zakka nouveau // everyday curiosities

farewell + hello

2011-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

with it being the beginning of a new year, i think it's time for some changes. major changes. well... maybe not MAJOR, but major in a sense that i believe it will begin to move things in a new direction. just thinking about all that is to come makes me so... excited!! i can't wait to share this journey with you and hope that you will come along for the ride!

one major change for zakka nouveau will be that this blog is moving! yes, it is farewell... but not without a grand hello! i'm very happy to announce that everyday curiosities will continue to exist, but under the new name zakka nouveau : blog! some other changes along with the move will include: daily postings during the week, a new interview column, food recipes and much, much more! i'm starting to sound like a car salesman. but have no fear! the blog will continue to cover topics that it has been writing about and of course the aesthetic will definitely not change. i'm thinking of it more as 'spring cleaning', but happening during the winter. :)

i really want to thank you so much for your support this past year! i've been thoroughly enjoying connecting with all of you and meeting so many new people through this blog. i think ultimately that's what it's about for me — connecting with people. my hopes for the new blog is to not only introduce interesting, curiosity-provoking content, but hope that it will help to connect people with other people around the world so that we can continue to support one another in our life endeavors.

now~ onto the new blog page! see you there!

photograph: kevin thoeng | japan jan '11

// zakka nouveau : blog

fashion*obsession : wildfox

2011-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

these photos make me want to round up the girls, have some fun and take candid shots while doing it...

// wildfox

// light up my soul

2011-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

i've been on the hunt for a wooden chandelier, but haven't been able to find anything i like until i saw these! can you imagine the different shadows that these would cast in a room? romantic.

// holz

photography*obsession : takashi kumagai

2011-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

you know those moments where you see something and it just feels oh-so-right? that's the exact feeling i got when i saw the work of takashi kumagai. something so natural, flawless, effortless and beautiful. capturing a moment in the most elegant of ways. breathtaking.

// takashi kumagai

// feeling like eating a garden

2011-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

the foodie in me has lately been in search of finding new ways to enjoy more vegetables + fruits. looking at the menu of vacanteen, especially this vegebento, makes me want to gobble up a garden. looks delicious!

// vacanteen

i {heart} work : rie imai

2011-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

just the right amount of glaze and color to give each piece a feel of history... it reminds me of japanese shabby-chic style. lovely without trying hard... just perfect.

// rie imai

// women are beautiful

2011-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

is what i thought while looking at the duras ambient lookbook... so glad to have been born a girl!

// duras ambient

shopaholic : elephant*

2011-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

a beautiful collection of scandinavian inspired modern design & crafts adorn the elephant* shop...

// elephant*

i {heart} work : saori tao

2011-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

one of the things i love while traveling in japan is the ride in the train. you can experience so many different landscapes while looking out the window, it's like nature tv! it's especially interesting when you travel from the countryside, where there are acres and acres of rice patties, to the city with its towering skyscrapers, all within a few hours. just amazing!

the work of saori tao reminds me of this juxtaposition that i feel every time i go visit japan. her work depicts nature in it's grandest, untouched by the human hands and then contrasts it with images of people in their everyday life. the interesting thing about this is that if you continue to look at the photos side by side, you begin to notice the connection between human and nature.

do you feel the connection?

// saori tao

i {heart} work : keiko+keiko

2011-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

off to japan starting today to visit friends and family! i haven't been back for about 2 years now so very excited to be able to go! i'm especially looking forward to the eats, little shops and my all time favorite, convenience stores/vending machines. i'm not sure what it is about them, but when i see one, i have to either venture inside or have to purchase a juice just so that i can experience pushing the button. it's an addiction i tell you.

also, another reason why this trip is very meaningful to me is that lately i've been yearning to connect with japanese culture. being born and raised in los angeles by my japan-born parents, i've always felt in limbo, but never had a deep need to connect with the culture directly until recently. maybe it's because i'm getting older? i'm not sure, but the culture does intrigue me and i would love to learn more about my background.

during my wedding dinner, which is why i'm currently traveling to singapore and japan, i wore a traditional japanese wedding kimono and was wondering if there was any modern items that one could carry with them instead of opting to use a normal handbag. little did i know, there is a genre out there for kimono wear goods!

one that caught my attention was by desgner keiko+keiko. although the items are specifically created to be used when wearing a kimono, i can see myself using many of the items with my everyday outfits. elegant and unimposing, i feel dainty already.

// keiko+keiko

wish list : de posible a imposible, 20 veces

2011-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

happy 2011 everyone!! hope your year is starting off marvelously and you're enjoying some relaxation time with your loved ones. with this being the first post of the new year, i thought i would begin it with something i truly love.... publications!

although i'm not an avid reader, i truly enjoy the the feeling of holding a book or magazine in my hands, flipping through the pages, looking at the images over and over, enjoying the binding if it was hand bound, the texture of the paper against my fingertips. now it's starting to sound like a love affair! but there is something so magical about books and magazines that i just can't get enough of...

on my wishlist currently is a fanzine by maria mantella entitled de posible a imposible, 20 veces. just love the colors and imagination-filled illustrations. i can already see myself looking at this while drinking some tea in the morning...

// de posible a imposible, 20 veces

// another year ends...

2010-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

and a new year is about to begin... what are your new year resolutions?

just like the rising of the sun, it's a beginning of a new journey... a journey that awaits for you to embark on. you can choose your own adventure, make it what you want to. know that anything is truly possible and nothing is ever too late. you are the bearer of your own destiny.

i have my own new year resolutions, but one of them is definitely to never stop growing mentally, spiritually, emotionally... i want to learn as much as i can from people, situations, experiences... you only live life in your own body once right? better to go all out, me thinks.

happy new year + looking forward to spending another year with you!

p.s. some changes/announcements coming your way early in 2011... stay tuned!

(photo: up in the clouds during a flight to japan in 2009)

// tomorrow's the big day...

2010-12-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

where we will be announcing our wish to be together forever.... a.k.a. married!

i dedicate this post to K, who has been there for me through my darkest moments and my happiest, has been my sanctuary when i needed to get away from the chaos, who understood me even if i was talking crazy and has been the person who has supported my deep need to follow my heart and chase after my dreams. he let me know that having dreams and wanting to make them a reality wasn't an insane idea. there's no one else i would rather be with for the rest of my life. thank you accepting me whole-heartedly.

(photography: bonnie tsang)

if you would like to see more of her beautiful work, take a peek {here} + her lovely lifestyle blog {here}!

i {heart} work : mina tabei

2010-12-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

i am especially loving the logo designs from graphic designer, mina tabei. a wondrous balance between functionality and playfulness. so fun!

// mina tabei

// ho-ho-ho merry christmas!!

2010-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

merry christmas everyone!!

while going through some old picture albums, i came across this where i am shooting who knows what, but something must have been important enough for me to pick up a camera! hope you are also capturing moments with loved ones and enjoying life enchanting connections.

here's to a joyous ho-ho-ho season! cheers!!

(photo: courtesy of mama shibuya)

foodie dreams : danielle tsi

2010-12-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

one thing about singapore is the amazing culinary fusions. with so many different cultures coming together, the dishes are a harmony of different spices, ingredients, colors and flavors, much like the people who live there.

speaking of food, i came across the work of danielle tsi, who is originally from singapore, but now practices in san francisco. everything she photographs looks so enticing! if you're getting as hungry as i am looking at her work, then definitely go take a peek at the rest of her site... delicious!

// danielle tsi

// adventure awaits

2010-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

hello! starting today, i'll be on a 3-week trip to singapore + japan, which includes a wedding (my own... eek!), seeing + visiting family and other fun things that will be announced in a few weeks. while i'm away, this blog will continue to be updated + i'll also be tweeting. if you like, please come join me there too!

although i won't be walking on the beach while i'm gone, i do hope to get some relaxation time and enjoy the sights of both countries.

//constance jablonski by regan cameron for vogue uk may 2010

i want : the national art center tokyo

2010-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

for most of the items that i purchase, whether it's clothing or for the home, i tend to gravitate towards simpler designs with soft, natural colors, but within that, i like to incorporate a little unexpected fun to bring an element of surprise. i think these pieces from the national art center tokyo's museum shop would do this job perfectly.

// national art center tokyo

fashion*obsession : moussy

2010-12-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

japan's fashion powerhouse, moussy, is synonymous with being young and stylish. i'm really loving the lifestyle photos from their 2010 A/W collection... a mix of relaxed cool and feminine allure.

// moussy

i {heart} work : dana tanamachi chalk lettering

2010-12-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

i am lusting over dana tanamachi's chalk lettering. can you believe that all this was done with chalk and a very talented hand? in our world where many visual things are created by the computer, there's something so inviting about the timeless art of hand lettering and done the way that people used to create signage... so warm.

// dana tanamachi

wish list : harada yuzuru

2010-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

delicate pieces by ceramic artist harada yuzuru. simple clean lines with just enough small details makes every piece special...

// harada yuzuru

product*obsession : crate

2010-12-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

these bowls are just perfect for some porridge or minestrone soup during the cold winter months. love how their so perfectly imperfect in shape + size. feels so human + warm.

// crate shop + blog

zakka nouveau x dwell's product of the day

2010-12-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

such good news to share with you! dwell magazine's product and furniture editor, jordan kushins, kindly featured our cinnamon bun apron as their product of the day! to read more, take a peek {here}!

// dwell

foodie dreams : american spoon

2010-12-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

after being introduced to apple butter by the lovely bonnie tsang (who definitely knows some good eats!), i couldn't help but wonder if anyone sold this wonder spread. little did i know, there was someone and not only do they sell apple butter, they sell so many other types of spreads that all look equally appetizing! how does one choose......

// american spoon

website {crush} : another something

2010-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

so many beautiful blogs out there now that every morning i'm usually going through my 'blog subscriptions' for at least an hour! i call it blogfast (blog + breakfast) as it's a way to wake up my mind, see some eye-candy and get inspired before beginning the day. wouldn't you say it's a good way to start the day? i certainly think so.

although many of the blogs that i subscribe to are geared towards women, i do enjoy some blogs that have a masculine point of view. one of my favorites from this grouping is another something. along with their studio, another company and shop, another shop, everything that they present is tasteful, refined and purposeful. since their feed only comes in once a week or so, i get so excited when i see it in my inbox!

// another something

i want : the little things

2010-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

the little things is those items that although might not be significant to someone else, gives you that giddy feeling when you see it. here are some little things that i've been eyeing lately...

01. triangle pillow 02. lines tote 03. leather bowtie bracelet 04. ceramic jar 05. frankie spaces book 06. pen pocket pouch 07. wooden table calendar 08. bright yellow leather flats

publication*obsession : lines & shapes

2010-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

lines & shapes is an independent art and design collective curated by maria veltese and lena corwin that publishes books. need i say more? just look at these gorgeous publications. i want every single one of them! filled with images to inspire any design/art/visual artist, each book can be purchased from their site here.

i think i've found what i want to start collecting next... aside from my japanese craft books.

// lines & shapes

shopaholic : stripe inc.

2010-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

located in nagano, japan, stripe inc. is a shop of 5 stores, each with it's own character and fashion sense. not only do they carry japanese brands, but also incorporate international brands into their selection. their store philosophy is "to offer a large selection to choose from in order to have something that speaks to a wide range of fashion senses and generations."

although it seems that their clothing is geared more towards a male audience, i see some cute things that even i would want! maybe some christmas present ideas for your significant other?

// stripe inc.

product*obsession : teruhiro yanagihara

2010-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

minimalism with a little nature twist, each product/project by teruhiro yanagihara is a mixture of the present and the future...

// teruhiro yanagihara

website {crush} : hello sandwich

2010-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

if you're like me and have been yearning to move to japan, look no further than hello sandwich. written by the talented ebony bizys, the blog is not only information about tokyo, but an account of daily life through the eyes of a designer. love the things that she finds visually interesting!

not only does she catalogue her finds on her blog, but created a cute zine entitled tokyo guide for those who want to learn a bit more about well... tokyo! you can get it in her shop + it looks like she'll be coming out with a second zine about gift wrapping. both a must!

// hello sandwich

i want : breakfast nook

2010-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

{01} beach/vintage {02} monochromatic {03} warm/cozy {04} colorful {05} colonial/modern

i love eating and lately have been really starting to enjoy cooking too! but out of all the different meals one could eat during a day, i really enjoy breakfast. american, japanese, french... you name it, i'll probably like whatever it is that is being served. it doesn't have to be anything extravagant, but something to soothe the soul and get you ready for the day.

with this comes my recent obsession of wanting a little breakfast nook. a little corner or side area in the kitchen where the morning sun comes through a window overlooking the garden. a place to gather your thoughts, nourish the mind and get ready for the day ahead.

doesn't it sound lovely?

i {heart} work : mini miniature mouse

2010-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

the colors. the attention to detail. the world of mini miniature mouse by fumi mini nakamura, gives me an experience like that of the chronicles of narnia: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. haunting, intriguing, curious, and delicate. i feel like some magical imagination being awakened looking at her work.

// mini miniature mouse

i {heart} work : acco

2010-11-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

although the work posted are so dreamy as is, but the website is what brings the magical world of acco together. created by tokyo-based artist akiko tanaka, her work consists of objects, accessories and plush toys — all handmade.

enjoy a break from your day and go have some fun at her site. it's adorable!

// acco

shopaholic : austin press for anthropology

2010-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

on a recent excursion to do some returns, i dropped by an anthropologie store just to peek in and see their display designs to get some inspiration. of course, i can never just 'peek' into any anthropologie store as i always find something i want. it's a proven fact. it's impossible.

so i ended up picking up a little inspiration to take home with me. found these letterpress thank you cards by austin press for anthropologie. the scalloped edges and detailed envelope just tickles my fancy!

// anthropologie

anthology mag + me = happiness.

2010-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

after much anticipation, i received my very beautiful copy of anthology magazine in the mail. to commemorate this wonderful meeting, i decided to make a little video about my new crush.

music: carla bruni / le plus beau du quartier

// anthology magazine

announcement : zakka nouveau // springtime + holiday line collection!

2010-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

i am very excited to announce zakka nouveau's springtime + holiday line collection, which launches today! (hence the 'sock' space shuttle picture, as my fiance calls it. lol!)

this project has been in the works for quite sometime now and it's great to finally be able to share it with all of you!

with the holiday season coming up, there might be something in the zakka nouveau market that would be the perfect gift for your loved one! come take a peek! it would be so nice to have you~

also, due to the nature of the pieces being individually handmade + limited in quantity, if you would like the item to be shipped in time for the holidays, make sure to try and place your order as soon as possible!

a big thank you to all who have been encouraging me + zakka nouveau to keep going... those nights when i'm running low on fuel, your thoughts are what ignite my determination + creativity!

// zakka nouveau

studio {love} : ice cream for free

2010-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

was looking for some fun skis as i've been wanting to get more into winter sports when i stumbled upon the work of berlin-based studio ice cream for free founded by oliver wiegner. not only did i find some skis that i want to get my hands on, but a plethora of gorgeous work. a collage of interesting elements, i love how many of the pieces are intertwined with music. my other passion in life.

// ice cream for free

photograph*obsession : ye rin mok

2010-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

the photography of los angeles-based photographer, ye rin mok, has the perfect mix of solitude, purity, moments, and a particular something that i can't quite put my finger on. all i know is that it calls out to me in a way where i find my spirit getting excited while becoming calm at the same time.

// ye rin mok

i {heart} work : bosque studio/typeworks

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

loving these type experiments/projects by bosque studio. makes me want to perhaps start my own diary of daily type experiments... hmm... but first, i would need to find sometime!

// bosque studio / typeworks

stationery*obsession : snow & graham

2010-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

with the holiday season just around the corner, i'm starting to shop for some wonderful thanksgiving/christmas/new years wrapping paper and cards. although there are is quite a selection of beautiful stationery out there to choose from, there are a few companies/designers with whom i would purchase from just to keep in my own stationery collection. (for those of you who didn't see my post on my obsession with stationery, i have a collection that i keep just to look at when i need a little pick-me-up.)

one of them is snow & graham. a perfect blend of color, but not over powering, nostalgia mixed with a modern twist. when i send something to a friend, whether it's a letter or gift, i know that they will be appreciating whatever it is that i have to say/give if it's from snow & graham.

if there's that special someone in your life that you've been wanting to impress, maybe they might have something that's just right for you.

// snow & graham

studio {love} : duk design

2010-11-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. jules cupcakes : 2. the balance project : 3. vanessa hansford business cards : 4. fab bride : 5. sweets la petite

elegant and simple. delicate with attention to small details. feminine, but definitely not frilly. balance. that's the word i think of when i view the work of vanessa hansford, the mastermind behind duk design studio. i've been a huge fan of her work since our days at school (yes, we were classmates!) and as i guessed even during our time there that she would embark on her own path to make her mark in the design world... and she has with such grace.

not only does her work tickle my fancy, but her being is just as delightful! if you like what you see here, there's more to enjoy over on her main site! come on! let's go take a look together~

// duk design

i want : craft / bracket vol. 1

2010-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

another magazine on my 'want list'. the (almost) monochromatic color scheme carried through the layouts makes one notice every bit of information and detail. rightly so as the title evokes the sense that the idea of 'craft' and carefully looking into the creators that are featured in this first issue.

// bracket

i {heart} work : matte stephens

2010-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

when our organic foliage pocket calendar was graciously chosen for a recent etsy treasury, i was pleasantly surprised to also find in the mix the illustrations of matte stephens. i was immediately drawn in as the color palate, subject matter and depiction of characters + places was just perfect. if i were to try and explain why it feels oh so right, i would have to compare it to cooking — a dash of alice in wonderland, a pinch of french, a sprinkle of retro, with a dust of children's book whimsy all mixed into something marvelous.

i wonder if matte stephens has a children's book out... or a coffee table book....

// matte stephens

i want : eight:48

2010-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

who loves magazines? i do, i do! with so many amazing magazines being designed/produced by many talented creatives, what is a girl to do? i tell myself "one at a time" and now i have a reward system where when i work hard on a particular week, i purchase a book/magazine to say, "good job!" and give a pat on my own back. the next magazine on my list is eight:48 magazine (although they say that they are a newspaper). i am especially intrigued by issue no. 2, which is based on ideas + inspiration.

why don't we all start rewarding ourselves more for all our hard work?

// eight:48

local find : babycakes NYC (in LA!)

2010-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

if any of you have been following me on twitter or if i've had the pleasure of connecting with you on there, you'll know that i have a very very sweet tooth. oh yes. so when a good friend recently informed me of a sweet shop that had just opened near where i live, i had to find out who they were... and what did i find?!! babycakes had come into town!! vegan chocolate cupcakes, adorable shop, cute packaging... how can this be? i think someone really has heard my prayers. although i do love to bake, i usually won't unless i know that there will be many people who will be eating it with me. otherwise, let's just say it goes to places that i rather it stay away from.

if you're in downtown los angeles and craving for some sweets, swing by babycakes! i might just see you there!

No. 1: oh so yummy cupcake!

No. 2: inside the shop

No. 3: outside babycakes LA!

No. 4: the eye candy....

photography: lady ducayne + los angeles times

// babycakes (LA)

studio {love} : budor & cule / dora & maja

2010-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

welcome to the world of budor + cule or dora & maja. a visual mixture of surrealism, dark humor, pop culture and whimsical fun, each project makes you want to dive deeper into their world. their 'about' page is quite fun too and gives you a glimpse into their personalities.

now if you'll excuse me, i think i'm going to go adventure some more into their world.

// budor + cule

i {heart} work : rae dunn.

2010-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

aren't these just darling? i can't decide... i want them all! especially that little 'toilet' sign. makes me giggle. i love the tactile quality of all her work and you can see the love that went into each individual piece.

her pieces hit a warm spot inside me + now i'm in the mood to have some afternoon tea w/ cookies.

// rae dunn.

studio {love} : hyperkit

2010-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

love the range of work that london-based design studio, hyperkit, produces. although the work above are some of my favorites from the studio, if you do have a bit more time, please go take a peek at their site as you might be surprised to find things that are unexpected... in a very good way.

// hyperkit

shopaholic : biotope

2010-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

i do have a very soft spot for swedish/finnish designs and biotope is just a treasure trove of such goodies. i can browse their website for hours.... and hours.

// biotope

i {heart} work : seesaw letterpress

2010-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

reminds me of the soft sunlight that comes through the window around 10am, the delicate color palate and subtle details makes seesaw letterpress' work ooooh so right.

// seesaw letterpress

fait a la main : the milk market (melbourne)

2010-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

although not quite in the same realm as other features on fait a la main, which introduces hand crafted products (usually), i feel that the milk market event has a 'hand crafted' feel where each element is carefully selected by individuals participating in the event.

if you're in melbourne or visiting, i would definitely say check it out! so many amazing things happening in melbourne + australia. i need to find a way to go visit soon....

// the milk market

i want : rainboots

2010-10-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

with winter coming up, i've been dreaming about owning my first pair of rain boots. so many colors/styles to choose from, what is a girl to do? although it doesn't rain much in los angeles, i would still want a pair for those occasional rainy days. do you have a favorite pair?

// tretorn
// chooka
// cole haan
// hunter

product*obsession : gustavsberg porcelain

2010-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

would love to have, even a few of, these porcelain pieces by gustavsberg sitting in my kitchen. no, they wouldn't be sitting, actually, as i can image i would want to be staring at them all day. the simple details make them so intriguing.

// gustavsberg porcelain

fait a la main : sara carr

2010-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

loving these hand-crafted animals + friends by sara carr. looks like they came from a sleepy time children's book where all is calm + serene. these would be great as a baby gift, but i want one for myself to remind me that relaxation is just a nap away.

// sara carr

food {love} : chicken tofu dango w/ vinegar ketchup sauce

2010-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

today's recipe on food love is chicken tofu dango w/ vinegar ketchup sauce! ooh la~la~ another lesson in japanese. dango = anything round that you eat. usually associated with round mochi balls, but it's widely used to describe foods which are round in shape. so there you go~ in english it would be chicken tofu balls. but i still like to call them dango. this recipe is also great for meat eaters out there who want to cut down on their meat intake, but still want something filling. it seems to fill up my carnivorous fiance + i feel better knowing that it's healthier for him.

try to see if you can trick your meat-loving friends/family with this dish. i bet they won't know that it's half tofu!

..................................................................................

chicken tofu dango w/ vinegar ketchup sauce (2 servings)

ingredients:

for the dango:
1 pack tofu (but you'll only be using 1/3 of the tofu block)
1/2 lbs. ground chicken
1/2 onion (chop them into little pieces)
little bit of salt + pepper

for the sauce:
4 tbsp ketchup
3 tbsp vinegar
3 tbsp sugar (i use brown sugar but you can try agave, honey or even maple syrup if you like)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp sake (you can use either cooking sake or the real deal)

a little bit of potato starch mixed with water (to give a drippy consistency in the sauce)
boiled greens (bok choy works great w/ this recipe, but can also be boiled or steamed cabbage, napa cabbage, spinach)

directions:
1. put ground chicken, tofu, onions into a large plastic zip lock. mix, smash, mix, squish, mix, squash, mix. add a pinch of salt + pepper. mix, mix, mix. then place in fridge for the time being.

2. while the mixture sits in the fridge, start making the sauce. mix the sauce ingredients together really well, but do not add the potato starch/water mixture into this yet. you'll do that later.

3. boil or steam the veggies and put in cold water or fridge for later.

4. in a fry pan, warm some olive oil and while it warms, take out the zip lock bag with the mixture inside, open the bag and being to make some dango (meatballs) my creating little spheres. don't worry, they don't have to all be the same, but definitely better to have them all around the same size as cooking time will vary if it's big + small in one fry pan.

5. once the oil is hot, place the dangos into the fry pan and quickly cook on all sides until they are golden brown and a little crispy. once all dangos are like this, bring the heat to mid-low and pour the sauce into the fry pan.

6. put a lid (i usually do the aluminum hat over the fry pan + let it simmer so that it cooks inside. (i usually let it simmer for about 10~15 mins, but it's up to you.)

7. take off the lid and check to see if the dango is cooked all the way to the middle. if so, they're done!

8. serve on a plate with the boiled/steamed greens. add some steamed rice + some miso soup. bon apetit!

i want : backpacks

2010-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

with our wedding coming up this december along with traveling to two countries and not to mention that i'm not a very good traveler, i have begun to scope out items that will help to ease the stresses of traveling (and also have a good excuse to look for cute things that will fill these necessities. why not? if i'm going to need something anyway, better to look for something visually pleasing yes?)

next on the list is backpacks. i usually carry a huge snowboarding backpack with a camo print on it filled to the max with stuff and being a shorty, i have to admit that many people have pointed at me and said, "teenage mutant ninja turtles." so this year, i wanted to find a cute backpack that i could potentially use also as a daily bag during my travels. still trying to decide whether to go comfy or lady-like.

if you have any backpack recommendations, would love to hear!

p.s. size of picture correlates to which one i want to most... can you guess?

// poketo
// urban outfitters
// nixon

shopaholic : rollo stock

2010-10-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

another must-see during my visit to japan this coming january. i can see the money flying away from my wallet... byebye money~~

// rollo + rollo stock

shopaholic : urbanic paper boutique

2010-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

last week, while attending craft inc.'s book party being hosted by urbanic paper boutique, i couldn't resist picking up a few pieces. they were just calling out my name and i don't regret any of my purchases! just looking at them make me smile. so lovely i don't think i can even use them! they're going straight to my collection of.... wonderful things.

if you're interested in other things designed by the companies who made these beauties, please stop by their sites!

// enormous champion
// rifle paper co.
// smock paper

food {love} : chicken poro-poro

2010-10-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

hello! welcome to another edition of food love! i'm definitely into cooking healthy japanes-esque, but simple dishes and hope to introduce many more to you through this column.

today's recipe on food love is chicken poro-poro! now you might be thinking, "what the heck is 'poro-poro'?" let me explain. in japanese a lot of words are onomatopoeia's and poro-poro is one of them. it literally is used when something is crumbling apart. in this case, i decided to name this dish chicken 'poro-poro' because the meat of the chicken literally just falls off the bone. so soft!

hope you enjoy this dish as much as i do! here we go~

..................................................................................

chicken poro-poro (2 servings)

ingredients:
2 whole chicken legs with skin attached
2~3 cloves of garlic (even more if you like garlic!)
1 half-thumb sized ginger
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup mirin
1/3~1/2 cup water
(extra ingredients if you want some veggies)
2~4 red and/or yellow potatoes
carrots (as many as you like)

directions:
1. crush + chop garlic into little bits. (it can be sliced if you like them a bit bigger) chop the ginger in the same way and leave to the side. do not mix the two.

2. wash + wipe chicken legs and set aside.

3. chop potatoes into smaller squares and carrots into similar sized pieces

4. in a deep, rounded-edged fry pan, warm up some olive oil on high heat and once the oil is warm, throw in 1/2 of the garlic that you had chopped earlier and fry them up a bit.

5. after the garlic begins to turn a little in color, bring down the heat to med-high (not to char the garlic pieces) and put the chicken legs into the fry pan, skin facing down. once the chicken skin becomes a bit crispy, flip them over and cook the other side.

6. if both sides of the chicken are a bit crispy, pour in the soy sauce, mirin and water. then sprinkle the minced garlic + ginger into the mix. at this point, add the carrots + potatoes. make sure all ingredients are floating inside the broth.

7. bring the heat down to a mid-low and cover the fry pan with a lid. i usually cover it up with an aluminum foil and wrap the edges to create a little aluminum hat around the fry pan opening.

8. let simmer for about 30 mins. then flip over and let simmer for about another 15~20 mins. the longer you can simmer the chicken, the softer the meat will be.

9. once the chicken meat is coming off the bone (you will be able to see the meat falling off the bone), it's ready to eat!

serve with some steamed rice + a side of boiled spinach or other greens with a dash of yuzu ponzu on top! dinner is served~

i want : jackets

2010-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

with a winter japan trip coming up, i've been on the hunt for a jacket that would go well with jeans + also withstand being shoved in a suitcase for long hours. if i could have my way, i would get all of these! so adorable!

// kate spade
// madewell
// top shop
// urban outfitters

i feel like doing this right now...

2010-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

with the warm weather goin' on in LA right now, i feel like doing this right now after taking a dip in cool water...

// via three thousand

studio {love} : bedow creative

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

lovely creative packaging + identity design by swedish design studio bedow creative. the use of minimal colors mixed with refined, but whimsical type just makes my heart flutter.

// bedow creative

i want : fresh calico spool candle

2010-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

isn't this candle just adorable? would love to have this along with my spools of thread.

// anthropologie

i want : sweaters

2010-09-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

fall + cooler air + leaves falling = sweaters.

// j crew
// steven alan
// urban outfitters

video : anthology magazine

2010-09-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Print Is Not Dead from Anthology Magazine on Vimeo.

(via design for mankind)

this stop motion video was created for the inaugural of anthology magazine and i must say it is very inspiring! oh so adorable + stylish, i love everything about it from the styling to the music! just melts together like a good mixed flavored ice cream.

looking forward to holding + reading the magazine! here's to women who take matters into their own hands to make things happen!

// anthology magazine

eye candy : vain & vapid

2010-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

really loving this adorable coat by vain & vapid.

// vain & vapid

announcement : aira (sp'11 show TONIGHT! // NYC)

2010-09-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

if you're in the NYC area tonight and want to go check out a fashion show, you should take a peep at this!

location: the gates on 25th street + 8th avenue

time: 9pm

date: thursday, september 23rd (that's tonight!)

also, if it's any incentive, MC + musician extraordinaire derek kan of magnetic north will be there too.

wish i could go... loving their debut line!

// aira

// magnetic north

i want : pancake & franks

2010-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

lately i've been really into collecting stationery from different artists/studios/companies and placing them up in the studio for some inspiration. i also think of it as a way to 'train the eye'. my dad, who is a french chef, shared with me that when he creates a dish, he considers composition, color, spacing, on top of taste. in order to hone his aesthetic,while working working in london, he would visit museums just to view 'good work' even though he had no idea what it was that he was looking at. he didn't come from an art background, but he had a feeling that as long as he continued to culture his eye + mind, that eventually it would sink into his psyche. i do have to admit, the food he prepares is art and i love gobbling it up!

i want to incorporate pancake & frank's beautiful stationery into my visual museum for inspiration.

// pancake & frank

studio {love} : official manufacturing company

2010-09-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

omfg!!! well, not sure if these witty + cleaver designers wanted their name to be used in this context, but look at their work! even without using the 'f'-word in the sentence, i think it's eye-popping! a crossroads between experimental + sophistication, the work of official manufacturing company is definitely on my list of eye-candy.

// official manufacturing company

fait a la main : special project

2010-09-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

happy sunday! today, i wanted to share a photo of a special project i have been working on this past week. along with going into the music studio to do vocal translations for a japanese artist, i created some custom zakka nouveau products for the incredible and very inspirational individuals that i have thankfully been able to work with. what a crazy week with music studio + zakka nouveau projects, but was well worth it!

now back to zakka nouveau full force!

p.s. you might be seeing that tote bag available sometime in the near future. if you're interested, stay tuned!

i {heart} work : anna emilia laitinen

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

really loving the pastel, soft colors mixed with nature-themed works by illustrator anna emilia laitinen. her images + style remind of children's picture books, except this children's book would be in my own book collection.

// anna emilia laitinen

studio {love} : bureau for the advancement of lifestyle and longevity and success (sg)

2010-09-15T10:00:00.001-07:00

bureau for the advancement of lifestyle and longevity and success. how can you not be intrigued by this studio's name? i know i was, but thought it was some scientific/voodoo magic/zen thinking cult society. little did i know that this group of young + talented designers was creating work that was well, mesmerizing without the puff + abracadabra.

// bureau for the advancement of lifestyle and longevity and success

i {heart} work : valentina vos

2010-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

looking at the work for valentina vos and her latest book entitled one seventy four, all her photographs capture a moment. very serene and natural and yet intriguing in a way that you wonder what the person in the photo is thinking or was caught doing. viewing her work makes me think, "i am so glad to have been born a girl."

yes, girls just want to have fun. but in her work, i would say, girls just want to have serendipitous magical natural fun. i just want to jump into these shots.

// valentina vos

product*obsession : kwodrent

2010-09-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

fall smell in the air + softness = kwodrent.

i need to get my hands on one of grace tan's creations. elegant + versatile, i can see myself wearing her creations with a cocktail dress, but also with a t-shirt + jeans. just lovely.

also, if you'll be in singapore or live there, she'll be speaking at crafty 2010 along with other wonderful creatives. go check it out!

photographs by the very talented darren soh.

// kwodrent

i want : hard shell suitcase

2010-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

with some traveling coming up at the end of this year, i've been wanting a new suitcase... the one i have been using is black, soft bodied and has only 2 tires. it's quite heavy to lug around when moving from city to city and is hard to find on the conveyor belt when there are 1,000 other bags that look just like yours. recently when some friends visited from japan, i fell in love with their sky blue + electric pink suitcases that were light, colorful, easy to push around and priced within reason. i went online to do a little eye shopping and wow, what a selection! now i don't know which one to get!

although, i love them all, i think i'm leaning towards either the black dots on white or the green one. which one do you like?

// arukikata
// hideo wakamatsu

studio {love} : pencil + paper

2010-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

i found the lovely pencil + paper through grain edit recently and couldn't get enough eye candy! such variety in their work and yet has a feel of cohesiveness that lets you understand and learn about their aesthetic philosophy. i especially love their retro feel yet not to the point of being throwback style, but in a sense a modern rendition of retro.

their denver music company project is what caught my eyes the most with a complete design/look of a music store. how i would love such a project! to brand or re-brand a completely company from start to finish in such a creative + fun way! such a great inspiration.

// pencil + paper

product*obsession : tembea

2010-09-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

what can i say? i want them all... and the photography just makes me oogle them even more. simply gorgeous in a utilitarian way.

// tembea

food {love} : shoyu + butter spaghetti

2010-09-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

introducing a new series on everyday curiosities! meet.... food {love}! we'll be focusing on recipes, dishes, food items, desserts, ingredients + anything related to the art of food with a japanese twist!

to start off this new column, today we'll be introducing a family classic, shoyu + butter spaghetti. i remember my mom quickly whipping this up in the kitchen and having it ready to eat in no time at all! she's such a great cook. not only is this dish easy to prepare, quick + easy, but you can virtually use any vegetables left over in your fridge as long as you have some key main ingredients. let's start cooking!

..................................................................................

shoyu + butter spaghetti (2 servings)

key ingredients:
+ organic soy sauce (or regular soy sauce is ok, but try to not use low sodium as it doesn't give as much flavoring as the regular kind. don't worry, you won't use too much)
+ garlic (2 cloves)
+ 1/2~1 onion (thinly sliced)
+ salt + pepper (try to use fresh pepper as it gives a wonderful aroma + i like to use red salt as it has a milder flavor)
+ butter

ingredients (there are interchangeable):
+ greens (spinach, asparagus, green bell peppers, komatsuna. something with similar consistency/flavor. feel free to use as much or as little as you like. for 2 i usually you one bunch of spinach and 1/2 a bunch of asparagus or 1 green bell pepper)
+ meat (bacon, ham... my fiance likes spam, but i just put some on the side for him. you can even try canned tuna. for this recent concoction, i used 3 slices of ham.)

directions:
1. while heating up water for pasta, warm up some olive oil and throw in the sliced garlic. once the garlic begins to make a shhhhhhhh sound, throw in the sliced onions.

2. once the onions are starting to brown just slightly, throw in the asparagus and after a few swishes in the fry pan, throw in the spinach. (if you are using other vegetables, start throwing in vegetables that take longer to cook.)

3. when the veggies being to soften a bit, mix in your choice of meat and fry until cooked thoroughly.

4. by this point, you would have wanted your pasta to be cooked and ready.

5. throw the pasta into the veggie + meat mix and toss.

6. once everything is mixed, drizzle some soy sauce over the pasta and toss gently. taste a little sample to check the salt consistency. add a little salt and butter and stir. taste a little more.

7. at this point, add in either salt/soy sauce/butter until you get a flavor that you're happy with. i usually try to adjust with soy sauce and butter vs putting in too much salt as it begins to taste a bit flat.

8. twirl the pasta onto a plate, sprinkle some fresh ground pepper and bon appetit!

..................................................................................

would love to hear how your dishes turned out if you decided to substitute things with exotic ingredients!

i {heart} work : liv bargman

2010-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

can i just start off by saying... i love liv bargman's color palate! yes! reminds me of a sunny summer afternoon in front of the ice cream truck figuring out which flavor/type of ice cream i was going to stuff into my face.

coincidentally, my mom was looking over my shoulder while writing this post and all she could say (in japanese, but translated) was, "oh my.... i love the colors! just beautiful! i would love to create a japanese kimono print with her work!" i was thinking, yes! that would be divine. i would wear it even if it's not for a special occasion just because it would make me happy looking at myself in her artwork.

needless to say, her illustration style gives a feeling of fantastical, playful, wonderfulness with a touch of how should i say... refinement? hmm... purpose! yes, of purpose. that every element she drew feels that it was meant to be placed where it is and yet it doesn't feel up tight. just adorable!

looking at the lower 3D paper piece, it would be great if that was a cuckoo clock made out of paper! i would put it in my studio instantly!

// liv bargman

video : "A" stop motion

2010-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

The making of A from Bianca Chang on Vimeo.

i am loving this paper "A" stop motion video by bianca chang. quite lovely~

// bianca chang

i {heart} work : david mikush

2010-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

once entering david mikush's site, you will instantly get a feel of welcome. the type of welcome you feel when you go to someone's home for the first time and yet it feels familiar and you soon find yourself hanging out on the couch with a beer in hand and laughing the night away. ok, well i would have a juice in hand.

a handsome collection of work + an 'about page' with his picture on it, the entire site is integrated for the viewer to not only get a sense of what type of design he is, but of his character as an individual. i am definitely loving the nature-esque tones within all of his work, but what really caught my attention was the fact that he also writes music! and for readers who have been following my blog or read some other entries, i am a fanatic about people who are interdisciplinary in their approach to... anything! breaking/pushing boundaries and bringing different flavors into the mix is what creates new recipes for creativity! not to mention, awesome new perspectives.

please go and enjoy yourself!

// david mikush

just for fun : chinese zodiac

2010-08-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

not sure if you're into things like this, but i think they're quite fun! if you enjoy them as much as i do, then check what your sign says about you!
...............................................................................

CAPRICORN: The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want.

AQUARIUS: The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

PISCES: The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Tends to be overly-sensitive. Doesn't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.

ARIES: The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19) Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse.. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

TAURUS: The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.

GEMINI: The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20) Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable But needs to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.

CANCER: The Protector (June 21 - July 22) Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

LEO: The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22) Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.

VIRGO: The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Dominant in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic

LIBRA: The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

SCORPIO: The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be very centered at times. Passionate and Emotional.

SAGITTARIUS: The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

...............................................................................
i'm a taurus.... what about you?

design*obsession // landscape products co. (jp)

2010-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

while doing a little surfing to get some inspiration for interior design as i would love to be able to add some interesting design touches to our *hopefully* new home, i ran across the work of landscape products co. alluring entryways + doors, delicate touches to integrate natural + man made objects, their work combines that of modern + traditional japanese culture. with the world being turned into a concrete jungle, i love the idea of bringing in nature-elements into the interior of our homes aside from just placing a potted plant in the corner of the room.

that bookcase is calling out to me! i would love a full wall for books... my current one is over flowing...

// landscape products co.

i {heart} work : jess wilson

2010-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

really enjoying the work of illustrator jess wilson. the mix of hand drawn typography, delicate, but bold use of colors and nostalgic imagery conjure up thoughts of wanting to take a break from the daily grind, sit underneath a tree, sip some lemonade + doodle the afternoon away.

maybe you should go venture into the work of jess wilson on a weekday afternoon... you might come back feeling like it's a weekend.

// jess wilson

new studio : alternative space

2010-08-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

Modern-Shed: design studio from Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli on Vimeo.

Modern-Shed: work studio from Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli on Vimeo.

Modern-Shed: yoga studio from Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli on Vimeo.

while brainstorming about a possible new studio space, i have been looking for different elements and one of the options that i have been debating about is an in-home work space vs a separated space. well, separated in a sense that i walk to the backyard into a studio space. i've read many blogs where people share their views on working from home and how having a place separate from the main house, even if it's just in their backyard, makes such a difference.

if i were to go the route of having a separate space, i would definitely consider one of these options from modern-shed. they are just lovely and aside from being aesthetically pleasing, it seems to be sturdy and well designed.

do you work from home? what are your thoughts on working from a room in the home vs working from a separate space (i.e. garage or modern-shed-like building)?

// modern-shed

sneak peek : zakka nouveau + new fabric prints!

2010-08-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

we had a textile screenprinting session recently here at zakka nouveau to add onto our current springtime collection + i couldn't wait to show you one of my favorite prints. i am really loving this yellow + white color combination and looking extremely forward to sewing some new products for zakka nouveau's market!

a special thank you shout out to ms. taryn hiroshima for helping me with the printing! it came out oh so beautiful thanks to her helping hands.

please be on the look out for new products in our market + eco:revival store!

article : facing your toughest clients

2010-08-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

good morning! this article was something that i wanted to make sure to have in front of me, to keep me focused + definitely to know that we as designers... no, we as people, all people, should not have to be put in a place where our hard work is not appreciated.

I read lots of freelance blog posts about handling difficult clients. They all seem to gloss over the most difficult client of all.

YOU.

The way you feel about yourself and your talent sets the tone for all your client interactions. Think of your clients as mirrors. If you complain they don’t treat you well it’s probably because you’ve taught them not to treat you well. If you complain they don’t pay you on time, it’s probably because you’ve taught them not to pay you on time. If you complain they expect you to do work you didn’t agree to, it’s probably because you’ve taught them give you work you didn’t agree to.
Most of us learn this wimpy behavior early in life and it gets reinforced as we march into adulthood. I was taught to defer to parents, teachers, lovers, bosses and government leaders. Rumor had it that if I stood up for myself something awful would happen – I’d get punished, dumped, fired or thrown in jail. Is it any surprise that I deferred to clients too?

When I toiled in a cubicle for a larger corporation, my submissive behavior appeared to be expected, applauded and rewarded. When I opened my own business, the same submissive behavior had me working like a dog for wages even a dog couldn’t live on.

It took quite a bit of mental strength training, but I finally told my toughest client – the wimpy me – to take a hike. This allowed my greatest client — the powerful me — to advocate on my behalf. Now I set and maintain clear boundaries and decide how I wish to be treated. The result? My clients get a more confident designer, a far better design product, and a partnership grounded in honesty rather than fear.
Some aspects of the working relationship bring out the wimpy you more than others.

Sales conversation

The sales conversation is just that — a compassionate time for you and your potential client to get to know each other. You try to help the client figure out what his or her real problem is and whether you’re the best one to help them solve it. Sometimes you are, sometimes you’re not. Be brave enough to ask all the questions you need in order to make an informed decision.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a client if you get funny vibes, request for a ludicrous deadline or a balk at your fee. Better to find out now than halfway through the project that the client has a history of being indecisive or controlling. Remember, desperation is only real if you give it life.

Pricing

Don’t sweat the fee. It isn’t up to you to decide how much the client can pay. Nothing worse than undercharging a client who told you a sob story and later discovering they live in a 2 million dollar mansion while you’ve got a leaking shower and no kitchen cabinets.

The bulk of your fee needs to be determined by how you feel about your work and the benefit it provides. If a client wants to haggle price with you, simply tell them you don’t haggle. They can either pay your price or look for someone who doesn’t believe in his or her own work. I actually found it easier to sell more expensive design solutions than bottom-of-the-barrel ones.

Contract

Make sure every client — even if it’s a family member or friend — signs a contract or a memo of understanding. This document outlines what the client will and will not get. If the client asks you to do something beyond the scope of what you’ve agreed to, that’s considered a change order. Tell them it will be extra. They do it in engineering firms. You need to do it in your design business. And beware of phony deadlines and phony decision-makers. Tight deadlines, if you choose to take one on, need to cost extra. Nothing more disheartening than working day and night, weekday and weekend, to find your design stalled for three months because the real person making the decision suddenly stepped out from behind the corporate curtain.

Indecision

Some clients start the design process with a lot of energy. Everything’s going great and then BOOM, they hit the indecision wall and disappear for weeks/months at a time. You call them and don’t get a return call. You email them and don’t get a return email. If this goes on for more than one month, bill them for anything they owe you and be prepared to move on. Make sure you have a progress payments/cancelled projects section written into your contract in the event this happens.

Standing up to your wimpy-client self may be hard at first. The whining, blaming and excuses circulating through your brain may get to you. Remember, that’s just fear yakking in your ear! Stay the scary course. Soon you’ll build enough courage to give your business-defeating behavior the boot.
——
Giulietta “Julie” Nardone, of Fearless Design, offers branding and graphic design services to small/medium-size companies and non-profits. Julie is based in Ashland, Massachusetts, and you can read more encouraging articles through the Fearless Design resources page.

{ this article really hits home for me... no more wimpy me!! good bye! }

// courtesy of logo design love + giulietta “julie” nardone

i want : playmountain (jp)

2010-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

while searching for a new house, along with that one begins to think about how it will be furnished. after reading/viewing countless blogs + books, i've come to realize that i really appreciate scandinavian design for it's simplicity, but points of visual punch. clean lines, natural materials yet modern. surprising twists to the usually mundane of pieces.

playmountain reminds me of this aesthetic sense. a sense of the unexpected within our everyday surroundings. a splash of color. a twist to the usual. i would love to have some of their pieces in our new home.

now.... how to convince the other half that all these things are necessary..........

// playmountain

announcement : crafty 2010 (singapore)

2010-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

ahh!! i wish i was in singapore right now as i would -love- to attend this event! if you're in singapore, i would definitely say check it out!! (and then please let me live vicariously through your experience.) thank you.

// crafty 2010 + swiss legacy

video : david stark paper flower shoppe

2010-08-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

David Stark Flower Shoppe Time Lapse from west elm on Vimeo.

love to watch the actual building + tearing down of the shoppe.

// west elm

studio {love} : pearlfisher

2010-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

if you have been following this blog for sometime now, you will probably know that i have a very very soft spot for packaging design. i can definitely say that it is one of the things within the graphic design industry that makes my heart beat with rhythms of music.

one particular company, pearlfisher, has been catching my eye as they have been the creatives behind some of the most interesting packaging designs i have seen. interesting not because if it unconventional, crazy, kooky or just strange, but in a way that they introduce new ways of viewing a usually routine shape. with so many aesthetic variations, it just makes my mouth water.

i can look at their website for hours. i admit, i think i am a packaging design addict.

// pearlfisher

video : firefly letterpress

2010-08-20T21:51:00.001-07:00

FireFly Letterpress from ilovetypography.com on Vimeo.

beautiful video about letterpress printing uploaded by ilovetypography a few years ago. oldie but goody.

installation*obsession // ball-nogues studio (LA)

2010-08-19T01:03:00.000-07:00

i've always loved the idea of feeling like you are part of an exhibit or installation. ball-nogues' work makes me feeling like alice walking through wonderland. truly captivating.

// ball-nogues studio

product*obsession : gg

2010-08-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

i've always been drawn to the idea of things being in their natural or most minimal of forms, but incorporated within that medium a sense of surprise or new perspective on the usage of that product. recently, i was reading an article entitled the problem with creativity from logodesignlove , which talked about how when we are children, our creativity is limitless as we have not been 'conditioned' by our surroundings/society, but as we get older, the more we learn, the more we are 'limited' to what we believe is true.

case in point. when i was in preschool i remember making these 'mud cakes' made from 3 different types of mud and 'selling' them at my general store to 'customers'. my playmates would come pretending to be mothers and 'buy' these cakes and eat them saying they were delicious! i'm sure many girls (and some boys!) can relate to this act of playing 'house' but the article reminded me that yes, once we become adults because of the knowledge that we have gained in our lives, as far as creativity is concerned, we might be stifled from creating more innovative products.

now i am going off on a tangent, but back to my point being that i love the idea of things being minimal or simple, but with a different perspective is that it allows to open up the mind of the viewer to see something in a different light. the products made by gg reminds me of this thought process. things that 'seem' to be might not be or a particular pattern on a simple piece can make it extraordinary. there's a word in japanese called 'haeru' which literally means 'to grow', but in this case i believe the embellishments on each of the gg pieces allows the original material, whether metal, clay, paper to 'haeru' because of the little touches that they add.

// gg

new studio : worktable hunting

2010-08-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

for the past few months, i've felt like a real estate agent looking at house after house as we are hunting for a new domicile. although i don't mind as i really do enjoy looking at property, along with that, i've been dreaming about a new studio space! (it makes me so giddy just thinking about it!) although i do love my current studio, i feel that i am starting to outgrow the space and would like something a bit more roomier. with that said, i've been searching for the right 'environment' and first thing on the list of 'wants' is a huge work table in the middle of the room!!

i've been looking and it looks like it comes down to either forking out tons of money for the size that i want or to build one yourself. i'm beginning to lean towards building one myself, but would love your input on what you have tried within your work space.

any thoughts? please share~~

** some of these images were sent by friends so i don't have the actual links to the owners of these wonderful work tables/studios, but if you do know who it belongs to, please let me know as i would love to credit them. thank you!

design*sponge video : how to stay focused

2010-08-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

really loving this post by design*sponge's biz ladies series entitled "grace’s tips for staying focused". i've been trying to figure out a more streamlined daily routine/work schedule and i think this video just answered a lot of questions for me! thank you!!

// design*sponge

i {heart} work : nousvous (uk)

2010-08-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

good evening! before heading to bed, i wanted to share some beautiful work from design collective nous vous. their work makes me feel excited about what tomorrow will bring coupled with the endless possibilities of creativity.

for some reason, the poofy colorful type reminds me of the alphabet segment on sesame street. fun!

// nous vous

eyecandy : weehouse

2010-08-07T23:52:00.000-07:00

aren't these houses just adorable? i am loving these miniature homes as it reminds me of the doll houses that i used to play with while growing up. i remember wishing that i could shrink in order to see what it was like from my doll's point of view. maybe this is a close 'real version' of my fantasy? not to mention, eco-friendly living!

// small house society

video : how to be alone.

2010-08-03T22:20:00.001-07:00

something about this video is so soothing... the thought of spending time alone is so important for one to clear their mind of things and to reset. people associate with being alone as 'sad' or 'outcast' but i think knowing how to enjoy time with oneself is one of the most liberating things that you can find for yourself.

i {heart} work : ashkhan

2010-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

happy monday + august! how has your year been going so far? do you feel like time is flying by or just flowing along like a lazy stream? i definitely feel that it's running full speed and doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon, but that doesn't mean that i want to take the little things for granted in life. i feel that moments are created through the little things that we noticed and i want to make sure that i don't miss as many of those little moments.

one of these types of moments is to be able to enjoy things that tickle your inner soul. for myself, sometimes i'm not sure what it is that makes me feel a burst of giggles inside me, but i do know when i see it/feel it/hear it that it is there. artist ashkhan captures this moment for me in his work. his use of type, imagery, concept and aesthetic just tickles my inner being. so real and yet reminds me of my childhood when things were a little less complicated and my worries were if i was going to be able to go out and rollerblade after school. oops, that last sentence just aged me a bit!

// ashkhan