At last month's Pop Up Market - our resident artist, Ali Rybczyk painted a large scale Laguna Beach abstract cityscape mural on our brick south facing wall. It's pretty rad. It's actually like really rad. We asked her a few questions regarding her inspiration and process. Enjoy!

WHAT INSPIRED THE MURAL?

It was inspired by the welcoming of a Summer spent in Laguna Beach. May it draw locals and tourists to come visit and take a photo with the wall— cross it off their summer bucket list!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PLACES AND ELEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE PIECE?

The Laguna Beach Trolley! To me, the trolley is an iconic and universal symbol of Laguna Beach- The trolley is filled with all walks of life- tourists, families, workers and young beach goers- it captures a sensation of summer— wet sandy feet, sun kissed smiles and smells of Hawaiian tropic. For me, it felt important to pronounce that in the piece, as it stands out amongst the abstract vibrancy of colors and beach-ly shapes

HOW IS THE PROCESS DIFFERENT WHEN CREATING A MURAL?

The process of each new piece carries an equal sense of refreshed newness and a sense of familiarity. I think its the unfolding process that feels the same for me- as in, I know it will always come alive through its layers and time spent. Trusting in the layers, I feel as if I am gaining a new perspective, as I solve to add more coats on top of whats been done— that is the kind of process that I can relate to all my art endeavors. It is easier to approach a larger piece (for me!) I would like to continue to go big- more color, more time making. Its so healing for me- why not spend MORE time making something that causes such joy!?

All photos by our officemates, Neighborhood Creative! Make sure you stop by and check out Ali's mural!

*See more of Ali's work on her instagram: @loveincludeseveryone or her website www.paperleemade.com

Our clan is growing! In late July we welcomed Eddie & Jordan of The Neighborhood Journal as our new officemates. After working with this dynamic on a number of creative projects and videos, we can contest first hand to their talent and laid back vibe. Well, we'll let them tell you what they're all about...

How did The Neighborhood Journal start?
We started The Neighborhood Journal with the idea that we wanted to document the creative people around us and build an online community where we could honestly showcase their talents and ideas through our own creative ability to tell their story.

What inspires you most about Laguna?
For us Laguna Beach feels like a place that naturally attracts creative people and seeing that happening around us pushes our creativity, naturally making us do better and work harder.

If someone’s visiting from out of town, where do you take them?
For us we most likely would take them to Ruby Street Beach and then grab food at La Sirena, if the beach wasn’t an option we would go to the Packing House in Anaheim or our favorite coffee shop in San Juan Capistrano, Hidden House.

When you need a boost of creative inspiration how do you get it?
If we need a boost of creative inspiration we usually get it from going and exploring Orange County with our friends, watching short films, or going to live shows.

What other types of work interests you?
We like to come up with the best way to tell a brands story through a mix of filmmaking and photography, as well as develop growth strategies through social media and by creating comprehensive integrated web designs.

We know another huge influence for you guys is music and local bands - what are you currently listening to?

Funny you should ask...we just put out our first Summer Playlist using Soundcloud. It has it all!