"2016," A BOOK AND YEAR OF POSTERS BY BRÁULIO AMADO

Working Not Working May 30, 2017

"2016," A BOOK AND YEAR OF POSTERS BY BRÁULIO AMADO

Portugal-born, NYC-based WNW Member Bráulio Amado has a new book out called 2016. Printed on 120 pages of coated matt volume 170 grain paper, 2016 collects essentially every poster that the graphic designer and illustrator produced last year. Which is a lot. A whole lot of eclectic awesomeness. From underground DJ shows to Ty Segall concerts and everything in between, the collection captures both the chaos and ever-evolving style of Bráulio's work. Buy a copy here.

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Olimpia Zagnoli Demonstrates How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady

Working Not Working May 30, 2017

Olimpia Zagnoli Demonstrates How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady

MIKE O'DONNELL / EDITOR

In 1942, Time Life magazine prescribed a step-by-step process for "how to eat spaghetti like a lady." It seems the times have changed. Milan-based Illustrator and WNW Member Olimpia Zagnoli has now masterfully subverted the original with her own series, also titled How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady. The black-and-white originals by Alfred Eisenstaedt (displayed below) suggest composure, conduct, and convention. Olimpia twirls this idea of uniformity into submission and shows off an eclectic array of colorful personalities, creatively enjoying their pasta as they defy the rules of conduct and, while they're at it, even the rules of gravity. Olimpia's show will be open through the end of July at Antonia Colombo Arte Contemporanea in Milan.

Photographs and Instructions from Time Life

Step 1: “Four strands of spaghetti should be segregated from the pile.” Step 2: “With soup spoon as prop, twirl fork and spaghetti gently.” Step 3: “A ladylike mouthful of spaghetti is ready for consumption.” Step 4: “Full forkfuls should be consumed in entirety. Nibbling is out.” Step 5: “Truant strands require patience, lip facility, suck-power.” Step 6: “With end in sight, diner has consumed 160 in. of spaghetti.”

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Getting Too Much Done? Spend Hours Coloring in this Music Video

Working Not Working May 24, 2017

Getting Too Much Done? Spend Hours Coloring in this Music Video

MIKE O'DONNELL / EDITOR

W+K Group Creative Director/WNW Member Craig Allen and production company MediaMonks have created a playful, interactive music video for Real Estate's new song "Stained Glass." And while the song is under 4 minutes, you could easily snap back to reality 4 hours later and wonder why everything around you looks so drab. Because "Stained Glass", directed by Allen, is really half "music video" and half "coloring book." And how you choose to interact with it is entirely up to you. You can color in the line-drawn video as the song progresses, or hit pause and color everything in to watch the entire video unfold in your preferred palette. Or you can be a boring grown-up and watch an already colored-in music video above. The choice is yours. But don't let all the possible decisions stress you out. This is supposed to be therapeutic.

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IN CASE YOU'RE OUT OF PRACTICE, THIS IS VIRTUE-PRODUCED YOGA

Working Not Working May 17, 2017

IN CASE YOU'RE OUT OF PRACTICE, THIS IS VIRTUE-PRODUCED YOGA

In their latest ad campaign, Lululemon, the Yoga-inspired apparel company, walks their yoga pants out of the studio and into the outside world. The campaign consists of a series of mini-documentaries, produced by Vice’s in-house agency Virtue. And it's a natural fit that Virtue chooses to showcase these applied beliefs in the real world in a series of interpersonal and individual contexts. After all, Lululemon touts their mission as “honouring yoga by taking the practice off the mat.” The term “practice” is a staple of yoga, in part a repetition of an activity but much more the application of an idea or belief that can extend into the world. The campaign offers a few of these practiced virtues in action, against the backdrop of a volleyball match, a drum kit, and a surf session. The practice of letting go. The practice of breath. The practice of nonviolence. The practice of devotion. In a way, the pace of the ads themselves mimic that of some yoga forms, with a volley of powerful exertion and quick edits followed by quiet, slow-motion rests before the action resumes. Namaste to the following Working Not Working members behind this campaign: Anthony Coleman (Creative Director), Nick Maciag (Lead Creative), Dena Lenard (Producer), and Erin Kelly (Senior Designer).

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WNW MEMBER ADI GOODRICH ART DIRECTS NEW FLEET FOXES MUSIC VIDEO

Working Not Working May 15, 2017

WNW MEMBER ADI GOODRICH
ART DIRECTS NEW FLEET FOXES
MUSIC VIDEO

WNW Member Adi Goodrich served as Art Director and Production Designer on the newest Fleet Foxes music video, "Fool's Errand." This is the second music video released in advance of the band's long-awaited third album Crack-Up, out June 16th. Adi was behind the first single's lyric video as well, collaborating both times alongside director Sean Pecknold, the older brother of frontman Robin Pecknold. (Adi and Sean co-run an animation, photography, and design studio called Sing-Sing you should definitely check out.) If you like heavenly harmonies and bewitching choreography at the top of cliff faces, all wrapped in a Jodorowsky aesthetic, well then Happy Monday to you.

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DESIGNER GRACE DUONG HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER MYSTIC

Working Not Working May 15, 2017

DESIGNER GRACE DUONG HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER MYSTIC

WNW Member Grace Duong has designed her latest project using both her extensive design background and a heavy dose of positive vibes. It's called Mystic Mondays. The project offers an array of colorful tarot cards for the modern age. Below, we talk to Grace about her own spirituality and how it fueled the project, whose Kickstarter campaign launches today. Grace also discusses the hard work that goes into a Kickstarter campaign, as well as the importance of the right kind of collaborative spirit. "Finding the right people to be involved in this creative baby of mine was important, as the Mystic Mondays tarot is all about positive energy. Surrounding yourself with people that believe in your vision helps keep you motivated, supported, and on track."

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Grace Duong and how did she get here?

I’m a multidisciplinary designer who’s worked mainly in advertising & startups. I’ve always been creative and it started off with fine art. Since my middle / high school was primarily focused on math & science, the arts program was limited so I had to look for it in other ways. In high school, I ended up working for a mural artist, joined stage crew so that I could paint sets, and various figure drawing, ceramics, and other art related classes on Saturdays that was offered by the Philadelphia public school system. Philadelphia is an amazing city for the arts since you’re surrounded by a ton of art museums and resources. When I went to college, I was introduced to graphic design and also fell in love with the design thinking and practical applications of art that went behind each project. I loved the power of visual communication that when done well has the capacity to impact people on a larger scale and in a (hopefully) beneficial way.

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

I believe in creating with purpose and as multidimensional human beings, we’re capable of so much more than just being the “one thing”. All of my projects reflect my personality - a playful & bright aesthetic, a love of color, and a punch of positivity. However, it does depend on the project and the message it carries, to determine how the completed project will turn out.

Approaching each project as its own entity allows me to try new things, to explore different facets, which in turn allows me to decide which medium connects best for the project. In a culture of more more more and “pixel pushing” fast paced work, I think we eliminate the discovery process which is so important when you want to create something meaningful.

I definitely have a ton of different ideas all the time, all seemingly unrelated to each other, but what binds them all together is my pursuit of projects that contain a dash of altruism. I would really like my creative projects to help other people in various ways by combining art and functionality.

Your latest project is called Mystic Mondays. What’s it all about?

Mystic Mondays is your tarot for the modern age. It is an intuition tool for spiritual guidance, designed with intentional good vibes and a love of color! Energy is made of vibrations and each color vibrates at its own frequency. This colorful deck is full of positive vibes that allow you to access answers for your highest good.

Mystic Mondays is about starting your week off fresh with intentions, empowering yourself by listening to your own inner voice, and having fun in the process. It’s a modern take on tarot where I designed it to invite people to connect with themselves in ways where they might not ordinarily do so.

Right now the 22 Major Arcana cards are finished and I’m launching a Kickstarter on Monday, May 15 to help fund the creation and production of the rest of the 56 Minor Arcana cards!

There is also an app, so you can take the Mystic Mondays tarot with you wherever you go!

When did you first become interested in tarot?

I was gifted a tarot deck by my cousin Sylvie about 8 years ago and have been playing with them on and off since then. Ever since I moved to LA, for the past 5 years, I developed an interest in spirituality and dabbled with energy healing, astrology, and most pertaining to this project - psychic readings. It’s super interesting to me because there is so much mystery around all of these topics mostly because they’re intangible - but feelings are feelings, and if let loose, they can run over all aspects of your life, so it’s really important for taking the time out for self-care.

Tarot is awesome because there is so much symbolism held within each card. Each card holds a different meaning that pertains to the different life passages that you may go through. Tarot is not “scary” and will most likely not predict your death or impending doom. It’s more about using the cards to connect the dots so that you can gain clarity about whatever is on your mind. You can even use them as daily guidance, by pulling out a card. Whatever the message is, you can apply it to your life to help you throughout your day.

Why was it important to you that the traditional tarot gets an upgrade? Did you feel certain pressures to balance your own creative voice and the time-tested traditions of tarot?

I would walk into different spiritual stores that carried tarot decks and was never drawn towards a specific one where I “had to have it”. That sparked the idea of wanting to create my own. I actually remember telling a psychic reader that I was going to create my own deck, and he proceeded to go into the symbolism of the Temperance card and the importance of the little Hebrew symbol on the figure’s chest. He made it clear to me that there is a myriad amount of symbolism in the traditional tarot. I respected that and stayed true to the meanings of the card while putting my own spin on what they meant to me. So the meanings of the cards remain essentially the same and true to the traditional tarot. However, the illustrations in Mystic Mondays simplify them and get to the heart of the matter.

Can you share some of the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with this undertaking?

I actually struggled with how to approach this project in the beginning, and it wasn’t until after a trip to London where everything seemed to click. So in December of last year, I took the entire month to illustrate the cards and it poured right out of me. It’s important to take time for yourself because it refreshes & nourishes you so that you have creative juices to flow.

The other aspect of it was putting together a Kickstarter campaign, and that actually requires a lot of research and preparation. It felt challenging because this was something new that I haven’t done before, but I’m always down to try something new and equally up for the challenge. Also, you’d be surprised how willing people are to help out once you ask!

Finding the right people to be involved in this creative baby of mine was important also, as the Mystic Mondays tarot is all about positive energy. Surrounding yourself with people that believe in your vision helps keep you motivated, supported, and on track.

What would you say to tarot skeptics that may help them see the benefits of giving it a try?

What I love about tarot is that everybody has their own individual experience with it. It’s like having a relationship with your cards and connecting with it in your own way, and by doing so, allows you to tune into your inner voice. We are all so busy in our lives, and part of the practice of tarot is slowing down, taking the time to reflect on your situation, and connecting the dots on your own. External circumstances easily influence us, but once you take the time to ask yourself those hard questions, you already know the answer.

The stigma behind tarot is that it’s scary, but it’s really a tool you can use to access your own intuition. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to use the tarot and you don’t need to be an expert to use them. It’s an experience, and you can have fun with it!

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

I take inspiration from things that I read, people I come across, and my surroundings. That little piece of information that you pick up somewhere might not be relevant to you now, but it could prove to be useful later.

In terms of design & art direction, I’m a big fan of Sagmeister & Walsh and their individual side projects that speak to humanity, Refinery29’s fun & feminine media presence, and Leta Sobierajski & Wade Jefree’s quirky art direction. There’s so many more amazing studios & designers, I can hardly name them all!

I’m also a big fan of Salvador Dali and his abstract art beyond his time, James Turrell with his use of light, color, & space, and Ai WeiWei for using his art to have a voice in activism.

I’m pretty active on Instagram and Pinterest and find a ton of visual inspiration through those platforms also. The internet is an amazing place.

What do you do when Not Working?

As of late, I’ve gotten much more into writing and how to express myself creatively through words, whether it’s freeform writing or more structured ways of telling a story.

I’m also always looking to try new things (like a Kickstarter), so am always looking for a new coffee place to hang out at, an intriguing event happening in the area, or place to travel to. Switching up my routine keeps things interesting as I tend to get bored fairly easily.

AND I’m always down for a good hip hop dance party!

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire and why?

I think that everyone in the WNW community brings a valuable and unique standpoint with their work. Everyone’s so talented, it’s hard to select a few. Keep on doing you, boo!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Please support the Mystic Mondays Kickstarter!

You would make all my rainbow dreams come true <3

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LUIS MENDO ILLUSTRATES A TOKYO RARELY SEEN BY VISITORS

Working Not Working May 8, 2017

LUIS MENDO ILLUSTRATES A TOKYO RARELY SEEN BY VISITORS

In our interview below, Illustrator and WNW Member Luis Mendo discusses his move from Amsterdam to Tokyo, the difference between the two creative scenes, and how he developed a fascination with his latest subject: Tokyo interiors. "In Tokyo, people use their houses merely as a place to sleep. Most of us eat and meet friends outside, in cafes or restaurants. The apartments are tiny and don’t allow much of inviting others in. That’s why the interiors are often very personal, full of things, and reflect very well the true personalities of the people living in them."

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Luis and how did he get here?

I was born in a small city in Spain and after studying graphic design in Madrid and Holland, I worked in Barcelona for a while designing magazines and newspapers. Then moved to Amsterdam where I became known as an editorial designer and art director, relaunching titles and creating new ones on a lead role. After 18 years of that, it became all too much and I needed a big change so I moved to Tokyo where I decided to draw for a living.

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

My Spanish background and visual references (from Picasso to Goya) are probably visible in what I do, I try to keep my line loose and fresh, that’s why I rarely do pencils before making a drawing and start inking straightaway. People say they recognize a style although I do different things, some tight and some really loose. As a former art director I know each client needs a different approach to convey the message so I adapt easily. Also I like to keep changing styles so I don’t end up boring myself.

You recently created a series of 7 animations of Tokyo interiors for Electric Objects. What were you hoping to capture with this project?

Years before moving to Tokyo, I found the Kyoichi Tsuzuki book "Tokyo: A Certain Style” which showed the insides of small Tokyo apartments, tiny spaces packed with stuff from floor to ceiling. I found those photos mesmerizing and loved to look at them. Now that I’ve lived here for a while, I made these drawings being a mix of my own apartment, the one I would like to live in and those of friends, including some city constants like the red lights on tall buildings, the crows, and the carefully “hairdressed” trees.

Can you share some of the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with the undertaking?

Since I was working from mental references directly in my sketchbook, it was a pretty straightforward process. I enjoyed making all the mistakes which I partly left in there. Only used photoshop to color them. The most difficult part was the animation (which is not my strong suit) but luckily my friend Fons Schiedon helped with that and made beautiful animations out of my drawings.

Do you see the interior world of Tokyo as an escape from the city’s bustle, or just a natural display of a Japanese way of living?

In Tokyo, people use their houses merely as a place to sleep. Most of us eat and meet friends outside, in cafes or restaurants. The apartments are tiny and don’t allow much of inviting others in. That’s why the interiors are often very personal, full of things, and reflect very well the true personalities of the people living in them. That’s what interests me so much and I always try to visit people’s homes to see who they really are.

What’s the creative scene like in Tokyo? How does it differ from that of Amsterdam?

I think it’s very different to other cities I know mainly because of how well people treat each other. There’s no conflict, envy or rivalry. We are all pretty good friends of each other and the disciplines are very mixed, so I will go to UI/UX meet-ups and you see architects at illustrators' parties. We all get along really well and everybody is nice and friendly. Something very different with my experience in Amsterdam.

In what ways has living in Tokyo surprised you?

There’s always something to discover. So many neighborhoods all full of different things. You can walk endlessly and there’s always something interesting around each corner. I always avoid the big streets as the charm is really in the back alleys.

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

So many… Comic book artists like Loustal, Joann Sfar and Christophe Blain, modern illustrators like Quentin Blake, Javier Olivares and Lauren Tamaki, but also timeless heroes like Robert Weaver, Miroslav Sasek and Ronald Searle. Picasso and Luis Buñuel have always been a constant in my world of references and as of late I have discovered people so different in approaches like Chris Sasaki, Damien Cuypers and Georges Beuville.

What advice can you offer to creatives for drawing inspiration from their immediate surroundings?

Don’t look so much to other people’s work and concentrate on yourself more, draw all the time, carry a sketchbook with you at all times and annotate what you see. A face, a building, a detail… As Paul Smith said, “there’s inspiration in everything, and if you don’t see it, look again”.

What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

Now working on a T-shirt line for a sustainable fashion brand, doing monthly covers for Wako department store in Ginza, weekly travel sections for Volkskrant Magazine in Amsterdam, some animation backgrounds for a huge Japanese train company, and planning a show in Shanghai. It’s all very mixed in theme and kind of work, but that’s how I like things to be.

What do you do when Not Working?

I am always working. In the sense that I do not really see the difference between drawing someone in the train or a small spot illustration for a magazine. I do enjoy both and they fill my head all the time. Even when I am eating or walking I will think about how to draw things.

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire?

Jessica Hische and Amélie Tourangeau.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I consider myself a total amateur, having been drawing professionally for just the last 4 years. I think I know nothing and learn a lot every day. My extra asset is that after 20 years as an art director, I easily think as such and help art directors to make the best of a job. I also understand what moves them and their needs.

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11 World Championships as Head Coach earned Phil Jackson the nickname "Zen Master"

The Infinity League: GIFs That Never End for Legacies That Never Die

Working Not Working May 3, 2017

The Infinity League: GIFs That Never End for Legacies That Never Die

WORKING NOT WORKING

With a lot of action going on now in every major sport, there's no better time to pay respect to the sports greats. WNW Members and creative partners Dan Koo and Matt Garcia linked up while working at 72andSunny in LA. Their immediate connection was due in part to a mutual respect of each other's work, but also thanks to an unending love of sports. Their latest project, The Infinity League, seems like the perfect avenue to showcase their creative skills and passion for sports. As they tell us in the interview below, "The Infinity League was born from a desire to create a bad-ass tribute for the sports legends we grew up with. The idea we landed on was to make GIFs that never end for legends that never die through infinite loop animations." Some of the legends include Mia Hamm forever sliding in celebration, to a butterfly morphing into Muhammad Ali, to Jim Brown breaking the tackles of Mars Attack! martians.

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Tell us a little bit about your creative backgrounds. Who are Dan Koo and Matt Garcia and how did they get here?

Dan: I grew up in Los Angeles and loved to draw ever since I was little. I’d draw superheroes, dinosaurs, and Pokemon for kids at my school and they would pay with their lunch money. That was my first taste of art meeting commerce. I went to school at Art Center in Pasadena and my first job was at CP+B LA. Several years later I started freelancing at 72andSunny LA where I met Matt. Safe to say we hit it off.

Since moving to the east coast a few months ago, I’ve been freelancing around New York for agencies like Mother NY and Translation. It gives me time to keep working on The Infinity League.

Matt: I’m originally from Kansas where I spent summers working with my grandpa on the family farm. Going into college I had no real idea what I wanted to do, but fell into advertising after realizing news writing wasn’t for me. I applied and got accepted into Brandcenter in the copywriting track where I spent two years not just learning how to make ads, but learning how to think. Since then I’ve gone on to work at GSD&M and have been at 72andSunny LA for over a year now.

The @NBA #playoffs won’t be the same this year without @kobebryant. What a legend. #blackmamba @lakers #thisiswhyweplay #nba #sports #basketball #animation #design #illustration #legend #lakerforlife #24 #nbaplayoffs @nbaontnt

A post shared by @infinityleague on Apr 15, 2017 at 8:47am PDT

What was it about the other’s creative style that lead you to partner up with them?

What brought us together other than our sports background was our drive to make good work. We’re both very passionate about what we do and challenge each other to be better.

You recently launched a project called Infinity League. What’s it all about?

The Infinity League was born from a desire to create a bad-ass tribute for the sports legends we grew up with. The idea we landed on was to make GIFs that never end for legends that never die through infinite loop animations. Together we concept each GIF idea, then Dan illustrates and animates while Matt comes up with the words. At the moment we have 11 GIFs that span across 6 sports and we’re in the process of adding more.

The @NHL #playoffs has us thinking about the great #GordieHowe. #MrHockey @detroitredwings #sports #animation #design #illustration #legend #hockey @victoryjournal #espn

A post shared by @infinityleague on Apr 13, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

What have been some of the challenges and breakthroughs of bringing the project to life?

We definitely went into this a bit naive as to how much work a project like this would demand. I think if we knew what we were getting ourselves into, we may have second guessed it. We’re glad we didn’t. We found our stride after the first few GIFs and haven’t looked back.

What’s next for the Infinity League?

We’d like to keep adding to the list. It just gets better the more legends we have.

Happy Belated Birthday Mia Hamm! Congrats on being the face of @ussoccer_wnt for over a decade. #soccer #PlayLikeAGirl #soccerlife #animation #sports #miahamm #design #espn #legend @victoryjournal

A post shared by @infinityleague on Mar 18, 2017 at 8:37am PDT

What are the guidelines for getting drafted into the Infinity League? Unrivaled stats? Unbelievable stories?

Unrivaled stats definitely, but we also look at what makes their story different from everybody else in the game.

Who do you want to see win the NBA Finals? And who do you think will win the NBA Finals?

Dan: Clippers, they’re my team. Unfortunately, they lost Game 7 this weekend so I’d say Golden State is looking pretty stacked.

Matt: Rockets, but I’m confident Golden State will win.

Good luck to the @Browns finding another @JimBrown32 #NFLDraft @NFL @victoryjournal @espnnfl @nflnetwork #sports #football #animation #design #illustration #marsattack #legend #32

A post shared by @infinityleague on Apr 28, 2017 at 10:11am PDT

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

Dan: Paul Caiozzo, he was my teacher at Art Center and a big creative influence for me. He pushed me creatively beyond what I thought was capable and taught me to break the rules. Nick Loftus is another big creative influence in my life, he was my ACD at CP+B. I learned work ethic and how to be a proper Art Director from him.

Matt: Mark Fenske, a professor at Brandcenter, and Ryan Carroll, a GCD at GSD&M, have had the biggest impact on me creatively. They both pushed my thinking and writing to a level I wouldn’t have been able to reach on my own.

What would be your dream project in the creative world of sports?

Creating work for an NBA player would be a dream, Giannis would be great to work with.

The greatest boxer of all-time Muhammad Ali, three-time world heavyweight champion and silver-tongued boxer. @TheRealLailaAli #thegreatest #boxing #animation #sports #design #bleacherreport #espn #muhammadali #ali #thelegend #cassiusclay @victoryjournal

A post shared by @infinityleague on Mar 8, 2017 at 8:43am PST

Who are some other WNW Members whose work you admire, and why?

Brock Kirby, killer writer and love everything he does. From his Atlantic work to the Ripple spot, it’s a wonderful mix of smart, inspiring and fun work.

Dave Canning & Dan Treichel, an amazing team and two guys who do very funny and smart work.

David Povill created some of our favorite Old Spice work ever with Smellcome to Manhood.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks again for featuring us. We really appreciate the support.

The founding member of the 700 home run club. #NationalBabeRuthDay @mlb @yankees #baseball #animation #design #illustration #baberuth #legend @victoryjournal #thegreatbambino #sports

A post shared by @infinityleague on Apr 27, 2017 at 10:58am PDT

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OkCupid Chisels Its Jawline With the Help of Jay Daniel Wright

Working Not Working May 1, 2017

OKCupid had the good sense to enlist Berlin-based WNW Member Jay Daniel Wright for a design update. Working in tandem with the in-house design team, Jay Daniel Wright has enlivened the app with the creation of a whole new set of icons that captures the buoyancy of his trademark style.

THIS COUPLE'S TRAVEL PHOTOS MEET IN THE MIDDLE WHEN THEY CAN'T

Working Not Working April 24, 2017

THIS COUPLE'S TRAVEL PHOTOS MEET IN THE MIDDLE WHEN
THEY CAN'T

Creative couple Becca Siegel and WNW Member Dan Gold have been partaking in ongoing adventures all over the world since meeting in New York in late 2015. The only hitch is that they're mostly traveling separately. Aware that long-distance relationships are tough, regardless of whether you're one country or continent away, Becca and Dan decided to embrace the fluctuating distance in a positive light and started Half Half Travel. It's an Instagram project that bridges their travel photos side by side so their photos can meet in the middle, even when Becca & Dan can't.

"Our initial goal was a project to stay in touch and show our adventures away from each other." The project is a really cool approach to comparing each of the places that they've been and the experiences they’ve had on their own. And Instagram users agree. Since starting the project 6 months ago, Half Half Travel has grown to top more than 20,000 followers at the time of posting this.

We interview the traveling duo below to find out how Half Half Travel has evolved, and what they've learned on their respective journeys that they're most looking forward to bringing back into the fold. "A few qualities we have both been able to work on individually while apart have been independence, communicating, patience and trust, bringing out our adventurous sides and lastly…. We have become very good at taking halves of photos."

Tell us a little bit about your backgrounds. Who are Becca & Dan and how did they get here (or wherever you currently are)?

Dan was previously living in New York City when he and Becca met in winter 2015. Soon after their first few opportunities of getting to know each other, Dan was given the opportunity to travel for 12 months around the world with Remote Year. He left for Europe in May 2016. After 11 months of travel, he is living in Argentina from April through May of 2017.

Becca, has been living in New York City for 4 years. After returning home to the NY area by way of East Asia, there was something missing. She immediately filled the void by traveling to places like India, Africa and South America. She is currently in New York City, and visited 5 continents in 2016 alone.

When Dan told Becca that he found this program that lets someone travel for a year, she was happier than Dan was (Dan: and I think she still is). She understands the learning experiences and friendships that can form while being away for so long. They decided to embrace the decision in a positive light. Halfhalftravel was born as a way to stay connected by sharing photos from each other’s independent travels.

Huacachina, Perú 🇵🇪 + Taganga, Colombia 🇨🇴 #halfhalftravel . . . . . . . . . . . #travel #travelgram #travelblogger #travelcouple #ldr #longdistance #backpacker #backpacking #world #worldtravel #earthpics #instatravel #explore #neverstopexploring #adventure #trip #wander #wanderlust #couple #digitalnomad #beautifuldestinations #passionpassport #travellife #igtravel #bestvacations #bae #peru #colombia #goals

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Mar 29, 2017 at 5:12am PDT

What was the impetus behind your respective adventures?

Dan likes a change after something gets easy or stale. After learning New York City and coasting through a daily commute on the 2-train to Chambers street, he wanted to try something different. He believes that just because you were born in a specific city doesn’t mean you need to live there. Traveling and being in a different city each month is a great way to live like a local and always learn more.

Becca has always had a huge crush on Asia, previously having lived abroad in Hong Kong, where she studied as an exchange student, and in Shanghai, China, where she taught English at a primary school for two years. When she is not traveling, she is now based in New York City. She likes to travel as often as possible. Now she gets to visit Dan in lots of great places.

Dan and Becca have been to a combined 5 continents and 43 countries.

Tell us about Half Half Travel. What was the initial goal and how has it evolved since its inception?

Half Half Travel has evolved from 1 follower to more than 11k and growing, in less than 6 months. Our initial goal was a project to stay in touch and show our adventures away from each other.

We wanted to share our story through photos on Instagram, and the project has evolved to a following that is giving strength to LD couples and travelers all over the world.

Vaca en una finca (Colombia) + Zebra on a safari (South Africa) #hafhalftravel . . . . . . . #travel #travelgram #traveller #traveler #travelling #traveling #travelcouple #ldr #longdistance #backpacker #backpacking #world #worldtravel #travelpics #travelphoto #travelphotography #instatravel #travel #explore #adventure #wanderlust #trip #wander #wanderlust #colombia #southafrica #safari #farm #zebra #animal #animals

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Jan 26, 2017 at 1:07pm PST

Can you give a little insight into the process of bringing the two photos together? Which ones are your favorites?

Some of the photos are planned; for example, Dan and I will both plan to take a photo of money, or our hand, or our feet. For others, we have sifted through our best shots on our trips over the past nearly-18 months since we met, and put them together when they work.

Our favorites are the ones of us together and with our backs; also the hand - even the wrinkles line up.

What have been some of the creative challenges of bringing Half Half Travel to life?

Some of the challenges of bringing Half Half Travel to life have been developing ideas for photos that are original and aesthetically interesting at the same time; the second challenge is blending the photos together so that they flow. We want people to have to ‘look twice’ in order to get the full effect and also appreciate the two halves on their own, as photos with stories.

NYC+London #halfhalftravel . . . #travelingcouples #travellers #travelgram #coupletravel #travel #instatravel #travelgram #passportready #travelblogger #wanderlust #instatravelling #goexplore #igtravel #travelblog #travelpics #wanderlust #travelphoto #beauty #worldcaptures #nomad #explore #remote #digitalnomad #nomadlife #london #nyc #longdistancerelationship #longdistance

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Oct 26, 2016 at 1:12am PDT

When was the last time you were in the same city?

Living - NYC, May 16, 2016

Traveling - Medellín, Colombia, February 12, 2017

Any lessons learned or skills developed on your respective journeys that you’re excited to bring back to the relationship when you reunite?

A few qualities we have both been able to work on individually while apart have been independence, communicating, patience and trust, bringing out our adventurous sides and lastly…. We have become very good at taking halvess of photos.

👓 Lima, Peru + Brooklyn, NY #halfhalftravel . . . . . . . We would also like to thank @warbyparker for this look! . #travel #travelgram #travelblogger #travelcouple #ldr #longdistance #backpacker #backpacking #world #worldtravel #goals #instatravel #explore #neverstopexploring #adventure #trip #wander #wanderlust #couple #digitalnomad #beautifuldestinations #passionpassport #travellife #igtravel #glasses #bae #bklyn #peru #beach

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Apr 3, 2017 at 5:26am PDT

What advice can you offer to long distance couples? Any tips to help bridge the physical gap, besides stealing Half Half Travel?

The key to making a long distance relationship work is understanding and communication. Equally important are planning visits/trips and looking forward to having new adventures together, counting the days til you next see the other person, knowing that you're both thinking about each other and of course, sending postcards and surprises in the mail!

What do you do when Not Working, besides globetrotting?

Dan, in his free time, runs marathons, plays drums, codes websites and hosts photography meetups all over the world.

Becca runs a bar crawl for backpackers visiting New York, does photography for fashion blogs and engagements, enjoys biking outside, learning tons of languages (including emoji) and yoga.

New York, NY + Prague, Czech Republic #halfhalftravel . . . . . . . . . . #wanderlust #backpacker #backpacking #nomad #remote #ldr #travelgram #travel #traveling #instagram #instatravel #prague #czech #europe #newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #ny #nyc #nypd #car #half #explore #adventure #yellow #tiny #cars #longdistance #ldrcouple #hashtag

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Dec 6, 2016 at 6:15am PST

What’s next for you?

Dan and Becca love the momentum that Half Half Travel has attracted since October when they launched the account and their website.

Future plans include creating a photo book of the images for friends and family, or whomever from their fan base is interested in their photography. Dan and Becca are both freelance photographers (find their work at www.danielcgold.com and www.beccasiegel.com) and both want to continue to travel the world when Dan’s year is over, but together!

Anything else you’d like to add?

We don’t always post from the cities in which we are presently, but if you’d like to see where we are currently, please visit our Instagram profile! We love to meet up.

✋️: Iceland 🇮🇸 + New York 🇺🇸 #halfhalftravel . . . . . . . . . . #travel #travelgram #traveller #traveler #travelling #traveling #travelcouple #ldr #longdistance #backpacker #backpacking #world #worldtravel #nyc #travelphoto #travelphotography #instatravel #explore #adventure #trip #wander #wanderlust #couple #goals #blog #remoteyear #iceland #boyfriend #girlfriend

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Mar 10, 2017 at 6:51am PST

London+NYC Dan&Becca #halfhalftravel . . . #travelingcouples #travellers #travelwithus #coupletravel #travel #instatravel #travelgram #passportready #travelblogger #wanderlust #instatravelling #goexplore #igtravel #travelblog #travelpics #wanderlust #travelphoto #beauty #worldcaptures #nomad #explore #remote #digitalnomad #nomadlife #vsco #london #nyc #longdistancecouple #ldrcouple #longdistancerelationship

A post shared by becca & dan (@halfhalftravel) on Oct 25, 2016 at 11:32am PDT

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ANIMATOR JAMES CURRAN KEEPS DAILY GIF DIARY ON 30-DAY TOKYO TRIP

Working Not Working April 24, 2017

ANIMATOR JAMES CURRAN KEEPS DAILY GIF DIARY ON 30-DAY
TOKYO TRIP

WNW Member James Curran is spending the month of April in Tokyo. And what better way for him to share his experiences than by employing his creative chops with an animated diary. He's documenting his daily whimsy and wonderment in the form of a Tokyo Gifathon, and animated James Curran looks like he's having the time of his life. Taking in so much of what Tokyo has to offer within the first 3 weeks, from arcades to the Bonsai Museum to Yoyogi Rockabillies to cat cafés, we can only imagine what activities Curran has planned for the home stretch.

This isn't James's first foray into Gifathons. Here are his recaps of his time in Los Angeles and his time in New York.

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Day 2 - Eating flying sushi.

Day 3 - Street fighting in arcades forever.

Day 4 - Crossing Shibuya Crossing.

Day 5 - Running through cherry blossoms.

Day 6 - Ramen noodle refills.

Day 7 - Always losing to claw machines.

Day 12 - My first Tokyo earthquake.

Day 13 - Bonsai museum.

Day 14 - Cat café.

Day 15 - Sake tasting.

Day 16 - Yoyogi Rockabillies.

Day 21 - Origami.

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WNW MEMBER DIANE LINDQUIST GUIDES GURL MUSEUM DAYS

Working Not Working April 17, 2017

WNW MEMBER DIANE LINDQUIST GUIDES GURL MUSEUM DAYS

As the temperature and humidity rise in the coming months, you'll be desperately searching for air-conditioned escapes with cool marble flooring. You should be thinking museums. And if you're a "gurl" in LA, you can hit up the best museums and galleries with your own "gurl" gang. WNW Member Diane Lindquist is the founder of Gurl Museum Day, which includes both organized field trips to the latest exhibitions and installations, and a branded magazine that celebrates female artists, their journeys, and girl-focused exhibits.

In our interview below, Diane offers generous insights and openness into her creative background, in part shaped by the loss of vision in her right eye at a young age due to retinoblastoma. "In the years after surgery and treatment, I had many tests to make sure the cancer had not returned. The tests would be made up of shapes, color palettes, and other cognitive exercises. It was during this time that I began to develop my creative background."

She also shares the impetus behind GMD and its growing headcount. "My gurl friends would tease me about the galleries and museums I would visit. So I invited them to go with me. The next museum we went to they invited their friends and, soon enough, I asked everyone to document their experience on Instagram using the hashtag #gurlmuseumday. After a few more museums, other girls began to ask for information about how to be included. During one night of spontaneity–and lack of sleep–I developed the branding and website and GMD was born. I later discovered that only 5% of female artists had their work shown in reputable galleries and museums. That set in motion a series of events that deepened my mission to increase those numbers."

If you're in Los Angeles, you can learn more about GMD here and below. And New York, stay tuned for when GMD officially becomes bicoastal.

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Diane Lindquist and how did she get here?

The story of Diane Lindquist starts in the city of stars, Los Angeles, a city where there are many shiny bright lights, but for me those lights were a bit blurry at first. At a young age, I started to lose vision in my right eye. It started out very minor and it quickly worsened. I can remember feeling so confused by what I was seeing that I would bump straight into walls. It turned out I had retinoblastoma (a form of cancer) in my right eye. My parents were immigrants, working-class, and this was something beyond their understanding and reach. If it wasn't for my mother's love and determination I might not be here to tell this story. With her help, I fought and survived cancer, but it took my right eye. I spent countless nights in the hospital, making friends with other kids with cancer (many of whom lost their battle) and developing a sixth sense — what I call my "killer fine eye.”

In the years after surgery and treatment, I had many tests to make sure the cancer had not returned. The tests would be made up of shapes, color palettes, and other cognitive exercises. It was during this time that I began to develop my creative background. I had to wear eye patches, which weren't a friendly look for other children. I would dwell in the sounds, colors, and type around me because I lacked the vision I felt I needed and missed. I tried so hard to capture as much in my memory. Over the years, I always felt a creative spark within me. Coming from a humble background, I still felt a need to be practical.

At the age of 16, I started working. I had excelled in strategy and liberal arts in high school, so it was natural to pursue them in college. I put myself through higher education by working nights and I also set up a backup plan. While design is my passion, I decided to hedge by earning a BS in Marketing and a minor in Graphic Design. The world needs designers, but I felt like marketing was a skill I could always support myself with. Afterward, I worked my way from a junior to senior designer. I taught myself web design, later UX/UI design (with some established education) and so on. While I have come a long way, I will always be learning. I think one has to be constantly learning to be successful.

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

It took me a while to figure this out. My creative style is a combination of clean, stand-out designs with a fresh, bold, modern, and minimal aesthetic. I use lively colors, a synthesis of my Mexican-American heritage and love of Swedish minimal design. My creative style is completely different for projects I work on. I really try to keep a piece of my style within each project while I create designs that are based on what the client's or users needs are.

What was the impetus behind GURL Museum Day? What’s the project all about?

GURL Museum Day (GMD) stems from my childhood. I didn't have many opportunities for recreation, but at school, we had field trips. The first museum I visited with my teachers was The Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles. I was about eight years old. For those who have never been, it's very impactful. I felt shocked and learned so much during my visit. The exhibition was fully interactive (with videos and other interactive installations). It evoked so much emotion in me. The empathy I felt struck those feelings I had from children teasing me for wearing an eye patch or even the rejection of my father's approval (since I was not 'normal' to him). I remember tearing up, touched deeply by their struggle. It also opened in me the desire to learn more about others through the conduit of the museum experience. Thus my love for museums and galleries carried me through my teenage years. When I could, I would use holidays to visit them. I learned about creating and exhibiting work. Some prints I made were shown at an LA River Gallery and, to my surprise, they were featured in The LA Times. I sold out half of my digital prints, which was a new thing for me. This also led me to volunteer in the expansion of the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, where I was seeing art reshape the inner city. My gurl friends would tease me about the galleries and museums I would visit. So I invited them to go with me. The next museum we went to, they invited their friends and, soon enough, I asked everyone to document their experience on Instagram using the hashtag #gurlmuseumday. After a few more museums, other girls began to ask for information about how to be included. During one night of spontaneity–and lack of sleep–I developed the branding and website and GMD was born. I later discovered that only 5% of female artists had their work shown in reputable galleries and museums. That set in motion a series of events that deepened my mission to increase those numbers.

Can you give our readers and potential GMD attendees an idea of what a Gurl Museum Day looks like?

We have GMD Tours monthly, currently in Los Angeles (coming soon to New York). The day begins with meeting at a selected spot (usually in front of the museum). Gurls start arriving and we allocate thirty minutes of meet 'n greet. There we make a collective circle and I introduce myself, welcome them to GMD, and pass out name tags for gurls to write down their Instagram handle (towards the end I like to collect them in a printed promo piece to make sure I tag the girls in the photos I take). Then I ask two to three questions: (1) What are you passionate about? (2) Your most recent obsession or (3) Your favorite artist or type of art? This really gets all the gurls to open up and loosen up. Then we enter the gallery or museum. Sometimes we have a docent, sometimes we do a self-guided tour. It's fun to see all the gurls talk to each other and bond over art. The last thirty minutes we usually say where we are going next, say our goodbyes, and hit up the gift store (of course)!

Of the museums and galleries you and your gurls have visited thus far, which ones do you recommend most highly? Which exhibits sparked the best discussions afterward?

The Broad is the brand spankin’ new museum of Los Angeles. It’s been all the rage and it doesn’t disappoint. My favorite gallery in LA is Ace Gallery. Most people don’t know about it but it’s amazing space. The beginning of the year we went to the Annenberg Space for Photography’s Skylight Studio for #GIRLGAZE. That generated a lot of conversation and interest because it was a range of photography in the perspective of females views. We talked about how powerful and important it was to feel represented within each photograph.

Was a magazine always an integral part of this project or did it come about later on?

It’s wasn’t at first. However, after sharing this with so many girls, it clearly became the most needed part and I was happy to find collaborators that wanted to assist in the development. I partnered with Erin Remington. She’s an art curator and blogger at AFINEREYE. She helps with the interviews and the rest of the development of GMD. The magazine is strictly focused on sharing stories of gurl artists. Supporting their journeys or reviewing exhibitions that are related to girls.

In what ways has this creative undertaking surprised you and challenged you?

I had done other projects, but they were planned out and systematic. This developed organically and every step has been a discovery both creatively and strategically.

Will you be planning a good number of air-conditioned museum trips this summer to escape the L.A. heat?

Oh yes! Summer in LA is the best. Everyone wants to go out and it’s the best time to visit galleries and museums. We have a whole year planned out. We are heading to visit Hauser Wirth & Schimmel, MOCA, MOLAA, Blum & Poe, & CAAM, to name a few. We are also planning to expand to New York by the beginning of summer.

Who/what are your biggest creative influences?

As far as designer legends and greats, I admire and respect: Susan Kare, Aaron Draplin, WNW Member John Maeda, Paul Rand, Saul Bass, Jessica Walsh and Stefan Sagmeister. There are also many designers out there that are equally amazing and talented like Mig Reyes, Janet Longhurst, and Tobias van Schneider. I also find inspiration other ways from companies, products or agencies like HUGE and am heavily into art and culture. I have a whole list of female artists. At the top is Barbara Kunger, Maria Lassing and so on.

What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

I have another project called Compassionate Landspace. This is a collection of visuals—posters and social cards—created and donated by designers that encourage empathy in the name of fairness, equality, and progress. Our goal, as a collaborative effort, is to allow a different type of visual messaging in our current landscape with compassionate visuals to be used by marginalized communities, organizations, protestors and the general public who aim to share the same message. I am working on another collaboration project and just hoping to expand GMD in different exciting avenues.

What do you do when Not Working?

Galleries and Museums… no really! I still go to so many opening receptions (aside from the ones we do with GMD). I am highly addicted to coffee, but as I like to say, “Coffee is addicted to me!" I enjoy visiting and collecting coffee shop experiences. I am also a mentor and love those relationships dearly. We can only shape our industry if we share our knowledge.

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire and why?

Lately, I admire gurls who are in a cross-disciplinary sector between a designer and artist such as Tuesday Bassen and Gabriella Sanchez.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks for sharing my story!

Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us!

THE HOW TO MOVE TO NYC E-BOOK FROM TOBIAS VAN SCHNEIDER

Working Not Working March 30, 2017

THE "HOW TO MOVE TO NYC" E-BOOK FROM TOBIAS VAN SCHNEIDER

WNW Member Tobias van Schneider is a German award-winning Designer currently living in New York City. We highly recommend spending some time to learn from Tobias's work for the likes of Red Bull, BMW, Google, and Sony. He's also made his mark as the former Lead Product Designer and Art Director at Spotify, and the founder of Semplice, a fully responsive portfolio system based on WordPress and built for designers. Also, just take a look at that legendary beard, which clearly suggests great wisdom.

And now, you can not only learn from his creations but also from his journeys. If you're a creative looking to make the move to NYC, make sure to check out Tobias's "How To Move To NYC" e-book.

As Tobias explains, "I moved to New York seven years ago. The process was painful and difficult. I learned most things the hard way: finding a job, getting a visa, calculating my cost of living, choosing an apartment. That's why I wrote this e-book, to tell you how I did it. No bullshit, no stress." Buy your copy here.

"You can find some information on the internet but it's either scattered, outdated, or written in complicated and confusing language. This e-book puts it all in one place in simple, no-nonsense terms. All lessons are based on personal experience or collected from NYC friends and legal experts. Each chapter is designed to be one step in your journey. You'll receive a 110-page PDF you can print or read on your computer, your iPad, smartphone or Kindle. Easy."

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Pitchfork Enlists 12 Artists to Render Radiohead’s OK Computer

Working Not Working March 24, 2017

Pitchfork Enlists 12 Artists to Render Radiohead’s OK Computer

MIKE O'DONNELL / EDITOR

Radiohead's masterful third album OK Computer is now pretty old, and so are you. But that's okay. Because Pitchfork has set out a fresh path down memory lane, guaranteed to make you fitter and happier. They've enlisted 12 visual artists to visualize the 12 songs from the band's beloved release, which just turned 20. We personally recommend listening to each track while staring at the respective artist's contribution for the duration, or until your eyes start to water. Pitchfork has dedicated a whole week of their site to OK Computer so if the electrifying work from these designers and artists sparks a fire, as it should, head over that way and nerd away.

"Airbag" - Mario Hugo

"Paranoid Android" - WNW Member Erik Carter

"Subterranean Homesick Alien" - WNW Member Sally Thurer

“Exit Music (for a Film)” - Lala Abaddon

“Let Down” - Doug John Miller

“Karma Police” - Maren Karlson

“Fitter Happier” - Max Guther

“Electioneering” - WNW Member Camilo Medina

“Climbing Up the Walls” - Jesse Draxler

“No Surprises” - Sonnenzimmer

“Lucky” - Geriko

“The Tourist” - WNW Member Anny Wang & Söderström

Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us!

Hi Stranger, This Short Will Leave You Creeped Out Yet Comforted

Working Not Working March 21, 2017

"Hi Stranger. It's been awhile..." And just like that, we're finally reunited with a noseless, clothesless and waxy individual we never realized we were missing

DEAR EUROPE, A MESSAGE FROM 23 US & UK-BASED ARTISTS

Working Not Working March 9, 2017

DEAR EUROPE, A MESSAGE FROM 23 US & UK-BASED ARTISTS

Dear Europe is a collaborative video project about the upcoming European elections and how lessons gleaned from Brexit and Trump might relate. The piece was made by artists (many of them WNW Members) who call the US and the UK home. To better reach their audience, the video is translated into Dutch, French, and German. The goal? To impress upon their friends in Europe that the future is written by those who vote.

WNW Member Erica Gorochow, the project's creator and director, had this to say: “My hope is the video will remind people how connected we are. Clicking retweet or share won’t save the world. But as people who work in art and communication, we can urge caution, encourage dialogue and promote engagement. When Brexit happened, I wondered aloud how much a canary that vote was for our own election. In retrospect, I wish we could have heeded that event as more of a warning. If anything, I hope people in the US and around the world pay attention to global politics and consider a zoomed out perspective. What happened last year in the US and the UK is a part of a broader mood. When I started reaching out to designers about participating in this video, I was pleasantly taken with how many of my peers also felt the need to do or say something. The collaborative nature of this project only underscores our collective message.”

Watch the piece above, and see all of the individual contributions and a few artist statements below. And if you are based in Europe, especially the Netherlands, Germany, and France, with an election in the coming months, get the word out and VOTE!

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WNW Member Marie-Margaux Tsakiri-Scanatovits

WNW Members Brian Gossett & Louis Wesolowsky — WNW Members Brian Gossett & Louis Wesolowsky

WNW Members Damien Correll & Adam Grabowski — WNW Members Damien Correll & Adam Grabowski

“In the UK, the referendum was intended to settle the debate on Europe but it only seems to have made it more caustic, and the ‘winning’ side seem angriest of all… Following both Brexit and the US election, I was overwhelmed by a sense of the relative triviality of my work, my interests, and my everyday concerns. So when asked to contribute to Dear Europe, I saw it as an opportunity to use whatever skills I have to engage positively with issues that can often seem insurmountably large and complex. An appeal to reason isn’t in itself a solution, but it has to be a decent place to start.”
— Robin Davey

“From my apartment I can see the statue of liberty. The morning after the election, I watched the girls of my neighborhood walk to school in their hijabs and sobbed… I’m from Texas. Most conservatives I know were appalled by Trump’s rhetoric during the primaries. After the election, many of them defended their vote by saying they didn’t have a choice. They had a choice. America lost because we failed to have a dialogue with the conservatives and moderates that weren’t at his rallies.”
— Terra Henderson

“As creative professionals, we can no longer accept the status quo of leaving our social consciousness at home when go to work each day. We can no longer rely on the right-wing government to protect our interests, our health, or our planet. The stakes couldn’t be higher and we must take a stand. Our hands have been trained for years at crafting concise and powerful visual communication and yet the tragedy is that when we go to work each day we are asked to use them in service of corporate overlords who continue to push the stability of our earth off a cliff so that they may improve their quarterly earnings. Our act of resistance is to re-appropriate these skills in crafting a message of warning to our European brothers and sisters from our place of hindsight; warning them to avoid the hell we’ve found ourselves in at all costs.”
— Ege Soyuer

“When the EU referendum happened, I was stupidly not worried, to be honest. Inside my little bubble and facebook echo-chamber, I didn’t know a single person that would vote to leave… [I thought] ‘If it happens, it’s gonna be their problem’. Wrong. Turns out it’s everyone’s problem… Whenever you meet someone new in London, one of the first topics is ‘Where are you from?’ And I love that. It’s a crazy mix of people from all over the place… It breaks my heart that this might be destroyed, and I fear for a future where people are constantly reminding each other that they don’t belong somewhere.”
— Bee Grandinetti

“I really hope Europeans actually go vote, not just protest a result they didn’t vote for. ”
— Yukai Du

Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us!

Brock Kirby Writes The Atlantic’s First Campaign in a Decade

Working Not Working March 6, 2017

Brock Kirby Writes The Atlantic’s First Campaign in a Decade

MIKE O'DONNELL / EDITOR

The only thing better than a Michael K. Williams performance is four Michael K. Williams performances. That is what's on display in "Question Your Answers," The Atlantic's first campaign in over a decade. Williams looks toward the camera and asks, "You think I'm being typecast?" It's not for the viewer to answer, but instead for the multiple personas that Williams has played over the years. The following exchange definitely earns the campaign's slogan, as he navigates and breaks down his truths. While Williams does an incredible job of juggling four distinct versions of himself, much of the credit also goes to WNW Member and lead writer Brock Kirby. Below, Brock tells us how he wound up working on this dream job with Wieden+Kennedy. "A great agency with great CDs calls and says, 'We have one of your favorite actors paired up with an awesome brand. Want to write a script with no time constraints?' Uh, yeah, I can do that."

Brock also gives us some insight into the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with tackling this script: "I’m not an actor. I’m not Black. I’ve never been typecast in the same sense that he’s been typecast. The challenge for me was to figure out how I could draw parallels in my own life, and empathize with him. Ultimately, his worldview, his quest to seek the truth and be comfortable with not finding concrete answers, was what I connected with."

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Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Brock Kirby and how did he get here?

I was a journalism major at the University of Oregon. I wanted to write for Men’s Health. I had a lot more meat in my head at that point. Deborah Morrison (Distinguished Professor of advertising at the U of O) convinced me that advertising might be better fit. Maybe she was right? Or maybe I missed my calling writing articles about shredded abs? We’ll never know.

How would you describe your writing style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

I find dogma of any kind to be ridiculous. I also know, for sure, that you have to believe in something or you slip into deep depression. Everything is paradox. With every project I attack the “truth” in a brief, satirizing it and outright refuting it in hopes of finding something I can believe in. Thankfully, for everyone, I got to skip that entire process with this project. I’ve never received a brief/platform that so clearly reflected my own view of the world.

**How did “Question Your Answers,” the newest campaign for The Atlantic, come about? What was the brief you were given?**

This project had been at WK NYC for awhile before I got a call. The CDs, Jaclyn Crowley and Al Merry, had already cracked the big idea with the main client, Sam Rosen. The idea was to have notable personalities debate hard questions amongst their many selves. Al took a CD job at WK Amsterdam while they were reaching out to talent. So I got the call after they found out they had secured Michael K. Williams. All they needed was the question MKW would ask himself, a script, and some tagline exploration. It’s like a dream call really. A great agency with great CDs calls and says, “We have one of your favorite actors paired up with an awesome brand. Want to write a script with no time constraints?” Uh, yeah, I can do that.

**Was there any added pressure, knowing that this was The Atlantic’s first brand campaign in over a decade?**

Not for me. I try not to think about stuff like that. Besides, there are so many other people capable of shouldering that anxiety. If the broader team was feeling pressure, it was tough to tell. The creative environment was delightful from client to CDs to ECDS. Even Samantha Wagner, the account lead on the project, showed no hint of stress. And Alison Hill, the producer tasked with pulling off some magic, didn’t break a sweat.

**Which typecast role did you first encounter Michael K. Williams in? Omar Little from The Wire? Chalky White from Boardwalk Empire?**

Omar. And he was absolutely phenomenal. I think he’s such a transcendent talent he’s able to take any role and add a level of depth that steers it away from a paint-by-numbers stereotype. He also chooses roles that are incredibly well-written.

“The challenge for me was to figure out how I could draw parallels in my own life, and empathize with him. Ultimately, his worldview, his quest to seek the truth and be comfortable with not finding concrete answers, was what I connected with.”

Can you share any creative challenges or breakthroughs you encountered while writing this script?

I’m not an actor. I’m not Black. I’ve never been typecast in the same sense that he’s been typecast. The challenge for me was to figure out how I could draw parallels in my own life, and empathize with him. Ultimately, his worldview, his quest to seek the truth and be comfortable with not finding concrete answers, was what I connected with.

What did you think of Michael K. Williams’s performance, and the manner in which he juggled these four distinctive personas?

He is an absolute master of his craft. I’ve never seen anything like it. Jaclyn and I gave some write-ups for each persona. But Michael took that framework and worked with David Shane to name each character, and really differentiate the parts of himself. He didn’t come in with the mindset that this was some “ad.” It felt like he gave it the same amount of dedication that he gives to all of his work. We were all blown away watching him do his thing on set.

Did Michael K. Williams have any particular feedback or suggestions to incorporate his personal concerns about typecasting that you wouldn’t otherwise know about?

His enthusiasm for the script gave us confidence. There wasn’t a lot of back and forth on it. But he contributed greatly when it came to really distinguishing the characters from one another. From the wardrobe selection, to his delivery, to the smoothie he’s drinking, he added a lot of beautiful nuance to each version of himself.

“He didn’t come in with the mindset that this was some “ad.” It felt like he gave it the same amount of dedication that he gives to all of his work. We were all blown away watching him do his thing on set.”

How much of this was written in your newly built backyard writing shed?

All of it. Besides the usual sparks of genius from David and Michael and Jaclyn on set.

What are a couple lessons you learned working on this that you can share with fellow writers?

I think the crew that I got to work with on this was special. It just reaffirms that in order to make something you love, you need extraordinary agency leadership (Karl Lieberman and Neal Arthur) and extraordinary clients.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Go Ducks.

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NOT GETTING ENOUGH CREDIT? SPRAY YOURSELF WITH VALIDATION

Working Not Working March 6, 2017

NOT GETTING ENOUGH CREDIT? SPRAY YOURSELF WITH VALIDATION

WNW Member Johnross Post and Hassan S. Ali are two creatives who know the smell of rejection, forever wafting through the advertising industry. They've also always wanted to create a campaign for a fragrance brand because they're often bizarre and off-the-wall. Instead of waiting for one to come around, the duo created an actual fragrance called "Validation." It's specifically for people in the advertising, creative, and startup industries. "Because if we can't get validation at our jobs, we might as well create a fragrance called Validation and spray some on ourselves, right?!" While there are heavy hints of humor and a profile of satire with the entire "Validation" campaign, it's a real fragrance that sounds like it smells pretty great. So why wait on hand and foot to earn validation, when you can just buy some right here?

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The Ingredients of Validation

Orange brightens the mood. Perfect for when you've been overlooked for that promotion at work.

Hints of rose provide balance and harmony to weekends spent coming up with ideas that will only get shot down by the client.

Notes of grapefruit provide a fruity mood booster. Ideal for days when no one buys the app or product you spent months making.

Bergamot's refreshing citrusy scent lifts the attitude of anyone feeling less than validated. The aromatic equivalent of 1000 Instagram likes.

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WNW MEMBER ANDREW JANIK SERVES UP A GRAPHIC HISTORY OF SPORT

Working Not Working February 28, 2017

WNW MEMBER ANDREW JANIK SERVES UP "A GRAPHIC
HISTORY OF SPORT"

WNW Member Andrew Janik has combined his two favorite things, sports and illustration, with his new book A Graphic History of Sport, which serves up illustrative renderings from the world of athletic competition. It hits shelves today. Below, we talk to Andrew who tells us how the project got started: "I started the [Instagram] feed @lessonsinsport. An Art Director I had worked with showed it to a friend of his, Jay Sacher, who would become my Editor at Penguin Random House. Jay’s first email basically said, 'Hey, you want to make a book?' A little over two years later, here we are."

We also talk to Andrew about his favorite sports stories and what the biggest creative challenge was of bringing this project to life: "I wrote the text for the book as well, and I think the last thing I had seriously written was a term paper in college, so dusting off those skills was definitely a challenge."

Head to Amazon and order a copy of Andrew's book now.

Follow Andrew on WNW

Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Andrew and how did he get here?

Hey WNW. I’m originally from the great state of Michigan and moved to New York a few months after graduating from school. It was supposed to only be for a 3-month internship, but one thing led to another. I’ve been living here over 10 years. Over that time I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of really talented people on all sorts of different projects, but I’ve been honing in on illustration over the past few years.

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

It definitely depends on the project, but I like to bring a simplistic, colorful feel to most things I do. One of my favorite quotes is from Milton Glaser who said, “Just enough is more.”

**You have a book coming out called The Graphic History of Sport. When did you come up with the idea, and how did it evolve over time?**

I had been wanting to combine the two things I like most in life: sports and illustration. I had been kicking around some ideas about the best way to do it and started posting the illustrations on Tumblr. After people started responding to them, I felt I could reach more via Instagram, so I started the feed @lessonsinsport. An Art Director I had worked with showed it to a friend of his, Jay Sacher, who would become my Editor at Penguin Random House. Jay’s first email basically said, “Hey, you want to make a book?” A little over two years later, here we are.

Can you share some of the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with this undertaking?

I wrote the text for the book as well, and I think the last thing I had seriously written was a term paper in college, so dusting off those skills was definitely a challenge. It was also interesting being the client for once, as the in-house team at Penguin Random House did the layout design (Shout out to Ian and Danielle. Sorry for all my emails.)

Which of the featured tales of sports history is your favorite of the collection?

I learned a lot researching and writing about a lot of these folks, but the one that stuck out to me most was Maurice “Rocket” Richard, the famous Montreal Canadian. He was a hero and a pioneer to many French Canadians and so beloved that there was a riot when he was suspended for a game one year. He personally went on the radio to calm everyone down, and it worked. That’s pretty rad.

Which of your accompanying illustrations are you proudest of and why?

There is something about the boxing pieces that I really enjoy. Boxing has such a weird, awesome, craziness to it, which added to the enjoyment of researching and creating them. I like how boxers can essentially pick their own uniforms, and say to the world, “This is who I am."

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

That’s always tough. I’m going to say the 1960s and New York City.

What do you do when Not Working? Are you an athlete or an avid fan of any teams?

I still play on a basketball team (BASE TAN boyz for life) and also grew up golfing, which I still try to do as much as I can though it’s not the easiest while living in the city.

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire and why?

Matthew Hollister - Matthew does a lot of sports-related work too. He has a great style and I love his portraits.

Wade + Leta - So colorful and wonderfully weird. I hope if there’s any sort of afterlife, they’re the creative directors... Wade and I also play basketball together. He got game.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The book is out February 28th! Thanks for the chat!

"2016," A BOOK AND YEAR OF POSTERS BY BRÁULIO AMADO

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Olimpia Zagnoli Demonstrates How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady

Photographs and Instructions from Time Life

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Getting Too Much Done? Spend Hours Coloring in this Music Video

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IN CASE YOU'RE OUT OF PRACTICE, THIS IS VIRTUE-PRODUCED YOGA

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WNW MEMBER ADI GOODRICHART DIRECTS NEW FLEET FOXESMUSIC VIDEO

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DESIGNER GRACE DUONG HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER MYSTIC

Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Grace Duong and how did she get here?

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

Your latest project is called Mystic Mondays. What’s it all about?

When did you first become interested in tarot?

Why was it important to you that the traditional tarot gets an upgrade? Did you feel certain pressures to balance your own creative voice and the time-tested traditions of tarot?

Can you share some of the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with this undertaking?

What would you say to tarot skeptics that may help them see the benefits of giving it a try?

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

What do you do when Not Working?

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire and why?

Anything else you’d like to add?

Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us!

LUIS MENDO ILLUSTRATES A TOKYO RARELY SEEN BY VISITORS

Tell us a little bit about your creative background. Who is Luis and how did he get here?

How would you describe your creative style? Do you recognize a signature style that links all of your projects, or do you try to excuse yourself and approach each project as its own entity?

You recently created a series of 7 animations of Tokyo interiors for Electric Objects. What were you hoping to capture with this project?

Can you share some of the creative challenges and breakthroughs that came with the undertaking?

Do you see the interior world of Tokyo as an escape from the city’s bustle, or just a natural display of a Japanese way of living?

What’s the creative scene like in Tokyo? How does it differ from that of Amsterdam?

In what ways has living in Tokyo surprised you?

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

What advice can you offer to creatives for drawing inspiration from their immediate surroundings?

What’s next for you? What are you working on now?

What do you do when Not Working?

Who are some WNW Members whose work you admire?

Anything else you’d like to add?

Are you a WNW Member with new work, exhibits, products, or news to share? Email us!

The Infinity League: GIFs That Never End for Legacies That Never Die

Tell us a little bit about your creative backgrounds. Who are Dan Koo and Matt Garcia and how did they get here?

What was it about the other’s creative style that lead you to partner up with them?

You recently launched a project called Infinity League. What’s it all about?

What have been some of the challenges and breakthroughs of bringing the project to life?

What’s next for the Infinity League?

What are the guidelines for getting drafted into the Infinity League? Unrivaled stats? Unbelievable stories?

Who do you want to see win the NBA Finals? And who do you think will win the NBA Finals?

Who and what are your biggest creative influences?

What would be your dream project in the creative world of sports?

Who are some other WNW Members whose work you admire, and why?

Anything else you’d like to add?

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THIS COUPLE'S TRAVEL PHOTOS MEET IN THE MIDDLE WHENTHEY CAN'T

Tell us a little bit about your backgrounds. Who are Becca & Dan and how did they get here (or wherever you currently are)?

What was the impetus behind your respective adventures?

Tell us about Half Half Travel. What was the initial goal and how has it evolved since its inception?

Can you give a little insight into the process of bringing the two photos together? Which ones are your favorites?

What have been some of the creative challenges of bringing Half Half Travel to life?

When was the last time you were in the same city?

Any lessons learned or skills developed on your respective journeys that you’re excited to bring back to the relationship when you reunite?

What advice can you offer to long distance couples? Any tips to help bridge the physical gap, besides stealing Half Half Travel?

What do you do when Not Working, besides globetrotting?

What’s next for you?

Anything else you’d like to add?

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ANIMATOR JAMES CURRAN KEEPS DAILY GIF DIARY ON 30-DAYTOKYO TRIP

Day 2 - Eating flying sushi.

Day 3 - Street fighting in arcades forever.

Day 4 - Crossing Shibuya Crossing.

Day 5 - Running through cherry blossoms.

Day 6 - Ramen noodle refills.

Day 7 - Always losing to claw machines.

Day 12 - My first Tokyo earthquake.

Day 13 - Bonsai museum.

Day 14 - Cat café.

Day 15 - Sake tasting.

Day 16 - Yoyogi Rockabillies.

Day 21 - Origami.

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WNW MEMBER DIANE LINDQUIST GUIDES GURL MUSEUM DAYS

WNW MEMBER ADI GOODRICH
ART DIRECTS NEW FLEET FOXES
MUSIC VIDEO

THIS COUPLE'S TRAVEL PHOTOS MEET IN THE MIDDLE WHEN
THEY CAN'T

ANIMATOR JAMES CURRAN KEEPS DAILY GIF DIARY ON 30-DAY
TOKYO TRIP

**How did “Question Your Answers,” the newest campaign for The Atlantic, come about? What was the brief you were given?**

**Was there any added pressure, knowing that this was The Atlantic’s first brand campaign in over a decade?**

**Which typecast role did you first encounter Michael K. Williams in? Omar Little from The Wire? Chalky White from Boardwalk Empire?**