Pattern Pulp's in Tokyo!

Greetings from Tokyo!

First off, I hope that our readers from the States had a fantastic 4th of July weekend. While I missed the festivities, I have had the pleasure of visiting one of the most inspiring cities in the world.

From the back alleys of Harajuku and Daikanyama to the high streets of Omotesando and Ginza and the mega department stores of Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo has been stimulating all five senses.

Next week we’ll be back with highlights from the trip.

In the meantime, check out our favorite new Japanese export, The Suzan, who’s new album was produced by Bjorn Yttling (of Peter, Bjorn and John fame) and will soon be released on Fool’s Gold/Downtown Records.

Let us know what you think!

July 6, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Luxury Branding: La Amada, Mexico

Whenever I tackle a new branding project, the client always asks how prints and patterns can be incorporated into the design without being too obvious. Today I’m presenting one of my favorite examples that I encountered back in February. La Amada, a hotel in Playa Mujeres, Mexico truly presents a 360 rollout. Their bubble motif touches everything from their online and print materials to their sculptural landscaping, dinnerware and bottle packaging. Without being ostentatious, repetitive or logo-centric, this hotel successfully emits a serene, artful, luxurious mood, all by scaling back and allowing their customers to interact with their motif throughout the day. Less is more, particularly if it’s custom, creative and varied.

June 10, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Creative Tour: Austin, Texas

So you’re Austin-bound for this year’s SXSW and you’re ready to be inspired. Guess what, you’re in luck! I just returned from a phenomenal week of interactive mayhem, and now have a treasured list of creative must-sees. Be it shopping on South Congress, tunes on East 6th or five star trailer grub, it’s hard to be disappointed when visiting this city. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or new to the Austin scene, follow along, take the tour and let us know what you think!

1. Austin Texas Music Mural, East 6th at the Driskill Hotel
2. Iron Works BBQ: Best corn on the cobb for the veggies- Great ribs for the carnivores. (100 Red River Street)
3. Stag: Freeman’s-esque men’s store with a burly meets hip lifestyle twist. Fantastic product and displays. (1423 S. Congress Ave.)
4. Uncommon Objects: Hands down, the most inspirational store on S. Congress. The owners are retail display geniuses. (1512 South Congress)
5. The Fifth Gallery: Great underground prints. (305 E. 5TH- below Action Graphics)
6. Tesoros: Skull-inspired folk art galore. (1500 S. Congress)
7. Big Top Candy Shop: Vintage speakers to accompany a vast array of sugary sweets. (1706 S. Congress)
8. Emos: Multi-room dive bar bedecked with really rad posters. Name appropriate. (605 Red River)
9. Jo’s Coffee: Perfect coffee and sandwich joint. Also ideal for business meet-ups. (242 W. 2nd St.)
10. Gallery D: A hip array of clothing, art and shoes, curated by former Barney’s buyer, Emily Keast. (436 W. 2nd St.)
11. Amy’s Ice Cream: The best midday pick me up. Utterly delish. (1301 S. Congress)
12. By George: Another boutique with Anthropologie-like wall displays. (1400 S. Congress)

March 17, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Pattern Pulp's in Tokyo!

Luxury Branding: La Amada, Mexico

Creative Tour: Austin, Texas

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.On Instagram.

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.