Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Thompson.
Allison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Cheeky started as a feeling more than a business. I wanted to make art that felt fun again. Not overly polished or trying too hard. Just playful, a little bold, and very me. I kept coming back to the idea of turning everyday things into something cheeky, literally. Giving fruit and snacks personality and a butt.
At first it was just doodles that made me laugh. Then it grew into a whole world. The Foodie Booties each have their own vibe. Some are confident, some chaotic, some sweet, some a little spicy. They feel like moods or people we all recognize.
Cheeky Art Studio grew from there into stickers, pins, and cards. Little things people can carry with them. I love knowing something I made gets to live on someone’s water bottle or fridge.
It is still evolving, but at the core it is about making things that feel playful and a little unexpected. If it makes someone smile or feel more like themselves, that is everything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There’s been a lot of trial and error figuring out what works, from products to pricing to where to sell. I’ve invested in things that didn’t take off, run out of things that did, and had to learn everything from scratch as I went. Balancing creativity with the business side has been one of the biggest challenges. It’s not just making art, it’s inventory, finances, marketing, and constantly putting yourself out there. There have also been slower seasons where sales dip and it can feel discouraging, especially when you’re putting so much into it. But I think all of that is part of what shaped Cheeky into what it is now. Every mistake or challenge helped me refine the brand and understand what people actually connect with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an illustrator and designer, and I run Cheeky Art Studio, a playful brand centered around my “Foodie Booties” characters. I create everything from stickers and enamel pins to greeting cards and prints, all built around this cheeky, lighthearted style. I specialize in character-driven design with a strong sense of personality. My work leans into humor, bold shapes, and a slightly unexpected twist that makes people do a double take. It’s meant to feel fun, a little flirty, and not too serious.
I think what I’m most proud of is building something that people genuinely connect with. Seeing my designs out in the world, on someone’s laptop or sold in shops, never gets old. I’ve also been able to grow the business across multiple platforms and wholesale, which has been really rewarding. What sets me apart is the voice behind the work. It’s very distinct and consistent, and it doesn’t try to fit into traditional “cute” or “polished” categories. It has personality, humor, and a point of view, and I think that’s what makes it memorable.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was definitely all over the place growing up. I wanted to try everything and was always bouncing between different interests. I just had a lot of creative energy and needed somewhere to put it. I’ve always been drawn to anything hands-on or artistic. One of my favorite memories is doing coloring books at my grandma’s house, just sitting there for hours. It’s funny because now I make my own, which feels really full circle. I think that curiosity and creativity have always been a constant for me, even if the way I express it has evolved over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cheekyartstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheekyartstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cheekyartstudio/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheekyartstudio
