🌭 Our first popup + new summer playlist ☀️
Newsletter #015
This blog was adapted from my monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.
“Busy, busy, busy.” I just finished Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut and maybe now I’m a Bokononist. Here’s 10 things worth sharing:
We’re setting up a pop-up shop at the Overland Park Art Fair next weekend! We are stocked up on lots of fun new products: t-shirts (above), posters, stickers, Father’s Day cards, hats, and more. We’re hoping to meet new people, get the word out about our studio, and share work we’re proud of. Come see us June 12-13 outside our studio, 7331 W 80th Street.
-Joanna Gaines, my spirit animal (not kidding!), on enjoying everyday moments with her family: “Our dreamiest moments have rarely been the places we went or the big splashy plans we made. They have always been the way we lived out the days in between.”
-“You are defined by the company you keep, and how well you keep it.” - The dad in the Disney Channel original movie, Brink! (This movie holds up! Our whole family really enjoyed. 5 stars.)
-Remember Book-It?! The summer reading program where you got a tiny free pizza from Pizza Hut? Monstera’s is bringing it back. Grab a button, read 5 books from our list, and you’ll get a free scoop from The Flying Cow in OP.
-I loved this video of Adam Savage (from Mythbusters) going through historic posters in the National Parks archive. I specifically loved the 1920’s windshield stickers they gave to park visitors.
-This book of Fathers and Sons holding hands is very heartwarming ❤️
-It’s *Hot Dog Summer* and I made you a playlist!!!! Just a few songs I’ve been vibing lately, including a some recs from my 8 year old. Did you know you can make a custom vinyl of any playlist? I just made one for our daughter’s bday. It’s a fun, meaningful gift.
-I am a huge believer in the humble paper to-do list. Sometimes I wonder if my system is archaic and I should switch to a fancy project management system – but I felt validated after coming across these photos of Keith Haring’s to-do lists. “Call Steve Jobs 408-973-3091”
-The entire Hot Dog! staff (2) travelled to Seattle last month for the Creative Works conference. We came home feeling inspired after workshops, presentations, and good ol’ teambuilding (i.e. - singing Panic! at the Disco and Natasha Bedingfield at karaoke). Shout out to some of our favorite creative friends: Carly from It’s Not That Weird, James from OH no Type Co., Matt Lehman, Travis Roof, Cat Hutzler, and the boys from Brethren Design.
-“If your family inherited only your habits (not your things or your money), which ones would be your richest gifts?”
- James Clear
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🍹 May we all find a few weekends for mojitos around the kiddie pool,
Justin
Scenes from my first speaking gig:
I had a blast speaking at AIGA KC last month, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the Monstera’s brand. If you’re an event organizer or educator – I’d love to share with your group! (Shoot your shot, Hot Dog Man…)