For The Curious
Rajeev
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello, my name is Rajeev. I am Executive Creative Director at a new creative agency called Supernatural. I was previously Global Creative Director at Spotify. I make funny, interesting things for brands that help them get talked about. Outside of work I do lots of little side projects. In the past I’ve made a video game called Waiting in Line 3D that went viral a few years ago – a game where you wait in line, and punch yourself in the face to stay awake, but not too hard or you will die. I also play around making things for my dog.
Where are you and what are you doing right now?
Right now I’m in my studio in Greenwich village, New York.
Can you explain to people what you latest project Between Two Naps is?
Between Two Naps is a project where I make things for my dog, Remy. We adopted him about 2 years ago. He’s a mega mix of Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Pomeranian and lots more. I never knew dogs slept so much… he sleeps all the time. And I also noticed he gets cold a lot. And while there are a lot of products out there for dogs, I wanted to see if I could make things for him that were a little more interesting, irreverent, and with a sharper aesthetic. More of a Raf Simons, Craig Green, and OAMC vibe.
What inspired the idea of keeping dogs ‘nap ready’ at all times?
Remy somehow finds a way to sleep anywhere and anytime. Even if there’s a lot of moving around, or noise. It doesn’t matter. He’s so determined. If he wants to sleep, nothing is going to stop him. He is the inspiration.
We noticed that your designs have progressed from hats into other items like tiny puffer jackets and ramen noodle saddles. Are you starting a couture pet empire?
The projects are a fun way to spend more time with Remy and learn new skills I didn’t know before. And it’s nice to make things with your hands, especially when you spend most of the day facing a screen.
Everything we make is handmade and 1 of 1. We source materials and fabrics from Japan and Italy. The hardware like snaps and zips, they’re the same ones you find on things made by Bottega Veneta and Balmain. It’s interesting to look at design and manufacturing for dogs with the same level of craft and detail we’d make things for ourselves.
We’ve been approached by some brands to do some collabs, but so far we’re just focussing on making the most interesting, fun things we can. But if anyone out there likes what they see, and is interested in commissioning something, we’d love to hear from you.
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