jim thomson | freelance design | portland, or

Objectified is a new documentary about relationship between manufacturing and design of everyday objects and the people behind the design. I am very excited for this film but will sadly be out of the country during its showing at Cinema 21 in Portland, June 9th. As a designer I wonder how much of deign of an object is overlooked. I hope this movie will have people taking a second or third look at their stapler.

You can also check out the director, Gary Hustwit's, last documentary celebrating the history, impact and praise of the type style, Helvetica

Labels: Design, Documentary, Film, Objectified, Portland

Whilst eating a tasty breakfast at one of our many Portland grubbing holes [The Country Cat], I recalled a childhood dream of having a wall of chalkboards in my house when I grow up. Thanks to technology and TCC who uses a curved wall painted with chalkboard paint as their 'specials' menu, that dream is back. My next house will have a wall o' chalk!



I imagine being organized & writing complete shopping lists, sketching out new projects or just keeping the wall full of fresh wall decor.

Now, all I have to do is get a house with a bigger kitchen, purchase [or make] chalkboard paint, get organized and grow up.

Labels: Breakfast, Chalkboard Paint, Kitchen design, Portland, The Country Cat

For Christmas last month, my girlfriend and I decided to make at least one present for each other. She loves over sized, contemporary rings. I found a class to learn how to make my own wire wrapped rings. The class was at The DIY Lounge in NE Portland. Besides being the only guy there (I sweat awkwardness), the class was a lot of fun. They provided a wide range in beads and wire to try out. I had a design in mind before hand, so I swung by Let it Bead to find the right beads beforehand.

Note: Let it Bead is now at a new location in NW Portland. They have classes and one-on-one training as well.

Labels: DIY Lounge, Let it Bead, Portland, Ring Design, Wrapped Ring