GROOVETOAST: Fun From the Dance Floor to the World Wide Web
Greetings, I’m Kay Doss — Founder of GROOVETOAST Studio and multi-dimensional artist living in Portland, Oregon.
GROOVETOAST Origin
GROOVETOAST has had many phases over the years: starting as a music and art blog in 2009, then a leather goods business, then a DJ persona and now a web design studio. The mission at the heart of these endeavors is always the same: celebrating artistry, self-expression and audacity.
Electronic dance music culture is the magical world where GROOVETOAST gets its values — peace, love, unity, respect AND bold fun creative self-expression. For me life is always about standing out, creating a safe space (on the dance floor and the internet) and confidently owning how I show up in the world.
GT Design Studio
As a Web Design Studio, GROOVETOAST builds immersive digital worlds that celebrate storytelling, creative problem-solving and autonomy. I make websites for audacious artists, creative entrepreneurs and small businesses who want to own their presence on the internet and stop relying on apps owned by billionaires for their path to success. I specialize in custom coding development in Squarespace and visual content production. I love finding creative solutions to make Squarespace websites fun and extraordinary.
Fun Fact: GROOVETOAST Studio collaborated with Brittnie Villano, mastermind behind Greetings Outer Space, to create this fun digital universe!!
Featured Web Project: griffcowan.com
Griff is a multi-talented painter and musician, also my younger brother. We created a digital realm that invites people into Griff’s world and process, while also embracing gallery minimalism to appeal to art world professionals.
Go to Griff’s Digital Gallery →
Griff has recently shown his work in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Santa Fe, NM—you can read about his new showings and updates in the Beyond the Canvas blog.
Follow @griffcowan on Instagramfor sneak peeks of the paintings he’s creating, Limited Edition Release announcements and current exhibits.
griffcowan.com — first half of the homepage
“What are 3 highlights of your journey as a creative human so far?”
My wedding!
My now husband said “let this be your creative playground” which blasted me off into overly-ambitious artist mode. I taught myself to DJ and played a live set at the beginning of the wedding (listen here), repurposed my Grandma’s German dirndl into my wedding dress, created an immersive art installation in the forest and designed the invitations. The hardest year of my life leading up to the BEST WEEKEND EVER, followed by burnout city. I love my need to move ideas from my brain into the physical world and the rollercoaster it takes me on, it’s always worth the hard times.
Traveling to Japan!
I’ve always been enamored by Japanese culture, especially the dynamic between ancient tradition and futuristic innovation. I’ve been 3 times now and am perpetually trying to go back to Japan. I always come back feeling like a better person.
B.ased O.n L.ove
My rave fam for life! We started forming this wild crew at a pivotal time in my life when I was shedding all the “shoulds” that society fed me. We celebrate each other’s weirdness, we party hard and have the most fun, and we continue to love and show up for each other as we evolve. Love you guys! <3
“Out of all the humans on Earth now and ever, list 2 of your biggest inspirations and why.”
Vivienne Westwood — Fashion Designer & Punk
The first lady of Punk. I love her anti-consumerism stance as a fashion designer, her non-conformist attitude, and the way she deconstructs and re-imagines history, femininity and cultural norms.
Tim Burton — Artist, Filmmaker & World Creator
He is the master of world building and being devoted to his artistic vision. His creations are so distinct and detailed, I love every moment I am immersed in one of his films. My favorites are Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas. I aspire to indulge and nurture my imagination as an adult as much as he does.
Halloween 2018
“How do you keep your human brain inspired to continue creating?”
Being in nature, walking my dog, traveling, music, concerts and festivals, learning new skills and surfing the web. Most importantly, remaining open-minded and curios…and not being afraid of contradicting myself.
“Do you have any advice for fellow creative humans?”
There’s always a point in the creative process where you question everything, think to yourself “who am I to do or make this?” and whatever you’ve created so far gives you the ick — DO NOT STOP there, keep pushing through the resistance and doubt. If it’s not meant for you you’ll know, but if it’s really meant for you the resistance will feel stronger. Take a break, short or long, and come back with a fresh perspective. Whatever you do, do not give up on your creative dreams! Earth needs your weird ideas to propel us into new realities, now more than ever!
xoxo
Kay
a.k.a. GROOVETOAST
Self-portrait inspired by Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM album (paws up Little Monsters!)
