Injinji’s Artist Designed series includes socks intentionally designed by talented creatives who find inspiration in the natural world. Each pair of Artist Designed socks tells a story, tying into a theme chosen by the artist. The designs are created exclusively for Injinji, and the socks are Limited Edition – so don’t wait to stock up!
The Sunny San Diego collection is the sixth in the Artist Designed series, created by Hanna Gundrum, a San Diego-based muralist, illustrator, educator, and creative mentor. Her work is inspired by nature, textiles, street art, children’s books, and travel. In this interview, Hanna shares the influences behind this collection, and what inspired her playful designs.
Can you share more about the inspiration behind your collection?
This collection is inspired by my time living in and falling in love with beautiful San Diego. I'm originally from the Midwest, and living in a city like San Diego for the past 8 years has invited so much vibrancy, boldness and playful energy into my work. My creative decision making has been influenced by San Diego’s proximity to the US/Mexico border, and the sunny beach culture that permeates the city. This collection is an ode to all that there is to love about San Diego, from the diverse marine life and beautiful beaches to the lush canyonlands found inland.
You chose the Sunny San Diego theme; are there specific places or memories you thought of when creating these?
Several places and memories came to mind while designing this collection. San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and the diverse marine life along its coast. One of the animals featured in this collection is the beautiful and docile leopard shark, which is known to reside in La Jolla, CA waters. Many locals and tourists alike enjoy paddling out on boards and kayaks to get an up-close experience with them. Another unique animal found in San Diego is the flocks of wild red headed Amazon parrots that live in the Pacific Beach and Mission Beach neighborhoods. These birds were introduced to San Diego in the 1940s when parrots being bought and sold as pets were likely released. It’s a really fun and unexpected population to witness flying through the neighborhoods in large flocks squawking and nesting in trees.
Can you tell us about the design process for this collection?
My design process begins by brainstorming a list of imagery and ideas that I am hoping to convey within the project. Next, I sketch individual imagery with paper and pencil that I’d like to include in my designs. I find that my ideas flow more effortlessly when working in analog mediums, so this has always been my preferred way to work. Once they are sketched on paper, I trace them onto my iPad, being sure to keep each element in its own layer. This gives me the freedom to move each image around within a composition, resize and add in/delete individual elements with ease. Once I have a composition that I’m happy with I digitally add color, keeping in mind the mood I’d like the design to convey.
Which design from the collection is your favorite and why?
My favorite design from the collection is the parrot. I think it highlights such a fun and whimsical story that even many local San Diegans do not know about. I’m also a fan of the bright marine blue background and the way that it makes all of the colors pop.
If you had to choose a song or album to accompany this series, which would you choose?
Some kind of surf rock vibes. I love the Bahamas, and all of their music makes me feel the way this collection does!
How did you get into illustration and design, and what has been the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist professionally?
I have been obsessed with exploring my creativity for as long as I can remember. I have vivid memories of sitting in my childhood home in front of the hallway linen closet where my parents kept boxes of random craft supplies. I would spend hours glueing and combining elements to bring my visions to life. I found so much joy in creating something that never existed before my hands created it.
Art has always been my one interest in life that has never wavered. I eventually went on to study art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with my BFA. After graduating, I began working as a creative mentor to adult artists with disabilities, while also pursuing my own freelance practice. Both mentorship and my own practice have continued to grow and evolve over the years, eventually leading to more professional endeavors—working with well-known companies, painting 30+ murals, illustrating numerous projects, and growing a thriving mentorship business.
The most fulfilling part of working professionally as an artist is facilitating meaningful community-based projects and bringing people together through shared creativity.
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside?
My favorite way to spend time outside is hiking, running and urban walks. Moving my body forward helps soothe my nervous system and quiet my overactive mind. I also love camping!
Do you have a motto or mantra that you live by in your creative life?
I don’t have any particular mantra, but art is power! I always keep in mind the impact that creating has in connecting us to each other and our environments. Keep creating and keep being kind.
If people would like to follow your journey, where can they find you?
On Instagram at @littlehouseink or on my website at www.littlehouseink.com.
