Based in Mumbai, India, Sky Goodies was founded and is owned by Misha and Amit Gudibanda. The duo, who admit they are obsessed with art and design, produce pre-cut and pre-creased paper DIY kits, as well as other paper products such as notebooks, calendars, gift boxes, and decorative objects. The products are for all ages to play with and enjoy, while the colors, textures, and beautifully detailed patterns that decorate the surfaces of their products are infused with a slice of India.
Misha and Amit were first trained at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, India, in graphic design and industrial design respectively. While their other business – a design and technology services firm which they had also founded together, was doing well and growing dramatically, they yearned to do something that created something of more tangible value for people and would be fun for them to do too. Drawing inspiration from paper and hand-painted art – two things that they both love, Misha and Amit started to create their first paper DIY kits.
Using paper as the sole material, Sky Goodies makes art both approachable and affordable. Their DIY kits and colorful handmade gifts can evoke feelings of joy and love. Misha tells us that, like the name of their DIY collection, their goal is just to “make people happy”. Read below for more in our interview with Misha and Amit.
Neocha: You’ve said that the biggest inspiration for you is India, and that some of your products are “decorated in the style of Indian Pop Art and Street Art.” Could you tell us what this particular style means to you?
Sky Goodies: Traditionally film posters and walls were hand-painted. Indian street artists did not restrict themselves to realistic renditions and colors, but explored the full color palette in all its glory with intricate detail. An example: a film hero’s face would have shades of colour from blue to purple to skin tones and fluorescent hues, to create a unique colorful aesthetic. In similar ways matchboxes would have colorful graphics completely unrelated to the product being sold, and quite quirky and bizarre. They sometimes combine a viewpoint of an artist who is of rural origin with limited world view, interpreting new objects and situations in their own unique way. We love the colour, humour and madness in Indian street art, and also the level of detail.
Neocha: What do you want people to know about India through your work?
Sky Goodies: India is so full of colour and wild contrasts, and of emotion; we want to bring the same happy colours and emotions to our work. The street art in India has a unique charm and was traditionally hand-painted on walls, vehicles, low-end products and public spaces. Now it is being replaced by stickers with far less aesthetic appeal. If this art was appreciated it may help keep it alive and bring some focus on street artists.
Neocha: Which are the most popular pieces in the shop? And which are your favorite pieces?
Sky Goodies: The most popular piece by far is the DIY Typewriter Calendar, and sell equally well in India and internationally. I have had customers shriek with delight on seeing them for the first time!
All of them are close to our heart as so much love has been put into them. Our favourites are the DIY Peace Tank pen holder and container, and the DIY typewriter calendar. The DIY Peace Tank is an army tank vandalized by art, carrying the message “Make Happy Not War”. It makes a pen holder, which symbolizes dialogue to dissolve differences. It also has three small boxes to store office clips, pins, rubber bands, and other small things. It is a slightly challenging DIY, but a treat for paper crafters.
Neocha: What do you have in the works for the near future?
Sky Goodies: A whole new collection of products of a different kind, both physical and digital, for parties and events. We are also working on a host of gifting accessories. All ultimately aim to make gifts more special and to make people happier during celebrations.
