Overview
John Merritt is the CEO and co-founder of Tentacle Kitty LLC, a company established in 2010 which specializes in creating plush toys, web-comics, and other merchandise centered around their flagship character, Tentacle Kitty. The company operates from Kingwood, TX and is known for its unique blend of creative design and engaging storytelling.
Professional Experience
Current Role
- Position: CEO at Tentacle Kitty LLC
- Specialties: Creative Design, Character Design, UI Art & Design, Icons, Animation, Graphic Design, Scaleform, Photoshop
Career Highlights
- Founding of Tentacle Kitty LLC: John and Raena Merritt founded the company in 2010. The aim was to create and develop the character Tentacle Kitty, which quickly gained popularity as a web-comic series and a line of plush toys.
- Partnerships and Ventures: The company has collaborated with Dark Horse Comics for a coloring book and has created various products like plush toys, graphic novels, and apparel.
- Crowdfunding Success: John Merritt has successfully launched several Kickstarters including the upcoming Tentacle Kitty: Cottage Core campaign set to launch in October 2023.
- Awards: Tentacle Kitty won The Best Of ToyFest in the Dolls/Action Figures category for its unique product design.
Company Profile: Tentacle Kitty LLC
General Information
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Company Size: 2-10 employees
- Headquarters: Kingwood, TX
- Type: Privately Held
- Founded: 2010
Product and Services
- Tentacle Kitty Characters: The product line includes plush toys, web-comics, and other merchandise featuring characters like Ninja Kitty, Pirate Kitty, and Violet Love.
- Graphic Novel Debut: Title: Tentacle Kitty: Tales Around the Teacup in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics.
- Web-Comics and Merchandise: Ongoing development of various creative products in their unique, whimsical style.
Marketing and Engagement
- Target Audience: Initially targeted towards teenagers, but has a broad appeal to anyone who appreciates "cute and strange" designs. Tentacle Kitty products are often seen as comforting and have been used by fans in various personal and celebratory contexts.
- Convention Presence: Tentacle Kitty has been a sensation at comic conventions, appealing to a diverse audience and establishing a strong fan base.
Notable Achievements
- Popular Web-Comic Series: Gained a significant online following and social media presence.
- Product Diversity: Expanded from web-comics into plush toys, coloring books, costumes, and graphic novels.
- Collaboration with ThinkGeek: Successful partnership for the manufacturing of initial plush toy designs.
Professional Skills and Expertise
Creative and Design Skills
- Animation
- Graphic Design
- Photoshop Expertise
- UI Design
Publishing and Content Creation
- Books and Writing: Authored several books, including the popular Tentacle Kitty: Tales Around the Teacup.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Kickstarter Campaigns
- Tentacle Kitty: Cottage Core: Set to launch on October 10th, 2023.
Annual Updates
- Activities and Promotions: Frequently active on LinkedIn promoting new products and campaigns like the Tentacle Kitty: Cottage Core Kickstarter.
Publications and Media
- Books: John Merritt has multiple publications, with his most popular being the Tentacle Kitty: Tales Around the Teacup.
- Interviews and Media Presence: Regularly featured in interviews and articles, including an in-depth interview with Previews World discussing the success and future plans of Tentacle Kitty.
By focusing on design innovation and audience engagement, John Merritt's leadership has established Tentacle Kitty LLC as a unique player in the creative content and toy manufacturing industry. The company's ongoing projects and collaborations promise continued growth and community engagement.
