Culture

Still Life Food Photography

I'm on week 5 of my 7/52, taking 7 photos every week. Sometimes it comes down to the wire: suddenly it's Sunday, and I haven't taken any photos yet. Photography is all about seeing, though, and there are always plenty of things to see around the house; sometimes you just have to make them happen. So this week, I rummaged through the crisper and took photos of food. Typically you'll find me photographing finished dishes, as cooking is one of my many second-loves, but this time I decided to take a still-life approach to raw ingredients. There are so many colors and textures, I feel like the possibilities for interesting photography is infinite. Here are three different approaches: raw and natural on white, focusing on detail and colors; bright and [...]

Still Life Food Photography2020-07-01T17:25:34-07:00

Designy Dog Names

A fellow graphic designer sent this to me. What fun names, almost makes me want to get a new dog. She recently got a new puppy, and named her Pixel.

Designy Dog Names2020-07-01T17:29:16-07:00

Purple Produce

After a trip to the local farmer's market over the weekend, I realized that some of the produce I picked were various shades of purples: violet radishes, purple peppers, red spring onions, and red buttercrunch lettuce. The lettuce and radishes were used in a big green salad with lots of other veggies from the market; the peppers were cut into strips and sauteed, put on crispy smashed potatoes, and topped with the red onions.

Purple Produce2020-07-01T17:30:05-07:00

Documenting Design

The CSA Flat File is an ongoing log of current projects from the unbelievably extensive CSA Images archive. When the universe of design inspiration feels like it's expanding at an exhausting rate, sometimes it's nice to rest your eyes on an oasis of flat color and ink on paper. [Images via CSA Flat File]

Documenting Design2020-07-01T17:36:21-07:00

Abandoned Homesteads Photo Project

A few years ago I started photographing old houses. I especially like the ones that are falling down. I'm not a purist and I'm not opposed to using Photoshop. I like to add drama with high contrast and saturation to make them a little more powerful. You just have to wonder... Farmers? Was it good times or bad? Lot's of kids? Why did they leave? Did the well dry up? Did the Dingos take the baby? Cool, creepy, sad and history all rolled up into one photo.

Abandoned Homesteads Photo Project2020-07-01T17:38:18-07:00

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (3 of 3)

Smoked Glass Somewhere along the line, I picked up a collection of smoked glass. I didn't even know I was doing it. Some pieces I have multiples, some pieces I only have one. I mentioned in an earlier post that I still have room for one more bowl or tablecloth, but unfortunately, that does not stand true for glasses. I once took a count of all drinking vessels—mind you, this includes coffee cups, pint glasses, champagne flutes, and everything in-between—and while I won't tell you the number, it is a 3 digit number. So as you can imagine, my cabinets allocated to drinking glasses are very, very full, but in my defense, the majority of them were purchased at thrift stores, for a dollar or less per glass, and some [...]

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (3 of 3)2020-07-01T17:41:51-07:00

Mid-Century Design Favorites

I'm a little bit obsessive about design; besides graphic design, I have a special affinity for what are, in my opinion, well designed furniture and housewares. Any object I bring into my life has to be both beautiful and functional; stylish but unfussy. I can obsess over the smallest details, like the shape and depth of the bowl of a spoon, or the legs of a table, or just the right shaped water pitcher. Many modern designers of the 50s and 60s felt this way as well, which is why I am so drawn to designs from that era. Much that falls under the umbrella of mid century modern is both bold and minimal, softened by the use organic shapes, and is often made of a brilliant mix of man-made and [...]

Mid-Century Design Favorites2020-07-01T17:44:57-07:00

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (2 of 3)

Vintage Enamelware Another item that I'm mildly obsessed with is enamelware—this is metal (steel, cast iron, or aluminum) that's covered with brilliantly colored enamel. Cathrineholm is specifically highly collectible and beautiful (as seen on the teapot and bowl). Dansk also made a line of enamel cooking ware from the 1950s to 1970s that has very recently been revived and is now being manufactured again and distributed through Crate and Barrel. I love it because it's both functional and beautiful, and the colors are intensely bright and fun. Shown below, from front to back and left to right: Emalox of Norway red bowl (circa 1960s-1980s); orange Cathrineholm bowl in the Lotus pattern (circa 1960s-1970s); blue enamel butter warmer (circa 1980s); orange Cathrineholm Lotus teapot (circa 1960s-1970s); Dansk yellow pot with teak handle and [...]

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (2 of 3)2020-07-01T17:42:13-07:00

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (1 of 3)

Vintage Teak Those that know me know I'm obsessed with thrifting and its ilk—estate sales, garage sales, scouring craigslist for a screaming deal on that certain piece—these are all things I love to do.  But thrift stores are where I go most frequently since they are stationary constants. My love of thrift stores started as a teenager, when I would go with friends, looking for unique and kitschy clothing and accessories. My interests in them have waxed and waned in the years since, but as I've grown more and more fond of,  interested in, and educated about mid century design and vintage items in general, my interest level is at an all-time high. Some may look at thrift stores as dingy and dusty places to find old clothes, beaten up [...]

My Thrift Shopping Obsessions (1 of 3)2020-07-01T17:42:30-07:00
Load More Posts

Brandgineering by Design™

LET'S CONNECT

17605 80th Ct NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

(425) 398-1710

info@v2works.com

LET’S BE SOCIAL

Sometimes we hang out on social, sometimes we don’t. If you’re inclined to find out, follow us!

CAREERS
We’re always on the lookout for creative individuals to grow our team. If you’re talented, looking for a new challenge, and know your stuff then check us out.
© Copyright 1993 -    |   V2Works   |   All Rights Reserved   |   Privacy Policy
Close Sliding Bar Area

The Simpler the Brand, the Sweeter the Victory

Don't let your brand fall victim to being too complex. Many companies get caught up in research, spending countless hours in brand meetings without really focusing, making the whole process wasteful.

Brandgineering by Design™ can help. We've taken our deepest, most meaningful brand experiences and simplified them into a simple step-by-step process. Request a free hard copy of our book, or if you're ready to partner with V2Works now, contact us to take your brand from ambiguity to Brand Victory.