OUR JOURNEY

The Island Octopus™ LLC was founded in 2021 by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. Our store offers whimsical critters, beachy art, coloring books, apparel, and handcrafted incense.

We started this project with the intent of giving our creations a home, while offering clients, fans, and friends an inside-look into the creative process.

This artistic journey began in St. Louis, Missouri in 2011. Throughout the past 10 years, we've both enjoyed creating artwork, books, incense, and other unique products. Most of the designs you see here were created by Matt & Melissa. 

OUR OWNERS

Matt is a graduate from Webster University (St. Louis, MO).  He is the creator of Ethereal Aromas Incense, as well as a visual artist focusing on pen, pencil, and graphic design. His interest in the lore and horticultural aspects of incense and medicinal plants has led to a collection of rare plants.

Melissa studied illustration at Columbia College Chicago (IL). She enjoys creating cute critter and animal illustrations in watercolor, pen, and colored pencil. Past illustrated book releases include The Sleep Catcher by Za Goodbrake, Little Bird, Little Bird by Loni Hoots, Duskie the Owl by Matthew Gindling, and an Octopus Coloring Book.  When Melissa is not making artwork, she enjoys practicing yoga and attending concerts.

Matt & Melissa currently reside in St. Louis, Missouri with their cat, Tatzen.

OUR VISION

While we currently offer our products online, we have plans to open a retail space in 2021! In addition to continuing our online sales, a physical location will allow us to focus on our artistic endeavors, and provide a larger studio space to create and display new artwork for you. We have endless ideas for new designs, including apparel, tropical flora & fauna-themed artwork, incense blends, and more. 
Join us as we share our love of the natural world and artwork! Keep up with our journey by joining our email newsletter. You can directly support our growth by becoming a Patreon, making a donation, or making a purchase from our shop. Donations will go directly towards our opening expenses, relocation expenses, and new products for the shop. Thank you for your support!