Goods Gang
If you’re looking for something minimalist, Swiss-inspired, and sophisticated for your invitations, menus, or any other stationery, look no further than Goods Gang, a small and incredibly inventive studio from the Bay Area, California. We interviewed Katrina, the owner and creative force, to learn more about her background, what she offers, and the process. We’re sure our readers will love her work as much as we do.
Tell us about Goods Gang and the services you offer?
We are a little design studio that makes event and personal stationery. We also produce some really cute greeting cards, but our bread and butter is creating beautiful custom stationery for one of the most important milestones of your life—your wedding. We offer a wide range of printed stationery (announcements, invitations, menus, place cards, seating charts, signage, matchboxes, etc.) and digital products (wedding websites and other screen assets), styled in one of our many collections (see the “Collections” dropdown on our site: goodsgang.com)
How would you describe your aesthetic?
As I like to say, this ain’t your momma’s wedding! Our aesthetic leans away from anything that feels traditional in the wedding space, leaving room for more edginess and personality. We keep it pretty minimal—our designs are heavily typography based, don’t shy away from negative space, and free from extraneous embellishment.
Your work is every minimalist’s dream. Where do you draw your inspiration?
My college education was deeply rooted in the minimalist tenets of Swiss design, and it resonated with me so strongly, that it has always been the basis of my work. My personal style combines that foundation with what I find relevant in design today, usually via Instagram or Pinterest. I gravitate towards visuals that feel really non-traditional in the wedding space—it’s basically a prerequisite. I’m mostly influenced by other print media, but also love to draw inspiration from architecture, interiors, illustration, and photography.
Where do you source the paper? Do you keep sustainability in mind?
Our papers are procured from various reputable mills who are at the industry forefront of best sustainability practices. They are made from recycled materials and comply with various green measures, and they themselves are fully recyclable. Sustainability is important to us, and even as a tiny business (just me!), we’re still making an effort and doing our absolute best to reduce waste. A few things we’re currently doing: Our line of greeting cards was born in an effort to utilize any unused materials from our custom orders, and most of our card designs only use leftover stock. All of our packaging and stuffing is recycled, compostable, or repurposed material. Any branded collateral (pamphlets, business cards, etc.) is printed on leftover materials. We aspire to do so much more, but truly believe that every little bit helps.
Do you have pre-designed suites as well as custom bespoke service available?
Even though we do not offer bespoke services, our pre-designed collections are much more fluid than others, which are often plug and chug layouts—static, rigid, and with little room for variation. Instead, we take each clients’ unique copy and create layouts that accommodate their needs, whilst still upholding the design aesthetic of our collections. This is a strategy that often births really beautiful compositions that feel tailor made to each couple, despite the collections being pre-designed.
Is there a general lead time when ordering?
I like to tell clients a lead time of about 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly they can work with me, respond to emails, and provide the info I need to move through the design process. All details can be found on our Timing page.
What advice would you give to couples when choosing the design of their invitations?
Each of our collections are unique to each other, defined by typography and layout. I tell clients to choose based on those attributes, since paper colors and materials can be universally applied to any collection. But overall, I say to go with your gut! Take notice of what rings true to you as a couple, and that will likely be the best collection for you.
What are your goals for 2024 for Goods Gang?
I have a few fun little things on the back burner—potentially some new add-on options for stationery, and new items for the online shop. I’ve also been more seriously considering craft shows and trade fairs, but it has been difficult to carve out time for such events. I’d love to do more collabs, so if any florists, photographers, planners, stylists, and small business owners out there have some ideas for a shoot, pop-up, giveaway, event, what-have-you ... hit me up, let’s chat. And I’m always, always, always looking to work with more clients on custom event and personal stationery. Here’s to hoping I can make time for all these goals in the new year!
