We recently connected with Gurleen Rai and have shared our conversation below.
Gurleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I studied fashion design and learned the fundamentals of pattern drafting, sewing, and time management. However, my most impactful lessons were self-initiated. If we made a jacket for a class assignment I would create five more at home just for the fun of it. The realization that I could bring something from my imagination to life was both profound and addictive. I became obsessed with making clothes, devoting all my free time to drafting patterns for jackets, pants, dresses—anything that sparked my interest. I was more passionate about the process of creation than the act of wearing my own designs.
This hands-on approach, learning from books, trial and error, and the repeated practice of making things, not only honed my technical skills but also developed my attention to detail and craftsmanship. Along the way, I learned to trust my intuition and follow my instincts.
At the core of my journey is curiosity. It drives me and keeps me motivated, especially when outcomes don’t always meet my expectations or when others might not immediately understand my creative choices. Creating from a place of openness and curiosity has brought me the most satisfaction, as it allows me to continuously learn and grow throughout the process of making.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Gurleen, and I’m a maker and the founder of Zim + Teemo Studios. Zim + Teemo Studios is an experimental space that bridges fashion design, animation, and art.
The studio’s goal is to explore ideas and create meaningful work that is environmentally conscious, ethically made, and resonates deeply on a personal level.
I create artifacts that speak to the nature of imperfection and time. Nothing in nature lasts forever, transformation is inevitable, and I embrace this within my work. I explore the often-overlooked beauty of rot and decay and express these ideas through eco-printed materials foraged from my garden and neighborhood. I work with natural dyes such as pomegranate sourced from a neighbor’s tree, indigo leaves, and cochineal, applied to natural fibers designed to eventually break down and return to the earth.
I find beauty in unconventional materials that might otherwise be overlooked. A used bicycle tire is destined for the landfill but I find something poetic about the stories etched into its treads that are given new life as a handbag. Each piece I make is embedded with meaning. For instance, the handles of Zim + Teemo’s signature bag, the Maouse Mini, are hand braided with vintage glass rosary beads. I love adding details that spark a person’s curiosity.
Pieces are made in limited numbers or custom, ensuring that nothing is overproduced in my New Orleans studio. I personally design, draft, cut, and sample every piece, creating only what I truly believe in. My goal is to craft work that is both well-made and unique. I believe good design draws someone in and inspires conversation.
Since introducing fashion design in 2022, I’ve been fortunate to see my work resonate with people I admire. Watching my pieces come to life on creative, curious, and open-minded individuals motivates me to trust my instincts and keep going no matter the challenges.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue collaborating with inspiring creatives and coming together to nurture a real-life creative community where we can collectively thrive.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The driving force behind Zim + Teemo studios is to be an alternative to the fashion machine through intentional design that authentically caters to real people .
The goals are:
1. Make work that allows people to feel seen and cared for.
2. Work with other creatives to build and ecosystem that supports people without compromising the planet. To reimagine an industry that’s been built on exploiting nature and human labor.
3. To lead with curiosity and openness to inspire conversation.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m also a self-taught animator. From 2016 to 2021, I dedicated my time to learning animation and created dozens of films and projects. One of my most notable works is co-creating Get Up, Pierrot, an Instagram-based choose-your-own-adventure series about a sad clown. I animated episodes based on audience responses, which were later compiled into a short film that screened internationally at film festivals.
Additionally, I developed an animated miniseries for FX called Rosie & Joe. Professionally, I’ve contributed to projects for PBS, VOX Media, and The Baffler.
Animation taught me patience and allowed me to become more comfortable sharing my work with larger audiences. My DIY spirit with animation has inspired me to be more spontaneous as a designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zimteemo.world
- Instagram: zimteemo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zimteemo3935
- Other: Illustration/Animation website: www.zimteemo.com
Image Credits
Riley Teahan