Cozy Spotlight - Socket Tumi: The Artist Behind the Cozykins Magic
When I first began dreaming up Cozykins Plushies, I knew I wanted to work with an artist who could bring a unique kind of magic to life—something playful, heartfelt, and truly one-of-a-kind. I found that magic in Socket Tumi!
Socket is a brilliant artist whose work blends whimsy, warmth, and a quiet undercurrent of strength. Her plush designs aren’t only adorable—they feel like little companions, each with its own story stitched inside. When I reached out to Socket, Cozykins was already in production (we did have to redo a friend’s face to update it! Can you remember who?). She brought this into the real world with her talent, her heart, and her incredible ability to listen between the lines of a vision!
And now— from the artist!
-What are your favorite "happy mistakes" to make in art?
I feel like all my art is a series of happy mistakes.
Growing up, I wanted to have a more realistic art style, and it was only until a few years ago that I decided to lean into the happy accidents that lead into the colorful and whimsical art pieces that my hands and heart love to create, and I found so much joy in embracing that.
-Was there a catalytic moment or event that shaped your artistic style or path?
Absolutely! As I mentioned before, my art style took a completely different direction along the way. It must have been my later years in university where I went from doing realism oil paintings to the colorful drawings that I enjoy now. Going from the disciplined nature of realism, to later finding the freedom to experiment with saturated colors and exaggerated characterizations brought me so much joy that I wanted to do it more and more!
-How closely do your final designs match the initial vision you see in your mind?
When I first receive a brief, I can clearly see a concept in my mind, but I feel that sometimes my art gets led in a different direction, so I often do lots and lots of sketching to be able to get a realistic idea of my skill set in regards to the project.
I have a theory that everyone has their own personal "art language" as I like to call it, and it always speaks through one's own art somehow. It's the soul that makes all human art unique and full of life. So while I don't always have the final designs match my initial visions, I've learned to try and work in ways that compliment my art language and capabilities.
-Are there any particular themes, emotions, or stories that inspire your work?
I get inspired by so many emotions. I try to come to my art from a place of joy these days, and I love to draw joyous, happy critters. I honestly just want to create work that makes people smile and laugh! But at times when I do turn to art from a place of sadness, I find that it influences my art making so much, and I can create almost endlessly. Art can be very therapeutic in that way.
In general practice, nature is what got me to start drawing as a kid. I feel nature is so wondrous, and every time I see a beautiful setting or an interesting animal, I still get such an intense feeling to get creative.
-What’s your process like when starting a new project? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you create?
When I receive a new project, my brain usually starts flooding with ideas right away. I start to sketch and try to put as many interesting ideas as I can on paper before they leave my mind. After that, I'll sit with the idea a little longer, and depending on what the project is, I'll do some research and sketch new ideas to really push their potential.
I'll then pick some of the ideas to expand on and start refining things piece by piece until it forms into something that's more fully realized. I'll sometimes redraw these many times before I start to see things take shape and start to clean them up. It's a bit of a messy process, I'll admit!
-If you could collaborate with any artist or brand (living or historical), who would it be and why?
I've always had dreams of collaborating with both a children's author and toy maker, so I feel like being able to collaborate with Cozykins has really given me the opportunity to reach those goals while nurturing the cute and silly style that I love to share! I'm so happy that Alex and the brand resonate with what I do, because I really resonate with their mission and goals as well.
Someday I would also like to delve into fashion and accessories. A brand that comes to mind is Electric Bubblegum. I'm a huge fan of their neon, y2k revival aesthetic.
-How did you create Socket Tumi, as a character and brand?
Kind of referring to the first question here, but everything about Socket Tumi was kind of a happy mistake. Some may know the phrase "sock it to me!" was a popular saying from back in the 60's which was kind of an enthusiastic way to say "let me have it" or "give it to me straight." One day I changed my name on social media to Socket Tumi as a little joke and then found I couldn't change my name back for another 3 months. I was delving into the world of branding and merchandising at the time, so I put the name on everything. It sort of just stuck!
The character was another happy accident. I was drawing one day with a group of online art friends, where we were all drawing circus themed stuff. I drew a silly little clown with three heads in pastel colors, with each head expressing a different emotion of sadness, joy, and anger. Soon enough other artists began to use what I drew as a representation of myself and it kind of developed a life of its own. She went through several redesigns into the bubbly, little clown we see today.
-Your favorite hobby outside of the art world is....?
I really enjoy taking a road trip to a beautiful place! Any time I can get out in nature and see some wildlife, I feel very happy. Hiking and bird-watching are my jam!
-Who's your BPF-- your Best Plushie Forever? What's the story behind them?
Llama is a big, beige llama I begged my parents for when I was maybe around 5 years old. I remember finding the soft, curly fur all around her so fun, and she has weighted, dangly legs that I loved flopping around. The face is so cute, with a soft smile and long eyelashes. She still hangs out in my room to this day, and I have the sweet memory of my parents obliging me that day many years ago and buying her for me at the toy store. It's wild to think that Llama has been there through pretty much all stages of my life so far! Definitely my BPF ♡
-Lastly, what’s one fun or surprising thing about your work that most people wouldn’t guess?
People are always surprised to see my traditional work. I mentioned earlier how I used to mainly practice realism painting before I started my colorful digital art. My traditional stuff can get a little more intimate with some darker themes. For some reason I find that when I do traditional art as opposed to digital, it can get a lot more emotional. I really enjoy exploring all of those sides to my art! I feel like I have room to grow in all directions.
Working with Socket Tumi: Working with Tumi has been one of the smoothest, most rewarding experiences of Cozykins' creation journey. She's thoughtful, communicative, and incredibly open to collaboration! She took the seeds of the Cozykins world and tended them with the same care and passion that I dreamed of from the very beginning.
Because of her, Cozykins Plushies are alive with intention. They're made to be hugged, cherished, and passed down. They have the feeling of something a little deeper than "just a toy” in many ways, and Tumi’s work is a powerful part of that!
Why I'm So Grateful: In a world where so much feels rushed and surface-level, working with someone who truly "gets it"—who understands heart-led work—is rare. Socket Tumi's contribution to Cozykins will forever be part of our brand's story! I'm endlessly grateful to her for helping build a foundation that's true to who we are.
Want to Follow Socket Tumi? You should! She's out here bringing her own special magic to the world:
Instagram: @sockettumi
Website: linktr.ee/sockettumi
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/sockettumi
Whether you're a fellow creator, a cozy lover, or just someone who appreciates good art—you'll love watching her journey unfold!
Thank you again, for being a part of the Cozykins family. We can't wait to keep growing together. 🌈🤍
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