Small Business Spotlight: John Derian, Decoupage & Design

I just love this look …

Source: John Derian

John Derian is an incredibly talented designer known as the “King of Decoupage” which is an artform unto itself where pieces of paper are glued onto a surface and then covered with a clear material to keep it all together (how’s that for a “homemade” definition!).

Source: John Derian

I find it fascinating … it’s a french word but the artform has origins in Eastern Asia. Decoupage can take the form of plates, trays, boxes, paperweights, pictures … almost anything. I’m a fan and I’m a fan of the King of Decoupage too. Not only is John the King but he is also an incredible entrepreneur and small business owner.

I’m calling John Derian a “small business” because he runs his decoupage and design business out of small studio in New York where he also has a small retail store. Been there, bought that, many a time!

His world his a fascinating one.

John Derian the brand owns this design space. And it’s a delight to see how he’s taken his decoupage and translated it to other forms.

And to other places outside his studio … like to Target this year for Thanksgiving. Yes indeed, there was an entire collaboration of products for the holiday including pillows, platters, plates, dishes, and cookware. If you had come to my house for Thanksgiving, you would have felt like you were a part of John’s world thanks to Target. Turkey pillow and all.

Nice to see a small business designer partner with retail power to expand its presence and its aesthetic to many who might not otherwise have been able to experience his NY footprint. And nice to see Target offer its customers something new and fresh for the holiday season.

Now that’s a collab for the holiday spirit. What’s your experience? JIM

Source: Target