Shopping on Main St.
You must be living under a rug (or new to the city, in which case welcome!) if you don’t know about shopping on Main Street in the Mt. Pleasant area ‘cos it’s AWESOME!!! The streets are lined with independent shops and boutiques with unique offerings including (and not limited to) antique, graphic novels, print and paper goods, and of course many, many cute clothing and shoe stores! Oh! And don’t forget the abundance of coffee shops and restaurants! I won’t lie but confess that I just L-O-V-E shopping on Main!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means what you’d classified as a shopaholic. In fact, I’m quite the opposite: I hardly buy anything nowadays. But one of my soft spots (and I’ve way too many!) is stationery. I just love paper stuff…I must have at least five unused Moleskin notebooks in reserve. When I stumbled into The Hach on 17th Ave (just slightly off Main, opposite to a Shopper’s Drugs Mart), I tried really, really hard to resist buying all the adorable yet affordable stationery! They’ve little sticky notes, keyboard note pads that double as a wrist-rester, notebooks in different sizes, patterns and colours…Most of their stock are imported from Korea. They are just irresistibly cute! At last, I lost the battle in my mind and became the happy owner of this very practical monthly agenda + notepad by Paperways.
Paperways Compat 2-in-1 agenda
Monthly agenda $7
Notepad with square pattern $6
Plastic cover $3 (free with purchase of 2 notepads)
TheHach.com
Another crazy/neat shop on Main Street is Urban Source Alternative Art Materials. At first glance the store looks a bit like a junk yard with bins of things like used CD, empty bottles, scrap pieces of leather, tile samples…Sky is the limit of what you can create with stuff found at Urban Source. The store also offers a great deal of paper products (such as those Chinese takeout boxes perfect for party favours). You’re offered the freedom to either buy what you want or buy in bulk in three different sizes of paper bags. Just fill a bag up with goodies, pay the set price and go! Even if you’re not planning to make anything, it’s still fun to go and see what they’ve got. Who knows? You might be inspired!
Material for a project in my head: Rug swatches $0.85, Assorted buttons $2, Carpet stopper $3 (IKEA)
http://www.urbansource.bc.ca
The third item I picked up on Main Street technically isn’t sold in one of the shops. However, its creator resides in that area so I say it counts. The last thing I collected on that day is a wonderful package of Issues 1 and 2 of space | time zine from my friend Mel. 🙂 There is an article containing text and illustrations by another lovely friend of ours Caileigh Speck! Mel is one of the main contributor of this independent zine. All zines are designed, published, printed, hand-bounded by local designers. Mel says it’s lots of a hard work and she might not continue because it requires too much time. I wish you’d never stop making wonderful things, Mel! Support Mel and her zine!
space | time zine issues 1 & 2
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Tags: Main Street, Shopping, space time zine, style, The Hach, Urban Source
Parsley, and the IKEA Brand
On an unusually sunny weekday afternoon, I visited my local IKEA to get some supplies to organize my office. I was hungry, so I stopped by the cafe. After scanning the menus with close-up photos of various Swedish gourmet, I settled on a $2.99 meatball combo that included ten meatballs, fries, a dab of Lingonberry relish and a small strand of parsley. As I sat by one of seats by the window, bathing in the winter sun, looking at the food in front of me and feeling content, I noticed this small strand of parsley. OK, the truth is, I was stuffing fries in my mouth. I was hungry!
IKEA meatball dish for $ 2.99
Well, anyway. I noticed the little strand of parsley and I started to think: what was the point of adding this piece of herb on the dish? Hardly anyone was going to eat it. Yes, I know parsley is not expensive. But do you know how many meatball dishes IKEA sell? The minute overhead added by this small piece of parsley could be HUGE! Obviously, the parsley is for garnish. But garnish for a $2.99 meal? Do you expect your $8.99 McD meal to come on a silver platter with a side of flower? I surely didn’t!
At this point, I realized and understood how successful IKEA is in implementing their brand by developing a cohesive, 360-degree user experience. It dawned on me that the meals at IKEA (besides at the bistro, which is meant to be quick and cheap) are served on proper flatware, eaten with proper cutlery, at proper, well-lite dining areas. I noticed for the first time today that plates and cutlery for kids were provided to the patrons. With the famous kids’ area, it is for sure that IKEA welcomes parents with small children. If the kids are happy, the parents are happy, right?
Spacious, well-lite dining area
Kids cutlery
This dining experience told me that, at IKEA, even a $2.99 dish of meatballs was a gourmet, satisfying, enjoyable meal. It brought me right to the core of IKEA’s vision: “To create a better everyday life for the many people.” After consuming my delicious lunch, I felt empowered to better my life by getting my room better organized (and I did!).
Did that strand of parsley cause me to spend more at IKEA? Did it convert me from a hater to lover? Probably not. But it was these tiny details and small touches that shapes my impression of IKEA, and causes me to shop here again and again. I want to give kudos to whoever decides and insists on making that little piece of garnish part of the “standard” 10-piece meatball combo. Too many people think such details don’t have any value so they’d eliminate them to cut cost. I sincerely wish more people would think like the management at IKEA and see the purpose in the little parsley.
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Tags: branding, IKEA, parsley
Inside the Nov 17 – 24, 2011 Georgia Straight, I found these 2 ads:
Ad #1
Ad #2
Both advertise for the coming Vancouver Opera Roméo et Juliette, both use the heart shape. Which one catches your attention? I say they’re both brilliant!
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Tags: advertisement, vancouver opera
Yaletown in British Columbia is a neighbourhood well-known for the young, hip and luxurious boutiques, specialty stores, businesses and apartment residence. And of course, the abundance of food places of all sorts: family-oriented restaurants, pubs & breweries, lounges, coffee places etc., and of many ethnic varieties: West coast, Thai, French, Italian…The food scene in Yaletown is as rich, diverse and authentic as the potpourri of cultures that make Vancouver unique.
Over at a hushed corner of Yaletown at Drake and Hamilton Street, drastic changes takes place unnoticed, like young shoots sprouting out of the Spring soil (in spite of the cold, rainy November Vancouver winter outside). If you look closer, you will find three people at the core of this unstoppable ball of energy that keeps the activities going at 1269 Hamilton Street — Chef Alex Mok and his wife Zoë, and their investor/friend Kinson Lai.
Alex previously served at the Quilchena Golf and Country Club, and has apprenticed with the former chef to the King of Belgium. Together with his wife Zoë, Alex has been cooking at his Vancouver apartment, serving patrons in an “underground supper club” — an exclusive, private, intimate dinner party of few with custom menus designed by Alex. Influenced greatly by French cuisine, Alex’s cooking focuses on the “holistic food experience”, a multi-dimensional food sensation. His innovative and user-centered menu creations have won the praises of many.
Yet, in the midst of their success as “underground supper club” hosts, Alex and Zoë have always yearned to bring their food offerings out of their apartment and into mainstream. The moment comes when an opportunity arises in the heart of Yaletown.
The Name: Caché
The name of the restaurant, Caché, means hidden or hide in French. It is appropriate in many ways: firstly, it reminisces the good old days of the underground supper club where exclusive private dinner parties were celebrated; secondly, it signifies the new era when the “hidden” is revealed and shared with the public; thirdly, it relates to the location of the restaurant, which is a quiet, seclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of Yaletown; lastly, it pays tribute to Chef Alex’s style of French cuisine cooking.
The Concept
Moodboard for Caché
In spite of the tight project timeline, we take time to research and explore. In this case, we focus on the name of the restaurant since it provides a very rich content for us to work on. At the end, it boils down to three options:
- Precious, protect, valuable, safekeeping. E.g., a pearl in an oyster.
- History and discovery. E.g., maps and compasses.
- A place for safekeeping. E.g., a safe or a jewelry case.
The graphic solution shall highlight:
- Casual & Approachable: There is no need to dress up. Just come for a good time.
- Sophisticated: To reflect Chef Alex’s detail-oriented cooking style
- French-influenced: It is Chef Alex’s signature style
Rough 1
Rough 1
After discussing with the client, we decide with Concept 1, which is interpreted as a locket with paper silhouette portrait cut-outs. The rationale is that in the old times, paper silhouette portrait cut-out of a persona’s dearest (often a lover) was kept in a golden locket and worn close to the heart, to remind them of the love they shared. Caché has its patrons close to its heart. It is the place where loved ones gather to create fond memories.
Although pleased with the concept, the client fears the imagery is too mature for its target audience, who are young, hip Yaletown locals. With this in mind, the logo evolves and becomes…
Caché Bistro & Lounge Logo
Final Logos
Thanks to Zoë’s suggestions, we “modernize” the boy and the girl and bring them into the 21st century. The oval shape doubles as a locket and a dish, depending on what’s inside. We keep it simple by using one colour, black, as the main theme colour. Other colours such as rich burgundy red and bronze-gold inspired by the interior decor of the restaurant are introduced in the brunch menu to bring warmth and vibrancy.
Identity applications
Caché Bistro and Lounge
1269 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: 604.558.1269
www.cachebistro.com
© All Rights Reserved. Gillian Lo. Caché Bristo & Lounge. 2011.
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Tags: Caché Bistro and Lounge, corporate identity
Block Pressed Christmas Card
Handwritten using Illustrator & stylus, transferred onto block and carved out the white's.
My hand, neck and back were so sore.
Then cut a large piece of press paper into 4x6" cards
Roll on ink, press paper, and viola! In black and with silver metalic ink.
Glory to God the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
Merry Christmas, everyone!
P.S. Bonus:
Rocky is ready for the holidays!
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Tags: block press, christmas card, DIY
How do you feel about Christmas? Every year when December rolls around, people seem to get into a crazy panic mode. They are already sun-deprived, cold-stroked, and marginally depressed when the pressing deadline of December 25 simply adds more salt to the already bleeding wound. “Oh! It’s not that bad! I love Christmas!” Yes, Christmas could also be a time for family and friends to get together, or office people to loosen up at the company-sponsored “winter celebration” parties. Whether you love or hate it, Christmas is a time of giving, celebrating and spending time with your loved ones.
Unfortunately, Christmas has become a season of spending, shopping and self-indulgence. We seem to care more about getting the items to be put under the tree or hosting an awesome party when our attention could have been given to the people we’re shopping for or inviting to the party. Did you get a bigger rush when you’ve stroke out the last name on your shopping list than actually knowing the gift-receivers really, honestly love (or use) your gifts? Did you get so focused on getting all the food and wine ready for the party that you spend most of the time in the kitchen rather than to mingle with your guests?
If you’ve said yes, you are not alone. We all suffer the “Christmas syndrome” in some ways. This year, why don’t we make a conscious effort to change?
The Advent Conspiracy “was started in 2006 by five pastors who decided to make Christmas a revolutionary event by encouraging their faith communities to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All.”
Regardless of your faith, this Christmas let’s spend less and give more. Does your niece really need another doll? Do you really need one more sweater? Could your gift not come in a plastic container or a box (e.g., DIY or bought at a craft fair made by a local artist)? Could your gift continue to give (e.g., give a plant that will keep flourishing, or give a goat, which will provide milk for a family in a third world country)?
Save another person from getting an unwanted gift. De-clutter. Spend less. Give more.
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Tags: advent conspiracy, christmas, give more, spend less
Summary of eat places:
- The Place Restaurant (Marpole) 8028 Granville St Vancouver BC V6P (604) 261-3948
- Amato Gelato (Vancouver & Richmond) 78 East 1st Ave, Vancouver BC (604) 879-9011
- Little Nest (Commercial Drive) 1716 charles st, off commercial drive (604) 251-9994
- New Town Bakery & Restaurant (Chinatown) 158 E Pender Street Vancouver BC (604) 681-1828
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Tags: little nest, new town bakery
Being new to graphic design, not only in trade but also in the business, at times I feel lost. And lonely. People in my network are mostly supportive of my career change venture; however, little of them are from the creative business side. In short, I feel that I got no one to talk to about the challenges, struggles and ups & downs of being a graphic designer.
Fortunately, there is no lack of generous folks out there in the graphic design world who willingly share their experiences. Some of their wisdom is transferred in form of books. Here are some examples I recently come across:
A few of the good books on Graphic Design
- How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer Debbie Millman: Don’t be fooled by the tame book title and dull cover design. This book is a precious gem containing personal interviews by Millman of designers including Milton Graser, Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, and Massimo Vignelli. Contrary to its title, it is by no means a “how-to” kinda self-help book. Rather, I find most of the interviews honest and humbling. (I say “most” because I haven’t read all of the interviews.) I was greatly aspired by the great graphic designers’ experiences, particularly by their passion and in some cases their mission in what they do. (The link points you to Google Book IT’S FREE!)
- How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul Adrian Shaughnessy: I’ve to admit, at first I shy away from this book for reasons I cannot recall. Maybe it was the “losing your soul” part that turns me off. But I’m glad I picked it up ‘cos I can’t stop reading it. The author Adrian was a co-founder of London design firm Intro and its creative director for fifteen years. From the beginning to the end, the good and the bad, pretty and ugly of the graphic design industry, Adrian has seen it all. I love his British humor and brutal honesty, esp. of bad things that has happened to him as a graphic designer. I picked up a few pointers from the book but I appreciate more the sharing aspect, as if I was picking Adrian’s brain. It’s like having a mentor who’s also funny and speaks with a British accent. It’s great.
- Start & Run A Graphic Design Business Michael Huggins: Again, try not to judge the book by its cover. (hee hee) The book is surprisingly current (published in 2009). Compared to the previous two books, this one is more of a “how-to” book. It comes with a CD with lots of goodies (which I haven’t utilized yet). I’m only starting to read it and I’m already sold by the author’s intro: “Don’t get scared away from pursuing your heart’s desire just because of a few things you may not know right now. You see, you have something I didn’t—another graphic designer who has been where you are and is ready to help you. That’s really what this book is all about.” Awww! He’s speaking to me!!!
- Penguin 75 Designers, Authors, Commentary (the good, the bad…) Paul Buckley: This book isn’t about the graphic design business per se. It’s included on this list because it contains 75 beautiful Penguin book covers and the design stories behind them. Each cover is accompanied by comments from the author, designer and sometimes the vice president Creative Director at Penguin Paul Buckley. I particularly like the comparisons between the “proposed covers” and the actual/final ones to see how similar/different they are. Even the best designers revise their designs based on the clients’ feedback. There is a knowing laughter when a designer writes “…and the comps meet the recycling bin”. I know how that feels, haha!
By no means these are the only books/resources available out there. I hope by sharing, some helpless novice graphic designers like me would find the list useful. 🙂
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I first come to know about Neil by watching this TV commercial:
It was probably on an unusually cool July day when I saw it. I thought to myself, “that’s a nice way of looking at things.” Seeing that Neil published his blog into a book, I borrow the book The Book of Awesome from my local library and start reading it last night. Luckily I’m the only one sleeping in the basement because my laughter would have waken people up.
Although it is true that I found the book in the “Self Help” section of the library, Neil’s blogs are by no means cheesy. He is honest, funny and actually quite sarcastic, making him very relatable. He could be your brother, husband, colleague, the guy holding the cue at the supermarket checkout…The things he talk about are everyday things, some perhaps are more dear to his personal experience. There are also some “universal truths” that should be respected by all courteous human.
My favourite AWESOME things according to Neil so far include:
- Using all the different shampoos and soaps in someone else’s shower: 3. Sampling is encouraged. If you’re staying with a couple, chances are good they’ve got His and Hers sections. Try both! What’s this? New scent of body wash? Squirt! Weird kiwi-grapefruit face wash? Squirt! Forty-dollar-a-bottle salon conditioner that looks like it came from a science lab? Squirt, Squirt, Squirt!
- The Universal Fry-Sharing Policy: The Universal Fry-Sharing Policy states that if you are eating a meal with someone who ordered fries, and you didn’t order fries, you’re entitled to grab one of their fries as it’s landing on the table as long as a) you ask first, b) you make eye contact and raise your eyebrows until they nod, c) you just know them really well.
- Finally clipping your fingernails after you’ve been meaning to do it all week: (I hate cutting my nails. I find the procedure very tedious.)
If Neils writing doesn’t make you feel better about life, at least you will have a good laugh at some of these seemingly insignificant things.
Admittedly, I too fall into the little dark spots when things don’t go my way. Neil’s blogs inspired me to notice and cherish the silver linings around the grey clouds. So this morning at breakfast, I sat down and came up with my own “Awesome” list. Here it is (in no particular order).
Gillian’s List of Awesome Things
- The first sip of ice cold Coca Cola (better yet, from a glass bottle).
- When you think you’re out of cash, you find a twenty dollar bill tucked in the wallet somewhere.
- Scoring cheap gas when the tank is about empty.
- Baby grips tight to your finger with his little hand.
- A pet (dog or cat) cuddling.
- Three strikes in a row when you’re not that good at bowling.
- Warmth travels down your throat to your tummy after drinking some hot tea on a cold day.
- Others compliment you on your new hair style/shirt/glasses.
- Bump into a celebrity you actually recognize and care about.
- Smell the roses.
- Get the joke in the comic strip/commercial.
- Finish a very thick book.
- Say something brilliant at an important business meeting.
- Cleaned your room/bathroom/closet/kitchen/garage.
- Ran 10km.
- Finished climbing Grouse Grind.
- The first kiss.
- Found that book you’re looking for in the local library.
- The movie everyone says is great is actually quite good.
- Checking the clock for the first time in the day and finding it’s almost time to go home.
- Warm toilet seat (no, I’m not kidding.)
- Hot apple pie with ice cream.
- It starts to rain as soon as you get inside.
- Sound of Music is on TV!
- Slipped but didn’t fall.
- Caught something falling in reflex and prevented it from breaking.
- Listen to rain falling on the car’s roof when you sit inside the car.
- Find the lost earring.
- Brief moment of complete soberness five minutes after consuming coffee.
- The very first sip of coffee of the day.
- Sharing a silent joke with a stranger through a glance.
- Rocking the self-serve checkout at the supermarket.
- Made something nice by hand.
- Screamed at the top of your lungs and it’s OK.
- Picked the perfect gift.
- Strike out the last item on the to-do list.
I encourage you take a moment and make your own list, and share with me. 🙂
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Tags: neil pasricha, the book of awesome
the tiny good things 