Adventure 27: Open Studio Crawl, Design Week 2013

If you haven't heard, or maybe wondered why there have been so many fabulously dressed people walking around downtown the last few days, it's design week. In fact it's wrapping up tomorrow.

The events have ranged from a film screening, workshops, a vendor trade show, fashion shows, and a studio crawl. Two nights in a row 15 design studio's in Salt Lake City opened their doors to the public, for a studio tour. I was able to visit four of them, and get a glimpse of the amazing talent there is right here in SLC.

First Stop: SPY HOP

SPY HOP is a non-profit organization that mentors youth in the digital arts. They have a film program, graphic arts, and even a record label. They've been around for 15 years doing this!

The young woman who gave me the tour was herself once a student, and now works to help the up and coming talent.

My tour was quick and brief, so I didn't get a chance to snap pictures of the individual studios. But, there were students sitting with the mentors. One with a guitar, a few in front of a computer, others huddled together talking excitedly.

SPY HOP seems to have up to date technologies, and the space was bursting with creative expressions. The walls, shelves, and plaques all expressed this. It made me want to plop down with a mentor and be inspired. They should really have something like this for 30-somethings.

Inspired? There is a small way you can support this organization, by buying chocolate. No complaints here. Mention SPY HOP at Rocky Mountain Chocolate at City Creek or the Union Heights stores, and they'll donate $1!

Second Stop: STRUCK

STRUCK is a creative agency located right in the heart of downtown in one of those beautiful old buildings with a historical marker.

The charming Kyle Snarr, Director of New Business gave the tour. He's been with the company since the beginning, and clearly has a passion for what they're doing... and it's quite a lot.

Initially we were brought to the big open space full of the creative geniuses hard at work.

Next, this back area that had a couple of recent projects on display. It looks like a creative play ground. I want to play!

I am in love with their space. So open, so colorful, so ripe with creative energy!

Here are some snapshots of a campaign they recently did for Nickelodeon Studios.

The larger pictures to the left are artistic depictions of iconic Nick characters, which were all quite amazing. What I loved here are the smaller pictures on the right, which are cartoon depictions of the artists for display at Nickelodeon studios.

Kyle then took us to this cabinet full of binders. These capture the unfolding of projects they've worked on. You can see a snapshot of a beginning to finish creative process, which I thought was so cool.

This television in the lobby area showcased the recent University of Utah hall of fame they designed. I haven't been there, but it looked amazing from the video... hmm, do I sense another adventure here?

That's a beer pong table. I didn't check, but I assume those cups were filled with beer ready to go. They can't help but infuse fun into everything.

Stop 3: MODERN8

MODERN8 is a branding and marketing firm from what I gathered, but also does other creative projects when given the opportunity. Their speciality is Architecture, in fact they designed the website for my next stop on this crawl, which I discovered from their website.

A charming touch of a local brand in the reception area.

The space is intimate, the smallest I saw this evening, with a staff of about half a dozen, (unless there are more working off location.)

Alysha Smith, Account Manager, gave me the short tour. Their founder, Randall Smith has been designing for our community for 30+ years, although their clientele is all over the map.

One of the graphic designers at hand talked about a project he's working on for the University of Utah's School of Fine Arts. They're launching a magazine which will showcase their contribution to the community and the world. I will look forward to that release!

My fourth, and final stop: FFKR Architects.

The first thing I was struck by on my last stop were these old-looking metal beams outside, leading up to the entrance. At first I thought it was for affect, being that it fits with the theme of architecture. Turns out these are all from the original structure. This building is really old!

Larry Curtis, Associate Architect,  gave me the tour. Our tour started with this wall of snapshots of buildings they've designed. A lot of LDS temples, as well as casinos, hospitals, and many more.

I couldn't stop snapping pictures, this place is huge, and beautiful! It used to have train tracks coming in right through the middle, for the unloading of supplies. Oh yeah, this space used to be a supply company which originated almost 110 years ago.

The building is all original. Those wood beams up top... original. The bricks to the side... original.

The work space is very open, no cubicles.

A view from the top floor.

Some old pictures of the interior... I'm a sucker for old-timey photos.

There used to be more of those metal beams up top, including a crane which is now in decorative use out in the front of the building, which we already saw.

Interior designers sit here.

A slanted stair case designed to make the area below more of a gathering place.

This 'cloud' as Larry called it took them a year to make. Most of that time was spent coming to an agreement. That's what happens when all the decision makers are designers. Not only does it create good lighting, but makes it so the sound doesn't disappear in this high-ceiling'd conference room. Brilliant. Those Architects!

Probably my favorite feature, this enormous, aged door.

Heidi Nielsen, Marketing Coordinator showed me this door is still functional, and does move, though it is always kept open.

Pictures taken of the space after clean up, and before FFKR took over.

It's a small world, turns out an acquaintance of mine, the smart and beautiful, Mandy Martineau works here as an associate architect.

A shot from the front entrance leaving.

This studio crawl was a dream come true for me. I always want to go into design studios and get a look around, in fact I've reached out to a couple in the area with no response. Here's the good news, I'm pretty sure most of the studio's I visited will give a tour if you ask. In fact, Heidi from FFKR even told me they are always willing to give a tour of their studio to anyone who would like. So, no need to wait until design week!

This one my favorite things I've done. My advice to you: don't miss design week next year!

Time spent on adventure: 2 hours
Money spent: $0
Recommendation: 9 out of 10 adventure points!