Our Story

akrDesignStudio was founded by designer and illustrator Akiko Kato Ruiz in late 2014.
After graduating from Joshibi Art College in Japan, Akiko moved to Orange County California. Following her work in graphic design within the apparel industry, she chose to pursue her dream of becoming a freelance illustrator.

One day, while visiting a friend's home, Akiko noticed an illustration note she had given her friend displayed on the wall. "It's too cute to throw away" her friend said.
In that moment, Akiko realized she found a way to bring her art into everyday life.

In 2014, she launched a collection of greeting cards designed to be kept and displayed like art, each featuring a thoughtful message inside.

What began with just five greeting card designs has grown into a full collection include notebooks, planners, enamel pins, keychains and more than one hundred greeting card designs. Each piece is hand-drawn by Akiko using dip ink and watercolor, and every product is thoughtfully produced with care and attention to detail on high-quality materials.

Today, akrDesignStudio products are carried in hundreds of stores across the United States and around the world.

Based in sunny Southern California, akrDesignStudio continues to create stylish yet playful designs that uplift and inspire — art made to be lived with.

* Akiko's work, Live-sketching & more: Here