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The Uncommon Life

Gift Lab: Boombox Touch Speaker

July 2, 2014

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

Product: Boombox Touch Speaker, a portable speaker that’s cord free and will blast out your tunes by simply setting a smartphone on top of it.

Research: 
I love to jam out (preferably to Motown, MJ, or the Rent soundtrack ) while taking my morning showers, prepping dinner, or cleaning my apartment. And although I could play music out loud with my iPhone, it’s never quite loud enough. As a temporary solution, I used to walk around with my iPhone in my back pocket and wear headphones in my apartment, but that quickly became a nuisance. So I decided to search for a convenient speaker that I could use with my iPhone. I wanted something that I could easily bring from room to room without a hassle of setting up or constant plugging and unplugging.

Then I discovered the Boombox Touch Speaker while browsing UncommonGoods at work. I have to admit when I heard that this speaker could play music if I just simply placed my iPhone on top of it, I was definitely skeptical. Trust me, I’m usually a glass-half-full type of gal, but I felt like this little tech discovery was too good to be true. The description claimed that there was no need to set up Bluetooth® and no cords were needed. For such a great price, what exactly is the catch? Poor sound quality? Needing to download a $3 smartphone app? Will it break easily?

Skeptical and hopeful at the same time, I’ve decided to test it out on my own to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

Hypothesis: 
I was sure that the product would work, but definitely with a couple of setbacks. I was expecting to hear a bit of static or that the music wouldn’t be as loud as I would want it to be. (And super loud Billie Jean is always better than I-could-kinda-hear-you Billie Jean.)

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

Experiment: 
I planned to test out the Boombox Touch Speaker at my neighborhood park for a nice little lazy Sunday. Nothing at the time sounded better than flipping through fashion magazines, snacking on guacamole and chips, and chit chatting with my good friend, Christina, while listening to a few Motown favorites in the background.

When I got the speaker I was immediately surprised by three things: the size, the weight, and the feel. I expected it to be bigger because in my mind “big sound equals big speakers.” But I guess we’re not living in the ‘80s anymore and this doesn’t necessarily need to happen anymore. It was nice to know that I could pop it into my tote bag and still have room for other gadgets and gizmos.

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

The weight was lighter than I expected as well, even after seeing its small size – I thought it would still be a bit heavier than it was. That was a relief because it would have been a hassle if I had a heavy speaker weighing down on my shoulder during my commute or if I had to complete errands. I hate being slowed down!

The last thing I noticed was the feel of the entire speaker. It’s surprisingly soft, smooth, and easy to hold and carry around. I could place it on my nightstand, fireplace mantel, kitchen counters, or on the shelf in my bathroom. I love that it’s so versatile and doesn’t necessarily need a specific spot to live in my home. So far, I was definitely impressed. (But still skeptical!) I was ready to test the speaker! Off to the park we go.

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The next step was simply to just turn on the speaker. I turned it on from the switch in the back, and a blue light popped up. I was happy I didn’t need to charge it or place batteries in.  I was like a kid opening up her birthday gifts. I wanted the toy to work – no time for other nonsense!

In the photo below I was so excited that the speaker weighed less than the bag of tortilla chips I was holding!

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Now, for the moment I’ve been waiting for! Without reading directions, I placed my iPhone on top of the speaker… and….I didn’t hear one sound come out of the speaker. I knew it! Too good to be true! I turned the switch back on and then off. Tried again. And again. And again. Nothing.

But right when I turned the phone around, I heard good ol’ Marvin Gaye crooning loud and clear, literally. The sound quality was amazing. Success! It was a lot louder than I expected it to be and I actually had to turn down the music through the volume control on my iPhone. (Although, I’m sure others at the park wouldn’t have had any objections to Marvin being a part of their Sunday!)

Boombox Touch Speaker | UncommonGoods

Boombox Touch Speaker | Gift Lab | UncommonGoods

Conclusion: 
I’m glad I was very skeptical of the Boombox Touch Speaker because I feel if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have been as eager to test it out. I’m 100% happy with it, and would recommend it to any music lover. (AKA: everyone!) My only tip is to make sure that your phone is facing the right way. For the iPhone, make sure the top of the phone sits closest to the speaker, its screen facing up. (Seen in the photo above.)

Now I am able to listen to loud music at home in any room (headphone free!). Also, it’s always a fun to bring out  and show off to my friends on any of our rooftop parties or afternoon picnics. I honestly had three people ask me in absolute awe “How is that even possible?” And just as the description advises to do here, I shrugged and said, “It’s magic.”

Watch me test out the speaker and bust a couple of moves in the video below. Happy grooving!

Maker Stories

Dreaming Big: Anne Lehman Wins Graphic Design Challenge!

June 20, 2014

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

We love our annual Graphic Design Challenges because we receive such unique and diverse entries from talented emerging graphic designers from all over the nation! On our last Graphic Design Challenge, we decided to give designers a bit more direction. We not only provided them the phrase we wanted the contestants to include in their design,”Dream Big, Start Small”, but also let them know what product their design could potentially be placed on if they were to win, a babysuit™!  

When Anne Lehman’s charming entry rolled in, we knew immediately that she would be one of our semi-finalists. The colors, images, technique, and overall appeal of her Mouse and Moon design was something we felt walked straight out of a children’s storybook. The judging panel believed that Anne’s vision was the strongest and that she, without a doubt, committed to the inspirational theme. Meet our latest Graphic Design Challenge winner, Anne Lehman. See how she came up with the concept of her Mouse and Moon design, what she did when she heard the great news that she won, and what her one secret vice is as a graphic designer.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

What’s an Uncommon fact about you and your hometown? 
I am from the town of Reading, Massachusetts, which is about 15 miles from Boston, home of our country’s first public park and subway system. An uncommon fact about me—I am left-handed and have red hair—this combination of traits is in less than 1% of the population.

How did you come up with the concept of your design for our Graphic Design Challenge?
When I read “Dream Big, Start Small,” I pictured a mouse immediately with a small piece of cheese. The concept of the moon came to me when I started to sketch the mouse and cheese. Since the deadline was just three days away, I tried not to over think my design and turned my first sketch into my final piece that I submitted. I am learning that sometimes your first ideas are the best ones!

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

Tell us about your journey into becoming a graphic designer.
My journey started when I was a small child—making art and creating things is all I’ve ever wanted to do—ever since the first time I held a crayon. My professional journey started about 15 years ago. My first job after college was a customer service rep at a printing company that specialized in invitations and stationery. I had a degree in fine arts, but was struggling to apply my art skills to the real world. Seeing how the designs were created and being around the printing process motivated me to go back to school and learn the technical side of graphic design. I needed to make things and create!

I loved learning how to take my fine art skills and apply them to the computer to create logo designs and layouts. For years I worked as a professional graphic designer in the corporate environment. During this time, I discovered that I needed an additional creative outlet, so I would work on my own pieces and often create handmade artwork for family and friends. I found my true passion is creating artwork by hand and the creative freedom and imagination that goes into it. This lead to opening my Etsy shop, Sunny Spot Studio, in 2010. Since then I’ve been making steps towards my dream of having my own freelance business full time where I can create and sell my art, illustrations, and graphic design creations.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

How did you celebrate when you learned you were our Baby Suit Graphic Design winner?
I was so excited when I heard that I won! I called my fiance, Matt, immediately to share the good news. He is my biggest champion and encouraged me to enter the contest so it really felt like we were in it together. We had a nice dinner to celebrate and then I think I spent the rest of the night on the phone with my greatest support system—my parents, sister, and a couple of close friends.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods -matt

What different techniques do you use when creating your designs?
I am always evolving my process, but I don’t think I could live without my pencils, black pen, paints, and watercolors. I always start with traditional materials and have never been able to just jump right in and design on the computer. I will usually scan my artwork and then do some touch up and add typography with design software. I received the most amazing gift recently—a Cintiq Wacom tablet, which allows you to draw and paint right on the screen—this is changing my technique and opening new doors for me. I am now experimenting more with adding color and texture in Illustrator and Photoshop, after I scan my pen and ink drawings.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

Are there any major projects, collaborations, or ideas you’re working on now that you want to talk about?
I always have many ideas in the pipeline for new pieces to offer in my Etsy shop. I plan to add more wedding related items, including invitation artwork soon. I am currently enrolled in an e-course: Make Art That Sells: Assignment Bootcamp from Lilla Rogers, who is one of the world’s top illustration agents and a wonderful teacher. The course runs over six months, with monthly themed assignments geared toward different markets in the industry. It has been an extraordinary opportunity for me to learn and grow my portfolio with her expertise, and also to connect with talented artists all over the world. Our current assignment is to create nautical themed wall art.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

What was the toughest lesson you learned while being an artist?
I learned that it takes self-confidence to be an artist. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Art is very personal and it can be intimidating to put your work out to the public. Not everyone will admire your work, but if you can stay true to your self and who you are as an artist, it will help you to grow in your career and find your style.

Where do you picture yourself 5 years from now?
In 5 years, I picture myself as an independent artist/designer and business owner, supporting myself full time. I hope to be making lots of art pieces and working on creative projects in the freedom of my studio. These projects would include children’s book illustration, pet art and portraits, nursery art, personalized prints, and designing and illustrating pieces for art licensing. I plan to be very busy!

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

Are there any particular graphic designers or bloggers you look up to when it comes to your area of design?
Recently I have discovered the art and career of Kelly Rae Roberts. I enjoy following her on social media and on her blog, where she shares so much about her artwork and life. Her journey to becoming a successful artist and entrepreneur is an inspiration to me.

3_studio-Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

Where do you go or what do you do when your inspiration is completely lost?
If I have the time, a nice drive to my favorite nearby town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire helps to clear my mind. I love to walk around the quaint historic town, visit the art galleries and shops, and to spend some time by the waterfront. Otherwise, a quick yoga class or a bit of time browsing Pinterest always helps me to recharge.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

Do you have any secret vices that causes procrastination? 
I wouldn’t call it a vice, but I can be my toughest critic, which can sometimes cause me to over think my work and stall my finished product. When I am selling an art print or piece, I want it to be the best it can be for my customer. When I realize I am over thinking or reworking my project, I try to step away to separate myself from it. Then I can come back later with a fresh mind to complete the work.

What quote keeps you motivated? What does that quote mean to you? 
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

I keep this quote hanging up in my studio to remind me that I am now on the right path with my art and design career. I’ve learned that if you pay attention to your intuition and follow your dreams, your life will change and you will become much happier. For me, I wasn’t creating enough during my professional career, which left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. When I started to make more of my own art and take steps towards having my own design studio, doors opened up and positive things started to happen for me. And now a few years later, I am about to leave the security of a day job, finally having the courage to branch out on my own and work towards supporting myself solely through my art and design.

Graphic Design Challenge Winner | UncommonGoods

What advice can you offer anyone who is submitting their work into our next Graphic Design Challenge?
Don’t be afraid of submitting your work, just go for it. It is a great opportunity to gain exposure and share your work with the public and a team of professionals.  You will be amazed at the support that will come your way.

We’re pleased to announce that the Dream Big, Start Small Babysuit with Anne’s design is now available for purchase from UncommonGoods!

The Uncommon Life

Instagram Challenge: NEIGHBORHOOD

June 18, 2014

Instagram Challenge | NEIGHBORHOOD | #UGInstaFun | UncommonGoods

To celebrate our excitement about hosting the Brooklyn Flag Project, we decided to make the next couple of week’s Instagram Challenge theme your NEIGHBORHOOD!  If you love where you live, it’s not about keeping up with the Joneses, but making plans with them at your neighborhood’s favorite spot!  After life’s nine-to-fives, exotic travels, visiting exhibitions and museums, adventuring into the outdoors, and running errands — there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve made it back into your familiar neighborhood that you love and adore. From your favorite corner coffee shop, to the broken fire hydrant across the street, to that elderly couple you speak to after your morning jogs, share your snapshots with us on Instagram. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #UGInstafun for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Visit here to see all of the friendly neighborhood entries we’ve received so far!

 

Congrats to @lpodlich for winning our RED, WHITE, & BLUE Instagram Challenge!

Instagram Challenge Winner | Red, White, & Blue | UncommonGoods

 

The Uncommon Life

Instagram Challenge: RED, WHITE, & BLUE

June 15, 2014

Instagram Challege | RED WHITE & BLUE | #UGInstaFun | UncommonGoods

Independence Day is just around the corner and we want you all to show us your love for the USA! The current Instagram Challenge theme is RED, WHITE, & BLUE. From everything to anything, share with us your red, white, and blue Insta shots for a chance to win a $50 gift card by using the hashtag #UGInstaFun!  Visit here to see all of the patriotic entries we’ve received so far.

Congrats to Renee, our winner for the Summer Instagram Challenge!

Instagram Challenge Winner | Summer | #UGInstaFun | UncommonGoods

The Uncommon Life

Instagram Challenge: SUMMER

June 12, 2014

Instagram Challenge | Summer | UncommonGoods Last year, we reluctantly said goodbye to summer when autumn fell upon us, braved (okay, maybe mostly hibernated) through winter’s cold, and have been tolerating spring’s fickle behavior — but now summer is approaching again and it’s time to ditch the sweaters and bask ourselves under the sun! Don’t get me wrong, I have a special love for all seasons, but I think we all have to admit that summer definitely carries its weight in the fun department! The current Instagram Challenge theme is SUMMER. From icecream sundaes to beach bonfires to rooftop films, share with us your summer snapshots for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Visit here to see all of the sunny entries we’ve received so far.

Congrats to Becca for winning our STREET ART Instagram Challenge! Instagram Challenge Winner | STREET ART | UncommonGoods

The Uncommon Life

Brooklyn Flag Project

June 1, 2014

Brooklyn Flag Project | UncommonGoods

WHAT IS THE BROOKLYN FLAG PROJECT?
The Brooklyn Flag Project is a call for entries for flag designs that represent the Brooklyn neighborhood that you know and love! We will print and produce the winning flags in Brooklyn and sell them on our site. We want you to imagine these flags hanging loud and proud in your neighbor’s apartment, your local coffee shop, outside the window of your favorite restaurant, and inside your home office. This project is all about celebrating our wonderful borough, the diversity of its many neighborhoods, and the creative people that live in it.

Our guest judges include Marty Markowitz – former Brooklyn Borough President, Tina Roth Einsenbrg – founder and voice of Swissmiss, Annaliese Griffin – editor-in-chief for Brooklyn Based, and our very own David Bolotsky- founder of UncommonGoods. For more details on the judging panel, click here!

HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK?
After you submit your artwork below, wait patiently to hear back from our Design Challenge team. In mid September, the judging panel will meet to pick their favorites, our finalists. The finalists will be presented to our online community on the voting tool where the public will be the ultimate deciders – using their votes to determine the winner. The design with the most votes at the end of the voting period will be the grand prize winner, and our buying team will be deciding on the runners up.

WHICH BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOODS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
All of them! Whether you live in a well-established neighborhood like Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope or Brighton Beach, or you identify with a newer hood like ProCro or Greenwood Heights, all neighborhoods are welcome.

DO YOU WANT THE NEIGHBORHOOD NAME IN THE DESIGN?
Yes please! This won’t only help us understand the design better, but will make it easier for the judges and online voting community to make their decision.

WHAT ARE THE FLAGS LIKE?
The flags will be a 36 inch by 46 inch rectangle (landscape or portrait is up to you) and will be made of cotton. There is a water based coating on the surface of the cotton for print adhesion. The designs will be printed with GREENGUARD certified ink, so it’s environmentally friendly. Designed for indoor use, the flags will be made with brass grommets suitable for hanging on a wall. Oh, and they’re going to be MADE IN BROOKLYN. Down the road, we’ll also look to feature the designs on other products.

WHAT DIMENSIONS DO I NEED TO WORK IN?
The final design will be a 36 inch by 46 inch flag. But in order for your submission to get through our server you must submit a file at 72dpi in the form of a JPG or PNG. And it must be less than 2mb. Make sure to keep you submission to the ratio of 9 by 11.5 – you can decide if your design will be situated landscape or portrait.

If you win, you will need to have a vector of the file, or an image at 2592 by 3312 pixels.

HOW MANY COLORS CAN I DESIGN WITH?
The designs will be digitally printed so there are no limits to color.

HOW DO I SUBMIT?
Submit your artwork using our form on the very bottom of this page. You will need a JPG or PNG of your work to enter, as well as a vector file if you win. The artwork must be original, meaning free of logos, trademarks and obvious influence from another artist – We know there are amazing coffee shops, chocolate factories, and basketball teams that represent your neighborhood. If these logos are part of your design, please understand that we will require the trademark owner’s permission to use it.

WHAT DO I GET IF I WIN?
If you are our grand prize winner – and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be? – you’ll receive $1000 cash (OK, it’s a check, but you get the idea) and a contract with UncommonGoods that will grant you royalties after a sales threshold is reached. Technically we will be buying the design from you and giving you 5% of the retail price every time it is sold, and the prize money $1000 is an advance on the royalties you will be receiving. The same holds true of each of the other prize levels. You’ll work with our Product Development team to perfect the design and have it printed on flags. Your design will be shown on UncommonGoods.com, in our marketing emails, and possibly in our catalog. You also reserve the right for a judgment-free victory dance, literally letting your freak flag fly.

WHAT IF I DON’T WIN?
This question usually bums us out, so we are offering prizes to more than just our grand prize winner. One second place winner will receive $750, one third place winner will receive $500, and a number of other runners up will receive $250. Keep in mind that we can potentially have more than one runner up winner and that we’re hoping to add dozens of great flag designs into our assortment! The cash prize is an advance toward future sales, so there is the opportunity to make more as your designs are sold over time. There will be lots of victory dances in this design challenge!

I STILL HAVE A QUESTION!
Drop us a line at brooklyn-flag@uncommongoods.com

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

Brooklyn Flag Project | UncommonGoods

Design

Ceramics Design Challenge Winner Announced!

May 29, 2014

In the past, the judging of our design challenges have occurred behind closed doors, either discussed through a conference call or in a room with our buyers and guest judges. Last night, we decided to take quite a different spin with our judging: to make it live for the public and contestants to watch via Google Hangout! (Yes, even including the critiques!) We’re a company that values transparency and we want all of our finalists to benefit from our judging as much as possible. Sure, we can jot down a few notes, and send the comments in an email the next day — but I think we all can agree that nothing beats hearing what the judges have to say in real time.

Below is our very first Google Hangout judging session for the Ceramics Design Challenge. The judges we invited to spill their expertise onto the table about each individual piece were Joanna Hawley, a designer and the voice behind the blog Jojotastic, and our Assistant Buyer, Hannah Weber. (Gaby and I joined in on the fun by moderating the conversation and putting in our two cents when we felt it was needed.)  Be sure to watch and see who our Ceramics Design Challenge winner is!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats, Ronald and Jeni! Your ceramic piece is beautiful!

Maker Stories

A Tale of Two Studios in London

May 12, 2014

A Tale of Two Studios: London | UncommonGoods_7115

If you knew me well, you would know that my absolutely favorite thing to do in life is to travel. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my beloved Brooklyn. But anytime vacation time rolls around, I’m the first one to hail a taxi straight to JFK –wide eyed, bushy tailed, and passport in hand. There’s nothing better than experiencing a new city,  a new language, new food, and a new culture.  My most recent destination of choice was London. (Okay, I wouldn’t exactly be experiencing a new language in London, but beautiful British accents have to count for something, right?) As I was planning out my itinerary — London Bridge. Get lost in the tube. Brick Lane thrift shopping. Enjoy a cuppa. Big Ben. Borough Market. Run into Kate and William. — I realized I still had a couple of free days to burn. I was traveling alone, so why not take advantage of the situation? I decided to do my second favorite thing ever: meet creative people.

A Tale of Two Studios in London

I sent out an email to our buying team asking if we worked with any interesting artists living in London in hopes of setting up a studio tour. When I received responses, I couldn’t ignore the fact that we worked with two different graphic designers who place their designs on tea towels and lived in London. The blog team brainstormed the idea that I should meet with both versus just meeting with one. One seven hour plane ride, two near-death experiences because I didn’t know which way to look while crossing the street, three “you’re on the wrong bus” moments, and one tightly squeezed tube ride later — I was finally sitting in a cafe with the two designers: Stuart Gardiner of Stuart Gardiner Design and Lahla Smart of The Food Guide.

This was the first time they met each other, and given the fact that they produce similar products, I do have to admit I was a bit nervous about how awkwardly this coffee rendezvous could have unfolded. Yet, with our lovely stroll near Walthamstow Central Station and chatting in-between our sips of coffee inside a quaint cafe, I would have to say it was such a success that I was this close in creating the hashtag #BritishTeaTowelDesignersUnite! A bit after our coffee and chat,  I visited Stuart’s studio first, and then ended my afternoon at Lahla’s. Lucky for me, their studios weren’t too far apart from each other — I promise I only had to ask for directions once.

Read what each artist believes sets their graphic designs apart from the next, their takes on switching roles from a graphic designer to a product developer, and their thoughts about living and running a business in London.  

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