About Pretty Serious Play

Fun. Funky. Floats.

Artist-designed mahjong sets made to order in Columbus, Ohio — built for the pool, the patio, and everywhere in between.

Junk Food Mahj tiles spread out on a red and white checkered tablecloth

Hi, I'm Kate.

Art has always been my language — the way I preserve memories, tell stories, and connect with people. From designing prints in the fashion world to creating custom watercolor portraits, my work is rooted in detail, emotion, and meaning (with just enough personality to make each piece feel alive).

I'm endlessly inspired by the beauty of everyday moments — those quiet details that often go unnoticed but hold the deepest memories. That same spirit is what drives every mahjong set I design: themes that feel personal, vibrant, and a little playful.

When I'm not designing tiles, you'll probably find me lost in music (my lifelong lifeline), chasing creative ideas, or pulling inspiration from nostalgia and humor — because the best art feels warm, genuine, and a little playful.

From Fashion to Mahjong

Before devoting myself fully to this work, I spent years in fashion design — specializing in textile design, print & pattern, and graphic design. I hold a B.S.A. in Design from The Fashion School at Kent State University.

That background in pattern, detail, and visual storytelling is baked into every tile I create. Pretty Serious Play is where all of it comes together: the craft, the color, the personality.

Made to Order. Made with Intention.

Every Pretty Serious Play set is made to order in small batches right here in Columbus, Ohio. I use 3D printing to bring each design to life — a process that lets me create tiles with the kind of detail and personality you just can't get from mass production.

Because each set is printed when you order it, you're not getting something that's been sitting in a warehouse. You're getting something made specifically for you.

Lightweight. Durable. Actually Floats.

Our tiles are designed for real life — lightweight enough to travel with, durable enough to handle game after game, and yes, water-floatable. Take them to the pool. Take them to the lake. Take them wherever the game takes you.

At $275 a set, you're investing in something genuinely one of a kind — a conversation starter, a collector's piece, and a seriously fun way to play.

"My goal? To create pieces that not only look beautiful but tell your story in a way that feels timeless, true, and sparks joy every time you see it." — Kate

Ready to Play?

Browse the current collection and find the set that speaks to you. Each design is released in small batches — so when they're gone, they're gone.

Shop the Collection