Meet Sunnie Creative

Family Business! Founders (Tiffany, her mom and sister)

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I am originally from Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. My cultural background plays a big role in my designs, as I love incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage into our products. For the past three years, we’ve created a Lunar New Year collection, as well as an Asian food and fruit collection, both of which are inspired by my childhood memories, traditional symbols, and the vibrant colors of Chinese culture. Blending these influences allows me to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating the joy and playfulness of my heritage.

That is very cool and unique to you. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influence is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up watching his films and have always been deeply inspired by his whimsical art style, rich storytelling, and the sense of wonder he creates in his worlds. I strive to bring that same sense of playfulness and magic into my own designs

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is the design and prototyping phase. I usually start by sketching out ideas before turning them into digital illustrations, but I also have to consider how they will translate into physical product. This includes choosing the right colors, figuring out the best way to cut the acrylic, and ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Each collection goes through multiple rounds of prototyping to perfect the colors, shapes, and overall look. Once this phase is complete, the rest of the process flows much more smoothly.

There is a lot of behind the scenes involved. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
My favorite item we’ve created is definitely our animal portrait magnets and brooches. I’ve always loved the charm of vintage cottage-style gallery walls and wanted to bring that idea to life with my own designs. That’s how the Sunnie Farm collection was born—I imagined a whimsical farm where these animals live, each with their own unique personality. I designed their portraits as if they were meant to be hung in a cozy farmhouse, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our collection.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena has such a unique charm—its diverse community and rich artistic culture make it an inspiring place to be. The city is home to incredible art spaces like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, and it hosts amazing yearly art events that bring creatives together. It’s a wonderful place for artists to share their work and for people to find inspiration.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
In university, all my art classes were from 7-10 PM, so I naturally became a night owl when it comes to creating. Even now, I do my best design work late at night—it’s when I feel the most inspired and focused.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I hope to still be growing Sunnie Creative, expanding the business in a way that allows me to reach more people while also giving me more time for myself and my family. 

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?  
My biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out is to strongly consider doing in-person events. They're an amazing way to test your products in real life, get immediate feedback, and really start building your brand's presence.

Love that. Anything special you’d like to share? 
We release a new collection every 1-2 months, and we’re always excited to share more fun, creative art with you! Stay tuned for fresh designs!

Find Sunnie Creative at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: https://sunniecreative.com/

Instagram: @sunnie.creative