Kickstarter & Jacques-Elliott

We’ve long been fans of Elliot Aronow and all that he creates and curates. Elliot’s latest venture is on Kickstarter, where he’s looking to raise some funds to expand his brand offerings. His ties are sharp and on point. They have quirk and wit and understated flair. They’re the perfect addition to zest up a suit.

I love all elements of this brand- the tongue and cheek editorial, the music roots, the creative vision and the entrepreneurial spirit driving the product. Support and buy a tie if you’re so inclined!

October 2, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Kapitza, Kickstarter & Pattern Inspo

Lately, I’ve been a bit of a serial Kickstarter supporter. It’s very inspiring to poke around the platform and see who’s doing what and which crazy new concept is coming to life.

This morning, I backed Nicole and Petra Kapitza‘s latest book project, Geometric Two. These sisters are talented. They also share a serious love of pattern, design and geometry and run a multi-disciplinary design studio in London.

They’re experts in their field and have an impressive track record with their previous pattern publications, Geometric and Organic.

Their artworks are bright, colourful and minimalist, featuring abstract graphic art and flower illustrations in bold colour compositions and compelling arrangements.

Kapitza have gained a global following in the design world for their inspirational pattern art books and picture fonts, which are available from their beautifully designed online shop. They also published the critically acclaimed book Geometric in 2008.

Their deep love of nature is an ongoing concern, as can be seen in the ever growing Font and illustration collection, ‘We Love Nature’ and in their new project, Organic, which has been nominated for the Designs of the Year 2013 Award by the Design Museum London.

October 8, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Coworking, Kickstarter & Makeshift

I was in San Francisco earlier this summer for precisely one day. The morning I arrived, I tweeted that I’d love to meet anyone who was around and available for coffee. Minutes later, the internet worked it’s magic, and before I knew it, I had a full day of meetings with fellow creatives and friends of Pattern Pulp. Pretty awesome…especially coming from New York where you make plans two weeks in advance and still move the date the day before.

I kicked off the afternoon at Makeshift – a place I’d heard about countless times, via Grace Bonney, Janette Crawford, Lisa Congdon and Rena Tom (one of the spearheading co-founders). It was very much a DIY creative oasis and incredibly special in it’s coworking purpose. I had immediate admiration of the layout, the decor and the community…even a hint of jealousy that the west coasters had a jewel of a space to collaborate, toss ideas around and share small business knowhow.

Fast forward 6 months and it looks like Williamsburg’s getting it’s very own version! How do I know? I was a part of the Kickstarter/Makeshift shoot last month, and got to mingle, craft and share a beer with Rena’s incredible (and tall) team of supporters as we set up shop for the afternoon. I brought some Role Modoll prototypes, a color forecasting card and talked sampling with Amy Azzarito while the Wild Combination team worked their magic.

The prizes are fabulous- hello – for $250, Julia Rothman will incorporate your face into the wallpaper…so very cool…and for $50, you’ll get an equally impressive print, by the talented Kate Bingaman. Spaces like this are important for the neighborhood and community at large. The goal’s $30,000 and will cover the cost of the library, which will be filled with video cameras, lighting equipment, sewing machines, and the like. If you can donate, go ahead, and make your mark.

September 18, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Upcycling, Kickstarter & Holstee

Have you heard of Holstee? I’ve been following this creative crew since their inception, as two the three founders, Michael and David Radparvar, are fellow Rhode Islanders (and brothers of a dear friend of mine from childhood). You always want a new company to succeed, but these guys have truly forged ahead and it’s been exciting to watch their progress over the past few years. Their ethos is one I stand behind- it’s all about transparency with a valiant mission to make the world a better place.

Which brings me to Reframe– their latest product initiative that’s coming to a close on Kickstarter. Upcycling salvaged wood from Detroit, the Holstee team is collaborating with the folks at Urban Ashes to make reclaimed frames to house beautiful letterpress art. Depending on the amount you pledge, you can get a frame, and an accompanying subscription of illustrative cards. Have a look and support before it ends!

August 16, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Ana Romero Monteiro's Textiles

Anyone who wanders onto Pattern Pulp on a semi-regular basis knows we’re all about the community and offering a stepping stool to fresh talent starting out. This brings us to the photo-realist geometric textiles of Ana Romero Monteiro.

While Ana’s been in the business of textile design for a while, this collection is a new and independent feat. Her kickstarter campaign is nearly over and she needs a hint more help to reach her goal with the few days remaining.

We’re particularly fond of the unexpected splicing of these highly contrasting prints and their application onto hard and soft surfaces.

Ana will be debuting this collection next week at ICFF, so if you’re planning to go, swing by her booth and say hello!

May 14, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Shape of Design

We were impressed with designer, writer and teacher Frank Chimero and his kickstarter campaign last year to fund the book, The Shape of Design. Chimero wanted to create not another text-book, but rather a book that focuses on the Why instead of the How and to investigate the creative processes behind design. After many hours of labor, the book’s been released and the design world is abuzz. In his own words, Chimero describes his book:

What is the primary quality of great design? It moves. It moves us emotionally, travels from person to person, and takes us toward something better. Designers connect and build bridges that lead us to new places and expand what is possible. We tell productive untruths, then toil to make them reality. The practice shifts like a shadow and moves the target. When it does so, the products of design achieve a resonance. They get passed on like a story and turn into a gift.

May 10, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik