A quick update to let everyone know that the biz is currently on hold so if you've ordered or emailed, it may be another day or two until we can process it or get back to you.

It's nothing dire, but we are in New York on unexpected family business.

We're super sorry for any inconvenience this has caused! We'll make it up to you soon.

<3
-Kit & neko

Took a joyride up to Freeport today in the shnazzy little road dragon because there was sunshine! Although, it totally reminded me why I usually don't go up there. There's a certain...pretension to Freeport that the NJD crew of two in our paint-stained pants and our non-designer shirts don't quite fit into. But it was nice to get out of the studio, regardless of the snotty attitudes of just about everyone working the main drag. The only person who actually smiled at me was the happy waitress that served me my meal. She was so nice, in fact, I could forgive the flashback it gave me to my elementary school's spaghetti lunch.

Moving onward to things that have nothing to do with mystery meat, we're prepping this weekend for an online overhaul next week. I realize it's been something like seven weeks since I touched the website, and I intend to remedy that with a nice, fat update before we're whisked away out west in August.

So my question to all of you fine folks is...

What do you want to see on the website? Sure, I could chock it full of things I want, but what are you looking to buy? If you've seen us at a con, or I've mentioned it here and you've been waiting for it to appear on the website, let me know! If we've got it in stock, or the ability to make it again, I'll put it up!

neko's also got new designs in the works that I'm trying to push for. If I'm lucky, we'll have new merchandise with new cuties within the month! Keep your fingers crossed, but no breath holding! None of that now, ya'hear?

Sleep now, wit later. Dang. I should update MySpace at some point, too...

Why is it always easier to update LJ? Oh, right. LJ doesn't overload my browser with irrelevant advertisements...

-Kit

For the first time in five weeks...

IT'S NOT RAINING!

It's been so long, I'd forgotten what colour the sky is when it's not pouring buckets and buckets of water on my head and screwing with my allergies.

I think the president of Neko-jin Designs has just declared an impromptu holiday.

Because tomorrow? It's supposed to rain.

I've got a twelve hour window--quick!! What do we do??

-Kit

PortCon was just what we needed after the show from HFIL. It reminded us that people do like our stuff, and that we jump through all these hoops for a reason.

Because people in New England [and Ohio] like us.

So regardless of feeling like I'd been run over by a truck both physically and mentally, I really enjoyed the con. We saw a lot of people who've been supporting us from the beginning, and it was fantastic to catch up with them. Honestly, it kept me going. After the evil that was Anime Next and the effects of my allergies, I was ready to just throw it all in and sleep for days. Being around so many positive people reminded me of why we persevere the way we do.

'Cause y'all like us so dang much. ^_^

On top of PortCon's usual hustle and bustle, we were being filmed for the documentary, Kingdom Kon. It's being put together by a very nice guy with an English accent you may have seen around conventions. It's all about anime and con culture; what we've seen of it so far is pretty awesome. I can't wait to see how he edits down twelve hours of us, though. It's pretty exciting!

...though it was strange to be followed around by a camera all weekend. From final preparations to loading the car, setup and selling, he's got us doing it all. I really wonder what that's gonna look like. Especially with me being all sorts of camera shy...and totally coked up on holistic hoobajoobs.

That being said, I'm off to sleep off another round. I'm just about back to normal, for whatever that's worth, and ready to conquer it all again!

'It all' entails, of course, the website, placing orders, and sending out the newsletter...

But for right now, food and sleep.
<3
-Kit

Man...where do I start?

So we dropped off the face of the planet for awhile due to various and sundry reasons. There was a gigantic amount of traveling in May; I think we've already managed to put over 5,000 miles on our little blue road dragon. But he's gotten us safely to every destination, so all is right in our world.

At least in that regard.

Let's see...the last time I really touched this thing we were on our way to Anime Next. Boy. That was an adventure. This being our first year, I guess my expectations were set to happy New England standards because I didn't quite expect people to be as rude as they were. That, coupled with the debacle of getting across the George Washington bridge, the fact that the convention was in the middle of Nothingness, NJ, and a 3,000 person decrease in attendance...

By the end of the weekend, I was not a happy Kit.

Frankly designer, I'm a little concerned about people's attitudes in that part of the country. I have never in all my years of customer service, and certainly of owning a business, come across so many unhappy individuals. Was it in the water? Should the government investigate? Because even our worst shows up to that point started to look like a friggin' tea party.

We met a few very nice people and we love those that braved the black cloud to visit with us more than once. But for the most part? I kinda hated it. The show was poorly put together, the location was crap, and the people were mean. I'm not sure we'll be doing it again. I don't tend to want to return to a place where people tell me my merchandise is junk and insist we be in Artist Alley. I've got nothing against Artist Alley, but this isn't a hobby for us. It's a business. If we don't make enough money, we don't eat. Very simple equation. So don't tell me I should be in Artist Alley.

It makes this fun-loving Kit want to multi-class in a bad way and go berserk on your ass.

Returning from New Jersey was blissful; however, it rained the entire time we were gone. Why is that bad? Because my allergies say so. Over a week later, I'm still recovering. I know that summer is something of a myth in Maine, but c'mon, guys...

We're not all vampires. Sunshine's not gonna kill us. Or even make us sparkle. Although, if that's the worst that could happen, I'll take it over this eternal dreariness.

I'm a wee bit tired of living up to the England in New England...

And I guess it could be worse.

I could still be in Jersey.

-Kit

If you've been to a convention in the last ten years, chances are you've met Robert and Emily DeJesus. They're two of the most energetic, fun-loving people we've had the pleasure of spending time with.

Recently, Bob's sister lost her battle with cancer. The loss has taken a heavy emotional toll, not to mention the financial hardships that come with caring for a loved one. To read the official announcement on the OhayoCon website, please go here.

Please send your thoughts and affections to these lovely people. And if you have anything to spare monetarily, it won't go to a better cause.

Hang in there, Bob & Em. Our thoughts are with you.
<3
-Kit & neko

Whew! What a week! It started out promising, turned a little not-so-good, and seems to be ending with a flourish! Poor neko spent most of it on the phone with ornery customer service people and yesterday we literally had to tell these weirdo magazine sellers to get the hell off our lawn. Yet today, being Friday, is a wonderful day.

Friday, for us, generally doesn't signal relaxation. If it 'feels like Friday', it means we've got three intense days of work ahead of us, and boy is that true!

But it's a good busy. Despite the delivery demons being at odds with us, we're pleased to report we just got in a brand new shipment of sweatshirts, messenger bags, chirimen straps and coin purses, the most amazing chopsticks known to mankind, and furin chimes.

We can't wait to start designing on the bags. Anime Next is in sight and we're really pleased to be going with such a full spectrum of merchandise. Assuming the masses don't raid us completely [which would be a mixed blessing], much of this greatness should carry over into PortCon.

Speaking of mixed blessings, I'd like to formally announce that we will definitely be attending the following cons:

ConnectiCon : July 30-August 2
IkasuCon : August 7-9
Anime Iowa : August 14-16

O.O

I must be an addict. My life just isn't complete unless I spend at least a third of it traveling.

...yeah, I wouldn't change that. ^_^ Life is good. Pass it on.

<3
-Kit
PS: neko's mom's coming back up for the weekend for a FUNTIME PILLOW EXTRAVAGANZA!! I must be totally crazy to look forward to seeing my in-law as much as I do...but we bond over the sewing machines and it's beautiful...

Official notification: four shows in five weeks leaves me feeling like I've been hit by a snow plow and left in the bank to freeze.

That's not to say it wasn't extremely fun. Just that my brain feels a bit like j-e-l-l-o.

Morphicon was lovely and left us both with a warm fuzzy. It was great to visit with friends and to kinda relax. I didn't even mind when the GPS [we call her Bulma-san >.< ] sent us through no-man's-land Pennsylvania where apparently it's every animal's dream to be hit by a car. Seriously, I could mark the miles with it. Being a strict vegetarian, it disturbed me on levels I cannot define.

But fifteen hours there and eighteen hours back made for a nice endurance challenge. It made me realize that I do have an affliction; I love to drive.

Home for a couple of days and then it was off to Boston.

Now, some of you may recall that last year's Boston trip was more of a trial. With over a year of experience under my belt now and my very own car, I can honestly say it wasn't that bad. Driving through Boston requires amazing defensive driving skills and a dash of reckless behaviour, and I finally have the balls nerves of steel to do it.

It was amazing to be recognized by so many people. Seriously, when fans across the room point and scream your name excitedly, you know you've made it. I didn't realize how popular we had become on the convention circuit, how many people knew our names--heck, our characters' names. It really makes me blink twice when customers ask for character merchandise by name.

Which made me realize, too, that I need to get crackin' on the stories with these guys! I still hold true that we'll have published goods in 2010, but I hope to fill out individual biographies some time very, very soon. Like...maybe this week?

Don't know when the website will be updated next; Anime Next is in less than two weeks and every ounce of time and energy is being devoted to production for it, and PortCon which immediately follows. Why does it seem that all my shows come in clusters this year?? Is it too much to ask for evenly spaced events that don't leave me feeling like I've been run over?

This year, absolutely. Next year, maybe not! We'll have to wait and see.

I think I had exciting news, but it escapes me at the moment. I'll be sure to report back when it occurs to me...

For now, I must fly. My planet needs me. ^_^ And laundry. It's like...a month overdue...
-Kit

As of this moment, I am finished with the school year! Whew! Holding strong to my four-point-oh and embracing the three months ahead of me! My fondest dream is no longer finding the means to clone myself. Alright!

The studio is a riot of activity! We're working overtime to produce enough for Morphicon and Anime Boston. We're really looking forward to Columbus, though. It's gonna be a nice, restful pit-stop before the frenetic enthusiasm of AB.

To Do List:
-sew pillows
-finish cute animal jewelry
-PATCHES
-NJD logo bags
-sweatshirts
-prep orders for mailing
-INVENTORY
-drink coffee
-remain genki

Gotta get crackin'!
-Kit

Only 3 DAYS LEFT in our fantastic sale!! With one-of-a-kind items selling everyday, don't wait until tomorrow! It's FREE-diculous!

I've all but decided we should just move to New York. We got back from Syracuse this afternoon and, with the knowledge that I'll be going through upstate NY again in about three days, I'm seriously thinking about moving. That, or set up one helluva pup tent along I-90 and be halfway there before I even start.

Regardless, Anime Syracuse was a good time. Aside from being in a theatre with possibly the worst lighting in history, we really enjoyed it. We had a lot of people excited about our stuff and it gave me a nice warm fuzzy to sell so many items with our little cuties on them.

Onward to Morphicon! I <3 furries and I hope they'll <3 our demi-furs. We've got so much to make in the next two days and with Anime Boston on the weekend after...

I think I should go sleep. More tomorrow.
-Kit...zZzzzzZZzz

We need YOU for three very important things this week!

1. Have you taken advantage of our sale? Have you gotten your FREE stuff? It's only running for nine more days! So don't hesitate! We've got big plans for the summer, so now's the perfect time to buy from the website! Wait too long and it might not be there later! The Return of the Son of the Biggest Sale Ever!

2. We've been nominated for the second year in a row for Portland's Indie Biz Awards! Last year we didn't make the cut, but this year, with your help, we can win this! Please show your support for our little company by voting for us before May 15th! It only takes about a minute--we're up for two categories: The Best Business without a Storefront and Portland's Best Kept Secret. Please Give Us Your Vote!

3. Roadtrip! Calling all awesome folks for a weekend in upstate New York! We've signed on for Anime Syracuse this weekend and man, we're totally excited! After the excellent times we've had at Genericon and ToraCon, we know you New Yorkers know how to throw a party! We can't wait to be a part of it--and hope you will too!

Thank you all for your continued support!!
-Kit

neko and I paid homage to our roots today by taking a field trip to Rochester, NH, for Free Comic Book Day. I had psyched myself up for a three hour drive only to find it was right across the border--total score! The creators/artists/demi-gods of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle universe were in attendance and there wasn't a natural disaster that could keep neko away from it.

See, our resident artist owes her drive, motivation, and initial inspiration to this quirky group of guys and I was really proud of her when she got to meet them. She kept calm, was a pretty cool cat about it, and actually articulated. [Such was not the case when she met Elvis Costello or The Samples, so I had real reason to fear.]

It was adorable, really. She had a beat to sh!t well-loved chalk board from 1990 that she had all the guys sign. We had the honour of meeting Peter Laird, Jim Lawson, Mike Dooney, Steve Lavigne, and Dan Berger--and I've got to say, they were pretty awesome. I know they probably get flattered left and right [and rightfully so!], but I hope they know how much of a positive impact they've made in the life of our resident neko.

And it was kind of nice being an adult in a sea of children and being able to say, 'yeah, we've loved your stuff since the beginning'. Not like this wimpy bastard next to us who put his kid up to signing because he was too much of a chickensh!t insecure to say, 'I'm thirty and I love comic books'. In that regard, I think the manga/anime community is a little more mature. Age discrimination does exist, but in a less obvious capacity.

Afterwards, we got awesome pizza at Fat Tony's, ice cream at this divey little place off of route 202, and decided halfway home to stop and see the new X-Men movie. As a non X-Men reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it better than the previous three movies. neko, as an avid, once-upon-a-time reader gave it high marks. We both recommend it.

[Yes, I have seen the atrocity they're calling the Dragonball movie--on opening day. I have simply decided not to address it.]

All in all, it was an awesome day and a much needed vacation. We've just solidified plans for a show next weekend, which puts on the road for every single weekend in May. Except this one. So here's to relaxation!

I think the plan now is to sit back and rewatch the latest TMNT movie with a little popcorn and whatever else I can scrounge up that has little to no nutritional value...

I'll be back at work tomorrow. With ears on. ^_^
<3
-Kit

There is so much awesome being made in the studio right now, I can barely move! Preparation for the busy summer months is well underway; I've been tripping over beads, bags, and fabric like an interpretive dancer since we got back from ToraCon. It's fantastic to be so busy! We're absolutely in our element with the loads and loads of cute!



Speaking of cute, as I always am, I've been fleshing out our characters for their print debut. It's great that they're photogenic, but to make the leap to words on a page, they need things like birthdays and astrological signs, families, friends, and, well, a setting. You know, all those wonderfully mundane things that make a fictional world go 'round.

Of course, I started with Kal. He's my favourite, hands down. I got it bad for the little 'roo and his laid-back boyfriend. So while I'm whiling away my hours doing the most tedious detail work known to man, I occupy my brain with thoughts of Kal, his family, why he's nineteen and still in highschool...

He's the loudest member of our collective. I guess it was no surprise when his dad decided to join the group.

Meet Kal's dad, Sisco. The son of a hard-working immigrant, Sisco was encouraged to lead the life his parents had paved for him with their multitude of sacrifices. Learn a respected trade in a high-paying field, marry a nice, pretty 'roo girl from their community, and have a couple of kids. And Sisco, being the obedient son, did just that.

But architecture was never his passion. As good as he was at it, Sisco had a real problem with people more concerned with money than safety and when he drew up plans for a building, there was no room for cutting corners. But money talks, and Sisco wasn't so certain he wanted the responsibility that came with working for people who wouldn't listen to reason.

Kal was six when his father quit the firm to pursue his passion. Neve, Kal's older sister, can clearly recall the day their father came home from work to tell their mother he'd left his job. Even more vivid is the shock on her face when her husband told her his new career choice.

Sisco wanted to be a baker. But not just any kind of baker. A cake decorator. The likes of which the world had never seen. And with his background in architecture, his cakes were sure to be the best in the Barkshires.

When Sisco's new fervor didn't fade, their mother left the delusional 'roo and their two young children. Sisco's parents, mortified at the development, supported her decision.

But Kal and Neve knew their father was amazing and with the excited support of his two kids, Sisco made it happen. It was rough at first, but he's well on his way to owning his own bakery. In the meantime, he makes killer cakes and pastries for the owners of Coffee Pups on Riverside Street who think he's the greatest thing since espresso.

So, in the spirit of Sisco and his pursuit of ultimate happiness, we've developed a new product. Confectionery chef d'oeuvre, le Petite Dessert Rings.



Much like the daily delicacies that Sisco prepares for the pups, these rings are made with love and with a specific attention to detail unique to our company. Each ring is adjustable to fit nearly every size finger and is both lead and nickel free.



Each ring is like a wearable work of art and entirely unique. With our super busy schedule, we are unable to put them on the website--but if you'd like to purchase one below, just drop us a line and it can be arranged! It also qualifies for the sale we're running, so you'll be getting free merchandise on top of it! How awesome is that?

Celebrate the newest member of our family--welcome Sisco! All rings come gift-wrapped in a decorative box with Sisco's signature seal of approval.














Comment below or email neko[at]nj-designs[dot]com for more info! Prices do not include shipping.

Bon appétit!
-Kit

We had a fantastic time at ToraCon this past weekend! It's always our hope that a convention's going to have a good vibe with fun people and an amiable staff and ToraCon certainly delivered. Although it was hotter'n ell in the gym, it was a great use of space for the number of attendees and we had a blast.

ToraCon was the perfect way to break in the NJD mobile. From Portland to Rochester, I racked up over one thousand miles; my blue beauty purrs like a kitten at my direction. I can't wait to take it to Ohio in a few weeks. Meow, baby. ^_^

Got to visit with the lovelies at Black Knight Comics as well as neko's mom, which rounded out the weekend in an awesome way. Almost twenty hours of driving in two days kinda did me in, though, so I'm just getting my equilibrium back. Just in time for finals. I. Am. So. Stoked!

...can ya tell...? -_^

More to follow when I am more awake!
<3
-Kit

Awesome people have already taken advantage of the return of our awesome sale! Have you? Learn More!

We're going to be taking our new wheels out for a test drive this weekend. The advent of the car allowed us to add a few unexpected stops to our year-long journey. The first up is this weekend in Rochester, NY--ToraCon.

It's a first for us, so we're really excited about it. They asked us to come last year, but as it's only a one day show, it wasn't possible. All that's changed now!! ^_^

So if you're in the area of upstate New York this weekend, stop by! We'll be there all ears and tails and smiles and always love to see familiar faces!

But before we went, it was very important to do as all of you wonderful folks suggested and get a little NJD bling going on...





Do I see a new product line in the works...? -_^
<3
-Kit

Ok, so we're pretty excited. We just bought an amazing car to make our traveling lives a lot easier and we happened to get a fantastic deal on it. And it got us to thinking--why not offer our customers the same kind of great bargain?

But let's be honest; there's no way we can top the sale we had last month. It was too incredible. Getting half your order's value in free mystery stuff? Beyond cool. And by the end of it, we had given away over $600 in free merchandise. One customer in particular received $60 worth of free stuff!

Really, how can we do better than that?

In the end, we decided not to fight it. We want to offer our great, loyal customers a fabulous deal before the con season really kicks off. It's already an anticipated fact that the website suffers in the summer; I'd need to hire someone specifically to do this if I wanted to keep it well stocked while we raced back and forth to conventions, and we just can't swing that right now.

Which means this is the most stocked the site is probably going to be for some time. I just added over 100 new items. Virtually every single area has gotten an update.

So what am I getting at? We've decided to run that sale again. Seriously! And what's better is that if you ordered from us last month, you're guaranteed not to receive the same freebies!

Here's a refresher--

You spend, let's say $22 before shipping. We send you $11 worth of free mystery merchandise at no additional cost. Just because we like you and appreciate your business. ^_^

It works for any amount. Go ahead, spend $150. I'll send you $75 worth of free stuff. Honest. Spend $3.00. I'll send you $1.50 in free goodies. There's no limit.

Yeah, maybe I'm crazy to offer it again. But really, we had such a fun time giving things away and hearing back from satisfied customers, that I can't help but want to do it again! I'm a sucker for smiles!

Now make sure you send in the answers to these questions when you order so we can personalize your free items specifically to you!

Send an email to neko[at]nj-designs[dot]com
1. Boys' Love or Girls' Love?
2. T-Shirt Size? [S-2XL]
3. Fun or Fancy?
4. Favourite colour?
5. Tea or Cake?

Hey, maybe it's the allergies talking, but I wish I could do this all the time. I love to see people happy and getting free stuff tends to make everyone's day that much brighter.

From now until May 13th, you can take advantage of my over-enthusiastic take on life with anything on the website. Excludes special orders and in-person purchases.

Am I crazy? Maybe I am...maybe all that time in the dealership rubbed off on me...

Happy Earth Day!!!
<3
-Kit

PS: Send it to your friends! Cross-post this in your journal! Spread the love!

It's hard to start a traveling business without owning a car. But it's even more difficult to justify the expense of a car when you're not sure your business is even going to work. Seriously, if I had a dime for every doubt we encountered when we set off on this little venture, I'd have enough to pay off every cent I owe. Putting cute, gay little characters on stuff and selling it to a crowd that is hard-pressed to define in contemporary terms? Really, try taking that to the bank. It won't get you a business loan.

But you already know the hardships and hurdles we had when we started; one that I know I don't complain as much about on this as I do in real life is the rental car. Because it was a choice we made when we started. We needed to make sure it worked, you know? And by the end of last year, when we knew we were only going to grow as a business, when I suddenly felt more popular than the cool kids in high school [who weren't so much cool as obnoxious], when I had spent over four thousand dollars in rental cars alone---

We knew we needed a car of our own. And not just any car, but the elusive PT Cruiser.

I was very specific in my wants. Not only did it have to be a PT Cruiser, but it had to be no older than 2007. With the mileage we're pulling in, it only made sense. For the same reasons, it couldn't have more than 30,000 miles and it had to be in a colour. Not black, silver [I don't care if they call it steel], or white. I wasn't fond of the plum, navy, or green, either. I wanted it to be bright and I wanted people to see us coming from states away.

I wanted it in bright, OMG blue. Surf Pearl Blue to be absolutely exact.

I recited my specifications so often I think neko wanted to beat me over the head. There were monetary limitations as well; we knew precisely what we could and couldn't swing for a car payment. And while neko was willing to compromise, I held true to my instinct.

It became my mantra. Every time I saw a cruiser on the highway, I'd point it out. I became one of those people. I found myself annoying. But you know what? If you don't speak, the gods can't hear you. If you don't speak, you can't complain when it doesn't come around the way you wanted.

So I said it loud and I said it long. I was like Julie Andrews on that friggin' mountain and it was never a question that those ugly curtains were going to make seven fabulous outfits.

neko's mom came up this weekend to take us dealership hopping. She's been around the used car block a time or two, so she was the perfect person to have along for the ride. Honestly, to anyone who has yet to buy their first car--bring someone with you. It's an overwhelming experience that needs its own guide.

But I guess I'd waited long enough and all my stars, planets, and whatnots were in outstanding alignment for on the very first lot we drove into was my perfect car.

Displayed out front for all the world to see, the only one of its kind. Gleaming beautifully from the road it was a light and I was a bug and I was smitten.

2008. Only 29,500 miles. Ridiculously on sale. In Surf Pearl Blue. And the irony to end all ironies, it was a refurbished rental.

It needed to be mine. Five long hours later, it was.

World, meet Neko-jin Designs' new wheels. Soon to be coming to a state near you!



<3
-Kit

I've finally finished updating the clothing section of the site. That took me waaay too long. But there were extenuating circumstances. Allergies snuck up on me late last week and knocked me hard over the head. neko's mom came up for a nice weekend visit. I got to see the Indigo Girls in concert on Sunday and left feeling like I'd attended a revival meeting.

Amidst it all, an amazing, life-altering event occurred. More on that later. For now, bask in the updated import clothing. I think this is the first time in about six months I've had enough in stock to actually add new items.

Yukata come in splendid new patterns!







Tabi socks are completely restocked, and I've finally managed to get more geta on the site! I'm on a roll!

I know this is a bit slap-dash--there's so much more to come!!
...Kit...

Bags! Yes! Excellent, wonderful things! They simultaneously negate the need to answer the inevitable 'paper or plastic?' while proudly proclaiming your creativity!

So bare your inner cute! We've restocked all three sections with brand new styles.







Still more to come! On to clothing and accessories...!

-Kit