Wanissa & Dapper Pupper

Wanissa Somsuphangsri, is a designer, illustrator and letterer based in Melbourne, our human (Nicole) has been a fan of Wanissa’s lettering work for sometime, recently, a mutual friend (Maria Montes) alerted us to Wanissa’s latest project Dapper Pupper “born out of our love for dogs and an appreciation of all things handmade” team WalkThe_ have become totally obsessed and love everything DP! We spoke with Wanissa to learn more about the Dapper Pupper project and her adorable muse Waffles.

Hi Wanissa, team WalkThe_ are huge fans of all you do.  Can you tell us about your early creative influences and what lead you to your career as a letterer, illustrator and designer?

I've liked art since I was little. As a teenager living in Thailand, I looked up to an illustrator called Wisut Ponnimit (@wisut). I built a collection of his books and felt inspired by the idea of having a creative job.

 Not all Asian parents in the 90s approved of creative career paths, but I'm forever grateful that mine did. Growing up with a creative sister (@warisas) was also really encouraging. 

I moved to Melbourne to study art, and then graphic design. My work today is a combination of my love for art, craft, illustration and design.

Your lettering skills are phenomenal, what insight can you give us to your practice and process?

My best advice is to give it time and practice a lot! I started lettering in 2013, and I just wanted to have some fun with it. If you enjoy the process, you'll end up doing it a lot, and that's when things improve.

Do you have a preference for working analogue vs digital and what do you see as the pluses and minuses to each mode of practice?

I work digitally for most commercial jobs since it's just more practical. ProCreate app has enabled me to work efficiently, but I like to mix things up and work by hand with traditional tools. For instance, I'm into copperplate calligraphy, and that style crosses over into my digital scripts.

Analogue work is great for training patience and confidence. You have to trust yourself when you can't just press "undo". I think it's important to know where your lettering comes from, and what inspires you. Traditional tools and analogue work encourage me to understand the craft of lettering a little better.

I was scrolling your personal instagram feed prior to this feature and saw you have some beautiful sketches of dogs in 2015 – have dogs always been a part of your life?

Yes, and cats too! Back home in Bangkok, we had a super cheeky pug called Mali ("Jasmine" in Thai). Before that, we had the most beautiful Korat cat called Nong Maew, which translates to "Little Cat" in Thai. (A Korat cat is a Thai version of the British Shorthair.)

We are incredibly excited about your latest project which brings together your love for dogs, painting, illustration and all things handmade! What are the origins of Dapper Pupper?

Dapper P. is a project born out of COVID-19's challenges. The idea of setting up an online shop came to me last Christmas after I gifted some handpainted bandanas to some friends. But naturally, work happened, and I never got round to doing it. With COVID isolation and the decline of my freelance workload, I finally had time to create the brand.

Dapper P. is an indulgent creative pick-me-up that has been helping me significantly through these challenging days. I'm enjoying it very much!

Tell us about your muse Waffles? Which of her personality traits or quirks are reflected in the DP identity?

I first met Waffles when my lovely friend Sai Chalermsan adopted the adorable Jack Russell x Dachshund from The Lost Dogs' Home. Waffles is bossy, cheeky and very affectionate. If you look closely at the dog in Dapper P.'s logo, you'll see that it's got one floppy ear, just like Waffles. She's the reason Dapper P. exists so I wanted to capture her essence in the branding.

Dapper Pupper has a range of customisable denim Bandanas, what options are available to owners looking to personalise their DP piece?

You can select your own fabric, lettering style and colour. Depending on your dog's personality, there is a choice between elegant script lettering or casual style lettering, with the text in white, silver or gold. You can also add a pink or blue heart (this is optional).

 With the bandana I painted for Captain Snuggles, a flamboyant Red Tri Australian Shepherd, I went all out with script lettering in metallic gold to capture his exuberant personality. The black denim fabric contrasted beautifully with his coat.

 There are quite a few customisable dog accessories around, but not many are hand-assembled and hand-painted!

You have been doing lots of product testing and are continuing to develop the bandana design and production - what are you enjoying most about this process and how have they evolved so far?

Yes, I have! The very first bandana I painted on was from eBay, which was OK as a small present for a friend. However, I knew that if I wanted to create something of my own, I'd like the brand to be quality-focussed. So when I tried to source high-quality bandanas and failed to find any, I decided I had to make my own. My sister kindly showed me how to use her sewing machine and I've been enjoying sewing since.

The first model was a classic tie-on bandana. I noticed that it was fiddly to put on dogs with longer coats. I wanted to rework the design to ensure it is as user-friendly as possible. After a few experiments, I settled with the current design, which is a simple collar slip-on that is easy to put on but won't slip off. I enjoyed the problem-solving along the way and am very happy with the new product.

We also love (and can definitely relate too) your “Great with Dogs Awkward with Humans” tote! How did this piece come about?

I love that so many people can relate to this! Have you ever bumped into someone in your neighbourhood, only to realise you remember their dog's name but not their name? This tote bag is dedicated to socially awkward moments many of us experience.

What is the most unexpected positive outcome from the Dapper Pupper project so far?

I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have reached out to say how happy this project makes them feel! I wasn't expecting it, and it's been very encouraging. The thing I love the most is when the customers send through photos of their dogs wearing the bandanas. I put a lot of care into each piece, so to see the dogs wear it is what makes the hard work so worthwhile.

How has this project reinvigorated your passion for craft and making?

I've found a whole new passion for sewing, something I never thought I would enjoy. Seeing that I'd previously given up on it, I'm reminded that learning a new skill just takes a bit of time and love.

Looking to the future, what else are you working on or toward with Dapper Pupper?

Product-wise, I'm looking to add more colour options to the shop. I'm already planning something new and fun in preparation for Christmas!

Knowing Waffles' rescued background, this project began with the intension to donate funds to animal shelters. Once I settle into the project and have the setup costs covered, I'll make this happen.

There  is  lots of  evidence  that  animals are  associated  with physiological, psychological and social benefits for humans. How does contact with pups improve your wellbeing?

Dogs have this natural enthusiasm for life. Everything is exciting for them. Even if it's only been a few hours, they will greet you as if it's been 10 years. Pups teach me to enjoy life and just be present.

As the adorable brand ambassador for Dapper Pupper and with so many doting Human admirers Waffles is certainly a rescue success story! What can you tell us about The Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne and how you came to learn about them?

I discovered The Lost Dogs' Home, a shelter for abandoned cats and dogs, as I was out walking in my area (North Melbourne). Sai adopted Waffles, who had a big swollen gland on her neck at the time, from this shelter. It's been rewarding to witness Waffles' recovery. Waffles is living grandiosely like a queen with her mama Sai, and she plays a big role in Dapper P.'s identity, being the brand ambassador.

Melbourne has a great doggy culture, where is your favourite canine friendly spot?

Pre-covid, Waffles, Sai and I would hang out at Flagstaff gardens. Melbourne is in lockdown at the moment so I haven't been able to visit, but Waffles has a lot of friends there.

We were sad to hear of your canine companions passing, please tell us about your Pug…

Mali was a beloved family pug who stayed with us for 16 years. She brought a lot of laughter and kept my parents company while my siblings and I all left Thailand to study.

Could you share a favourite memory of Mali?

One peaceful afternoon, Mali was busy grooming her paws with such great concentration that she didn't hear me approaching. When I crept up behind her with a "Boo!" she was so surprised that let out a little fart. (I apologised for frightening her and gave her a hug.) She made us laugh a lot!

Is there another creative canine combo you'd like to see profiled?

I can think of no other than Waffles' mama, artist Sai Chalermsan (@apointintime.art). Sai's beautiful watercolour work is inspired by her love for nature and animals. Sai is also the brain and skills behind Dapper P.'s photography. This project wouldn't have happened without her support!

Finally where can we see more of your work?

They can go to www.dapperpupper.com for more info, or follow @dapper.pupper on Instagram