Weekly Highlights
Highlight from this weeks articles, conversations and creative inspirations from Rosie Lee and our community. Opening the lid on topics, news and inspirations that affect our thinking and our work.
Another busy week here at Rosie Lee. We’re pushing through on the final stages of some of our 2024 projects and talking about some exciting ones for next year. It definitely feels like this year is going to be a case of working right up until the last minute before heading into a well-earned break!
On Unorthodox Blend this week, we’ve released our latest Friends Q&A with Fi O’Brien, The OG 13 launched at Art Basel (which we are featured in) and as if that wasn’t enough a surprise travel request for Mark saw him hitting the US West Coast for few days. And all that while trying to juggle Christmas shopping and nativity plays…see what else we’ve been up to below.
Unorthodox Blend
Article: UBA073 - Eclectic but connected.
Mark's article this sweek, over on Substack, looks at the welcome emergence of the “Taste Economy” - a movement towards a more thoughtful and crafted way of operating with beautifully curated independent stores or the rise of niche zines. Meaningful and eclectic choices are thriving and replacing the hustle of the “Creator Economy” which saw the reliance on influencers and algorithms.
Friends
Fi O’Brien
Creative Brand Consultant & Founder of The Home For Imaginative Friends. Frome.
If you live in Frome and you are in or near the creative industry then you probably know Fi. She was one of the founders of Girls Who Grind Coffee, a true example of how a strong purpose, stand-out tone of voice and consistent visual identity can drive a brand forward in a crowded marketplace. We have often included GWG in our client documents to show how they could be thinking differently.
Rosie Lee News
The Online Gallery 13
Rosie Lee Creative
We’ve been supporting The OG in various ways since its inception and in this issue the tables were turned and we’ve been featured. Big thanks to The OG for turning Mark and I’s ramblings into some sense. We’re not so used to the focus being on us, we normally get to to apply our minds to other brands and not the other way round.
BUT it was fun and gives a genuine insight into some of the things we think about when it comes to running a business, tracking cultural movements and our general stray thoughts.
Work with Mark
Mark is the co-founder and owner of Rosie Lee Group (the organisation behind Unorthodox Blend). With over 30 years of experience, he has led impactful projects for leading brands like Activision, Beats, National Geographic, Google, Marvel, Nike, Saucony, Timberland and UNiDAYS, blending design, creative strategy, digital innovation and consultancy.
Mark has launched a series of opportunities to work with him - workshops, consultancy, coaching and portfolio reviews. Please check out his website to find out more, and book yourself a 45 minute phone call with him to discuss ways in which you can work together.
DFNS. Cleans Everything.
Against Time
DFNS are a global leader in care products, and have been committed to sustainability since day one. We developed an art direction that communicated the action of cleaning, but also with a purity of expression.
Inspirations
032c Issue 46: Aphex Twin
In its 46th edition, 032c delves deep into the theme of legacies—those who create them, shape them, and leave an indelible mark on culture. Setting the tone is the ABC of Aphex Twin, a dossier by Cassidy George that examines the groundbreaking musician’s influence across music, art, and beyond.
Yamaha Unveils Futuristic Y/AI Concept Bike with Glowing Wheels
Yamaha has unveiled the Y/AI, a concept superbike that looks like it’s been pulled straight from the future. With spokeless, semi-transparent wheels that glow in the dark, the Y/AI isn’t just a bike, it’s a statement.
MARKET STUDIOS x ART BASEL
Last Saturday our good friends at MARKET STUDIOS are teaming up with Art Basel to drop something truly special: a limited edition of 10 hand-painted basketballs by Sweden-based artist Hank Grüner. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind artwork, painted on top of our sold-out “Meaning of Life” leather basketballs, and will be available exclusively at The Art Basel Shop.
If you have any inspirations that you’d like featured on UB, then please share them with us.
News from our friends
Vans London Redesign
Vans London has unveiled a refreshed store concept, crafted by our friends at VF in collaboration with Andrea Caputo Studio. The redesign features a Roman travertine stone skate ramp, developed with input from the Vans skate team, seamlessly blending architectural sophistication with authentic skate culture.
Work with us
I’m sure most people are winding down, or mainly thinking about what is left to do in 2024. But if you want to set of to a good start in 2025, why not book in a free consultation with Mark or Russell for Jan / Feb next year.
We’ve both been holding conversations with up and coming talent, brand owners, agency owners and all sorts of other people. Its a chance to get an alternative POV on the challenges you’re facing and we get to meet a diverse bunch of new people as well.