Northwest Til Death

One of my favorite things to do no matter what city I’m in is go to local boutiques/shops. I love checking out local artist/merchant merchandise. One company that I have fallen hard for and want to share with all is Paper Diamond Clothing. I’m a sucker for all things PNW...as you all know. So as soon as I saw the brands slogan Northwest Til Death I was hooked & wanted to know more about this local creator.

Instagram: justin.newman

Created by Curtis Ashby Curtisashbyart.com in 2008, As a way to display & sell drawings he had created. The concept...create something out of nothing. Starting all of his designs by drawing them on paper, scanning onto a computer then with a little work it becomes a diamond.  

I asked the meaning behind the brand. Curtis responded.

“Northwest Til Death” was coined a proclamation of pride for the region that we live in here in the Pacifc Northwest. The Northwest is such a unique area to live. I wanted to make a line of apparel that reflected that uniqueness.  

Instagram: kmat_

Instagram: PaperdiamondsNW

Painting throughout middle school and high school, taking multiple art classes per day, paved the way for the artist he is today.  A friend wanting to purchase a painting only if he had a place/funds for it, got Curtis thinking about how he could create affordable art. The idea of a clothing company was born.  

Instagram: zackkcore

Curtis is currently working on the winter collection for the Northwest Til Death line. With a few new shirts, sweatshirts and more to look forward to. Also keep in mind beanie weather is upon us. Curtis hand sews the patches on to these trendy beanies he sells. So keep an out...they are my favorite!!!! 

You can snag Northwest Til Death goods at local Tacoma stores such as:

Compass Rose... also the Olympia location

Bleach 

Nearsighted Narwhal

Tacoma Art Muesum 

Or check out their online shop...

Northwesttildeath.com

Instagram: minnesxwtan

If you haven’t yet we are doing a giveaway so make sure to head over to my Instagram to participate

Brit_PNW

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW You  

Brittney

Tacoma Needs Love- Michael Johnson

Anyone who has Instagram or really any social media account will understand what I’m about to share....

About a month ago I went on Instagram, like any other hour of my day checking my notifications haha per usual I had a message notification and went to it... it was a comment on my story from someone who I’ve been following for awhile now, someone who I double tapped every photo posted, may have even commented on a few....haha So I did what any normal girl would do, screamed and jumped around!!!! I showed Anthony who has no social media accounts what so ever and had no clue what I was even showing him...haha he doesn’t get it.  

So...

I wrote back and I’m glad I did. Yet again the blog has opened doors or opportunities, ones I couldn’t even imagine a few months ago.  

Let me introduce to you local Tacoma Photographer Michael Johnson ... he has an eye for capturing beauty in anything he points and shoots at.   

1. Lets start off with why so much love for Tacoma?

Well I was born here and its just home to me. Tacoma gets a bad rap from our neighbors to the north. Oddly enough it is now them that are coming down here and buying all the locals out of housing options. Now they finally realize how cool Tacoma is and figure by gentrifying all of the neighborhoods then it will be a livable place for them. Aside from that some of the best people I know are from here, and Tacomas diversity is part of what molded them into awesome individuals. That also reflects in the art that is created here which often times reflects an adoration for the city. I love the fact that you can get lost in a forest, put your toes in some sand, and admire modest sky scrapers in one city.  

2. How did you get into photography?

Music lead to my interest in photography. I used to be in a band and always appreciated the cool pictures some of our friends would take of us, as well as other bands pictures I saw. Also getting my own place gave me some motivation to take some photos. When you get a place you naturally want to decorate it. IKEA and Burlington do have some nice pictures to hang on the wall but its all hotel art and has no connection to me. I wanted to take pictures that I could hang on our walls and know they have a meaning to us, as well as reflect my personality. 

3. What inspires you?

My family. And telling me I cant do something. I want my kids to experience all the cool things I got to experience as a kid and didn't appreciate until I was older. In 1st grade we hopped in our Vanagon and drove across the county. I want to do that with my family. Maybe sans vanagon because they are wild expensive but in some type of car. I wan't to create those memories with my family because beyond toys a kid never forgets adventures like that. That being said my parents took me to Disneyland when I was like 2 and I didn't remember shit... so that doesn't count.  

4. Favorite Tacoma location to shoot?...and photo!

I love hidden beach in Titlow. Great sunsets, beach, bridge, quiet, close! Easy to go there with the family and snap a few pictures. I don't think I have a favorite Tacoma photo but I do love the daytime long exposure I took from the Convention center of downtown Tacoma. and any pictures of or at the Murray Morgan Bridge

5. What do you want your viewers to take from your work?

How I see things around here and abroad. You can find a little personality in the way people edit their pictures... maybe some of that can leak through. 

6. Your dream place to photograph...?

Yellowknife

7. One question nobody has ever asked you about your photography?

Why do you do it?

If you know me, once I saw the answer to the last question I immediately wrote back asking why...

-I do it because it's peacful and provides an artistic outlet that I no longer get from music. There is an awesome feeling that comes from making a normal scene turn into something magical as well.-

Michael doesn’t just take photos of beautiful cities he also takes portrait photos go check out his work on his Instagram pages you will feel inspired and fall in love with cities you have or have not visited.

Michaelweldonphoto

Michaelweldonprotraits

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

Fashion Is Art And You Are The Canvas

Do you know me? Haha if you do! You know I love fashion and art! OBSESSED if you will....

I’ve been following MARIA BONITA or Mbconceptstore on instagram for awhile now.  I was drawn to their page instantly. They take fashion and art to the next level... eye appealing. 

Two sisters Zasil & Zamara both love to travel and both completed their fashion careers in  Paris, Milan, and London.  Inspired by their Mexican culture They created Maria Bonita located in Miami Florida or online at Maria Bonita. Working with well known Mexican brands, translating their culture, people, and lifestyle, into fun trendy pieces that all will love.

Besides their online store and shop, they have a blog sharing

- Famous Mexican Designers

- 5 Yummy Mezcal Cocktails ❤️

- Coolest Accessories For Your Next Happy Hour

- How to Wear Colors Even When Your Not Into Colorful Clothes

They sent me these gorgeous bracelets from their shop and I can’t wait to purchase some of their amazing pieces.

Go check them out Maria Bonita 

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney

Taking A Risk

It’s been awhile...

As majority of you all know I went through a big career change... haha as well as hair change!!!  I had been with the same company for five years & within those five years my work ethic was created... what I mean by that, I was taught discipline and how to be the best worker.  From co-workers to bosses, they have shown me how to be successful in all that I do.  I have been lucky enough to meet some inspiring ladies along the way, the ones that have touch my heart I have taken a piece of you all on my new journey....

This last month and a half I’ve been establishing my new routine... I’ve learned that in the beginning of any new chapter, focus on the prize...not only do I feel like my new work has set me up for success but I have set myself up too. I have set goals and accomplished them in a short amount of time. Taking a risk on myself makes me want to share with all of you out there that if you want something...just do it. 

Now for the blog...

Now that I’ve mastered my new routine I have set aside some time to get back into blogging. 

Something to look forward to this week... 

Two traveling sisters that own a boutique in Florida, I can’t wait to share their story... 

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW! 

Brittney