Shop of the Month: Interview with Joana

Introducing our Shop of the Month and third place winner of our 2024 Design Challenge, Ich ticke anders that’s okay! Diagnosed with ADHD a year ago and recently with CFS/ME from COVID, Joana says that “being neurodivergent or chronically ill should not be a taboo subject” and wants to raise visibility for these topics through her designs.

The 2024 Design Challenge

What is the inspiration behind your Spread Good Vibes design?

When I read about the Good Vibes Challenge, I immediately felt motivated. I wanted a massage that also suited my target group: Mental health and people with chronic illness. I observed myself and reflected on what motivates me and gives me a zest for life despite my chronic illness and ADHD. So I came up with: ‘Enjoy the little things’. It gives me good vibes to enjoy the little things, like a delicious fruity spritzer with a straw. The turtle teaches us humans to be mindful and attentive. In other words, to be able to recognize the little things. This only works well if we take our time and don’t simply tick off the things in life one after the other. True to the motto: ‘There is strength in calm’.

The cap is my trademark, I have a lot of them, in many different colors. That’s why the tortoise wears a cap. The hand sign 🤙🏼 means: stay relaxed. No matter what, I try not to go crazy, but to make the best of it.

Would you take part in another Spreadshop challenge again?

I really enjoyed the challenge and would take part again and again. I’m very pleased that I even managed to come 3rd, which I really didn’t expect.

Joana’s designs

What are your 3 favorite or most successful designs?

As I only opened the shop two months ago, there are still many designs to come.

My favorite designs so far are:
1. chill toad
2. somehow I can manage
3. ciao cocoa with cream

How do you create your designs and what tools do you use?

I create my designs using a tablet with a pen and an app for drawing. It’s the most fun way for me and comes closest to drawing on paper.

Joana’s products

Which features of the products are most important to you?

Sustainability, good quality, a wide range of sizes and cool colors that match my designs are important to me when choosing products (beanies would also be cool).

Marketing approach

Where and on which platforms do you market your shop?

I have an Instagram page: ich.ticke.anders.thats.okay, my shop is linked here.

What content do you create for your target audience to market your products?

On my Instagram, I talk about my life with ADHD and ME/CFS, mental health and my thoughts. Education and visibility are important to me, but so is humor. No matter how stupid things get sometimes, laughing is healthy and important! Don’t take yourself so seriously, just try to stay relaxed and enjoy the little things.

Joana’s channels

We hope Joana’s story and zest for life have inspired you. Be sure to incorporate her tips into your own design process! Make sure to visit Joana’s Spreadshop and explore her Instagram channel.