Bedtime Story: Jesse Levison
For the past fifteen years, Jesse Levison has been creating colorful, playful designs that bring a sense of wonder to everyday life. What began as a screen-printed greeting card line on her Brooklyn kitchen table has grown into Alphabet Studios, a globally stocked brand where pretzels become necklaces, hot dogs become greeting cards, and everyday objects become something a little more joyful for grown-ups and kids alike. Now based in Bellingham, Washington, Jesse continues to find inspiration in simple pleasures, whether that's a swim in the lake, a really good bandana, or drawing food (she'll never get tired of it). Her collaboration with Dodo Banana feels like a natural fit—playful, colorful, and made to delight. We caught up with Jesse to talk about pajamas, picture books, and what's bringing her joy these days.
Dodo Banana FUN! Organic Sweatshirt
Can you tell us a little bit about Alphabet Studios and what you make?
I started out about 15 years ago in Brooklyn. It's an originally screen-printed greeting card line and we make some prints and other gifty items and stuff, but mostly greeting cards. I went to school for photo and printmaking, so it was sort of a natural progression into accessible art because the art world is its own beast. I was like, how can I still be creative and make art, but then also make a living?
So I started this line a while ago with a friend, and we still screen print most of our products. We did get a risograph machine recently and we've been making a new line of cards, prints, and calendars with that.
You've designed everything from books and prints to jewelry and now pajamas—is there one thing you especially love making?
I love making the cards, obviously, but I love taking the cards and then doing other fun things with them. It's really nice and refreshing to do collabs like this one with Dodo Banana because it's fun to see your designs blown up or teeny tiny.
Being able to make these goofy little designs and then putting them on pajamas is really fun for me. Because I'm not a traditional graphic designer—I'm pretty analog with a lot of what I do—it's sort of fun to see it translated that way.
What made Dodo Banana feel like such a good fit for a collaboration?
I really respect Fiona’s quality. I have a seven-year-old and she's been wearing Dodo Banana since she started, and it's her favorite pajama line because it's so soft, they last forever, and all the images are so playful. I love bright colors and really fun childlike designs, so I feel like it was sort of a natural collaboration for the two of us.
What are you working on right now—or what's coming up next?
It really goes back to what inspired me to create this series. It’s evolved into my own Judaica brand, bringing the fun parts of our culture into everyday life, even pajamas. These can be worn any time of year, not just for holidays. You can run around in your Chutzpah pajamas, dress up in them, or go to sleep in them. It’s exciting to see that spirit live in this bedtime space in people’s lives.
SPEED ROUND!
Favorite children's book growing up?
Cats for Sale.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl.
Pajamas or nightgowns?
Pajamas.
Sweet or salty?
Sweet.
Three words to describe your work?
Playful, colorful, fluorescent, and hopefully witty.
What's one thing you'll never get tired of drawing?
Food. Just any kind.
What are you most enjoying this summer?
I live in the Pacific Northwest, so it's the most beautiful time of year out here. Just going to the lake and going swimming.
What's one thing you're loving lately that everyone should know about?
The love of a bandana. A good bandana. You can pack it as a napkin. You can wear it as a scarf if you're really hot. You can put it on your head. I just feel like it has so many uses, and it's fun.
What's bringing you joy these days?
Reading. I feel like I took some time off from reading for a while, and I've gotten back into it and I'm like, why did I stop reading?
To see more of Jesse's work—and to shop Alphabet Studios' colorful collection of cards, prints, books, and more—visit Alphabet Studios online and follow along on Instagram for a little everyday joy.