One Year of Break'Art Mix

I have only known Anne for a few years; not really very long in the grand scheme of things. Anne has this vivacious, energetic presence that arrests you right away. She is effortless and chic- in a genuine way (a unique victory in a city that tries desperately to be both effortless and chic). I met David this Winter. He is the gentle, kindhearted boyfriend of Anne. David makes stunningly beautiful music, but their real masterpiece has been what they have created together. 

Anne and David have a passion for encouraging artists and musicians from all over the world. Together they have created Break'Art Mix. BAM is an apartment / artist residency / performance space / community... and it is transforming Paris. Anne and David are constantly hosting dinners, introducing  people, taking care of visiting guests, and encouraging up-and-coming creative types. They have even been a huge encouragement and support to me both personally and creatively. I stayed with them for a month and a half this Spring, and they already feel a bit like family. Over the course of my stay, they made a point to introduce me to all of their kind and creative friends- many of whom had also collaborated with BAM... the community that surrounds BAM is dynamic and authentic. 

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of BAM, Anne has edited together a collection of work from all of the creatives who have performed or exhibited. It is the cohesive product of a year of community building and creative enrichment. You can go here to purchase a copy. I recommend reading it with pancakes, because that is the Break'Art Mix way. 

Photography by JOHANN BERTELLI Artwork by CORINNE SEGUIN and JULIE GUILLAUME

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

On Multiculturalism - A Confession and Ode

I have to be honest. I have not always been so open minded. When I was a child, my family visited the fiji islands several times. My Parents and friends had prepared me to understand and love the fijian culture- the food, the music, the style, and the people. I was smitten before i even arrived. Upon arrival however, I discovered that life in Fiji was not so simple. At that time about 1/3 of the population were of Indian decent (brought by the English to work the sugar plantations). I have to admit that, while I loved the Fijian culture, I had a very difficult time with the Indian. Everything about it was unfamiliar- the smells, the tastes, the sounds, and the aesthetic of the temples (though colorful) completely freaked me out. My parents were more than a little confused and frustrated by this. My brother and I rejected the Indian culture that was set so sumptuously before us. We honestly had no context for it. 

Fast forward to today. I adore everything Indian. Music, food, culture, languages, style, clothing, film, all of it. Why the change? Since my childhood, I have had a number of friends (and even my parents) come along side me and gently introduce me to the culture. "You should try this amazing curry." Indian food becomes less foreign. "You should listen to this great song" - Indian music becomes less foreign … etc. etc. I say this only to point out that in my own life, it is the borrowing from other cultures that has made the people behind those cultures more approachable to me. I love and understand the people of India more today because i have gradually been exposed to things that would otherwise make them different than me. 

If you can learn to appreciate the aesthetics of a people group, genuine love for that people group is not far behind. This is not always the logical correlation, but in my experience it tends to follow. 

I often get asked why I borrow so heavily from other cultures, so I wanted to really map it out for you all. (in addition to the reasons above) We live in an era of endless possibilities. I say it all the time, that we can now pull inspiration from every culture and period of history in the world. There is no need to settle for a simple hoodie. When we borrow from other cultures we are not just promoting understanding, but also enriching our own life, and the lives and aesthetics of those around us. As a child, wearing turbans was simply fun. It was a chance to  play and pretend in the context of other cultures. Today turbans help me communicate the diversity of available options, and help me expose the stale routines we often select for ourselves. By wearing a turban I am simultaneously promoting empathy for the lives and faiths of my friends around the world. 

I think that aesthetics are a key to understanding. When you borrow the music / clothing / style of another culture, that culture becomes less "other" and becomes more familiar. Once something is no longer scary it is easier to understand and process. I know that life is way more complicated than this, but I have seen it in my own life. 

Caveats:

- Seek genuine understanding. If you think style is just a plaything, think again. Behind every garment there is a serious message. Clothing is often the tangible representation of oppression and belief. Know what you are wearing and why you are wearing it. This goes for any garment. 

- Seek to understand your own culture / aesthetic. Know thyself. If you wear something / watch something / eat something / say something… that thing is describing your beliefs and aesthetics to others. Don't be communicating unconsciously. Know what you are communicating. Learn the history and context of the world around you. 

For further reading, check out this article sent me by Jacki Warren

(These pictures were taken by the lovely Jenn Elliott Blake. Her Instagram is a wonder. You should check it out. )

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Introducing The Springsioux Shoot

The perfect storm.

In April all of the elements came together. Jill Devries (an amazing photographer friend from Grand Rapids) was visiting Europe. Her time in Paris happened to overlap with that of Jenn Elliot Blake (an amazing stylist / blogger friend from Seattle). We knew that we absolutely had to create something together. 

I pulled work from a few designers I knew- bracelets from Ursul, and printed textiles from Nash Prints It, designed by the lovely Petit Shade. 

A few weeks before I had wandered into the atelier of Springsioux. I don't know how to describe what I discovered there, but it was the perfect mixture of authenticity (buzz word much) and style. It was a room of black and white garments- extreme pieces- mostly by French and Russian designers. The owners / founders are  legitimately  kind and gracious people, clearly building a community as much as a brand. Even in that first meeting I knew that I had to collaborate with them. 

... and of course then Jenn and Jill showed up, so it all came together.

We arrived early in the morning to the Springsioux shop on the rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie- preparing for the shoot and drinking coffee and chatting about the clothing. I had an idea of the feel of the shoot, but we were building something together, so after the moodboard and putting together a few outfits, we all worked together. We shot nearby at the Archives, but also in the surrounding streets of the Marais. My friend Kegham was along with us too, giving tips and hanging out. It is always good to have an extra set of eyes when one is both styling and modeling. Jenn was a little nervous modeling, but her natural elegance shone through. 

This month, I will be gradually sharing the rest of the Springsioux shoot. There are some truly magnificent images. I can only attempt to describe what it is like to collaborate with such good-hearted people. It is a rush like the perfect tennis match, or a very solid musical performance... shooting with these amazingly talented folks is communal... it is as much sharing as creating. It is a humbling honor. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Get Away / Shea Petaja Explains Why You Should Travel

I survived the Polar Vortex.  I don't have the t-shirt to prove because I don't need it.  It's still too cold to wear one. While this winter proved to be the most extreme in something like 170 years, it was also suffocating.  We went 7 months without getting over 70 degrees.  That's a long time, even for Northerners.

I promised the Culture Keeper a blog post last summer, but there was nothing relevant to write until a few weeks ago.  I boarded a plane to vacation with the ultimate travelers, my brother and sister-in-law.  Most of you know them for their photographs of world travels, their talent and their beauty.  They are all of those things.  They are also generous in spirit and chill as all get out.

In contrast, I take life a little too seriously, travel very little (this was my first solo vacation in 10 years). I've spent more of my adult life as a gypsy – moving and settling, not traveling. There is in fact a difference.  I'm the oldest child, my brother is the middle and we dipped into opposite sides of the gene pool.  However, when we are together, natural levity occurs.  Getting away to Nashville felt more like getting back to something familiar.  It was exactly what my heart needed.  Timing is everything. I sat in my seat waiting for take-off looking for something on Facebook to distract me and I saw this: 

"Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you've been all along." -Fresh Exchange Blog

By going away, I was returning home to myself.  This little trip began to feel like a rebirth, a gasping for air, a place to be re-known and feel the sun.  

There are reasons to get away.  

• Get away for the sake of getting away.  Where does the weight lift? Does it take a 13 hour flight or a 1 hour drive? Follow what your heart needs and see where that leads.  

• Shake it up then shake it off.  Travel interrupted my comfort zone boundaries.  It shook me up.  When I landed and reset my routines, I could shake off excess baggage (and leave it!).  

• Re-see.  I saw myself differently, my circumstances back home differently and my desires differently.  Changing my scenery changed the way I could see. 

• Be surprised. Keith King, photographer and friend said to me just last night, "As much as I love getting in the car to drive around our area to see its beauty, there aren't many surprises." New settings mean new surprises.  Throw yourself a surprise party and travel. 

• Remember yourself.  When you marinate too long in the familiar you become it. The perceptions others have of you, start to become your own.  The expectations that aren't realistic become real. You get lost in your own town.  Get away to remember why you stay where you stay.  If nothing comes to you, then perhaps it's time to move away. 

All vacations come to an end.  I came home to cold, fast mornings and expectations.  I also came home to the realization that I had overcomplicated the idea of getting away.  I'm not my brother (thank God, I couldn't keep his schedule) or the Culture Keeper.  I am me.  You are you. We are living within the constraints of our time, finances and talent.  Defining what "away" means is different from traveler to traveler, soul to soul.  Be okay with that but don't wait 10 years for this revelation.  Getting away could simply mean getting off your devices, your sofa and comparing your story to only one person:  YOU. 

After all, "You are the one you've been waiting for." –Byron Katie 

Shea Petaja // Culture Keeper

Marking the Seasons

Summer is here.

In an unexpected turn of events, I have ended up in my home town. Perhaps this is not so unexpected. I adore summers here. Previous posts have discussed at length my love of being barefoot, and swimming, and sailing, and running through the forest, and catching up with friends and family. You can basically assume that is what I will be up to this Summer. 

The picture above is one of my favorite souvenirs from last Summer. It was a difficult time for me personally, but I was surrounded by beautiful, dear friends. In the midst of the weight and heat of July I took this picture at a Bastille day picnic. The women pictured- Dori and Cat, have both moved away (more home town transitions)... It is amazing to watch friends carve their lives and find adventure. I am so proud of them and grateful for their presence in my life.

Returning to a place creates a strong demarkation. When I return to Paris each Spring / Autumn I get to see the growth of thought, the subtle transitions in the lives of others. This feels like the greatest luxury in my life now- the chance to advocate, listen, process, observe, inspire. To disconnect, and reconnect. To Mark the seasons, and chart the growth. 

Each time I return to, or leave Paris, I light a candle and sit in The Church of St. Thomas d'Aquin. It is my favorite church in Paris. It is also where I ended up on my 3rd trip to Paris- when I was homeless, and broke, and had no idea where to go or what to do. I just went there, and prayed, clutching my suitcase and crying a bit. Oh, the changes that seven years can bring! Setting in this church now gives me a chance to reflect on all that has happened in my life since. When I return to Paris, I realize that I am more at home than the previous trip, more aligned to the culture, less homeless, more at peace with myself. 

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Thriftwood Shoot

My friend David Vosburg is amazing. He is an entrepreneur / designer with a touch of innovative genius. He lives near Chicago, so I get to see him when I visit, and from time to time he even invites me to collaborate on his projects. I love working with him, because he always communicates his vision clearly, and then allows me to play, and experiment. His is always working on rad projects for start-ups and small companies. Last year he had a brilliant idea for a collaboration with local vintage shops. He decided to create an online vintage marketplace, and voila! Thriftwood Vintage was born... Well, not so simple as that, but you get the idea. Be sure to check out the shop! 

For the launch I styled a shoot with Bryan Gee, a very talented Chicago photographer. Our model was Holland Hames, a mutual friend of David and I from University. The day was a blast (as one would expect). I very much enjoyed this project, and am looking forward to upcoming collaborations with this crew. Here are a few images from the shoot. 

These two images were my favorites from the shoot. Obviously, as with any creative endeavor, a lot of work gets created, but only a few are selected for the final project. As I am constantly getting asked about the process of creating photos, I thought it would be cool to give you another behind-the-scenes glimpse. 

Before the photographer and editor select the final images they often send me a link to an online gallery, where I can select the images I think show the clothing best. They do this because they know that as a stylist, I am constantly aware of what the clothing is communicating. Here is a look at some of the images that didn't make the cut:

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

New Music From Peter Hochstedler

I have many friends who produce soulful music. Straight-from-the heart gritty stuff. I love supporting their work, and introducing you to great musicians. It is a win-win-win, right? 

Peter is one of those friends. His lyrics are raw and beautiful, and I am constantly in awe of his life and passion. He is one of those folks who challenges me to think deeply, and reevaluate the world around me. Actually his music does that too. His friendship and his music in tandem draw me deeper into compassion and exploration of the broken world around me. 

Peter is from Istanbul, but I met him in South Bend. He is one of the cool kids kicking it around there and exploring justice and peace and living out redemption in the rotting world. 

I highly recommend a journey through his last album "Saltpeter Wars". I recommend taking it along on a road trip with you. It has been in my commuter rotation as I journey outside of Paris, and it is daily opening my world. 

Peter is also working on a new album, which is sounding like it will be his best work yet. You can find out more about that project here (Also- Sign up for advance copies, and support his work. Because he is rad, and his music is rad… and because Peter has amazing, transformative things to say.)

Here are some recently released live tracks:

You can also check out more on his Bandcamp page. Get on it, have a listen. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

Culture Keeper

Authenticity in Revolt

photo by Michael Newsted

It is the word that has been popping up in every conversation since I arrived in Paris: authenticity. I am not sure why this has suddenly become a theme, but I am obsessed. 

The word has come up in multiple ways- primarily that people recognize the authenticity of Culture Keeper and its goals / message / aesthetic. That is the biggest compliment I can ever be given.. that what I create is consistent with my values and personality. 

Authenticity has also been discussed with regard to its absence… Paris is a huge city with a drive for luxury, and people are often not what they seem. With all these extremes I am getting better at sorting out the genuine, kind-hearted, creative types from the general sprawl of human existence. That is a great realization. The contrast has made me desire more than ever, to be authentic… to be an open book, honest and kind; my truest self. This may sound rather sappy, but I promise it is the result of serious interaction and deep conversation. 

There is so much creativity going on right now. Humans are at work, laboring to make the world a more beautiful place. My challenge these days is recognizing who is at that labor, and who is out to make themselves. It is a confusing challenge. I often feel like my work is all about building my own career and my own voice- so each day I back up and remind myself about my grand goals:

All I want to do is enable others to create. I want to tell stories. I want to open up minds and hearts to imagination. I want to make beautiful things. 

...and now? Now I want to be authentic. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

The Blue Caftan: A study in Cultural Influence

I have long believed that we live in an era of infinite possibility- possessing access to all the cultures of the world, and in many cases even cultures gone by. When I see the variety that exists, I am continually amazed that we limit ourselves to such a narrow wardrobe. This is especially true in Paris, where a typically black, staid uniform has become the normal sight. Though it is a step up from the denim and hoodie of The United States, it is only a small step in the direction of creativity and self-expression. 

My clothing choices have always been a bit... extreme... halloween costumes regularly worked their way into my school clothes... the gap between dress-up and everyday was constantly blurred. Clothing was costume. The difference between dressing as one's self, or dressing as a character was never defined. But as a child I watched as everyone around me, and myself included for a time, chose to wear the same uniform as everyone else. Lets be honest at this point and admit that what we wear has very little to differentiate it (in the grand scope of human existence) from that of our neighbor. 

In an effort to streamline my communication, I have decided that it is more important to show you the possibilities rather than bemoan the homogeny I am forced to witness each day. Among the very few garments I packed for my three months in Paris, was this bright blue caftan. My friend Asna said that her father used to wear one like it each day (but in white). I had purchased this piece with a mind to alter it, but the fit was perfect, and it had pockets. win-win. The great thing about a caftan is the comfort. Seriously, your jeans have nothing on this. To keep it from being too costume-y I paired it for this shoot with a sailor's cap, with a pom-pom I stitched on. I also added Doc Martens boots, for a slightly punk edge, and black skinny jeans underneath, because, you know, Paris has wind. I didn't want to create an outfit that said: "Morocco"... I wanted to create a look that expressed "Grant" with a subtle reference to the history and culture of Morocco. (because your clothes say something about your interests, and influences) 

The one downside to this garment seems to be that it wrinkles like crazy. I am crap with an iron... so despite my best efforts (am I a styling failure?)... the wrinkles remained. Whatever. Also I have no idea what strangers were yelling at me while I walked down the street. Thanks to my lack of French language skills... ignorance is bliss. 

My new friend Igor Bednirov was a total dear to adventure with me and take all these photos. He has a pretty stunning portfolio, so be sure to check out his work... and of course we will be collaborating again soon. We shot this on the Pont Bir Hakem, in competition with at least 4 other fashion bloggers and their photographers... so I probably won't be using it again, but it is the perfect place to stroll in the early evening. Be sure to check it out when you visit Paris next. 

In the meantime do something crazy: study a few other cultures, see what is on the runway this season, look back in history. Then take your newfound discovery and wear your findings. Be sure to send me pics because I love style that is coupled with knowledge. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Back to Paris.

I have been in Paris now for two weeks, so I am overdue for a post, non? This has been a great time of catching up with friends, and meeting all the people I had connected with, and not met. It is crazy that I have been away from Paris for an entire year, but such is the course of life and adventure. The people I have been meeting for coffee are some of the coolest people I know. They are passionate about the creative process, and are all brewing exciting projects. (Perhaps i can convince them to share their stories with you.) It is becoming my life's work- to sit and hear the stories of dear friends, as they work, and live and create- I listen and chat and learn. 

The great thing (or one of them) about being back in Paris, is that it feels so natural to me. It feels comfortable. Stepping back onto French ground makes me feel that I can get back to the routine of normal life. I am at a space in my life where I feel the most confidence and peace I have ever felt... and though I don't feel confident in my use of the French language... this city gives me confidence, and so much joy. 

I will be featuring collaborations with various designers and photographers in the coming months, as well as a few mini-adventures along the way. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram, as that is where I will be posting daily (and that is where I first posted all of these images). This is my attempt to bring you along on my adventure... to introduce you to all of my favorite places and people. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper 

The Culture Keeper Box Project

This past summer was a time of reflection. In search of the next phase, I read back through Culture Keeper... to see what the common themes were. Over and over again, I kept reading about "tangibility". Somehow all along I (and all of the other contributors) had been talking about the things in life that one can touch. Culture Keeper was becoming a way to follow creative, stylish adventures... and I wanted a way to make these travels tangible for you, my dear readers. 

During this time I spent a few days at the Art Institute of Chicago, thanks to the painter Noy Balda who was generous enough to let me be her guest. My time there birthed the beginnings of this project. For several years I had been creating inspiration boards for shoots... these I would send to the magazines I was working for as well as the models, hair, makeup, photographer, etc. What I was dreaming up was a tangible version of this as well. I had also been traveling for almost my entire life, and had collected all sorts of little treasures, books, watercolors, and postcards from my trips... I began to put all of these ideas together... along with stories- the core of Culture Keeper. 

My first plan of attack was to have a pow-wow with Mike and Megan Gilger, because they are the best brainstormers on the planet, and because they believe in everything I do, and are always dreaming, yet realistic. I talked with them... and then I sat down with Carson Davis Brown, another talented dreamer. He was great at helping me scale back the project and be open to simplicity. I started to talk to more of my creative friends... Marlee and John Hanson, my brother, my mother... I was sorting out details and ideas non-stop.

More than anything I wanted to experiment in a new way. I am so used to creating in an online platform, that I was excited for a new challenge. 

...And a challenge it was. I wanted to go "all out" for my first series... so I got a bit carried away. Handwritten letters, hand-printed art, personalized boxes. Each box was created around a book (mostly English translations of French)... and from that book I worked with Pantone to create a color palette. From these colors I created an inspiration board of images, scraps, and textures I had collected over the years on my travels. I then wrote notes and stories for each box, and added a few treasures, maps, and art supplies. 

As most of my readers are creative professionals, I wanted a chance to share not just stories and travels, but also the inspirations. 

What I have learned through this project:

+ These boxes are expensive to make. Perhaps in the future I can mass-produce more... but each of these were hand-crafted and took a lot of time and resources. 

+ I absolutely loved every single part of this experience. I was able to create in share in a new way, that feels beautiful and authentic. 

I have started creating a few custom boxes for clients. This has been a great way to collaborate and share inspiration as well! So stay tuned for new projects inspired by this one! If you are interested in a CK Box, there might be one left in the shop. And if you have a project coming up and need some inspiration, I can work with you to gather just that. Keep dreaming, and innovating, and creating. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Back To Istanbul

I guess I can say it rather plainly: Istanbul stole my heart. Sorry Paris. Perhaps there is room for both of you? It did not happen immediately... but by the end of the first week I was smitten. I am forever indebted and enchanted by the wonderful people I met there, and the hospitality of Ricky Cohete, the photographer whose work you have been enjoying in these posts. He was the one who brought me along on this Turkish adventure. 

So here I am, on my way to Paris, with hopes of Istanbul for the month of May. Why do I want to go back? Besides my newfound love for the city, I am hoping to have the chance to explore. I want to meet designers, painters, creatives, adventurers, editors... I want to hear their stories... and share with you all the creativity and the passion I discover. 

On my first trip I had the opportunity to sit down with Elif Cigizoglu. and Alara Kap. I also got to meet some of the rad folks at The Guide Istanbul. I would love to collaborate with all of them, as well as have a few adventures and shoots. I also have an amazing photographer lined up to join me on this trip. More surprises. As with all adventures and projects, it is difficult not to get one's hopes up, but I give you permission to get your hopes up. 

I hope that Culture Keeper has not been too Istanbul-heavy in the past year... I obviously don't want this to be a blog about Istanbul... or Turkey... but I do have to admit that there is something brewing there.... not just a political something (although you can be sure that I will cover that as well) but a creative / cultural movement that is exciting in the extreme. There is an electricity in the air. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

WHY PIN?

A few years ago, my friend Megan Gilger practically forced me to get a Pinterest account. I had seen her pinning, and knew a bit about it... but I have to admit I was hesitant to add yet another form of social media to my already busy daily routine. Gradually, I have discovered the value of this online tool- as an asset to all of my creative endeavors. Friends and clients keep asking me about Pinterest, So I thought I would lay out for all of you exactly why it is so vital. In this post I outline a few of the benefits of pinning.

+ Find Inspiration

I guess it is pretty obvious that Pinterest can be a place to gather and store inspiration. It is filled with images, videos, and articles from all over the world. To me that is reason enough, but I know that we live in a time when we are bombarded and saturated. 

+ Narrow your aesthetic

Pinterest, if done well, betrays your inner-most aesthetic and vision. As "knowing thyself" should be pretty high up on your list of priorities, I would add that knowing your aesthetic self should be pretty high up there as well. This won't be true for everyone, of course. The effectiveness of your account will depend on whom you follow, how regularly you pin, and how willing you are to be vulnerable, honest, and brave. When a client comes to me for help deciding "their style" I always point them to Pinterest. Here they can see thousands of styles, and after pinning for a while can notice trends in their own tastes, that they might not have discovered otherwise. 

+ Get to Work

Each of my boards is organized around a theme I write about, or upcoming shoots I will be styling... so I use Pinterest as a way to access images quickly. I create mood boards, and actually offer a discount to brands that pull images from my boards. My thought being that if they are pulling from my inspirational store-house, they are already working within my aesthetic. Any time I have a project, even a mural commission like the one I am working on this week- I head to my Pinterest to pull from the images I have been collecting. 

+ Organize

The value of pinning is all in the organization of you boards. Plan wisely, and don't hesitate to rename, delete, or start over. Try not to have more than 15 boards, as it will slow down your pinning / finding process. I realized that I was constantly pinning vintage posters, and with no specific folder for them, they were getting put in my "Art" board... So I created a Poster board to pin them to. I had a board I was not using, and even though it had thousands of followers, I deleted it, because I realized that in the long-run Pinterest is my business tool, before it is a social media. 

+ Earn

I must honestly tell you that some of my pins are sponsored. I don't earn much from pinning, but enough for me to care about how many followers I have and how each pin fares in the re-pinning process. There are plenty affiliate organizations/brands that will pay you per sponsored pin or click-through. I pin an image regardless of who will see it and how it will be received. I pin first for myself. I am also loyal to my personal aesthetic. I dare you to discover which of my pins are sponsored... if I am doing my job correctly, you really won't be able to tell.

Honestly, I would say that if you don't feel the need to gather, store or share inspiration I would suggest you avoid Pinterest. Keep your life simple, and present. For me Pinterest is an invaluable resource, that streamlines my working process.

If you do get a Pinterest account, fill in the self-description in your profile. I click to find out more about each person I follow. If you sound interesting, I will probably continue on to your website as well. If you are my friend I will follow you, but unfollow boards that won't interest me... I don't craft, cook, or take care of babies... forgive me for not following those boards. I tend to unfollow boards as frequently as I follow them, because my time on Pinterest is limited each day- fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the evening.

I save (almost daily) screen shots of who I am pinning from, and how many followers I have on Pinterest. Call it blogger OCD... I want to know who is providing me with inspiration. 

Here are the people from whom I regularly gather inspiration:

Beth Kirby I {local milk}         //        Sarah Sotolongo        //        Megan Gilger

Bonnie Tsang        //        Sarah Prall        //        Sara // Threadbare Supply Co. 

Keiko Brodeur // Small Adventure      //        Alexandre Martinez        //        Alex Dolan

miu mirambell        //        Federico López Chalde        //        Liivia        //        Michael Newsted

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper