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 Pacific Northwest collection is the seventh in the Artist Designed series, dreamt up by Oregon-based artist, Kelley Wills. The collection celebrates the magic of temperate rainforests, foraging, mountains, wildlife-filled islands and the endless fields of flowers that call the Pacific Northwest home.
Can you share more about the inspiration behind your collection?
I’ve been living in the Pacific Northwest for the past 7 years; I’m originally from South Carolina, so this was a big jump! The same things that drew me to live here are featured in this collection — the wild and rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains, the lush ferns and wildflowers, and lots and lots of mushrooms! It’s been the perfect place to grow as an artist and to pursue my career in illustration.
You chose the Pacific Northwest theme; are there specific places or memories you thought of when creating these?
I live right by one of the forks of the Willamette River and enjoy taking walks along its banks. It’s a big migration route for different bird species. Depending on the time of year, I’ve been able to spot groups of eagles, owls, and countless waterfowls. In the rainy season, I like to keep my eyes peeled for morels and chanterelles. For these designs, it was fun to reach into the memory bank and draw inspiration from the plants and animals that I regularly encounter.
What motivates you to create? What inspires you?
Going back as far as I can remember, I’ve always had a pencil, or crayon, in my hands. The desire to create feels innate. I was a barefoot wild child in the country, so spending time in nature has always been a core inspiration for me. I love to identify plants and flowers and learn more about them, and by transference, they show up all over my work.
Can you tell us about the design process for this collection?
For this collection, since it’s so close to home, I was able to get many ideas from photos I’ve taken over the years. I also used regional field guides for reference material. Folk art and quilt textiles have always been a big inspiration for me, so I wanted to blend the two worlds.
Which design from the collection is your favorite and why?
The Rainy Day design stands out to me the most because it features some of my favorite Pacific Northwest characters — banana slugs, morel mushrooms, and lots of rain! I love the colors and the way the raindrops turned out in the pattern.
If you had to choose a song or album to accompany this series, which would you choose?
There’s no other artist I can think of who best represents the mashup of folk art with the Pacific Northwest than the inimitable Michael Hurley. His album Long Journey is the perfect soundtrack to this collection, particularly the song “Portland Water”.
How did you get into illustration and design, and what has been the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist professionally?
In college, I started making posters and album covers for friends’ bands, and that slowly evolved to include branding for small businesses and eventually packaging and pattern design. Being able to make a career from my art has been so fulfilling! I used to dream of working for myself while juggling multiple jobs and freelancing on the side. To have finally achieved that goal still feels surreal, even though it's been almost 4 years since I became fully self-employed.
Tell us about your favorite things to do and how they show up in your artwork?
In addition to spending time in nature, I also love to garden. Watching plants grow from seed to fruit is such a magical process and provides endless inspiration.
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside?
It really depends on the time of year. In the rainy season, I love foraging mushrooms and spending time in the mossy forest. Hiking on the Oregon Coast is great in the fall, especially during the huckleberry season. And when it’s warmer, it’s nice to get out on the water, either kayaking or paddle boarding.
Do you have a motto or mantra that you live by in your creative life?
Trust the process! It’s a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the act of creating.
What was it like creating a collection for Injinji and bringing your designs to life on toesocks?
Working with Injinji was such a fun opportunity and a great alignment for illustration style! To see something that started as an idea in my head become a physical project will never get old. I’m also excited for these designs to become part of someone else’s journey.
If people would like to follow your journey, where can they find you?
You can find me on Instagram @brainflowerdesigns and on my site- brainflowerdesigns.com
