Deb Miner of I Get Around

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Who: Deb Miner, Minneapolis resident and creator of I Get Around, a whimsical collection of board books, journals, scrapbooks, stickers, and travel kits that promote activity and exploration among children.

Design Diva: Having spent the last quarter century designing products and crafting concepts for the likes of Target, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Chronicle Books, Miner is striking out on her own with the launch of I Get Around. She acts as business owner, author, and illustrator.

Going Places: “My goal is to encourage kids to be curious, creative, and connected to their world,” Miner says. “I created the line as something I could keep expanding—adding books, different activities, and other products. I Get Around is a concept. It’s for people who like the outdoors and like to travel and want to inspire that in their kids, and it’s about being active—without being too preachy. The books and products help introduce little ones to first-time experiences while also celebrating the familiar and everyday in unique ways.”

Furry Friend: The face of I Get Around is Rover, a spirited pup who guides readers through adventures and helps inspire imaginative play. “I think, to me, he’s a combination of a kid, a dog, and an imaginary friend,” Miner says. “He’s just kind of goofy and does things dogs can’t do. If kids think that’s silly—dog’s can’t ride bikes!—that’s fine.”

Creating a Connection: “I want kids and adults to connect, and for kids to connect with their world more directly. Everybody’s busy and we’re all going places, but with I Get Around, kids can experience what’s out the window of their own car.”

In the Works: On the market for a little over a year, I Get Around products already appear on store shelves in seventeen different states, says Miner, but she hopes to gain more exposure so she can continue growing the line. “I’d like to develop more book ideas and a plush Rover toy. I’d like to branch into other categories as well, such as kids’ rooms, stationery items, T-shirts, and onesies. I have so many ideas.”

Find I Get Around at Bibelot, Corazon, Kiddywampus, and the Weisman Art Museum.