Hello! My name is Rachel Linden (they/them) and I’m the founder of Thuja Studios, a slow-design, multifunctional, interdisciplinary creative studio. After five years working at Nike, creating shoes for some of the most elite athletes and musicians of our time, I found myself burnt out and uninspired. So in July 2021, I quit! I decided it was time to connect the dots of all my diverse work experiences and artistic abilities to help others envision and create the things that would bring them the most joy to their lives.
I am a multi-hyphenate designer based out of Portland, Oregon. What does that mean exactly? A mul·ti-hy·phen·ate is defined as a person with several professions or skills. I am a person of many trades! When I was first building Thuja Studios, I often felt like I was pinching off parts of myself trying to fit into the traditional business model of producing one product or service. I realized that my niche is as expansive as the ideas and materials allow, and I thrive with the creative challenge of bringing visions to life in a collaborative space. I have a BFA in General Sculpture Studies from the Maryland Institute College Of Art which has bloomed in many beautiful and unexpected ways in my life. I am an endless lover of learning and curious about all methods of making. After decades of creative exploration and professional experiences, I have collected a wide range of complementary tools and resources in my tool belt that I am excited to share with others.
The skillsets and experience that I bring to this work include (but aren’t limited to)...
A creative visionary, fine art sculpture, installation art, sewing, queer tailoring, prototype sewing and patterning for production, apparel design and redesign, custom costume design for adults and children, upholstery, casting, shoemaking, shoe repair, welding, woodworking, soldering, custom jewelry, mural design, nursery design and installation, custom furniture, interior design, product design, event decoration design and production, portrait work in many mediums, outdoor sculpture and fabrication, teaching/workshops, mending, and repair.