South West Style

Alright so I've been getting a lot of people lately who have been asking what I use when I put the camera down and hit the "digital darkroom" where the other half of the work begins, so I figured I'd share a bit with you guys.

Everyone knows it can be a bit wearing to stay on the grind at the same spot the whole day/night, so I actually have two workspaces called "South" and "West" (for which direction they face). Both of them have their unique personalities (and different machines) which help keep things fresh. Anyway, "South" is where a bit more of my sentiment shows through. Its where my older white 24" iMac Core 2 Duo desktop sleeps, eats and works like a slave.



Although it's getting a bit slow (it's only got 2GB of RAM), it was the first machine I ever truly dedicated to UMG so I can't part with it. Around and underneath it, I keep photos of my fondest friends who have been there for me throughout the years and have seen UMG crawl, walk and eventually run to where it is today. The desk is littered with memories and keepsakes that I've collected over time...old ticket stubs (F1 Indianapolis anyone?), print materials I love, souvenirs from vacations...it's all here. Anyone spot the ABS-CBN mug in the background?? Oh, and can't forget my newest buttons! Woot!




Even more than that, the desk I use is one my parents bought for me in elementary school. It was WAY more mature than a fifth-grader ever needed, but I'm glad it stuck around for me to grow up into (I'll get there eventually, haha). There's a lot to be inspired by in the space (for me anyway) and that's why I keep my Wacom Intuos 3 (4x6) tablet there to sketch my ideas away. Keeping it company is a Logitech MX Revolution mouse which is probably the best mouse I've ever used. Although I am a big Apple fanman, I really don't like their mice for any serious/long-hour work. OH...and my sister just recently gave gave me that neat-o Marc Jacobs mousepad. Fancy shmancy.



Mind the dust (ahem...embarrassing), but this is one of the hard drives that sits in the duuurty south with my ol' iMac. It's the super-ultra-mega-world-destroying quite affordable and sensible Western Digital MyBook Essential 1TB. Just spruced up with a little UMG sticker.



Over on the west side, things are a bit more "business" than "casual"...at least for now. It's utterly devoid of decoration, though I do have a basket of pillows beneath the desk for emergency "sit up n' nap" purposes, haha. Anyway, I just recently picked up an Apple 24" Cinema monitor to lug around with me if my laptop (15" MacBook Pro unibody) just isn't enough. I didn't really bother snapping a pic of it though because it just looks like the typical Apple slab o' aluminum with a black face. As a fool proof theft deterrent to distinguish itself from other cinema displays, it has its own UMG irremovable laser-etched branding sticker...though this one is obviously from the black colorway run. There's an old school 15" Powerbook G4 tucked under there too if I just need something to browse on while photos or vids are exporting on my other machines.




As we continue the tour, you'll stumble upon more hard drives (albeit my portable variants). They tend to prefer the west coast lifestyle. And yup you guessed it...that's another UMG sticker wrapped around it. Lost in the bokeh, you'll find one of a few Calumet CF card readers.



Last but not least, I have some gifts my friend Kyle from 141 Eyewear sent over a few months ago. If you haven't taken the time to check out what they're all about...now would be a good time. Give this a click. you know you want to. But anyway, Kyle sent me over a copy of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball - which is like another version of Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" except it's directly focusing on finding and sustaining your life's work and passion. It's a great read.

In the end, I think the space is really "me". It's a little quirky and fun...and serious and subdued. It's a combination of huge sentiment, memories and dreams...and the passionate business that was made from it. It's nothing super fancy by any means, but it's a place where I can be myself doing exactly what I love and in turn, reflecting that passion in everything we do at UMG. And that, more than anything else, is most important.

Button Up!

So I've been anticipating these ever since I knew I was going to get a special package in the mail from Melissa Polinar and I finally had a chance to stop home and open it up! Woot woot! But before I really dig into how awesome the buttons are (okay nevermind, I already said it), I hope you guys take the time to check out her Myspace page and give her a listen - she's an incredibly talented musician and it's not just cause she sent me buttons, haha.




They will definitely be making their home on my vintage Levi's jean jacket I scooped up in New York - they'll look right as rain (err what?) awesome on there! With the strange fall-ish weather Chicago has been having lately, it'll definitely get a ton of use. Please don't be crappy on my b-day, Chicago. Thanks.



No, but for real...her music is incredible and is constantly on repeat on my computer and in my head. To top it all off, she's an amazing person to hang out with and talk to. I definitely feel lucky to be able to call her a friend (who should also move to Chicago, ahem...haha). OH and one more thing...her new single "Try" should be out on iTunes soon, so be on the lookout.

Does the cover art look familiar?? So cool!

Baby Bears Back from Hibernation

These are a bit overdue, but after shooting Sports Corner's big renovations, they asked me to come back to shoot opening day for the Chicago Cubs.

Devoid of the single-floor, old fashioned pub space it used to be, the new Sports Corner has tripled in size and boasts spectacular views of the neighboring Wrigley Field from every floor. Even more, on each floor you're able to enjoy the sun (and the beer) - whether its street-side, looking out the balconies on the middle level or soaking it all in on the top floor deck. All in all, the place has grown up ten-fold in decor and in multimedia. Like its close relative, The Cubby Bear, there are tons of flat screen TVs to keep you updated on the games. Here are some of the photos from the day:



























While I was on my way out, I was asked to stop in to Cubby Bear to take a couple snaps as well. I will likely be re-shooting their venue in the near future, so it was nice to re-familiarize myself with the space. Here are a couple photos from the short session:

JDMC Season Opener Meet (D&B)

The weather was TOO good yesterday to not make an appearance at JDM Chicago's Season Opener Meet over at Dave & Busters. Meets over there are always a good time since they are most often blasted on a multitude of forums. Regardless, a vast majority of cars were JDM - which didn't help since I've always had a soft spot for Integras, EM1s, S2000s, 240's and the like for awhile now.

While I was there, I ended up running into some old friends (nice catching up with you Vik!) and some other guys from Euroteknik - a European car forum I've been a part of for some time. Speaking of that, there were a handful of euros that poked their heads in the meet. But as the typical euro snob goes (unfortunately), they all parked next to each other in one area rather than getting into the mix with everyone. I don't get it.

Anyway, there were a million people there snapping photos, so I just took a few and hung out for a bit. Check 'em out: