Local Design We Love: Frolik

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring

We’re really into pins at the VISI office right now (as you might have realised from this post featuring 25 of the coolest pins from around the world), so when we spotted local studio Frolik’s awesome collection on Instagram, we decided to find out all about it from Tessa Kleingeld, the talented designer behind this fun brand.

You’re a graphic designer by trade. How did you get into making pins?

I’ve wanted to make and sell my own goods for as long as I can remember. My bookshelf is stacked to the rafters with books on screen-printing, linocutting, letterpress and just about anything else you can imagine. So when my talented friend, Nicole Dalton of Ghost Goods, introduced me to pins, I knew that I had to do my own. It’s such a fun way to experiment and it is immensely satisfying when someone wants to buy something that you designed. My customers are the sweetest people that fill me with such joy on a daily basis. Who wouldn’t want that?

How would you describe your style?

I would say my design style is graphic, bold and colourful, which is pretty much the opposite of my wardrobe! I hate being stuck in one style so I constantly find myself being inspired by and trying new things. I like to be nimble and versatile in everything I do.

We recently ran an article featuring a selection of Ghost Goods’ favourite pins from around the world (in which you were included). Are there any other pin-makers out there whose work you admire?

This is a tough one, as I admire so many pin-makers, but if I had to choose, apart from Ghost Goods of course, my favourite pins are from Weekender Supply (@weekendersupply), Neat-O Supply Co (@neatosupplyco), Hellcats Inc (@hellcatsinc) and Beeteeth (@beeteeth).

Which of your designs is your favourite, and why?

My favourite would have to be my first All Hope is Not Lost pin. I designed it because deep down I am really a true optimist. Since its release, I have had so many touching messages from customers who would tell me how much the positive message meant to them in their dark moments. Having something you created mean so much to someone else is incredibly humbling. 

Are you working on any new designs at the moment?

There is always something in the pipeline! For now I am in talks with some local and international designers that I admire to do some pin collaborations. At the moment it’s all top-secret but you can expect to see some cool new stuff soon. I am also looking at expanding into some other goods, including but not limited to, tote bags, greeting cards, framed art and more. 

You can buy Frolik’s range of pins on Etsy or direct via info@frolik.co.za. Frolik pins are also stocked at Mungo & Jemima, The Blonde Chaos, as well as two exciting new places opening in Cape Town in November; The Raptor Room and Culture Box. 

Follow @frolik_studio on Instagram to keep up to date with Tessa’s latest releases.