So of course, this was my complete thought process when I was going about putting together my #FashionlaineTurns3 party just a few weeks back. If there was one thing I needed for sure– it was nothing short of the most epicly amazing photo booth I could find. And that’s where Kasey Jones, Ink and their CHALK SHOT wall came in. Not only was the concept of creating your very own customized photo booth wall made out of chalkboards something unseen and unheard of to me, but it was also filled with vibrant, bright, and colored imagery and detail that immediately screamed my name. So pretty much, before I was set on anything else for my party (even the exact date), I just KNEW that Kasey Jones, Ink just HAD to be involved.
But what probably got me more excited about the company was when I found out that the amazingly unique and creative elements didn’t stop at just photo booth walls. Placecards? Token takeaways? Unique signage? Pretty much anything and everything cute and personalized that is on your party dream and wish list can (and probably has!) been made by Kasey Jones, Ink. And that’s why I thought it was only suitable to feature the company as my must-have for the day. Because whether you’re getting ready for your blog’s anniversary party, wedding, birthday party, or just a simple celebration of life, Kasey Jones, Ink is officially now my go-to party company to help keep me and my guests always on major fleek.
Check out my interview below with owner Kasey Blaustein. And make sure to reach out to hello@kaseyjonesink.com for all party bookings– including this month’s holiday season!
Fashionlaine (FL): Tell me a little about Kasey Jones, Ink and how it came about. Kasey Blaustein (KB): Kasey Jones, Ink. is a one stop shop for branded experiences, custom art and influencer gifting. We provide a unique variety of interactive and one-of-a-kind services for events, companies, and individuals throughout the country using multiple art mediums. Looking back at it, KJI was always something I did as a hobby, but in 2013, after 8+ years in events and marketing, I had gained enough interest from brands, event planners, and other amazing contacts to turn my little side venture into a full-time company.
FL: Can you go into detail about the different services that you have and offer? KB: You name it, we do it. We’ve done giant Live Art Activations for clients like Kettle Brand, hand scribed influencer bag plaques for Lacoste, and then the next day a toddler’s birthday party. One of our most popular services is CHALK SHOT, our custom and interactive photo experience, where we design murals on chalkboards to create a custom photo booth backdrop. What ties all our services together is that everything is handmade, designed specifically for the client and created with love. Services include Live Art Activation and murals, lettering, event signage, illustrations, specialty gifts for brands and individuals, and our custom photo booth experience CHALK SHOT.
FL: Where do you come up with the inspirations behind the products that you create? KB: So many places, but it starts with the client. I love the challenge of intermixing what’s at the heart of a product with some KJI flair to create a super-custom and elevated brand experience. My personal style is very playful and colorful, so working with clients or companies that have specific artistic guidelines that differ from mine is always inspiring to me, as bizarre as that may sound. Day to day I also draw inspiration from other artists and fashion bloggers I follow on Instagram (including Fashionlaine of course!)
FL: What have been some of your favorite events or customized items that you have made in the past and what did you love about them? KB: Our first big gig will forever have a special place in my heart and on my DVR. We were hired to do a CHALK SHOT backdrop at Extra’s One On One Room at the Golden Globes. To see Golden Globe winners taking photos in front of my art on TV was surreal. Another favorite to work with is Kettle Brand because they launch new products all the time, so the projects and art are always changing. When Kettle launched popcorn I was pumped because, as it turns out, I LOVE chalking popcorn. Having my illustrations covered in Vanity Fair has absolutely been another high point, as was creating custom influencer gifts for Cinemax’s show “The Knick” to help celebrate its launch.
FL: Is there anyone in particular (brand, person, company) that you would love to work with that you haven’t already? KB: I’d love to work with Victoria’s Secret PINK. It’s such a fun and vibrant brand. Along those lines, Adidas and Skittles are also on my wish list. Doing a large-scale collaboration with Target is also a dream of mine. In 2016 I’d love to continue to find and work with smaller female owned companies where we can collaborate and get our girl power on.
FL: Are there any exciting project or tasks coming up in the works? What’s next on the radar for Kasey Jones, Ink? KB: We’re in holiday madness especially with CHALK SHOT so that’s the main focus for now. In early 2016 we’re launching new package offerings for CHALK SHOT that will allow us to expand our NY presence and into other major cities.
What do you think?