In the sun-soaked dreamscape of Los Angeles, where ideas stretch as far as the skyline, one art duo is busy on a mission to positively impact the world through joy. Meet FriendsWithYou, the brainchild of artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, who have spent the past two decades crafting a universe where play, colour, and kindness collide — a place that speaks fluently to kids and to the child in each of us.
Their work is easy to love: inflatable building-sized sculptures, interactive playgrounds, whimsical animations, and joyful toys. But look closer and you’ll find something deeper. A softly spoken mission is at the heart of everything — to make the world a more compassionate, positive place. Their cheerful, round-edged characters like Little Cloud, Hug Bug, and Peanut Butter aren’t just cute, they’re designed to feel emotionally safe, familiar, and welcoming. “We see our art as a spiritual tool,” they’ve said, “a way to bring people together through happiness.”
Unlike traditional gallery art, FWY’s installations don’t demand art-world literacy. Instead, they open the door wide to wonder. Children run toward them. Grown-ups smile before they know why. That instant delight is part of their magic — and it’s where their real value for families lies. Their work doesn’t just entertain, it sparks imagination and gives kids permission to feel big feelings in a colorful, friendly world.
I recently experienced this firsthand when I took my children to see Little Cloud World in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Forty inflatable clouds (pictured above) float gently above the audience, turning a bustling shopping space serene. Soft, slow, and impossible to ignore.
Some permanent pieces are currently on show in the USA. One in Florida’s Aventura Mall, the installation Rainbow Valley is a swirl of colour and curiosity designed to awaken play in all ages. In Cleveland, Ohio, The Band, an interactive sound installation at the public library, invites families to co-create a musical landscape together through October 2025.
Of course, not everyone can hop on a plane to experience these installations firsthand. But FWY’s spirit isn’t bound to location. It travels well. Here are some easy ways to bring their joyful ethos into your family’s everyday life:
1. Screen time with heart: True and the Rainbow Kingdom
This animated series on Netflix (developed with Pharrell Williams and FriendsWithYou as creative leads) offers a magical world of empathy, problem-solving, and joy. It’s filled with vibrant visuals and gentle life lessons, making it a perfect introduction for little ones.
2. Find inspiration online
Their website and Instagram are treasure troves of delight. From sculpture drops to behind-the-scenes glimpses, they’re full of colour, positivity, and creative prompts that can spark home art sessions or storytelling games.
3. Look out for their collabs
FriendsWithYou have previoulsy teamed up with brands like MoMA, Lacoste, Guess, Moncler, and Casetify to name a few. While many items are now collectors’ pieces, second-hand marketplaces sometimes hold treasures such as FWY plush toys. TIP — We’ll keep you updated on all things FWY over at @creativeparentmag
4. Get inspired by the art
As a former art teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity can shape a young person’s world — and works like FriendsWithYou have the power to spark that interest early. Their bold, joyful designs are perfect inspiration for hands-on activities that also support STEAM learning.
Some simple learning ideas to try at home:
If bold colours and lovable characters inspire your child, there are plenty of ways to bring that spark into your home. Try designing original characters together — start with drawings, then imagine their personalities, backstories, and worlds. Use air-drying modelling clay to create your characters, adding a tactile layer to the storytelling. Older kids might enjoy sketching or painting on some details, taking inspiration from FriendsWithYou’s 3D works. You can even dive into jewellery or product design using recycled materials — an easy, playful way to explore design thinking, physics, and problem-solving, all wrapped in creativity.
“The goal isn’t to recreate FriendsWithYou’s work, but to encourage kids to make their own joyful universes — exploring shape, colour, and feeling with freedom.”
