I’m currently trapped on a plane, which is arguably the best place to write without distraction or interruption. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a newsletter out last month and this one will probably be a tight squeeze. That’s probably ok, I’m not going to stress about getting one out per month just for the sake of it. This email will start off talking about loss and hopefully end up in a more positive note. I learned this structure from Tyler Brule of Monocle, who tries to front load his magazine with serious topics and let the lighthearted material be the treat in the end for patient readers.
Johnny Hockey banner hoisted at Nationwide Arena
On August 29th, we lost Johnny Gaudreau, who chose to play for my Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. This choice overwhelmed me with joy, as Johnny Hockey was my favorite player in the league since he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2010. I remember reading the players tribune article when I worked at Homage and related a lot to the challenges of playing a very physical sport with a smaller than average stature. Johnny was 5’7 at best and 155 lbs when he entered the league, but playing against guys that were 6’4 that will try and take your head off on a nightly basis. You have to adapt, make up for it with other skills, be faster, smarter, and keep your head on a swivel. I have about 1% of the skill as Johnny but I learned from watching him and tried to emulate his game. Admittedly, I even researched his stick flex (unusually low) thinking it would make be a better shooter. My teammates laughed at the 55 flex noodle I bought that later broke when some knucklehead lightly slashed me.
Johnny Gaudreau
It was so cool to watch Johnny play for the CBJ. I daydreamed of a future where we built the team up around him, protected him and made a run for the Stanley Cup. The dreams of many were dashed when he and his brother Matthew were hit by a callous drunk driver while cycling back home in New Jersey on the eve of his sisters wedding. It still doesn’t feel real, even as the Jackets honored him in a beautiful ceremony on opening night. It was a heavy watch, and even Alina said she wouldn’t have been able to show face like his family did in that situation. I read a comment online where someone was asking if it was acceptable to mourn someone you’ve never met in real life. As I watched the full house of teary eyed fans at opening night and realized my own feelings since his passing, the answer is obvious. Rest in peace, Johnny, we’re gonna miss you.
The squad at Yaus Chinese Bistro
We also saw the shuttering of our beloved Yaus Chinese Bistro at the close of September. I actually started going to Wong Gai (the first iteration of Yaus on north campus) early on in college, probably using my buckid for some house style tofu. When the same family opened Yaus closer to our house on south campus and started serving their signature crispy ‘spicy salted’ protein dishes at college friendly prices, we were completely hooked. In the weeks leading up to my move to San Francisco in 2005, I think Martin and I had spicy salted salmon 5 days in a row. Once we burned out on that, we switched it up a bit and started custom ordering the spicy salted tofu and adding the Chinese broccoli and string beans so the entire plate wasn’t white. I don’t recall all the details, but Martin continued on working at Abercrombie full time and repeatedly ordering the dish while I was living out in SF. Of course, he got the dish named after him with Martin Tofu, but I’m clearly going to take some credit.
It was on the actual menu
It was always hilarious when we’d eat there years later and hear people we didn’t know ordering the dish, which was not always printed on the menu. I really hope Yaus can find another suitable location and reopen. I’m not ready to let that one go in exchange for another ugly 5 over 1.
Lastly, among others we lost Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan. I was a huge fan of his early “I will never stop going in” mixtapes and was always disappointed in the lull in his career. Needless to say, his latest posthumous album brought some of the same feelings as that early run and we never know the talents we have until they are gone. His music will truly never stop going in.
RIP Rich Homie Quan
Work Shifting gears, Feel was proud to reimagine the brand identity for Lloyd Steven, a jewelry brand from Australia. Lloyd approached us to solidify the aesthetics for their latest launch of letter pendants, along with an overhaul of the website. It was a pleasure to collaborate with graphic designer Lynn Oh and developer Liam Tsang and flex some design skills with groovy type and color stories. I have also successfully made the footer obsolete.
The new lloydsteven.com
DAE has finally launched their webstore that Feel designed with a little dev help from Kevin Mack. I also had a wonderful visit to DAE in nyc full of great natural wine, unbelievable food, and banter with old friends (shout out Felipe, Eric, and Bea). Super cool to see all the magic in real life.
daenewyork.com
Another stop on my New York trip was upstate to Piaule, a beautiful nature hotel and again, a client of FEEL. My stay was filled with perfect scenery and super relaxing spa sessions. We also got to tour the stunning Russell Wright home, Manitoga.
I'm feeling some good momentum for Q4 with both agencies and thinking new projects will leak into Q1. If you or anyone you know needs help growing their brand through thoughtful design please just reply to this email to setup a call with me.
I also had a fantastic vacation to Cabo with a squad to celebrate the homie Zach Creadon’s 40th birthday. Here’s a pic from our private boat tour and playing Palmilla Golf Club.
