Author: Igor

Original Unverpackt

Opened in 2014, Original Unverpackt (Originally Unpacked) is a Berlin-based small supermarket selling products without packaging. Founders Milena Glimbovski and Sara Wold encourage shoppers to bring their own bags and containers in which the purchased products can be stored.

The supermarket is a response to the “Zero Waste” movement that looks for alternatives to the classic consumer options – unnecessary waste is avoided and unavoidable waste is recycled. Original Unverpackt is one of the many businesses joining this movement globally and encouraging sustainable behaviour among shoppers.

Video by Rachel Lewis for Crane.TV
Photos by Original Unverpackt

July 16, 2015
The Heart of Your Vehicle: Uncovering the Mysteries of Fuel Systems
To understand how your car runs smoothly, it is important to know about the fuel system. This system is integral in ensuring your car runs efficiently and safely.

What’s in the Fuel System?

The fuel system in any vehicle consists of several critical components. These include the fuel tank, pump, filter, injectors or carburetor, and an intricate series of other parts that connect these together. In essence, this system ensures that fuel travels from the tank to your engine effectively.

The Role of the Fuel Tank

The fuel tank plays an indispensable role as it’s where gas is stored until needed by the engine. The location and design vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive but their function remains consistent across all models: storing gasoline securely and efficiently.

An excellent example would be an S&B fuel tank. Known for their quality construction and durability, these tanks are designed to withstand a multitude of conditions while providing optimal storage solutions.

This is not to promote any particular brand or product, but rather to recognize an existing product as an example of a high-quality fuel tank.

Lifeblood Pumped: Understanding the Fuel Pump

After gasoline is stored safely in the tank, it needs to get pumped to different parts of your car through well-designed conduits. It’s here where another crucial element comes into play—the fuel pump.

Traditionally mounted inside or near the fuel tank itself (in modern vehicles), these pumps push gasoline towards your engine under high pressure.

Clean Living: The Importance of Fuel Filters

Let’s discuss the cleanliness of gasoline since not all gas is the same.

Fuel filters serve a pivotal role in maintaining optimal performance by removing impurities from gasoline before it reaches your engine—preventing potential damage due to contaminants.

To Inject or Not? Carburetors vs Injectors

With clean petrol now ready for use, how does it get mixed with air for combustion? Enter either carburetors or injectors.

Older cars use a carburetor to mix air and gas before it goes into the cylinders while newer cars use electronic fuel injectors that make mixing more accurate, making them more efficient and with fewer emissions. Diesel engines take a different approach entirely, using high-pressure systems like the cp3 injection pump cummins to deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber with extreme precision. Ultimately, whether it’s petrol or diesel, the evolution of fuel delivery systems highlights just how far engine technology has come in pursuit of power, efficiency, and cleaner emissions.

Why Is Understanding Your Fuel System Important?

This knowledge might seem technical but understanding how each component works alone and as part of a larger system can help you recognize potential vehicle problems sooner rather than later. For example:
1. Troubleshooting: If you notice issues such as sudden drops in mileage efficiency or strange smells coming from your vehicle—it could be linked back to issues within this system.
2. Maintenance & Repair: Regularly checking elements such as your filters can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
3. Safety: Faulty components within this system can lead to dangerous situations such as leaks or even fires if left unchecked.
Appreciating the complex systems in our cars can help us be responsible owners and have safer rides for longer periods of time.
July 5, 2015
3 Versatile Dresses for Everyday Wear

Spring is quickly turning into summer and the weather is warming up. Trees are getting greener, the flowers are blooming, and the sun seems brighter than ever. These longer warmer days also give us more time to enjoy doing activities with our kids.

Wearing clothes that keep you cool and comfortable is the key. Dresses can be a cool alternative to shorts during the spring and summer months and are comfortable to travel in.

Here are three styles that are sure winners:

1) Short Sleeve Tee Dress: Casual, lightweight, and stylish. This dress is perfect for running errands, casual lunches with friends, and can even be used as a swimsuit cover-up headed to and from the pool. This versatile dress packs in more uses than any of the others on our list. Keep it as one of your summer must-haves and stock up in varying colors and patterns. You really can’t go wrong with this summer staple.

2) Midi Dress: This dress is perfect for all the brunches, luncheons, and business dinners you might need to go to this spring/ summer. The length is perfection when you’re trying to make your understated presence known and the cut of the dress can range from flirty to professional. Choose a lightweight fabric and this dress is perfect for the warmer weather.

3) Slip Dress: Lightweight, understated, but sexy enough for a night out, a slip dress will become your new go-to for any summer evening outings. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool and comfortable while the cut of the dress will tastefully reveal anything you want it to. Choose a neutral color/print to pair with any accessories or choose a bold color to stand out without any help from accessories. The options here are really endless!

These are our top three styles of dresses to wear during the summer months. Tell us – which ones are your favorites?

June 28, 2015
Octaevo

Octaevo is a stationery brand from Barcelona founded by graphic designer and art director Marcel Baer. Octaevo’s products are inspired by the Mediterranean and produced in partnership with artisan workshops using the highest quality materials.

Born in Zurich, Marcel found inspiration to start Octaevo from a a family photo album containing images of his father, Kurt, deep sea diving and Super 8 footage from his Spanish grandmother, Marieta, documenting her trips across the Mediterranean in the early 60’s. This family passion for the sea and, in particular, for the Mediterranean is translated into Octaevo’s pieces, made to be held close and built to last.

We chatted to Marcel about his interest in stationery, design process and favourite places in Barcelona. Read the interview after the images.

www.octaevo.com

Photos by Olga de la Iglesia

You are an art director and graphic designer at Studio Marcel Baer – how did you get interested in stationery and what inspired you to create Octaevo?

I have always been fascinated with printed products and craftsmanship. One day I realized I had amassed a huge archive of stationery I wasn’t even aware of. My passion must have started when I was about 6 years old. My grandfather would take me often to the local stationery shop, where I loved looking at the things on sale. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories. As a designer in Barcelona I am used to working with brands and start-ups. The idea grew to create a project that unites my passion for travelling the Mediterranean and enchanting stories – transforming them into beautifully crafted goods. We now sell in about 20 countries and will present 45 new products this September at Maison&Objet in Paris and then at DesignJunction in London.

We’re very interested in the process of making your products. Where do you source the materials and manufacture the products? Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

From the beginning I have had the mandate to support local producers as much as possible. As a Mediterranean brand we want our products to feel warm. Sourcing the right materials and combining them is a big part of the process. We invest a lot of time finding the right providers and getting to know them. Spending time at printers and workshops is one of the most rewarding aspects of production. A close relationship shows in the results.

Travelling the Mediterranean offers a lot of inspiration as it’s such a dynamic area on the world map! It’s a small sea, but the greatness of its history makes it seem larger than it actually is. Just think of the blue of the sea, the Greek philosophers, the bazaars in Morocco, Fellini, the French Riviera… it’s infinite.

Please tell us a little bit about Barcelona. Do you consider it a creative city? What are your favourite spots in the city?

Barcelona has changed quite a lot over the last few years. The creative scene is definitely reinventing itself and re-emerging. A lot of new restaurants and cafés have opened and as I love food, I am very happy about that. OMA Bistro is currently my favourite. I like the outdoors and gardens, therefore my preferred spots in Barcelona are the Teatre Grec on Montjuic, the Hivernacle garden centre and the terrace of the Hotel Alma.

Who are your favourite local designers and makers we should know about?

I like design that is relevant, mature, contemporary and timeless… There are quite a lot of local designers whose work I admire and I am happy to know some of them personally. Teresa Estapé is a local artist and jeweller that creates beautiful one-off pieces. Woody Allen is one of her clients. Lucia Vergara from Après Ski creates minimal jewellery made of geometric shapes and amazing colours. Ceramic artist Olga Tomas has her studio ¨Atuell¨ in the center of Gracia and also offers workshops besides her own creations . Andrew Trotter and Mari Luz Vidal are the directors of Openhouse Magazine, a publication about people who open their spaces to the public and the life they share -it’s great. When it comes to flowers, Manuela Sosa from Gang and the Wool and Estudio Sauvage make the most beautiful creations in Barcelona. Regarding furniture design, I am a fan of Lobster’s Day by Albert Garcia and the marble design objects by Aparentment… to name just a few.

June 25, 2015
Promotional Notepads: Boost Your Brand with Personalized Logo Printing

In the world of marketing and promotion, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. While digital advertising has become increasingly popular, it’s crucial not to overlook the power of tangible promotional items.

Among them, promotional notepads printed with your logo offer a unique opportunity to engage with your audience and reinforce brand recognition. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and effectiveness of using personalized logo printing on promotional notepads to elevate your marketing strategy.

Memorable Brand Exposure:

Promotional notepads act as mini billboards, putting your brand directly in the hands of customers. By incorporating your logo, tagline, and contact information on the notepad’s cover or each individual sheet, you create an enduring reminder of your business. Every time recipients use these notepads, whether in the office, at home, or on the go, they are subconsciously reinforcing their association with your brand. The repeated exposure enhances brand recognition and increases the chances of customers remembering your business when they need your products or services.

Practicality and Versatility:

Notepads are universally useful, making them an effective promotional tool for a wide range of industries. From corporate professionals and students to homemakers and creative individuals, everyone can benefit from having a notepad handy. Whether for jotting down important notes, making to-do lists, or sketching ideas, personalized notepads ensure that your brand is involved in these daily activities. In addition to their practicality, consider environmentally friendly promotional products to further improve the brand appeal. Choosing sustainable materials for your notepads shows a commitment to environmental responsibility. By providing practical value, you position your business as one that understands and caters to the needs of its target audience.

Cost-Effective Marketing:

Compared to traditional advertising methods like television or print media, promotional notepads offer a cost-effective solution for small and large businesses alike. Printing customized notepads with your logo is an affordable way to create a lasting impact on potential customers without breaking the bank. Additionally, notepads have a longer shelf life than many other promotional items, ensuring prolonged exposure and value for your marketing investment.

Enhanced Professionalism:

Personalized notepads not only increase brand visibility but also contribute to a professional image for your business. When clients or potential partners see your logo prominently displayed on a notepad, it instills a sense of credibility and reliability. The attention to detail and the quality of the notepad itself reflect positively on your brand, setting you apart from competitors who may overlook these personalized touches. Moreover, custom notepads can be an excellent addition to corporate gifting or promotional packages, leaving a lasting impression on recipients.

Customization and Creativity:

Promotional notepads offer a vast canvas for creativity. With various sizes, colors, paper types, and binding options available, you can tailor the design to match your brand identity and target audience. From minimalist and elegant designs to vibrant and eye-catching ones, the possibilities are endless. By integrating your logo seamlessly into the notepad’s design, you create a cohesive and visually appealing promotional item that aligns with your brand aesthetics.

Conclusion:

Promotional notepads printed with your logo provide a practical, cost-effective, and impactful way to promote your business. By capitalizing on their versatility and the extended exposure they offer, you can enhance brand recognition, reinforce professionalism, and leave a lasting impression on your target audience. Investing in personalized notepads is an investment in building brand loyalty and attracting new customers. So, why not grab this opportunity to boost your marketing strategy and watch your brand soar to new heights?

June 24, 2015