citylikeyou — New York / Michael Deal

Michael was born and raised in Seattle, and has lived in New York since 2009. He’s done graphic and interaction design for Pentagram and Local Projects, and is currently a designer at the Google Creative Lab.

http://www.mikemake.com

Designer

Current city: New York

mikemake.com

New York / Shop

Strand is a castle of books. It claims 2.5 million new and used books, across 18 miles of shelves, cared for by 200 employees—so set aside a couple of hours. Plenty of art books and good prices. Get your healthy huff of that old book smell.

New York / Place

Occasionally I'll look at the Manhattan skyline and wonder what it was like in 1931 when people around the world were saying, "Holy shit, did you hear what they just built in New York?" Just get up there and trip out about humanity. And be sure to keep an eye out for the unmarked locked door guarding a set of stairs leading to a hidden terrace that was originally designed as a fucking docking station for zeppelins.

New York / Bar

Geek out over the massive menu of Belgian beer at Spuyten Duyvil. Relax in the backyard seating and say, "Ooh, I gotta remember this brew," without realizing you probably won't see it again elsewhere. Then cross the street to Fette Sau, a BBQ experience equally well designed because it's owned by the same couple, the Carrolls. Order from their wide selection of meat cuts, served by the pound on butcher paper. The sides shine too, with the best potato salad and best BBQ beans I've ever had.

New York / Park

I read that the design of Central Park's curving spaces was a Romantic counter to the geometry of Enlightenment-era gardens. I heard this design was influenced by landscape painting, where its foreground, middleground, and background constantly shift as you walk the paths. I find new pockets and features every time I'm there. One of my favorite spots is with the Central Park Dance Skaters, a group that roller skates in circles all day to vintage electro funk. These characters generously lend you the feeling of being in your own 1980's New York film.

New York / Designer

artist + designer based in brooklyn

New York / Artist

I paint people. Mainly women...dancing and feeling lots of emotions.

New York / Painter

Aesther Chang is a fine artist based in NYC. She is known for her nuanced and subtle abstract paintings. Her works experiment with textures and colors, and the play between linear and ethereal elements. Moments of free improvisation call for a turn toward meditation. What she seeks through the process is harmony, or in her own words “oneness between self and matter”. Chang’s works directly invite the viewer to realize a deeper dimension within one’s very own being- a transcendental realm beyond the body and mind. To unlock this realm, one must go inward.

New York / Artist

Zoë Williams creates otherworldly creatures that are inspired by dreams, visions, and the collective unconscious. Born in 1983 in New Orleans, LA, Zoë Williams holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of New Orleans and a Certificate in Fiber Art from the University of Washington. Her work in needle felted wool has been exhibited in galleries around the world. She currently lives and works in New York City. Portrait photo by Walt Cessna.

New York / Film Producer

I’m a creative producer and writer who has worked with artists and brands around the world, including Chobani, adidas, The North Face, Stella Artois, Absolut Vodka, Audi, and Apple. I’m currently VP of Creative Production at Chobani, where I’m helping shape the in-house agency model of the future. In my free time, I write poetry and film scripts, and I’m currently developing a script about my family’s immigration story and their escape from a civil war. My work has been recognized at award shows such as Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, ADC, and FWA, and has been featured in publications including Fast Company, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

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