I’m so thankful for the inspiring setup we’ve got here at work. Sure, the view is phenomenal, but what makes it truly special is the camaraderie shared by all the studiomates. Coming to work is like showing up to hang out with friends, and by friends I mean amazingly talented, creative, motivated people I somehow get to collaborate with. Every day is an adventure in smart people and projects, and somewhere at the center of it all, you’ll usually find this guy. He’s an instigator who pushes everyone to “do something.” He’s got a zero bullshit policy, so you have to be willing to back up anything and everything you say. He’s also a warm, fuzzy heart who calls himself a “sad panda” if he has to miss out on any group fun. You can count on him for either honest perspective or pee-your-pants humor, depending on his mood. Actually, a lot of the time it’s both. Everyone should be so lucky to have Cameron Koczon, lover of pipes, music, scotch, westerns and awesomeness, in their lives. So today on his birthday, this thank you reads…
there’s more...
I’m a sucker for analogous color palettes, especially warm ones, thus this $10, Brooklyn Flea, red and magenta, impulse purchase. And why would I even try to resist a hat that still has the original “Liz Claiborne Accessories” tag attached? Now that it’s been photographed, I should probably remove the tag. Wish as I may, I don’t think I have what it takes to rock it Minnie Pearl style.
I’m wearing this hat for the first time because I’m participating in one of my favorite Brooklyn summer activities this evening: Movies with a View.
there’s more...
Today, we feasted on waffles! Why? The incomparable Liz Danzico brought the School of Visual Arts Interaction Design Summer Intensive students by our studio for a visit, and we thought we’d bring some of DUMBO’s tastiest snacks to the table. Literally.
Along with sharing snacks, the designers we share our space with (or at least those who aren’t out galavanting on summer travels!) shared stories about what it is we “do” here. In theory, I already know all this. I mean I sit next to Jason Santa Maria, Jerri Chou, Larry Legend, Erica Heinz, and Sunny Jang every day, right? But hearing them all speak back to back in one passion-packed hour was incredibly powerful.
By hanging around these talented folks on a daily basis, my partners and I (a.k.a. WORKSHOP) seem a lot more amazing than we actually are. Or maybe because we’re feeding on their great ideas and positive attitudes, we actually are amazing? Just a working theory:
Surround yourself with awesome people, and you’ll likely wind up with awesome all over you.
there’s more...
What kind of party involves cheese, a giant Riiiiicolaaaa! style horn and amazing designer friends? The SwissMiss=5 Party of course! My friend and studiomate Tina, better known as Swiss Miss, just celebrated the fifth birthday of her blog, and I decided to dress the theme. Big shocker, right? This one was a bit of work, but the look on Tina’s face when she saw me dressed in the style of her homeland made it totally worth any trouble… even the gigantic third degree glue gun burn I sustained to my arm. In case you want to make your own Appenzeller costume, I’ve outlined the steps.
Step 1. Procure and saw a plastic cow in half using a bread knife.
there’s more...
