Poketo Reviews

Poketo is a Los Angeles-based design and lifestyle brand founded by Angie Myung and Ted Vadakan in 2003. Here are some key points about the brand:

• Founders: Angie Myung and Ted Vadakan, a wife-and-husband team, who started the brand with a small art show and quickly realized the potential of their products.
• Products: Poketo offers a wide range of design-conscious goods including stationery, accessories, home decor, and apparel. Their products are known for their aesthetic intentionality and are designed to cultivate a creative lifestyle.
• Retail Presence: Poketo has multiple retail locations in Los Angeles, including two in DTLA and Little Tokyo, as well as a flagship store at ROW DTLA, which hosts rotating pop-ups by different brands, artists, designers, and makers.
• Events and Workshops: The brand is involved in fostering the local creative community through art exhibitions, workshops, and other events held at their retail locations.
• Philosophy: Poketo's ethos is centered around "Art Every Day," aiming to make art and design accessible to everyone. The brand believes that creativity should be a part of daily life, and their products are designed to bring joy and beauty to everyday activities.
• Acquisition: In late 2021, Poketo was acquired by Pattern Brands, which has further expanded the brand's reach and commitment to providing enjoyable home goods.

Poketo's products are characterized by their colorful and playful designs, often featuring bamboo dinnerware, stationery, and accessories. The brand is known for its collaborations with other like-minded brands and its dedication to creating objects and experiences that bring enjoyment to daily activities.

Pros:

• Aesthetically Pleasing Designs: Poketo is known for its beautiful and thoughtful designs in planners, stationery, and other products.
• Functional and Practical: The undated planners and desk pads are highly functional, helping users stay organized and on top of their schedules.
• Quality Paper: The planners have good quality paper that doesn't smudge, making writing a joy.
• Customer Service: Poketo is praised for its excellent customer service, with quick responses to inquiries.
• Unique Concepts: Poketo continually updates and upgrades concepts like desk pads, turning them into both functional and beautiful items.

Cons:

• High Prices: Many reviewers find the products to be overpriced for the quality, especially the undated planner which costs $32.
• Quality Issues: Some products, like the desk pad, have had quality issues such as bent cardboard and missing adhesive edges.
• Design Flaws: The desk pad's design concept, while nice, can be flawed in execution, making it less secure for notes and checklists.