Ethno-geometric

think/feel is under renovation/transformation/progression. We are planning upcoming projects, gathering equipment, figuring out the books, planning for the future. Being responsible and contemplative, mostly. We'll be back in under a month to announce summer plans. We have embodied a stern and intense work ethic, which is hard these days with the weather so gorgeous it makes us want to stop everything we're doing, sit on our stoop until dark, drinking cold beer from the bodega.

Here's a little something we wanted to share. We are pretty obsessed with geometric ethnic patterns. This is a modern rendition of a Navajo blanket encountered last week, which we are particularly drawn to because of its colors (and patterns, of course). The motifs on this blanket incorporates, amongst others, stars, diamonds and squash blossoms.

[via yellow owl workshop]

Billyburg knows good design

Familiar gripes about Williamsburg aside, there is some great stuff to be found (and less people to encounter) if you venture off of Bedford Ave. In the spirit of gathering inspiration and ideas for a client, Kat and I went on a small design tour last Friday. No, I haven't branched off into interior design, but it's good practice to tease your senses with real-world textures, shapes, lines, colors and contrasts before making any sort of graphic statement on the screen.

I'm not going to complain about the prices (but I will make a nod toward the irony of W'burg restaurants being filled with young people on a weekday... seriously, how these people make their income to spend on expensive design is a mystery), but the design stores were accompanied by good-natured and relaxed shop-people who actually allowed us to take photos. I really love the "craftsman" feel of design of all forms these days, lying somewhere between DIY and DWR.

(Moon River Chattel - ocean and botanical-inspired mercantile at 62 Grand St b/w Wythe & Kent)

(The Future Perfect - high-end but endlessly witty and well-crafted pieces at 115 N 6th St & Berry)

(A&G Merch - next door to The Future Perfect at 111 N 6th St & Berry. Felt like a grown-up version of Urban Outfitters, in a good way.)

The end of writing e-mails to clients whilst in my pajamas with one finger stuck in the Nutella jar.

I moved into my studio today! Working from home (or a cafe) has always sounded romantic to me, which is why I did it for the past four months. But the truth is, if you don't have discipline and are easily distracted, it can take its toll. Some days I wouldn't even leave the apartment simply because there was no reason to do so (I am the type of person who can spend three days in a row indoors without thinking anything is wrong until I get dragged to a bar and realize I've completely forgotten how to talk to people). Or I'd spend all morning reading magazines and then end up doing work late into the night. And if your only interaction all day is with a cat... needless to say, I recognized the oncoming, self-induced train wreck and got out of there.

So! I'm hoping to have the best of both worlds at this new office space in Flatiron District, which I share in a big loft with other creative freelancers and small start-ups. I am very grateful to be part of this collective full of people who manage their careers so independently. Very inspiring. Still get to keep my own hours (I refuse to commute during rush hour) and choose my projects (more or less), but now I can keep up with my socialization skills and not rummage through my cupboard every 15 minutes for snacks.

(Happy birthday, Dad!)