learning, learning. —jiayi
Q: How did you get into design?
A: I taught myself how to use Photoshop when I was about 14 and made little webpages all through high school. It wasn’t until I realized that community college wasn’t getting me anywhere that I decided to enroll in the graphic design program at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. I finished in about a year and a half, and landed an internship at an entertainment design firm where I still work now, five years later!
Q: Besides designing the Of a Kind branding, what are some other cool projects you’ve worked on?
A: I got to design the save the dates and invitations for my best friend’s wedding—I feel really lucky to have done that. I also design and print a calendar every year to give to all of my friends. There’s a free download of it on my website for whoever wants one.
Q: You knit some adorable kittens over the summer—we were all obsessed with them! How did you get into making those?
A: I love those little knittens! About seven years ago, I taught myself to knit and in my quest to find new and more challenging projects, I came across this wonderful pattern by Jess Hutchison for a knit kitty. I’ve been knitting it ever since, with some adaptations to the pattern to make it a bit more my own.
Q: Their striped shirts are amazing. What will they be sporting for fall?
A: If I could knit it—leopard-print sweaters!
Q: Who would you say is your most stylish friend?
A: My best friend Elizabeth. I’m constantly getting into trouble from the things she posts to her Svpply account. There’s no way I would be cool enough to own a Rodarte sweatshirt if not for her!
