The Big Dill About Literacy: The Birth of Quirky Pickle

Literacy remains a cornerstone of education and personal growth, yet many communities face challenges in making reading and communication engaging and accessible. Quirky Pickle Studio offers a fresh approach to literacy by combining creative design with community-driven programs. Quirky Pickle transforms learning experiences through its unique blend of art, education, and social impact.

A Name With Personality

Every brand has a story, but few are as bold and original as Quirky Pickle Studio. Founded in 2019 by designer and creative director Jennifer Partin, the studio’s name was inspired by an SNL skit character - and finding a way out of a “quirky pickle” of a scenario or problem became the perfect metaphor for creative problem-solving.

From Construction to Creativity

Before starting Quirky Pickle, Jennifer spent over 25 years running a construction company. Despite her success in that field, her true passion was always visual design. Growing up in the 1970s, Jennifer was surrounded by bold colors, playful patterns, and a free-spirited vibe that shaped her aesthetic. She channels this retro charm into modern design elements that appeal to all ages. Think comic books, retro wallpaper, and a dash of nostalgia, all reimagined for today. 

More Than Just Stickers: A Purpose-Driven Studio

Quirky Pickle Studio offers much more than fun graphics and stickers. It is a purpose-driven design studio and product line that supports literacy and communication through:

• Reading and communication programs for all ages

• Custom graphic stickers that engage and inspire

• Eclectic merchandise that celebrates creativity

• Graphic design services tailored to educational needs

• Student activity subscription packs that encourage hands-on learning

  
  

By combining creativity with social impact, Quirky Pickle makes design accessible and meaningful. The studio supports literacy initiatives nationwide, helping students and communities connect through shared learning experiences.

Some of the first activities we included in our earliest penpal packs.

Contents of one of the EARLY Quirky Pickle Sticker Pals packs in Sept 2020

Fun writing prompts we included in penpal packs when Quirky Pickle first began.

ClassPals: Creativity Meets Community

One of Jennifer’s most meaningful projects is Quirky Pickle ClassPals, a nationwide classroom penpal club designed to foster creativity, literacy, and community…all without screens. In 2020, she piloted the program with four schools in different locations across the United States. Title 1 classrooms were able to connect students through the joy of writing and learning about new friends in other communities. 

Students exchanged letters, learned about different communities, and practiced writing in a fun, engaging way. This initiative not only improved literacy skills but also fostered empathy and curiosity about the world.

Expanding Access Through the Quirky Pickle Education

Foundation

To expand access, Jennifer recently launched the Quirky Pickle Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports literacy by allowing teachers anywhere in the United States (public or private schools, homeschool groups, and more) and other community leaders to request mini-grants, materials, and creative learning opportunities for students and like-minded organizations. Donations support events, workshops, & programs like ClassPals that promote literacy for all ages & provide nourishment so that hunger is never the reason a human cannot focus, engage, and enjoy being creative while learning.

The foundation’s work ensures that more students, especially those in underserved areas, can benefit from Quirky Pickle’s innovative approach to literacy.

Staying True to the Mission While Growing

Since the initial pilot, Quirky Pickle has expanded its offerings and impact without losing sight of its core values. Jennifer continues to focus on creativity, accessibility, and community engagement. The studio’s products and programs remain designed to inspire learners and educators alike.

By blending retro-inspired design with modern educational needs, Quirky Pickle creates a unique space where literacy and creativity thrive together.

Partnering with The COMM Agency at the College of Charleston, and now with the support of the Quirky Pickle Education Foundation to make them more accessible to ANY schools that want to participate, she’s FULLY launching Quirky Pickle ClassPals penpal program for classrooms this Spring to make a lasting impact on children’s literacy rates nationwide. 

Practical Ways to Bring Quirky Pickle’s Approach Into Your Classroom or Community

Educators and community leaders interested in fostering literacy can draw inspiration from Quirky Pickle’s model. Here are some practical ideas:

• Start a penpal program to encourage writing and cultural exchange without digital distractions. Better yet, request a ClassPals pack through our link.

• Use colorful, retro-inspired visuals to make reading materials more engaging.

• Incorporate hands-on activities like sticker design or creative writing prompts.

• Apply for mini-grants through foundations like Quirky Pickle Education Foundation to access resources for your ideas.

  
  

These strategies help build literacy skills while making learning enjoyable and community-focused.

The Big Dill

Quirky Pickle demonstrates how creative design and community engagement can transform literacy education. By combining visual appeal with meaningful programs, it reaches students in ways traditional methods may not. The success of Quirky Pickle Sticker Pals and ClassPals, along with the foundation’s support, shows that creativity can open doors to learning and connection.

For anyone passionate about literacy, Quirky Pickle offers a model worth exploring and adapting. Its blend of art, education, and social good creates lasting benefits for students and communities.

And that’s the big dill behind how it all began.