Driving back to ATL from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.


So the trip is over. It's taken about 13 days to get this recap posted, and the students are frantically working their way through their last project as Juniors.

We had a great time in NYC and from the way the students are behaving, it seems to have really changed they way they think about design work. Keep up with their design blogs!

I hope that ATLtoNYC lives on for years to come. As we nourish our connections with those in NYC, I would also like to see this program build relationships with the amazing firms that are in Atlanta. They deserve just as much recognition and celebration as those in New York.

Thanks to all those who supported, watched, hosted, or interacted in any way with this exciting journey. You are a part of ATLtoNYC, and have done a great service to the betterment of our future designers.

Well.

I think next time we will try to raise more $ so that we can host an event on our own terms, instead of hoping people might 'stop by' some random restaurant.




After a day full of design shopping and museum visiting, we ventured out Saturday evening to the Spice Market. Upon arrival, It became painfully clear that we were in the wrong place, no matter the hook-up. Extremely packed, extremely expensive, extremely uncomfortable, and extremely awkward with a group of students. A beautiful place, just not right. Oh well.

We marched on to Park Bar, a cozy spot a few blocks north, where we found a little nook near the bar that could accommodate such a large group. We had a nice time, but despite my best text messaging efforts, we had no interaction with the people we had met earlier in the week. Ted Ullrich, a grad student at GaTech, happened to be in town and swung by to chat and toast with us, which was great.




After we filled out bellies and had enough of the $14 drinks, we headed to times square for a bit.




Note the blank billboard! Whoa!





And of course, sky fighting.





Skyfight_04 from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.



An overall success! If only we could teleport back to Atlanta.

All the studio tours are done.

We are exhausted, but we charge forward for some food, drink, and merriment.







Megan found a motorcycle.




We found some really interesting optometry signage.




I found a new way to eat pringles while we played cranium.

We initially arranged a visit Karim Rashid's studio, but as the date drew near, the 'we don't do studio visits' policy showed its face.

Scott Newlin, a designer at KR, was just as determined as we were to get together somehow. ?So, we met with him outside the studio, and chatted it up while visiting a few art galleries.

Thanks for your time Scott!




Thoughts!

The idea of getting inspiration from art an other design is very appealing to me.

I hate artsy galleries.

It was cool to hear him talk about where he came from. Solidworks is awesome.

So we didn't get to go inside the studio, which apparently is okay since it's just a bunch of computers. We did go to some great galleries. I know I've seen those chairs before. I wish we could have sat in them though. The other gallery seemed to have less ID, but I agree with the guy who took us there, even making those chairs involves some ID. We talked to him about his work environment, and it surprised all of us to know that SolidWorks is actually useful. I think the way he works is laid back, but it goes against what we were taught about keeping our skills.

they have no research. Wow. I understand opening creative doors through art exposure, but that is not enough, especially for professional work. It is irresponsible to make something pink because you feel like it. You can color me: unimpressed. I must say that I appreciate the efforts that all these firms went through to let us visit, and any negative feelings I have towards them is not personal.

Scott took us to two galleries and said that was what his research was like - getting outside the office and looking for inspiration. He said that working for Karim was very free compared to working for a company. He also stressed the importance of 3D programs, and how he wished he had learned it more in school.

I'm really glad that I know how to say Karim's name correctly now, after visiting with Scott. He seemed the most real out of everyone we met, which was really refreshing, and probably due to the fact that we hung out outside of an actual studio environment. He took us to some of the galleries that inspire him around the city, and it was really nice for me to know that other people get inspired by stuff around them they way I do, too.

We saw a seating exhibition by Nendo and an art exhibition featuring a popular Japanese artist. I was wondering what all of this had to do with design when Scott stepped in and explained His research is looking at the most current art and trends to find inspiration for his design. To him, design and art are very closely related, and it's important to stay connected with what?s going on. I asked what it was like to work for such a famous designer, thinking it would be frustrating and somewhat uninspired, but he had a different answer. He said he actually has more freedom?the clients want to hire a famous designer; the product is already sold when it's commissioned. I thought that was really interesting and completely unexpected on my part.

If the metaphor for this trip to NYC was something like pulling the curtain back on the wizard, then our trip to Core77 HQ was something like busting into the control room of the Truman Show with a keg and some paintball guns.

That might be a stretch, but seriously, these guys and girl are some of the most well connected people in the Industrial Design scene, and even with that kind of current, they lack no amount of compassion and realism.

Thanks!

Here we are outside the Broadway entrance in SoHo, checking out the note on the door for us!




And along came Allan Chochinov from Core77 back from the post office.




aaand..


Group Shot outside Core77 from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.















Skyfight_03 from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.



After some chatting, chilling, sky fighting, free t-shirt getting, and photo taking; here is what the students thought.

What a blast! We mostly just hung out with this group. We told them all about our trip so far, and they shared some secrets about how to get published on a blog. They gave us a map and list of cool places to see, some t-shirts, and a really fun time! Plus, we got featured in the blog just a few hours later. Thanks!

I love interwebz especially when it's writing be some fantastically witty and fun people. I liked core77 before visiting, but now I'm overly impressed. Not only does visiting there make me feel more encouraged about being able to blog about things as a legitimate profession, it also shows as an example of how hard we worked for exposure and good things for this trip ? and how sweetly and kindly they welcomed us to their office and had a real sit-down, heart-to-heart chat about things with us.

They were really cool, and were very interested in our design adventures so far. They gave us a ton of useful tips for getting published in online design sites! The web is such a powerful thing! They told us success stories of people who had been discovered on their website and had been offered jobs! Too cool.

these guys were the most fun. They were so laid back, and very personable. They had great advice regarding a designer's presence on the Internet. Great group, I wish I could have talked to them more.

The best place we visited hands down. They were so personal (putting our pictures on the door even). I don't think it's something I'd ever go into, but I feel like you would need a lot of knowledge to do what they do. I talked to Alan about grad school and he made me realize I should probably specialize in something other than ID. And we got on their website, awesome achievement!

this was the best way to end the week. I really enjoyed how interested they were in us and that they were very open with how they do things. I would def want to do it again.

Learned how to get published. Great people, and I want to get published.

I liked how excited they were to see us. It's cool that such an influential website has such a small and cute space.

Such a cool job to learn about all the new news in design and share it with people. Very cool staff and atmosphere, I appreciated the interest they took in us.

It all started in a little German town nestled in the black forrest. If only all great design firms started that way.

Thanks goes out to Frog NYC's Creative Director, Jonas Damon for sharing a bit of the history and movement of Frog Design.




For the day, we twelve became 'frogs'. Green is great. Here are some comments from the crowd.

I liked seeing that a big company actively pursues projects that truly benefit people.?

Waaay too corporate. Even through we watched the longest presentation of any firm, I feel like I don't know anything about them at all.

Highly corporate. They said it's loose, but they didn't walk the walk. Favorite design on trip, HIV take home test.

The guy was nice and the PP was interesting, but I dont feel like I really learned anything real about them

This is a great example of a very successful design firm. I like how in their work habits they are a little laid back, but I don't know if I like the overall structure. They don't seem very personal. I feel like the guy who was presenting to us didn't agree with some of the ideas the firm came up with, and I don't think I would like to work somewhere where I didn?t at least agree with designs.


Again, I don't understand how these guys do not trip over their large numbers of designers. They have so many people, all over the world. It would be interesting to see how people correspond during a project. I guess this would have have been much more useful than listening to them present their portfolio, which is available online.


I expected a tour of their office, because from what we could see, it was awesome, and green. But we were just in a conference room + slideshow. They had fun work, but the highlight of their work, for me, was the design for the free HIV kit to be distributed in Africa. They did this work pro-bono, as did all the other companies involved in that project. This was really exciting for me because I would love to do work like that. I think it's a great philosophy to do pro-bono work and join design competitions when work isn?t too busy.

I am so easily impressed by their HIV test for South Africa, especially after living there and knowing what good it can really do. I am not, however, 100% convinced about their seemingly Minority Report-style devices that are meant to bridge some sort of ?gap? that doesn?t exist, at least not to me, between digital and personal. If a store employee can?t do their job, maybe they should be fired?

These guys like to cut loose and have fun?but only when they?re told. This was the most formal and corporate of all our stops; we didn?t? even get a tour! I enjoyed their presentation, though?in particular, the pro bono project they did for free HIV tests in South Africa was interesting. They use their down-time between corporate clients to squeeze in design for the other 90%...That sounds like a great idea!?

I ( we all ) could have spent weeks in this place. Michael LaGrecea from Material Connexion NYC was gracious enough to have us by to tour and drool at their insane library of amazing materials. Material Connexion provides a truly priceless resource for any designer who not only cares about what it does, but also what it is.




After scouring their perfect sample plates in their perfect sample room, here is what the kids thought.

I was impressed with all the materials being made from corn, allowing us to have biodegradable plastics! These guys play a huge role in design because they collect and share information about the newest material innovations, and designers all over the world rely on them!


When can I get my stingray leather handbag? But seriously, I could touch things there for hours possibly days. The different, exotic materials were really inspiring; makes me want to create reasons to use innovative ingredients in my designs. Also makes me feel like I can explore things I previously couldn't because now there are materials that would make more innovative designs possible, and also maybe make my silverware project a reality.


This place is a wonderland! It's a library of magic, crazy, innovative materials! sting ray leather, tiles of shredded money, stone veneer. Omg! Walking through the library is so inspiring, and can greatly influence a design. They mentioned that all the materials can be overwhelming, and can distract the designer from their original goal. I can absolutely see how this can happen.


Awesome. Inspiring. Mind blowing.
This was a great experience. I've seen lots of companies materials libraries, but none like this. It was cool to see the newest, most innovative materials. It's a great idea to boost possibilities and the imagination, and I hope Tech signs up very soon. Incredible.

One of my favorite places. I think it was 48,000 materials they had? I like how their business structure works though- everyone pays a flat fee and the company doesn't get paid more if they push a material from a certain company. I thought the best material was the one that looked and felt like human skin. Behind that, maybe the 3D molded wood, or the translucent concrete.

This was a really cool side of the busioness to see. Its good to know that there is a place to go find that kind of information. to make a design really stnad out.

I never knew a place like this existed. It's a novel and genius way to make people aware of what is perfect for their project.

Blew my mind. Finding the correct material is half the battle and this place makes it easy for you. I don't know why a firm wouldn't be members there. I hope they really push C2C ( cradle to cradle ) materials.

I love that they had all the materials documented and mounted. Crazy organization and database maintenance.

Gary Natsume, director of design and research at ECCO Design was kind enough to tour us through their studio. He went over some of the amazing work ECCO has done in the past as well as work that has not yet hit the market.




Here's the not so polished group shot while I made sure the set up was right. Nice.

Here's what the students thought after our visit with ECCO.

This seemed like the most 'office' atmosphere and their very structured design approach offered a different perspective than other firms.

STAND-UP PRINTER! Ecco seemed really unassuming, small, and quiet at first, but then showed off successful designs like a snake in the grass. Their innovative light allowed the user to change it from yellow to blue light. They were also really nice for meeting with us much later than originally scheduled!

The projects were pretty abstract and intangible. They kinda lost me.

Ecco was the company I thought was the most like what I pictured a design firm being. I?m not sure I like all the things they designed- I like the concept of the lamp a lot, but it seemed flimsy. I liked how a lot of their designs (chairs and tables) were actually being used in the office. I would like my clients to see they were actually legit designs.

They have some cool designs, just a really boring presentation. I think a longer question-and-answer session would have been better than the slideshow. Their model shop was pretty small, but if they say they use it for foam models, then I'll believe them. They did, however, end up coming up with some pretty cool designs.

Let me just say that I love the LG washing machines. They are so beautiful! I was excited to find out that they were responsible for them. Ecco does a lot of seating that is innovative in materials and mechanisms they use. They don't have a shop, but they use their 3D printer all the time. Their bamboo chair was less than beautiful, but I did appreciate that they used bamboo not only because it is sustainable, but also because it's flexible enough for seating.

Thought they were hotshots because they designed chairs that were really expensive. Seems like a waste of talent. I would be impressed if a firm told us how great their design was followed by a few flaws and some possible improvements or asked us what we thought instead of a 'get in and out' deal. But, I liked the research put into the printer they designed. That's design to me.

Similar to Smart but less focused on making rough prototypes. They showed us?a really cool project where they redesigned the interior of a coupe to function as?a commuting car within the city and a fun sports car on the open road. It adjusts?back and forth according to how you'd like to drive?the steering wheel even?changes shape! They also do a lot of rapid prototyping in house?they're proud?of their ability to make assembled models in one RP session.

This stop was a little off ID topic, but a really wonderful look at the inner workings of one of the greatest architecture / set-design firms around.

A special thanks goes out to Sean Patrick Murphy, GaTech architecture alum and all around amazing guy, for connecting us with Rockwell. Thanks also to Maggie Hartnick for hosting us and Dick Jaris for sharing his Rockwell experiences and wisdom.

Dick showed us around, and walked us through Rockwell's process in designing epic stage sets for broadway.







thoughts..

Wow, what a different world. Rockwell's interior design group has a section that just does set design for Broadway plays?they even did the Oscar?' this year. They only focus on what looks good and what's not going to stop the show. They have no idea whether a show will run for two months or six years; it has to look spectacular regardless!

Since I'm a big fan of both music, drama, and musical dramas, going to Rockwell was really fun. I was really impressed with their model for the 2k9 Oscars and how intricate their small set models could be. The black foam board in that one small room was probably worth more than I am! And I'm pretty bummed that Swarovski crystal netting is no longer produced; pretty sure that every girl there wanted their next important dress covered in it.


Rockwell does everything! architecture, set design, interior design, AND the new interior for the Kodak Theatre used at the Oscars! I think set design could very well be the most fun design job ever! It's so incredible creative and whimsical. It's interesting because set design has a very different set of design constraints compared to product design. I was amazed by their little models. How do they make them so exact when they're so tiny?

interesting, but not what I want to do. Nice guy, and very passionate. You put a lot of effort into showing us stuff. It's really cool to see, but not where I want to take my degree. I do, however, appreciate the work that these guys put into their designs.

Mostly set design. They designed the last Oscar ceremony at the Kodak theatre. Awesome. I didn't really think it was that off topic. I feel like as an ID major I could definitely go into that. The bathrooms were awesome. It does seem more architecture in terms of the space models they made. They also had a very nice space, it seemed like a great environment to work in.

My favorite. and probably the least ID related palce.

I love the set models! It's so old-school. I bet those models are very powerful at pitch meetings.

The mood board, sketching, and model making was very thorough and impressive.

Models and sketching were sick! Gave me a lot of great ideas for ways to display/communicate information.

Wow Utley's, I mean seriously.

this place puts any attempts anyone reading might have taken at a decent appearance model to shame. seriously, these people are ridiculous.

But in the words of our wonderful host Andrew Williams; "We make really beautiful, useless things".

Since they do such 'top secret' work, we were not allowed to take photographs. We did manage to get a group shot off out in the break room.




Here's what the people had to say!

I'm impressed with the hand sculpting, but learned a lot about molds the most. Learned more about the purpose than the process; I think making a bottle 3x it's size is a waste.

I liked seeing the spectrum of hand sculpting to molds to amazing 3D printing and scanning machines.

Crazy! I don't ever want to try to model again.

awesome! not exactly somewhere that I would want to work, but it was very eye-opening to see that side of model making&to learn how much that costs.


Probably the most skilled place we saw. The fact that the bottles in perfume ads were bigger than actual size totally blew my mind. Everyone who worked there was so extremely talented. Makes me wonder though- is $10,000 worth it? Why can?t the manufacturer make one? I know they would have to make the machining, but is it not cheaper? Obviously not I guess, but I didn?t actually know that's what happened.


They did everything with such accuracy and cleanliness; I was very impressed. These guys are really professionals. I was very jealous of the shop. they had CNC everything! I was most impressed by the sculptor. He is incredibly talented. These guys were unbelievable


Woah. Awesome skillz, man. They don't design, but they make perfect models for companies usually perfume bottles, and figurines. They claim to make beautiful, useless things. There is a great diversity of hand skills (sculpting and mold making) and computer skills (3D modeling and printing.)


Awesome! Utley's was probably the most memorable experience overall, simply because it was so different from every other place we went. I had no idea that fragrance bottles are normally modeled so largely for print ads, and then scaled down so the resolution is higher. The workshop at Utley's was sort of magical, but peeled back the curtain on reality, too; reminiscent of accidentally seeing behind the scenes at Disneyland.


OMG. So many cool toys! They've got all the latest and greatest in rapid prototyping machines, and they sure use them! They've also got the process down for making hollow transparent bottles all in one piece. I managed to coax some tips about working with industrial styling clay from their mold-making&sculpting guy?awesome!

yep.




and yep.


Skyfight_02 from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.

First lets take some time to appreciate Meredith Goodwin Bajaj. I was connected with her through Cavan Canavan, a ninja GaTech ID alum. Meredith is design manager and sustainability lead at Nulux in Brooklyn, as well as IDSA NYC Chair! She helped us in the early hours of ATLtoNYC to make connections to many of the firms we were ultimately able to visit. Thanks Meredith.

So then, Day two.

We started with a wild drive through Brooklyn in the bus to Nulux, what a joy. We were greeted with smiles at a truly awesome office/shop/factory/plant/firm/place. Here are some images and some thoughts from the students.














Not only do these guys still manufacture in the U.S., they do it in Brooklyn! It
was really interesting to see how all that comes together theyve got
electricians, machinists, and one of the only metal spinners still around. That
skill is so rare that theirs works two jobs! We were all really impressed with the
Joylux, a combination fluorescent and incandescent fixture that lies completely
flush with the ceiling, but I don't think any of us can afford the $3000 price tag!

I don't know why, but lighting makes me all excited and happy. I love lighting! I was impressed to see that Nulux had all their manufacturing stuff in-house, and how knowledgeable our tour lady was about both materials and assembly workers. Who knew that architectural lighting was so complicated, beautiful, and out of my price range?!


I really love that their office and factory are in the same space! It's great for the designers to be able to check up on the accuracy of their design. I didn't know that so many innovations could be made in lighting- like spotlights that slide along a track (for museums changing exhibits) and a light that's a warm yellow on the sides and cool blue in the center. I wondered if Nulux was affected at all by the economy because their products are so expensive, and their clients very rich.


Awesome, friendly lady. I appreciate the benefits of an in-house manufacturing shop. I saw this in my last internship, so perhaps I appreciate the benefits of this more than others. We didn't go into the design process is much, because of time constraints in the simplicity of design. But the designs were classy yet humble. I was very impressed by these guys.


I know everyone loved this place but I really could never see myself there. The manufacturing process was great though. They really came up with innovative solutions to lighting, which I think is hard to do. She was nice though. Meeting all the Tech grads gives me a little more hope of being able to make it out there some day.


the tour was really cool and the woman was really nice. I learned a lot but i dont think it is the type of cmompany I would want to work for. Lighting seems like a constant need for research and engineering. Boring.


I like that the products were manufactured by hand right in the office. I would like to work there.

Who knew there was space for a manufacturing plant in the city? It was interesting to learn about the whole process of such a niche industry that I wont ever see unless I win the lottery!

Awesome to see design from start to finish. I was impressed that the designers knew all the machine workers names. Just being in that workspace gave me confidence.

Apparently Skyfights are the new big thing. Kate McClean and Jesse Mejia really took advantage of the NYC environments as Skyfight backdrops. This is a short clip from one of the first, taken on our way back to the hotel after an exhausting day one.


Skyfight_01 from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.

Our last stop of the day was right across the kitchen/foosball table from Smart. Curve was gracious enough to share stories of their work with us as well as Wacom Cintiq tips! These guys don't joke around when it comes to sketching.



Thoughts from the kids.

"Straightforward and not cocky like other firms might seem."

"It's interesting that these guys share an office with Smart because they have a totally different approach to design! All five designers there love using their
Wacom tablets to sketch. They do very pretty work, but theres not too much?
emphasis on innovation or usability. Diff-rent strokes for diff-rent folks? "

"Kind of blows my mind that we met the man responsible for the hugging salt and pepper shakers that were part of the inspiration for one of our sophomore projects; a design-celeb of sorts. Always amazing to remember that products are just educated designs created by actual people! Wacoms = the bomb; but idk if I 100% believe that you have to absolutely master paper first ? so many times I wish I could ?un-do? a line I?ve accidentally gone over one too many times!"

"It was a small company of five designers, but very renowned. How did they do that? It was amazing to see sketching on $2000 Wacom tablets! It was difficult for me to understand how they could be so successful without a modeling shop or a 3D printer. How could they figure everything out with just sketches and 3D programs? I love how they have huge clients, and do award-winning designs for them, but they are also able to do their own fun projects through Mint Inc."

"great sketchers, small firm. Their past work shows that most firms only have a handful of super mega-awesome in client names, but it's still okay. No evidence of study models or scale studies. All work in the computer, plus FDM. I was disappointed to see professionals not making physical models. Nice guys, though."

"Loved the small size. Was when I realized the small details- like how each firm took the time to show us a nice presentation. I didn't know Wacoms offered so much flexibility. I always thought sketching by hand on paper would still give you more information, bur apparently not. I'm amazed that only five people were involved in such big projects like the John Greene tractor. Hopefully they hire women."

Our second stop on the trip was SMART design over in the meat packing district. Apparently their studio is in the same building as Martha, yes, that martha, the one whose name we do not say. The one who has an elevator in the building for her car.



Although we were all exhausted, the people at Smart were great, and the tour was amazing. Here is what the students thought.

"This place was most like what I expected to see. It was good to see a place that not only makes their own models, but the designers do it themselves instead of a model department. I liked the amount of research they put into their designs and solved real problems."

"The view from the office was amazing. I like how they encourage everyone to work together."

"Seemed opposite of what I would want to do; faceless, nameless, corporate mass design. Their offices were beautiful though."

"I loved the feel of the office. It seemed fun and trendy with no pressure and I like that diff areas of the office had diff uses. It wasnt all mixed together. Im not a big fan of the research part of design, so that part of the company seemed very intimidating."

"There seemed to be a little more structure here, loved the view. It seemed like they really valued model-making skills there, they had an awesome shop. I liked that they were comprised of a lot of international employees. There was a big research influence in their company. They were one of the firms that has worked in many fields- they didn't just stick with kitchenware."

"Awesome office and shop! They are all about research-based design + rapid prototyping + testing = SMART! I wonder if you can really have a good design firm if there is no shop and no model making in your office. A big tip from them: spend a lot of time on your presentation. It must be tight, persuasive, and to the point. Also, in terms of handing in your portfolio, be persistent! But not annoying."

"omore year, when she helped us with the seating device projects. She is so wonderfully talented and nice. The view at Smart was impressive enough that I sort of stood by the window and drooled a bit. Seems like their approach of prototyping super-quick working models ASAP was really spot-on and, well, smart."

"This was a much more formal meeting. Their presentation highlighted their
diligence and commitment to designing usable and innovative products. They
had a wonderful office with lots of space, a model shop with lots of tools, and a
killer view. Hire me, please!"

We had a painful time trying to figure out something appropriate to give to each firm as a 'thank you' for hosting us. At one point we were going to buy scale model short buses and mount them to bases like a trophy.
In the end we opted for cheapness and impact.

We laser cut black poster board to make fold-up picture frames. The frames created a nice ATLtoNYC stand-off and had a summary of the trip etched into the back.

With a little spy slickness we would take a tripod / remote group shot, then while the majority of the group distracted the host with questions, a couple of us would race to a corner. In the corner we plugged in a portable printer we toted around, assembled the frame, and printed the image from the CF card.

I would then come back to the group, with all my camera stuff packed up and present the gift!

Everyone was like "oh thanks...WHOA..How did you do that!?" "Wow, thanks!"

So that was success, except for the first three firms, who will soon receive their print-out in the mail because in the frenzy of the first day, I forgot to bring the paper.

I had the students write a few quick thoughts about each firm.


here goes!


"They gave us breakfast and notebooks, awesome!"

"Their story of survival and rebranding sounded really great, and their space was awesome very typically cool designers in the city. I don't fully understand what they do, but I think that that's because digital data is hard to define."

"we were able to see how they work- very spontaneous and different from what is expected. I think the history of their company was really cool. Never quit."

"it's crazy that someone stumble into design and do well like these guys did. I think this visit exposed the atmosphere that designers like to work in, and I'm glad I saw in person, in practice. I think the overall lesson learned from these guys was: don't quit."

"It was the first chance to see the laid back style of New York designers. Their office was amazing- riveted walls, Macs, a fridge stock full of Izzes."

"I really respect how they started the company without design backgrounds, just hard work."

"Seemed like a really cool work environment. I also liked that it wasn't product design. I liked the marketing aspect."

"I was surprised their name had no intent."

Our visit with Crush+Lovely quickly changed from studio tour to "let's go to Brooklyn and film some stuff for a potential project".

So off we went.





We spent an hour or so doing some filming and taste testing, all very hush hush, but a lot of fun.

Our first stop was with Crush+Lovely. I have known these guys for a few years, first through my brother, then through freelance+friendship. It was a little off ID topic, but a great place to visit with warm people and a rich story.

They treated us to NY bagels and sweet views.

The last hour of the journey in to the city was pretty intense. We got into the HOV lane coming in and somehow got boxed out and stuck going under a tunnel into Manhattan instead of exit towards our hotel in Brooklyn.

We finally arrived in the Holiday Inn express parking lot at 9:15AM. People ran in to use the lobby bathroom to freshen up, while others changed on the bus.

We then booked it to the Union St. subway station to purchase 7-day subway passes and get to soho for our first appointment with Crush+Lovely at 10.

Needless to say, we arrived a little late and frazzled.

We stopped at the border of North Carolina. yiee haw.

It's Saturday, and there has been very little time to sit down and blog about all that is happening up here.
Since we arrived, we have been running non-stop. As soon as things settle down a bit, we will post a comprehensive recap.

everyone is kinda happy and excited at this point. we are in South Carolina.

I can't wait to see what their faces look like in the morning!

is driving a bus. yes!

this is allowing me to take inner bus pictures and post THIS live blog while ON THE BUS ! thanks to a sweet verizon laptop internet thingy! awesome.

yea that's right, we opted for the most healthy fast food possible.

no onions!

This bus guzzles mad gas.

here we are, about to leave tech.  with us is Travis and Stacy Ekmark! they are along for the ride up to NYC.

Thanks to GT Off-Road for helping us with vinyl decals for the side of the bus, and Adam and Jesse for expert application.

So, the shirt size estimations, were, um, lacking. Oh well, sweet shirts anyway!

Thanks AutoMax Bus rental! We are rolling out in a sweet 2008 activity bus. With only 2000miles showing, and that new bus scent, we are sure to have a pleasant ride. yea right!

This morning in studio it dawned on us that we wanted t-shirts, but only had 29 hours or so to figure something out.

'insert magic'

With one call to Ed Jewell at Danger Press, we had finished products in less than 3 hours.

You must think Ed is my brother or something, but he is not. He is very simply one of the most talented screen printing artist on the east coast, who has a soft spot for education. When he isn't running insane commercial screen printing magic at Danger Press he takes people to school on the art and craft at the Atlanta Printmakers Studio.

He was happy to help ATLtoNYC by donating his time and supplies. Big thanks go out to Ed as well as Andrew and Spencer.

It's spring break and there are only 4 days until our departure. We finally booked a hotel in Brooklyn, so we have a place to get some rest.

We have worked out all the kinks in the schedule but one. The 'event' for Saturday night is still up in the air as for where it will be. At this point, we will most likely decide on a relaxed restaurant / bar / lounge in which all the students, friends, colleagues, hosts can get back together and share toasts and tales.

In our studio, we have come to love the phrase 'stop the bus'.

It's the perfect saying to get everyone's attention for a (hopefully) meaningful design aside. We use it most commonly for 'wow, that's a really bogus assumption you just made to inform your design decision' or 'whoa check out this sweet thing, how did they form this'.

So now as we sit on a very small pile of cash with which we must fund this trip, we have to get our heads out of the clouds and realize flying is going to be too expensive.

What is the next best mode of transport and most amazingly brand image solidifying masterpiece.



Thats right! The Activity Bus.

We drove down to Byron, GA and wrapped up 75 boston butts. It was great. We raised a butt load of cash.

Cook it up! Much thanks to James Keys and Byron, GA!

Boston Butt ! from David VanArsdale on Vimeo.

We are trying to save money. One idea was a visit to steak and shake for their 75th anniversary, where 15 cent hamburgers formed the cornerstone of our breakfast. Not so sure it was the best idea for the stomach, but it sure was sweet on the pocket.

Alan Chochinov, you sir, are the man!.
No NYC design trip is complete without a visit to the core.


cheers.

I spoke with Abir Mullick, the Director of ID here at Georgia Tech, and he gave us some amazing contacts to pursue at Pratt. We all think it would be great to see work and meet students outside of the south-east bubble, while we are there.

This is what the class looks like while we make a giant coup plan on the blackboard! This was before the video was filmed or website set-up, note the blanket of skepticism.