“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde In this series we shine a light on artists expressing their individuality, documenting what they love, working hard on their craft, and sharing it with the world. We spoke to Joel McDowell, a Taupo based photographer who aims to evoke emotion in people through his work, and capture the hidden gems our beautiful country has to offer. How do you stay inspired?  That is a good question. Surrounding myself with other creatives, in all mediums and experience levels, is a good way To View More >>

Well, another year is over — our 50th! — and it’s time to express our gratitude, as always, to the people who make it happen. Thank you first to our clients. Your support, friendship and sometimes patience are very much appreciated. We're honoured that you choose to make us part of your own and your clients' stories. Thank you to our regulars, and to the people who joined us for the first time this year. Thank you also if you’ve just rejoined us. It’s great to have you back. And thank you to our amazing staff! Everything we produce To View More >>

You've seen Amanda King's By the Horns photographs in large format prints, but they look so dramatic in albums too! This is a 15x12 vertical Q-Book Medium with offset printing on Tintoretto to give that textured, watercolour look.  The creamy, 'Eggshell' cover is a vegan-friendly micro leather, appropriate considering the subject matter. ( Amanda, who's based in Canterbury, New Zealand, says anybody who knows her will tell you of her love for animals. "If only I could keep them all as pets.") A full bleed To View More >>

If you want people to come looking for what’s desirable, not what’s cheapest, build your studio on high-end values. I recently visited an Audi dealership, not to buy a new car, but to learn how Audi sell their beautiful vehicles. Predictably I left desiring something I'd never considered before, and sold on Audi. My intention was to test drive the Audi Q5, but the salesperson suggested that the Q7 might be more comfortable for my height, so out in a Q7 we went. But not just any Q7, a Q7 Premium Plus with sport options! It was more amazing than I can describe … To View More >>

I was invited to join the NZ Government's Better by Design US Study Tour 2012, a four day tour of the San Francisco Bay Area where "up to 25 New Zealand business leaders are exposed to best practice examples of international design thinking". The tour began officially last night over dinner at the Town Hall Restaurant, but mine began a week ago when Ian and I arrived in SF for some much-needed down time. Relax, re-energise, and No Work was our mantra. But paradoxically, when we're travelling or on holiday my brain goes into overdrive. Thinking about ethics and aesthetics, ideology and human behaviour, To View More >>