day one: Renegade.

Before I began my precious time off from work, I had intended to log every one of the 30 days on a daily basis. This, of course didn't go exactly according to plan, but I feel like the format allows for some flexibility.

Prepare yourself, as we will be traveling back and forth in time, visiting days past, hypothesizing the future and reporting as events unfold. No need to go in order, much like the creative process, we will be zigzagging.

It was serendipitous to find that the official start of my sabbatical coincided with Renegade Craft Fair here in San Francisco. What could be a better way to start a voyage fueled by creativity and guided by business, than a room full of my target market, my piers and some inspiration? A lot of that is my business class talking, but honestly, it was a rush to be amongst so many people who are as passionate and excited about craft as I am. Nibby Press will be there someday soon, and the experience of visiting Renegade and talking to the vendors, checking out the trends and booth setups, will be vital to our success. I don't deny that there are a lot of printers and crafters out there—Renegade (dauntingly) proves that, but my goal is to show a different approach to letterpress, and be smart with how Nibby Press grows. A big craft fair is a huge undertaking, and I want to be well-prepared when we get there.

I knew that photos wouldn't always be welcomed inside (with good reason since there's a lot of copycats out there), but since it was in the name of love and blogging, I snapped a few shots.

Most importantly, I ran into one of my business pals, Jackie Huang of Wool Buddy! Jackie is absolutely one of the nicest people I've ever met, and he's also one of the most talented. He makes wonderful felted wool toys and toy-making kits. His characters are so animated and endearing that they're magnetic! I'm so drawn to his octopus, that I had to take a photo with it.



The man himself: creator, owner & designer, Jackie Huang:


Buy your Wool Buddy today! Visit their online store or Etsy shop. I just purchased one of the kits for someone special, and I don't think it will disappoint! The adorable Wool Buddy table:


Jackie's GENIUS credit card acceptance sign:


The free, mustache-optional Magnolia photobooth (with huge line, of course):


And the gorgeous view from Fort Mason:


It's always a pleasure and a delight to visit Fort Mason, totally worth the trek. I'll follow-up with another post about the art-installation surrounding the building. It's an interesting take on "seating."
Stay tuned.


:::end transmission:::

day six // Just in time.

Stefan Sagmeister, one of my design heros, gave a most perfect speech at the Ted Conference in 2009 about the necessity of taking a sabbatical. He runs a serious design firm, highly sucessful, but he routinely closes the studio every 7 seven years for one whole year. I know, it seems a little Eat Pray Love of him (and he DID go to Bali), but it was all in the name of experimentation and discovery and future productivity. That's exactly where I'm at. And I've always wanted to go to Bali.



I happen to catch this just a few days ago, when I myself began an adventure of a 30 day-sabbatical from my day job to focus on Nibby Press. My purpose in these next 30 days are quite similar to Sagmeister's, but unfortunately I don't yet have his luxuries. He has one year in Bali, I have just 30 days in California. Each day off is precious, and somewhat of a risk, but watching this speech validates my instincts. I feel like I'm heading in the right direction. Thanks Stefan.

At Last.

Our new logo and business cards are finally completed. Hooray!

We here at Nibby Press are pleased to offer a design that emphasizes texture and dimension, a representation of our future voyage.



Incidentally, while walking home from an event, I saw this curious door that reminded me very much of the biz cards: