After The Jump

After the Jump - Episode 1 - Todd Oldham

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:25:14 -0000

On the inaugural episode of After the Jump, host Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge chats with one of her biggest inspirations, designer Todd Oldham. Todd has worked on everything from clothing lines to MTV shows to La-Z-Boy's. Hear how his global upbringing helped shape his design style and how each of his projects tap into a different creative space. How does Todd juggle all of his projects while maintaining a healthy home life? How is working for large corporations different than designing for yourself? Find out on After the Jump! This program was sponsored by Tri-State Merchant.

"If I'm not enjoying it while I'm doing it, it basically doesn't exist for me."
"[When working for large corporations] anybody resting on laurels of doing old fashioned ideas is just going to drown."
"It's sad to me that people have associated style with money."
--designer Todd Oldham on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 2 - Of a Kind

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:58:42 -0000

On the second installment of After the Jump, Grace Bonney chats with the women behind her favorite website at the moment, Of a Kind. Hear how Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo met and decided to turn the design world upside down with their wildly successful website featuring limited-edition products and stories from emerging fashion designers. Learn more about the nature of online sales and how they aspire to make the experience more personal and hands on. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

"I worked in the magazine industry at a time when so many big publications were folding. Clearly people were buying things that were being written about in the magazines, but the magazines themselves weren't seeing enough ad revenue to be kept up. I thought why not break down that publisher/editor wall and just sell the things we were writing about and write about the things we really believe in." --Erica Cerulo of Of a Kind on After the Jump"
The future of arts management is about taking the internet and leveraging it to disrupt the systems that have been in place forever and giving artists the opportunity to market and produce their work without having to go through this gallery system that is very closed and insular." --Claire Mazur of Of a Kind on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 3 - Genevieve Gorder

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:49:34 -0000

On the third installment of After the Jump, Grace Bonney gets a chance to sit and chat with another inspiration of hers, TV personality and accomplished designer Genevieve Gorder. Hear how Genevieve created her professional path and how Minneapolis helped shape her design sense. Listen as she tells stories of MTV internships, college revelations and Duffy Design Studio. Learn more about what it takes to makes your design career dreams a reality from somebody who made exactly that happen. This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

"My job is to imagine harder than you can."
"When I found graphic design [in college], it was like the heavens had opened and I found my path."
"I knew everything about design and I was trained, but switching mediums required a bigger learning curve."
"Television gives you a platform to do powerful things."
--designer and TV personality Genevieve Gorder on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 4 - Jason Goodman of 3rd Ward

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:36:58 -0000

This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney chats with Jason Goodman, Executive Director/Co-Founder of 3rd Ward, a multi-disciplinary workspace and education center in Brooklyn, NY. Find out what drove Jason to create a place where you can experiment, practice and polish your craft and creativity and how his artistic background helped drive his vision. Hear what makes Brooklyn such unique place and the perfect setting for a DIY space like 3rd Ward. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

"Brooklyn is not really about one thing. There are fashion designers, photographers, furniture makers, hackers, and more. That big mixture of people who share a similar DIY ethos makes 3rd Ward successful and Brooklyn very interesting."
"We're entering an age where lots of programing is considered basic literacy."
--Jason Goodman, Executive Director/Co-Founder of 3rd Ward on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 5 - The Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg

Tue, 22 May 2012 06:39:10 -0000

On this week's episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is in the studio with Eric Demby and Jonathan Butler of The Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg. Listen in to learn about how Jonathan and Eric met, and how they decided to become partners and begin The Brooklyn Flea. Hear about the diversity of vendors at the market, and how it naturally produced the food-centric Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Jonathan and Eric also discuss the beginning years of The Flea, and how it progressed from a struggling market into a Brooklyn social institution. From Thurston Moore to Anne Hathaway, everyone is at The Flea- so check it out! This episode has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard and Winery.

"Antiques are always the heart and soul of the market."
"Brooklyn food isn't a trend anymore, it's become a reality." -- Eric Demby on After the Jump
"Brooklyn is the perfect intersection of critical mass and a sense of community." -- Jonathan Butler on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 6 - Meg Mateo Ilasco and Mom, Inc.

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:37:26 -0000

On this episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by Meg Mateo Ilasco, author of several books, stationary producer, and creative director of Anthology Magazine. Tune in to hear about Meg's start in the art and design world, how an advertisement in Martha Stewart Living jump-started her career, and the struggle of being a working mom. If you want to start a business and be a mother, you have to learn to adapt to changes day-to-day; hear about how Meg has learned to make time for her children and be productive in her job. Hear about how Anthology Magazine came about, and why Meg and her partners decided to work in a print medium. This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.

"Yes- it's crazy, but that's the whole point. If people did things for purely calculated reasons, the world would be a really boring place. I think for us, that gave us a lot of motivation." -- Meg Mateo Ilasco on starting Anthology Magazine, After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 7 - Sibella Court

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:20:08 -0000

On this installment of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by Sibella Court- interior stylist, author, and shop owner. Sibella is the interiors editor at Vogue Australia, and is known for her shop in Sydney called the Society Inc. Sibella has also written several books including Etc., Nomad, and A Stylist's Guide to New York City. Tune in to hear Grace and Sibella discuss the differences between New York and Australia, and why Sibella left New York City to move back home to Sydney. Hear about styling for catalogs and marketing, opening a store, and finding the time to write a book. All this and more on this episode of After the Jump. This program has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

"I was little opposed to doing a lot of it [catalog work] because I had seen a lot of photographers that were really creative shoot a lot of catalog and I felt like they lost their eye by the end of it."
"The nice thing about what I do now is that it's whatever I want. We're not selling a product, it's just about what I'm into that day." -- Sibella Court on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 8 - Megan Auman

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:41:34 -0000

Megan Auman defends "stuff" on this week's episode of After the Jump with host Grace Bonney. Megan is the woman behind the popular website, Stuff Does Matter, and the author of the upcoming book "In Defense of Stuff". Tune in to hear an in-depth conversation on the importance of objects in ones life, from functionality to nostalgia, and find out why most people's idea of hoarding is way off base. Why are we so brainwashed into buying stock products when more interesting and higher quality hand made or artisanal options are readily available? Why do some people hold on to things for so long? From family heirlooms to simple household items, learn the differences and similarities between objects, possessions, things and "stuff". This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.

"I don't see a difference between the word stuff and object. What i want to do is take the word stuff and make people realize it's not about a mass it's about individual things."
"People get stuck in a process of thinking 'I need something new so I'll go to Target'. I think it's important for us to show people that there are alternatives. I liken it to the holistic food movement...people are seeking out the good stuff."
"Just because we loved something once, doesn't mean we have to hold on to it forever. Some people carry a lot of guilt over these things."
--Megan Auman of StuffDoesMatter.com on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 9 - Tina Shoulders

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:15:36 -0000

On this episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by designer Tina Shoulders to talk about diversity in the design world. Tina has designed textiles for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, CK Jeans, and Martha Stewart, and designs for her own company, Laidback Home. Hear about how Tina introduced the design world to a wealth of designers of different backgrounds via a panel at New York Design Week. How has the blogosphere served designers of color, and how can these designers get more exposure? Hear some of Tina's helpful tips in discovering new designers, and the role of the internet in democratizing design. Tune into this episode to hear more discussions about non-Western designers, aboriginal design and culture, and the importance of introducing children to creative jobs at an early age. This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"If you want to see different perspectives, you have to look in different places."
"There's such a richness in knowing about people's different backgrounds, knowing their contribution, and what has caused them to create as a result of how they grew up and where they grew up."
-- Tina Shoulders on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 10 - Owyn Ruck of Textile Arts Center

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:43:36 -0000

There seems to be a renaissance in the world of fiber art, and on this week's After the Jump, Grace Bonney is talking with Owyn Ruck of the Textile Arts Center about just that. Hear about how Owyn fostered her love of knitting, sewing, and tailoring throughout her life, and how that led her down the path of becoming a fiber artist. Learn more about the Textile Arts Center's range of classes - from weaving, to screen printing, to dyeing! Hear about some of the artists that inspire Owyn, and why you might think twice before labeling them solely as "fiber artists". Grace and Owyn also talk about the Textile Arts Center's new book, The Textile Artist's Studio Handbook, and how it serves as a textbook for all things textile! This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"People are really interested in doing things themselves as opposed to relying on mass production or something that feels very above them. There's no reason we can't make, fix, and tailor our own clothes." -- Owyn Ruck on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 11 - G.B. Tran and Vietnamerica

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 22:36:15 -0000

On this week's After the Jump, Grace Bonney is talking with cartoonist G.B. Tran- but don't think of your grandfather's cartoons! G.B. is the author and illustrator of Vietnamerica: A Family's Journey, a graphic memoir about his parents' immigration to the United States before the fall of Saigon in 1975. The book encompasses G.B.'s family history, and also includes some of his own realizations about his culture and identity. Hear about the different processes that G.B. used in illustrating Vietnamerica, as well as some of the other cartooning projects that he works on to pay the bills. G.B. identifies as a cartoonist; hear why some consider that to be a 'dirty' word, but why G.B. embraces it! Other discussions include this year's Eisner Awards, the trend of graphic memoirs, and G.B.'s research process with his family members. This program has been sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

"It's always really great when something that you pour so much love, sweat, and blood into resonates with someone."
"I feel like the immigrant experience- no matter where you're from or where you're going- follows the same process, as far as emotional states."
-- G.B. Tran on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 12 - Connecting with Morgan Evans and Rena Tom

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:48:11 -0000

On this week's episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is discussing the importance of real-life connections among the online community with two special guests. Morgan Evans is the community strategist for Etsy, and she's in the studio talking about some of Etsy's initiatives to get craft-makers together in their neighborhoods, collaborating, and building businesses. Joining Grace and Morgan over the phone is Rena Tom of Makeshift Society, an upstart company that aims to bring together creative professionals of all types. Tune in to this episode to hear about the Etsy Craft Party, why creative types in big cities are often isolated from their peers, and how meetups can foster the growth of independent and small businesses. This episode has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

"When you're in a smaller town you bump into like minded people more often. The choices are endless in a city - people go into their own micro groups...it's easy to silo your self away and not run into new people."
-- Rena Tom on After the Jump
"We've been experimenting with lots of ways to create the perfect event model and empower people to get together in their neighborhood. On August 24th we are celebrating Etsy Craft Party, a global event happening on a local scale. [http://www.etsy.com/craftparty2012 for more information.]"
"As things get bigger and bigger, wanting to get back in touch with singularity and one-to-one connections will become more necessary to us."
-- Morgan Evans on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 13 - Work, Life, and Balance

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:53:32 -0000

On this episode of After the Jump, host Grace Bonney is talking about the importance of balancing work and managing stress. Today, Grace pulls from her personal experiences in order to offer some sound advice about having an efficient and happy work life. Tune in to learn about how being honest with yourself can help to realize your professional goals, and how prioritizing can lead to effective productivity. Hear about how Grace made changes in her life, and how you can avoid the burn-out that is pervasive in the digital community. Grace also notes the importance of a support system, and lists some valuable resources for people experiencing a work life imbalance. This episode has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"While flexibility and understanding with yourself is good, also having some hard lines is never a bad thing."
"Your career is rarely ruined by saying 'no' to a single opportunity or making a single mistake, but what can ruin it is being burned out, being uninspired, and not operating efficiently or to the best of your ability."
-- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 14 - Lorena Siminovich

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:11:41 -0000

This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney is in the studio with Lorena Siminovich: graphic designer, illustrator, and founder of Petit Collage. Lorena began taking graphic design classes at her high school in Buenos Aires, and has constantly developed her style ever since. Hear about how moving to New York City changed her approach to graphics and illustrations, and what she has done to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit. From stamps to laser-cut mobiles, Lorena has designed it all! Tune in to hear about Lorena's interest in collage, and how small vacations can do wonders for productivity. This episode has been sponsored by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"There's something very strong about my graphic design education. I have a total Swedish type of graphic design schooling. It's very clean, it's very minimal - so it has something to do with my design of logo types, clean aesthetics, and graphics. It's a graphic approach to illustration."
-- Lorena Siminovich on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 15 - Alexandra Lange

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:35:20 -0000

Design criticism is the topic on today's episode of After the Jump. Today, Grace Bonney is joined by Alexandra Lange, an architecture and design critic. Specifically, Grace and Alexandra are talking about the recent trend of "cuteness" in craft. Tune in to hear Grace and Alexandra analyze the slew of craft and design shows on television, such as Project Runway and Craft Wars. Why are these programs unable to communicate the essence of the design world? Later, Grace and Alexandra discuss the role of the Internet for makers, and how it allows everyone to share their work easily. Does this dilute quality of crafts being produced? Finally, tune in to hear Grace and Alexandra talk about criticism in the blogosphere, and the need for transparency amongst tastemakers. This episode has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"It's definitely a crusade of mine to get the references back into design, even if it's new design."
"Part of making has become sharing what you've made in a very public way."
-- Alexandra Lange on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 16 - Finding Your Voice with Amy Azzarito

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:47:52 -0000

On this installment of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined by Amy Azzarito, the managing editor at Design*Sponge. Grace and Amy are discussing how to get your voice out in the creative community, specifically in an online format. Hear about the importance of defining a personal niche in terms of content and personality. Grace and Amy also give some helpful tips for attracting an audience and self-promotion. How do Grace and Amy stay inspired? Learn about pulling inspiration from different resources, and how it can influence your content and make something wholly unique. Finally, tune in to hear some organizational tips, and why it's always important to stay true to your instincts! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"One thing I really like about blogging is that it is a way to showcase your aesthetic sensibilities even if you might not have design skills." -- Amy Azzarito on After the Jump
"Accept your voice how it is, and trust that if you're speaking from your heart and the way you are on a day-to-day basis, people are really going to gravitate towards that." -- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 17 - Lydia Marks

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:15:02 -0000

On this week's episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by set designer Lydia Marks of Marks and Frantz. You may know Lydia's work from films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Sex & the City I and II, and Synecdoche, New York. Tune in to hear how documentary photography was instrumental in training Lydia's design eye. Hear Grace and Lydia discuss how movie set design transcends the realm of setting, but also influences character development. How did Lydia develop Sex & the City's Carrie Bradshaw by updating her bedroom for the Sex & the City films? Learn the differences between residential interior design and designing for film and television. What is Lydia's dream design job! Find out this and more on this episode of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"Sometimes you have only thirty seconds of screen time to create a world that can be read easily by the audience so that they can see who this person is supposed to be, and you may never go back there again."
"In a film, you're really struggling to create character, and that's one of the priorities. In a home, you don't need to do that as much, but when you can get to who your clients are and start to help them find things to collect that express that, I think that's where some of my prior work really informs my current interior design work."
-- Lydia Marks on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 18 - Sarah Brysk Cohen

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:55:42 -0000

Welcome to another episode of After the Jump! This week, Grace Bonney is joined by Sarah Brysk Cohen. Sarah is the florist and founder of Blossom and Branch, and online columnist for The Equals Record and Design*Sponge. Hear why Sarah left the field of social work to start her own flower shop, and the steps she had to take to start an independent business. Learn about the importance of self-examination when running a business, and how collaboration can help rejuvenate your creativity. How does Sarah stay inspired now that her passion has become work? Learn why the "fake it 'til you make it" business mentality can be detrimental to the growth of a business, and why Sarah finds it so important to stay true to her personal floral style. Tune in to hear more about the role of vulnerability and honesty in Sarah's professional development and personal life. This program has been sponsored by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"Just like with cooking, where so much of it is preparation...that's flowers too, and perhaps many other creative endeavors."
"Once you start opening doors in your own mind and heart, there's no turning back."
-- Sarah Brysk Cohen on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 19 - Ashley English

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:52:25 -0000

This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by blogger, homesteader, and author Ashley English. Ashley lives on eleven acres just outside of Asheville, North Carolina where she keeps bees, raises chickens, and tends to her garden. Hear how Ashley started homesteading, and her opinions regarding the "hipsterfication" of the DIY movement. Why has there been such a resurgence in interest in old-fashioned tactile skills? Tune in to hear how Ashley has made time to write The Homemade Living Series, and raise a child! Hear Ashley and Grace talk about a few small steps that everyone can take in order to live a greener life, and why homesteading is not just another trend. What green practices can be seen in the design world? Find out this and more on this week's installment of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"I think if you give people the opportunity, information, and resources and use an open and friendly approach, people tend to move toward that approach [green living]." 5:15
"Food is the great democratic unifier. It crosses all divides - race, gender, socioeconomic, and political status." 9:43
-- Ashley English on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 20 - Becoming Your Brand

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:45:09 -0000

On today's episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is once again joined by Design*Sponge's managing editor Amy Azzarito to discuss becoming your own brand. Tune in to hear Grace and Amy list some of the the "dos & don'ts" of branding yourself. Learn about the different steps to take in order to personalize and get visibility for your business. Create a mission statement and work on your elevator pitch! Hear about the importance of focus and expertise to make your creative work stand out! Learn to navigate the tricky world of self-promotion; how can you get the word out about your business without seeming self-absorbed? Grace and Amy help you stay organized and work on the logistics of your own personal business image! This episode has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

One of the most important things about being an expert is that you never want to stop learning. Even if this is your field of expertise, you're always going to want to work to better yourself." [8:25] -- Amy Azzarito on After the Jump
"Be who you are, own who you are. There's a real value in being relate-able." [25:51] -- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 21 - Todd Selby

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:47:49 -0000

Grace Bonney sits down with photographer, artist, and author Todd Selby on this week's episode of After the Jump. Todd has made a name for himself by documenting people and their personalities in their own homes. Todd is also notable for his websites, TheSelby.com and EdibleSelby.com, and his recent book, also called Edible Selby. Tune into this episode to hear Grace and Todd discuss the role of film and video in the realm of photography, how to make subjects comfortable in front of the camera, and his background in art and hand-lettering. Todd explains his transition from the fashion and lifestyle world to photographing chefs and restaurants. Todd also talks about his admiration for the DIY aesthetic, and the passion of food professionals. This episode has been sponsored by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"The way that I came into this was not from a design or architecture perspective... I'm a lot more personality-driven. I've always been looking for big personalities and spaces, so I think I'm coming from a different viewpoint." [5:40]
"I think that a big movement in the food world, as well as with interiors, is the DIY movement... There's a lot variation within that- it's the opposite of mass-produced." [28:50]
-- Todd Selby on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 22 - Dylan Thuras of Atlas Obscura

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:45:24 -0000

Dylan Thuras joins Grace Bonney in the studio for this week's installment of After the Jump! Dylan is the co-founder of Atlas Obscura, a website dedicated to all things esoteric and unique in travel. Tune into this episode to hear Dylan and Grace talk about the idea of discovery in the age of the Internet, and what is really left to be discovered. Dylan talks about some of his concerns about publicizing some of these hidden gems, and how he has confronted this issue. How has Atlas Obscura affected the communities and areas that it spotlights? Hear about some of Dylan's revelations that induced his love for traveling. Where would Dylan take some Atlas Obscura users in Brooklyn? Find out on this week's episode of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"A lot of times, I'm talking about some exotic, crazy places, but there's a place a mile from you- where ever you are. There's some amazing thing quite close." [7:25]
"The whole point of the Atlas is that it's not just about these crazy far away places... it's about digging deep, knowing the context, and realizing that there's discovery to be made all around you." [13:20]
-- Dylan Thuras on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 23 - Lessons, Mistakes, & Achievements

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:15:26 -0000

This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney calls into the studio in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to talk about her top ten business lessons. Tune in to hear about some of the mistakes that Grace made with her businesses, and how they served as valuable learning experiences. Learn about the importance of following your bliss, trusting your gut, and not compromising! Grace talks about some of her personal experiences, and how she realized she needed to spend more time working on her life outside of the work environment. Listen to this episode to hear Grace's top ten business tips, top five greatest mistakes, and top five achievements! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"Sometimes breaking a rule means rewriting it to be more inclusive, realistic, or innovative." [9:45]
"I really think that mistakes are a wonderful thing because they really allow you to take a time out and look at your business and say, 'Has this grown to a way that this isn't manageable anymore? Is this something I've been overlooking? Or something that I've been putting on the back burner that really needs to be addressed?' Never take mistakes personally." [17:05]
-- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 24 - Thom Filicia

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:21:12 -0000

This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by interior designer, Thom Filicia. Thom is perhaps best known for his roles in hit television programs like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Tacky House, but more recently, he authored the book American Beauty published by Clarkson Potter. Tune into this episode to hear why Thom decided to restore and fix up a home from the early 1900s in the Finger Lakes, and why he fell in love with the structure. Listen in to learn about Thom's original interest in design as a child, and why he almost decided to design automobiles. Want to know more about Thom's favorite interiors in New York City? Then listen to this episode of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"One of the things we talk about a lot is the 'democracy of design.' I love the fact that design is becoming universal at a certain level, from the Targets to the world to the high end.. There's this mix of high and low that I think is very appealing to the next buying power. That generation is all about mixing old and new, and high and low." [6:35]
-- Thom Filicia on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 25 - Bellocq

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:37:22 -0000

Take a tea break on this week's episode of After the Jump as host Grace Bonney is joined by the team behind Bellocq, a unique and evocative line of hand-crafted blends, the finest pure teas and a charming selection of tea accessories. Hear from Michael Shannon, Heidi Johannsen Steward and Scott Stewart who tell listeners the inspiration behind their brand. Hear their vision of opening the artisanal tea experience up to everybody and find out how they developed their immersive brand experience over the years. This program was sponsored by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"We wanted a product that caught your eye immediately - that you wanted to touch. Then, also the tea itself had to be the finest quality tea we could find. It needed to be a complete immerse experience." [6:00]
--Heidi Johannsen Stewart of Bellocq on After the Jump
"We're very much tea people but we're also about lifestyle. In the tea world, there's this style of person that only likes tea and we're not like that. We want to open the experience up to everybody. We try to take all the snobbery out of tea." [14:00]
-- Michael Shannon of Bellocq on After the Jump
"There's a slightly slower speed to tea than to coffee. The caffeine effect is more subtle. It guides you into this really relaxed, sharing kind of spirit and I love that about tea." [17:00]
-- Scott Stewart of Bellocq on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 26 - Jen Bekman

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:45:05 -0000

On today's episode of After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined by Jen Bekman: gallerist, web entrepreneur, and art collector. Jen opened her gallery in the Lower East Side in 2003, and has been heavily involved in the art world. Jen is also responsible for many other initiatives under the name Jen Bekman Projects, including the affordable art print outlet 20x200. Tune in to this episode to hear Jen and Grace talk about the process of selling art. Why do so few people have art in their homes, and what is so intimidating about buying art? Learn more about 20x200, and why Jen thinks it is important for art to be made inexpensive. Jen and Grace also discuss the rewards that come along with owning art, and the inherent dialogue between the artist and the art collector. This program has been brought to you by 360 Cookware.

"I am most interested in democratizing all of the things that I'm interested in because I feel like way to many people are shut out from them. It sounds kind of corny, but I really think that people are missing out on joy if they're not living with art- missing out on knowledge if they're too intimidated to dive into a topic." [11:20]
-- Jen Bekman on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 27 - End-of-Year Design & Blog Trends

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:44:12 -0000

Amy Azzarito rejoins host Grace Bonney for the season finale of After the Jump! Tune into this episode to hear Grace and Amy talk about their top ten favorite design trends of 2012, and how they will evolve in the upcoming year! Hear about the resurgence of brick-and-mortar stores, and the myriad of pop-up shops in New York City. Tune in to hear discussions about some of the trends from this year that Grace and Amy hope to see fall out of favor. Later, Grace and Amy talk about the blog world in 2012, and how blogging has officially become a profession for many people. How have social media formats like Pinterest, tumblr, and Facebook changed the way that the online community shares information? Tune in to this episode of After the Jump to hear Grace and Amy's predictions for 2013! This program has been sponsored by 360 Cookware.

"Now, with Pinterest, tumblr, Facebook, etc. - People are making these conversations about their lives in visual ways. People used to 'talk' more..." [24:45] -- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 28 - Julia Rothman

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:17:17 -0000

Julia Rothman illustrates and designs patterns in her own unique, hand-made style! Julia joins Grace Bonney in the studio for the first episode of After the Jump in 2013! Tune in to hear Julia talk about growing up in small-town New York City- City Island. How did that atmosphere motivate her in terms of her artistic career? Find out how Julia eventually grew into her illustration style, and hear how she began making patterns. Why does Julia prefer hand-drawing as opposed to working inside of the computer? Hear Julia and Grace dish on the nature of collaboration, and learn about Julia's upcoming book chronicling her life in New York City! This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.

"I'm an extrovert... Doing collaborative projects with people has come out of wanting to be around people physically." [18:15]
"You're going to die... so do what you want to do!" [20:30]
"When art is good and personal- that's number one." [26:30]
-- Julia Rothman on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 29 - Sunday Suppers with Karen Mordechai

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:54:04 -0000

Karen Mordechai is a photographer, stylist, cooking enthusiast, and founder of Sunday Suppers. This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney chats it up with Karen about the arts, cooking at home, and the art of entertaining. Tune in to find out what attracted Karen to the visual arts, and why she often focuses her lens on families and food. Learn more about the Sunday Suppers dinner series; how did it evolve from a casual gathering into a full-blown dinner party? Karen shares her philosophy on cooking instruction, and later talks about chefs that inspire her in and out of the kitchen. This program has been brought to you by Seersucker.

"We are able to break down some of the fear that people have in regards to the kitchen, and introduce people to some daunting things." [12:30] -- Karen Mordechai on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 30 - Alex Eben Meyer

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:53:59 -0000

Alex Eben Meyer is a street hockey player, donut enthusiast, and professional illustrator! This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by Alex to talk about his initial interest in drawing. How did Alex transition from drawing superheroes and military tanks to creating work for The New York Times and college textbooks? Learn more about the field of illustration, and why it encapsulates more than just the Sunday comics. Tune in to hear Alex and Grace talk about the illustration community, and why it lives in such a non-competitive atmosphere. Why does Alex love to share his sketchbooks? Find out on this week's episode of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Seersucker/Nightingale 9.

"I think of the sketchbook as the way I think- I'm not a cerebral person... The sketchbook is a way for me to put down my thoughts." [11:30]
-- Alex Eben Meyer on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 31 - At the Pace of What is Real

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:55:07 -0000

Learn how to "be present" and successfully run your business without stress on this week's episode of After the Jump! Host Grace Bonney talks about the anxieties that have crept into her professional life, and the best way to stay calm in the world of small business. Learn why it's important to stay focused, while at the same time not worrying about the future of your endeavor. Hear Grace talk about some of her favorite applications and programs that help her manage the workload at Design*Sponge. Find out why it's important to listen to your body, and make time for personal relaxation and meditation. This program has been brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

"Remembering that the productive, focused work really ensures the possibility of tomorrow is the key." [8:40] -- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 32 - Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:49:55 -0000

Friend of the show and Design*Sponge managing editor Amy Azzarito is this week's guest on After the Jump to discuss her brand new book, Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History and 24 Modern DIY Projects Inspired by Them. In Past & Present, Amy presents 24 pairs of essays and craft projects that explore the connection between decorative arts history and present-day design trends. Tune in as Amy shares her professional journey - from growing up in a design-oriented family to working with Grace at Design Sponge.. Hear how odd jobs, blogging and DIY design eventually brought the book idea to life. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market

"I was devouring blogs on a daily basis - there wasn't one that I didn't know about.. it was crazy!" [13:30]
--Amy Azzarito on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 33 - Lia Ronnen of Artisan Books

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:58:00 -0000

Learn how to turn your lifestyle or design idea into a book with Lia Ronnen, Executive Editor and Associate Publisher at Artisan Books. Tune in to hear Grace Bonney talk with Lia about her background in the art world, and how that led to work in packaging, publishing, and editing. Learn about Artisan's unique take fashion, lifestyle, and design books, and why they have worked with category killers like Domino and Lucky. How have blogs and magazines influenced the world of books and publishing? Find out how the death of bookstores has affected the marketing of visual books, and tune in to hear Lia explain how to pitch a book idea! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"The toughest problem that we've had is the loss of the bookstore. That was our biggest marketing tool... For visual books- coffee table books, books that are objects- bookstores are important." [18:50]
"A book needs to be more in depth; it's not a blog. In order for it to have a longer life, it needs to have something specific to say." [23:50]
-- Lia Ronnen on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 34 - Makeshift Society with Rena Tom

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:50:36 -0000

Hear from Grace Bonney's mentor and friend, Rena Tom, on this week's installment of After the Jump. Rena is a California native who has been involved in everything from consulting, to jewelry design, to founding the collaboration-minded Makeshift Society. Tune into this episode to hear Rena talk about her upbringing, and how her family pushed her to start her own business. Learn about Rena's time in Park Slope, and her experiences owning the jewelry design store, Rare Device. How do small businesses and creative circles differ in San Francisco and Brooklyn? Also in the studio is architect Bryan Boyer. Listen in to hear Rena and Bryan talk about her newest venture, Makeshift Society, and how it has grown and expanded to the East Coast. This program has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"It's been a lot of fun dreaming and trying to bring the vision of Makeshift to more people." [18:10]
-- Rena Tom on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 35 - Frances Palmer

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:07:32 -0000

Frances Palmer crafts pottery that is informed by her love for art history and the tactile. This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney sits down with Frances to talk about her upbringing and the art of the gathering. Find out how Frances' time in Washington, D.C. and her schooling inspired her to make ceramics. Hear why Frances makes items that are intended to be used, and why dahlias are so present in her work. How do ceramics and gardening interact in her craft? Listen in to hear what artists inspire Frances, and find out why she is taking up an artist residency in China in the next few months! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"The point is that you want to bring people around the table, have a good time, and have fun!" [9:00]
"At the end of the day, what you make has to speak for itself." [21:30]
"You have to make what you believe... It has to come from you so genuinely." [29:15]
-- Frances Palmer on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 36 - Event Design with David Stark

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:20 -0000

Learn the secrets of quality event design with David Stark! This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney invited David into the studio to talk about his history with painting, flower arrangements, and throwing spectacular parties. Learn why David was called to New York City, and why he left the life of a painter to find a life that centered around building community. What parallels does David see between painting and flower arranging? Learn how David's work combines the worlds of interior design, decorating, branding, event planning, and art installation! Hear David describe an average day in the life of an event planner, and why all the details- from invitation design to the party itself- are integral to a great party experience. Find out what types of brands David enjoys working with on this week's episode of After the Jump! This program has been sponsored by The International Culinary Center.

"There was never any intention of 'building an empire' or becoming 'flower designers', we were just making flower arrangements for parties." [6:50]

"You can do things in unique ways, but there are certain conventions that are useful." [12:40]
-- David Stark on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 37 - Kristina Gill, Food & Photography

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:49:12 -0000

The worlds of food and design collide on this week's installment of After the Jump! Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by Kristina Gill, photographer and food editor for Design*Sponge. Hear how Kristina made her way to Italy from Nashville, Tennessee. Find out how Kristina's work often touches on social justice issues such as world hunger and food assistance. Learn how Kristina's column on Design*Sponge came about, and some of the trickier recipes to prepare and photograph. What are Kristina's favorite cooking tools and ingredients? Find out what photographers have inspired Kristina in and out of the kitchen. This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"Some people discover things visually, but I like to discover through my palate." [11:30]
"Interest in food has grown since the column ("in the kitchen with") has started. People really come looking for us now, but when it started, we were looking for them." [18:00]
-- Kristina Gill on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 39 - Raising the Bar

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:25:09 -0000

Solo show! Grace Bonney talks about recent obstacles and difficulties she's faced personally and professionally and how she overcame them. Things don't have to be hectic! And Grace will show you how. Take a breath, and listen to the words of wisdom of this pro blogger, entrepreneur, and go-getter! Thanks to our sponsor, BluePrint.

"Don't be afraid to cast a wide net." [18:45]

"Having a plan B doesn't mean you're setting yourself up to fail, it means you're a practical business owner." [19:30]

"The big challenges are always out there, they're always looming, and they're not always the scary things we think they are, they might the challenges and the little bit of push we all need to really get to the next place with our business." [33:20]-- Author Grace Bonney on After the Jump!

After the Jump - Episode 40 - Frequently Asked Questions

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:26 -0000

How does a blog make money? What tools should a blogger know about? On this episode of After the Jump, host Grace Bonney and Amy Azzarito tackle the top questions they regularly come across at Design*Sponge. Hear what an average day at Design*Sponge is like- including team meetings, scheduling some "you" time, and surviving the flood of emails. Building Design*Sponge also means extensive outreach; this how they find homes across the world- from France to the United States! Hear what motivates them, and what is next for the site. Find out what they would be doing if Design*Sponge didn't exist, and how they wrangle with their cats' destructive tendencies. This program was sponsored by BluePrint.

"Every adult wants to know how you have a job when you work on the internet." [5:05]
-- Amy Azzarito on After the Jump
"Start thinking of yourself as a producer of content and that content does not necessarily live where you live." [10:30]
"I am increibly motivated by feedback. Whether it's good or bad, I enjoy comments." [8:45]
-- Grace Bonney on After the Jump

After the Jump - Episode 41 - Chris Silas Neal

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:34:46 -0000

Join Grace Bonney on another episode of After the Jump as she chats with acclaimed artist and illustrator Chris Silas Neal. Chris's work has been commisioned by a variety of magazines, book publishers and television. His first picture book, Over and Under the Snow, with author Kate Messner was praised for it's "stunning retro-style illustrations" (New York Times), was a 2011 New York Times's Editor's Choice and won an E.B. White Honor Award in 2012. Neal recently directed short animated videos for both Kate Spade and Anthropologie and was awarded a medal from the Society of Illustrators for his work in motion graphics. Neal exhibits drawings at various galleries and speaks at events across the country and abroad. He currently works and lives in Brooklyn and teaches Illustration at Pratt Institute. This program was sponsored by The International Culinary Center.

"When an illustrator is first starting out - most likely what they first do is replicate their heros and the work they are interested in." [17:45]
-- Chris Silas Neal on After the Jump