Indie BRANDS x phillipqgangan: TIMcity

Cities are icons in their own right. Indeed, these urban landscapes have been known to captivate hearts and minds, inspiring everything from literature and the arts to music, culture and design. To live in a particular city is to be influenced by it, to embrace its intrinsic character, rhythm and vibe entirely as your own. Aiming to encapsulate this urban aesthetic is TIMcity.

Fascinated by the intricacies of the metropolis, Dutch founder and designer René Tim established TIMcity in 2012. With a background in Urban Planning from the University of Amsterdam, Tim sought to capture the essence of world-renowned cities in a clear graphic design. The result is a collection of minimalist prints resembling the street maps of New York, Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam. Featured on premium cotton shirts and totes, Tim’s designs chart the historic, urban developments of the cities they represent.

As far as civic symbols are concerned, monoliths and mega structures pale in comparison to the regal roads, charming neighbourhoods and secluded alleyways of the bustling metropolis. These paths and thoroughfares are the true embodiment of a city’s true identity. What better way to celebrate these centres of civilization than to immortalize them on a tee?

☞ Indie BRANDS x phillipqgangan, features profiles and interviews on up-and-coming independent brands on the Indie BRANDS blog.

For more information on TIMcity, Indie BRANDS and other brands featured in the Indie BRANDS blog, visit the websites below:

TIMcity

Indie BRANDS and the Indie BRANDS Blog

Indie BRANDS x phillipqgangan

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Childhood | Remco Pijpers

CreativeMornings Utrecht |  31 January 2014 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Childhood by Remco Pijpers

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 31 January 2014, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 21st creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Remco Pijpers, his talk centers on this month’s global theme: Childhood. As CEO of youth knowledge and (digital) media center Mijn Kind Online (My Child Online), policy advisor to the European Union on digital media quality for children and (co-)author of several publications on key related issues, Pijpers is fascinated with what children do online. His latest project Codekinderen (Code Kids), aims to to stimulate creative and logical thinking by exposing children (ages 6 to 12) to the basics of “backend” digital media and coding in schools. With rapid advancements in technology nowadays, Pijpers is convinced that knowledge about code is increasingly vital to the future development of (your) children. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Remco Pijpers, Mijn Kind Online, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Remco Pijpers, Mijn Kind Online, Codekinderen

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

Follow CreativeMornings Utrecht on Facebook and Twitter for more information on how to register or sign up for their Official Newsletter

CreativeMornings Utrecht x phillipqgangan

Indie BRANDS Event | Food

It was another full house at Pakhuis de Zwijger*, Amsterdam during the 5^th edition of the Indie Brands Event (9 December 2013). In anticipation of its 2^nd year anniversary, Indie Brands celebrated in style by hosting a truly memorable gathering entirely dedicated to food and beverage. Featuring a feast of fascinating talks, food tastings and food-centric enterprises, the evening’s festivities highlighted the victories, trials and tribulations of the Dutch indie food scene.

Politics in Play

The relationship between food and business is a bond that has spanned countless of centuries. Over the past few years, the Netherlands has slowly developed a budding food movement –from new restaurant concepts and food trucks to craft beer brewers, slavery-free chocolate and vegetal ice cream– that fervently champions the principles of sustainability, fair trade and local sourcing. Be that as it may, it appears that the current regulations of the Dutch food industry have been less than conducive for small business growth.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Bravery | Stephen Hay

CreativeMornings Utrecht |  29 November 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Bravery by Stephen Hay

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 29 November 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 20th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Stephen Hay, his talk centers on this month’s global theme: Bravery. As a Netherlands-based front-end design and development consultant, author of Responsive Design Workflow (Peachpit/New Riders 2013) and avid speaker on all things web-related, Hay is convinced that the only obstacle standing in the way of personal achievement is the person him/herself. In effect, Hay shares his knowledge and experience on how to get out of your own way. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Stephen Hay, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Stephen Hay

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

Follow CreativeMornings Utrecht on Facebook and Twitter for more information on how to register or sign up for their Official Newsletter

CreativeMornings Utrecht x phillipqgangan

Indie BRANDS | Food

In anticipation of its 2nd year anniversary, Indie BRANDS presents the 5th edition of the Indie BRANDS Event at Pakhuis de Zwijger* (Amsterdam) on 9 December 2013. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than a special event entirely dedicated to food and drinks? Featuring a feast of inspirational talks, independent brands and their delectable bites, the evening’s festivities offer a spread of food-related enterprises to tantalize your tastebuds.

In the highly competitive (not to mention strictly regulated) world of food and beverages, indie brands —from revolutionary beer to slavery-free chocolate or even vegetable ice cream— are making their mark by cooking up a storm and taking chances. Riding the wave of foodie trends such as organic farming and local sourcing, these epicurean businesses may well have found their recipes for success. Giving us a taste of what their brands have to offer, the inspiring entrepreneurs behind these tasty treats share their precious wisdom and personal experiences on how to start a business. ✌

Wednesday, 9 December 2013
16:00-22:00
Pakhuis de Zwijger, Amsterdam
Tickets: 17.50 Euros

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

☞ For more information on Indie BRANDS, Anneloes van Gaalen and the 4th Indie BRANDS Event, visit the websites below:

Indie BRANDS, Anneloes van Gaalen and the 5th Indie BRANDS Event

Follow Indie BRANDS, Anneloes van Gaalen and phillipqgangan on Twitter: @IndieBrands, @Anneloesvgaalen and @phillipqgangan

Indie BRANDS x phillipqgangan

Child’s Play | Learning with Technology

         

It’s official. Touchscreen devices are here to stay and they are only getting better. Revolutionary advancements in the field of mobile technology over the past few years suggest that smartphones and tablets are soon to become everyday, household items like the radio or TV. As impressive as this may seem, there is a growing concern among parents nowadays regarding the alleged side effects of the rapid acceleration of the Digital Age, particularly when it comes to their children (technology-dependence, separation anxiety and ADHD, to name a few). Nevertheless, some parents may give a positive response when posed with the following question: Would you give your smartphone to your child?

At the 19^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (25 October 2013), graphic designer Xander Wiersma addressed these parental concerns by unveiling mobile technology in a different light. As a father of two and co-founder of Den Haag-based design studio Appracadabra, Wiersma and his team develop visually stunning, educational apps for kids (aged 2 and older), targeted at nurturing specific skills. Purposely made available in a number of different languages, their apps are intuitively designed and are based on the established precepts of how children play.

Design Matters | Finding Creativity in the Unexpected

         

There is no denying that the significance of design is largely underrated. Given its abstract yet unobtrusive nature, its complexities are known only to those who care to discern them. For the most part, design maintains such a discreet presence in our everyday lives that we often take for it granted. Nevertheless, design need not be spectacular to be any more important.

At the 18^th edition of CreativeMornings Utrecht (27 September 2013), graphic designer and editor-in-chief Peter Bil’ak expressed his overwhelming fascination with design and the endless possibilities thereof. His magazine Works That Work explores global instances of unexpected creativity and their impact on society. What began as an inspiring publication entirely devoted to the curious mind has surprisingly evolved into a remarkable project of its own, reflecting the rapid developments in design, new technologies and mass media.

CreativeMornings Utrecht | Play | Xander Wiersma

CreativeMornings Utrecht |  25 October 2013 | In De Ruimte (Oudegracht 230A) | 08:30 (AM) |  A creative presentation on Play by Xander Wiersma

CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types. Each event is free of charge, and includes a 20 minute lecture, plus coffee!

On 25 October 2013, CreativeMornings Utrecht will host its 19th creative lecture at “In De Ruimte” (Oudegracht 230A), opening at 08:30 (AM). Presented by Xander Wiersma, his talk centers on this month’s global theme: Play. Frustrated by the lack of children’s apps available in their native language (Dutch and Swiss German) graphic designers Wiersma and his partner Marlis Zimmermann founded Appracadabra in 2010. Working with a team of talented illustrators, programmers, linguists and the like, the Netherlands-based studio develops visually stunning, educational apps for kids, targeted at developing specific skills. Combining learning and interaction with fun and entertainment, Appracadabra apps are changing the way we play. ✌

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ✌

☞ For more information on Xander Wiersma, Appracadabra, CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™, visit the websites listed below:

Xander Wiersma, Appracadabra

CreativeMornings Utrecht and CreativeMornings™

Follow CreativeMornings Utrecht on Facebook and Twitter for more information on how to register or sign up for their Official Newsletter

CreativeMornings Utrecht x phillipqgangan

Making the Impossible, Possible | An Interview with Flybird’s Franky Boateng

Franky Boateng is the creator and founder of Amsterdam-based leather goods brand Flybird. This is his story:

“I came from humble beginnings. My mother raised me as a single mom to the best of her abilities and I admired her for that even from a young age. One of the biggest inspirations I have, therefore, is her. The determination and motivation she showed everyday without wanting to be praised for it was unbelievable and I knew that I wanted to show the same kind of determination and motivation for what I love as well.

When I was younger I used to watch a lot of western movies. I loved the story of the Lone Ranger, cowboys and indians and bounty hunters catching criminals.  Many years later, those Westerns would inspire me to craft many of my pieces. During my teenage years, I lived the rebellious life, always thinking that I knew best, never looking back at who I was affecting with my lifestyle. Fascinated by weapons thanks to the Western movies I used to watch as a kid, I collected old vintage weapons. I do have to address that I didn’t use them. But still, it got me into prison where I realized that I finally had to man up and become the man I always wanted to be.

I learned my craft from an inmate who was sentenced to life in prison. I realized that I didn’t want to end up the same way and so I worked on my skill everyday to improve, so that it would benefit me when I would be released. This way, I turned a negative experience into a good one. After I discovered my passion in prison, I turned it into my life goal. I attended fashion school to become more knowledgeable and come at par with my passion and motivation. I started Flybird and the rest is history.”

☞ For more information on Flybird, visit the websites below:

Flybird

Flybird is one of the many brands featured on Indie BRANDS and the Indie BRANDS Blog. For the complete interview, visit the pages below:

Indie Brands Blog

Indie Brands x phillipqgangan: Flybird Q&A

Indie BRANDS x phillipqgangan: Flybird Q&A

For an elite few, there is no greater satisfaction than making things by hand. The intimate bond between maker and craft far exceeds the completed product. Indeed, superb craftsmanship demands a lifelong devotion to perfecting one’s skills and an unwavering commitment to excellence. No one knows this better than Franky Boateng.

Finding his true calling as a leather artisan through a rare twist of fate, Franky began tailoring handmade bags and accessories for his friends and family. Transforming his passion into a profession, he established his self-made brand Flybird in 2009. From their Amsterdam atelier, Franky and his team design and construct original leather pieces, culminating in a contemporary collection of mini-bags, packs and totes.

Flybird founder Franky Boateng tells us more: