Favor the Brave

04/22/2022

*NEW REBRAND* Having approached a 10 year anniversary, BLB (an award-winning, well-established Design-Build firm north of Boston) was eager for their brand identity to match the superior quality, precision and contemporary solutions they provide their clients when it comes to high-end home remodels and new builds.

Client: BLB Design \ Build / Architect: Vesta-Architecture / Photography: Freebird Photography / Interior Design: Ivory & Bone Interiors / Copywriter: Lieba Golden-Koulendros

https://favorthebrave.co/blb

Having approached a 10 year anniversary, BLB (an award-winning, well-established Design-Build firm north of Boston) was eager for their brand identity to match the superior quality, precision and contemporary solutions they provide their clients when it comes to high-end home remodels and new builds

02/04/2022

This week Kipp turned one. I now fully understand the meaning of ‘the days are long but the years are short.’ His inquisitive, silly, rambunctious personality is shining in wonderful (and exhausting) ways.

When traveling (and parenting) I’ve found there is no way of getting it ‘right’, which means there is no way in getting it wrong either. Best to not set expectations or a schedule because to force things is counterproductive (and you may miss a bit of unexpected magic along the way).

While a bit of structure and lots of prep go into pausing my studio for a month each year it is a matter of choice and ingrained in how I want to live (and for my son to see there is more to life than getting things done.) While some may see it as unconventional, I see it as a way to get the most out of the years I have left. (It’s a bit presumptuous to think we’ll have all this time anyway right?)

While stepping away from the norm is not easy to do and I certainly have not perfected it (more on that later), I work hard to make it happen and if you want to do so too I’m sure you’ll find a way. If you don’t you won’t. It’s totally up to you.

01/27/2022

Our society focuses on generating more of everything — more things, more tasks, more cars, clothes, gadgets, toys, money, success — so of course we are lead to believe ‘more’ is better.

We need to value less because creating space in your life for yourself is one of the most powerful things.

Pura Vida from our winter home.

01/11/2022

This has been quite the journey — thank you all so much for following along! Friends, family members, fellow creatives, even neighbors — all have been asking me over the past month if I had picked a winner, and TODAY I did! Check out her super sweet reaction in my stories.

CONGRATULATIONS Madison from Durham, New Hampshire!

Madison, run with this opportunity to focus on your growth — not only personally but professionally, because I have not found a way to learn about yourself and others better than through travel. Get outside of your bubble, explore new places, go with the flow, learn, taste, try and above all else, be BRAVE.

I will be putting you in touch with a new friend, Valeria — a professional painter of 15 years living and working in Florence. The inspiration for her current body of work is the theme of “Traveling” and “Dialog between cultures”. She has generously offered for you to visit her art studio, paint and share with you all the best places for artists in the city. If the stars align and there is a collective exhibition during the same time you’re there, she may be able to pull a few strings to get one of your paintings into an art Gallery in Firenze!

But that’s not all — after your experience, when you’re ready I’d love to offer you for a gallery showing to help promote your painting and sell your artwork.

To all of this years Favor the Brave travel scholarship applicants and finalists — you are ALL wonderful. Keep dreaming BIG. I hope your creativity and passion for travel were further ignited during this process and you’ll reapply for the opportunity next year! I truly wish everyone could have won. This was a challenging ordeal narrowing it down to just one.

Travelers, Italians, creatives — please share your favorite places in Italy to inspire Madison / where to stay / eat / what to see and do in the comments below! Looking forward to seeing your recommendations :)

Travel on —
Kelsy

12/17/2021

Dreams come true when you take action — I’d like to give a say CONGRATULATIONS to the following ladies who dreamed BIG. In no particular order, I give you the top 10 Finalists of the 1st annual 2021 Favor the Brave Travel scholarship!

✨ Madelyn | West Barnstable, MA
✨ Nicole | Stow, MA
✨ Nicole | North Easton, MA
✨ Maggie | Halifax, MA
✨ Emma | Newburyport, MA
✨ Jaedin | Hampton, NH
✨ Daryan | Boston, MA
✨ Erin | Amesbury, MA
✨ Madison | Durham, NH
✨ Sophia | Acton, MA

Aspiring creative women were asked to display their talents on the front of a postcard by visually answering the brief: What evoked your passion to travel? These 10 young ladies were chosen for their skillset, originality and ability to convey a compelling visual story. I had THE hardest time narrowing down to just 10 and have an even more challenging task ahead selecting ONE winner. (The winner will recieve a round trip ticket anywhere in the world, $1000 Airbnb giftcard and $500 visa card.)

Finalists will be emailed over the weekend with further instruction about the final task — submitting a 60 second video of themselves explaining why they should be chosen to win.

Thank you to ALL 50+ applicants who took a chance on this wild idea. I hope you continue your pursuit of a creative career and wanderlust dreams! ✈️

So creative community, which is your favorite?!… Thank you for being as invested in this scholarship as I’ve been!

Cheers,
Kelsy

12/07/2021

This is for the dreamers. To those who took a chance on my wild idea, crafted a postcard, placed it in the mail with the hopes of ‘WHAT IF’?! 👏🏽 I applaud you. In the end close to 50 postcards were received for the 1st annual Favor the Brave Travel Scholarship — One aspiring young creative woman will be announced next month. She’ll win a round trip flight anywhere in the world, $1000 Airbnb gift card and $500 Visa gift card.

Thank you for sharing your stories and talents with me. I have a difficult task ahead…

Postcards will be evaluated next week based on how well you answered “What evoked your passion to travel”, through your originality, creativity and technique. This was your opportunity to showcase your creative prowess, passions, and individuality to convey a compelling and cohesive visual story.

50 will be narrowed to 10 finalists who will be notified by December 20th and asked to submit a 1-minute video of themselves explaining why they should be chosen to win.

This scholarship was made possible by .co in partnership with as a portion of rental proceeds have gone to fund this unique opportunity. Thank you to all of the creatives who’ve graced the studio with your talents — YOU have helped make this possible and for that I am truly grateful.

Stay tuned! ✈️

Cheers,
Kelsy

11/26/2021

✨ 5 DAYS LEFT✨ and only 2 (yup two) postcard applications have come in for the Favor the Brave Travel Scholarship. We’ve done our best to get the word out… now we’re asking for your help. Share, tag, text, phone a friend, the final countdown is on!

Do you know of a creative woman with dreams of taking hold of the world but may not have the financial means to do so? Someone born curious and craves experiences — adventure is their calling and the world is their muse. Now more than ever, the world needs divergent thinkers like them — and this is their ticket. ✈️

In partnership with , .co (a women owned and operated Brand Identity & Design Studio) is offering a travel scholarship, to one aspiring young woman looking to pursue a career in a creative field.

What's at Stake:

✈️ One Round-trip Ticket to anywhere
Seriously, go.
—
It’s time to leave your comfort zone and enter a new culture of your choice. We’ll cover your round-trip international airfare to help you truly experience a new part of the world. (Economy flights to not exceed $1500)

🏡 One $1,000 Airbnb gift card
Live like the locals do.
—
Leave the resorts behind and immerse yourself in the local culture. From a flat in the heart of Paris to a grass bungalow in the south of Thailand, Airbnb properties will give you a true glimpse into the community of your choice.

💰 One $500 Visa gift card
Experience in ease.
—
Explore with the peace of mind knowing you’re covered. Whether it’s food, travel insurance, or additional expenses – traveling adds up. Enjoy your trip knowing all the extras aren’t on your plate, so you have more space to fill up on new experiences.

Go online (link in bio under Scholarship) for more details on how to apply and see if you're eligible!
TheNBPTstudio.com/scholarship

10/19/2021

With Luminary you will find no other advisory that will as creatively, efficiently and accurately ensure that your sojourns, romantic getaways, and holiday plans proceed flawlessly. They pride ourselves on understanding clients needs, wants and desires and their goal is to immerse them in local culture, while simultaneously providing a top-luxury experience.

10/19/2021

The flexible logo for Luminary — a high end travel brand based in NYC — is sturdy but never stiff, crisp but never stark. Perfect for a brand that requires a more current feel as it is perfectly suited to newer environments and contemporary tastes.

Traditional prettiness and intricacy are discarded in favor of modernity while still exuding opulence, intrigue and strength.

.source World Brand Design Society] .gang World Brand Design Society]

10/19/2021

Last year Luminary — a NYC based luxury travel company — approached us to design their logo. Here's a close up look at the custom crafted letterforms — a subtle yet unorthodox blend of typographic traits resulting in a clean, unique, and versatile look with open counters for legibility and crisp, sharp details that shine at large display sizes.

Luminary dismisses the typical “cookie – cutter” travel advisor model in favor of a highly customized approach like no other. As a company and a brand they represents a team of individuals who are committed to producing only bespoke experiences — imagine it as travel haute couture.

Whether it’s arranging a ski-in, ski-out Villa in Courchevel, a sun-soaked week on the Amalfi Coast or a private tour of Angkor Wat, they work tirelessly to ensure their clients do not feel bound by the typical constraints of travel.

09/28/2021

Who loves tasting something new?! 🖐🏽 I’ve been enamored with recently and fall recipes by — Eating is 90% of why I travel ✈️ SO I am excited to dine at one of the most restaurants in the world soon — I’m coming for you this winter! Costa Rican chef celebrates his country's cuisine in dishes which reflect the cultural identity, combining African, European and Meso-American flavors, influences and traditions. 🙌🏽

Gorgeous photos by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ] for our client of their new line of Thai Tea & Coffee (some seriously delicious stuff). No sugar, 100% natural ingredients, a traditional exotic drink with a modern twist — what's not to love? Emshika is one bad ass chef, femalepreneaur, wanderlust friend and fellow foodie.

Photography by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ]
Styling by .kim &
Hand modeling by
Retouching by

09/28/2021

Damn, if you’re not salivating after this shoot there’s something wrong 🤤

Gorgeous photos by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ] for our client of their new line of Thai Tea & Coffee (some seriously delicious stuff). No sugar, 100% natural ingredients, a traditional exotic drink with a modern twist — what's not to love?

Photography by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ]
Styling by .kim &
Hand modeling by
Retouching by

09/28/2021

Oh hey who's this?! Whoa, hello there. I know I've been quiet on here but I've had my head down on some amazing projects. Wrapping up a large rebrand and starting a new one next week! I'm starting to find a rhythm after maternity leave — but it's be a challenge trying to work like I'm not a parent and parent like I don't have to work. (All tips and tricks welcome here). While some current projects are not immediately shareable I'm going to jump right in and start with a lot of things that are!

Starting with THIS! You certainly did the new brand & package design justice! Gorgeous photos by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ] for our client of their new line of Thai Tea & Coffee (some seriously delicious stuff). No sugar, 100% natural ingredients, a traditional exotic drink with a modern twist — what's not to love? Emshika is one bad ass chef, femalepreneur, wanderlust friend and fellow foodie. 👏🏽 Keep crushing it — so proud of you lady!

Photography by ᴄʜʀɪs sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ]
Styling by .kim &
Hand modeling by
Retouching by

09/28/2021

Little squish, chunk-a-munk, goober, monkey, wiggle worm, bu**er, Kipp you go by many names but the most important one is son. I do not know how so much joy can be bottled up in such a tiny human but it is. You are such a sweet, brave, curious, loving, cuddly little character — you are my greatest adventures.

So many people asked if I was done traveling since I had you — that's equivalent to asking me to stop breathing. Now that you have your passport little one we're so excited to share the world with you. Momma has a special trip planned far away this winter to one of her favorite countries. A place where we can slow down, live simply, eat well, learn and explore.

While this is a post and celebration of life — today we also suffer a loss. We'll be at a service to celebrate the life of a dear Newburyport friend who passed away unexpectedly last week. I will miss seeing their face and hearing them say 'How are you sweetie!?'. 🥺

Life is a complex gift. It can be unpredictable, and cruel but also full of joy and wonder. Our time here is short, don't squander it. Kipp, I hope you continue to find pure joy in everything and everyone because you help me do the same.

We are not guaranteed time so if you take anything away from this post it is to treasure the moments and the people who build you up and appreciate you. Who encourages, cares and inspires you to do bigger and better things? Let them know how much they mean to you because you never know when it may be the last conversation you have with them.



Photograph by
Location
Makeup by

09/21/2021

✨ BRAVE WOMEN ✨ Enter the 2021 Favor the Brave Travel Scholarship

Are you a creative woman with dreams of taking hold of the world, but lack the means to make it happen? Do you want to embrace your desire to travel independently and show the world you can do it? You were born curious and crave experiences over material objects. Adventure is your calling and the world is your muse. Now more than ever, the world needs divergent thinkers like you — and this scholarship is your ticket.

In partnership with , .co (a women owned and operated Brand Identity & Design Studio) is offering a travel scholarship, valued at $3000, to one aspiring young woman looking to pursue a career in a creative field.

What's at Stake:

✈️ One Round-trip Ticket to anywhere
Seriously, go.
—
It’s time to leave your comfort zone and enter a new culture of your choice. We’ll cover your round-trip international airfare to help you truly experience a new part of the world. (Economy flights to not exceed $1500)

🏡 One $1,000 Airbnb gift card
Live like the locals do.
—
Leave the resorts behind and immerse yourself in the local culture. From a flat in the heart of Paris to a grass bungalow in the south of Thailand, Airbnb properties will give you a true glimpse into the community of your choice.

💰 One $500 Visa gift card
Experience in ease.
—
Explore with the peace of mind knowing you’re covered. Whether it’s food, travel insurance, or additional expenses – traveling adds up. Enjoy your trip knowing all the extras aren’t on your plate, so you have more space to fill up on new experiences.

Go online (link in bio) for more details on how to apply and see if you're eligible!

06/22/2021

Here are a few things you’ll be seeing in the SAGE store! Stay tuned for an official opening party next month — run (don’t walk) to their new location on State street in downtown Newburyport, it is gorgeous and will be a welcome summer escape during the New England winter!

The credo: ‘Environments should be tranquil, elevate your mood, connect you with nature and conjure a restful feeling of endless summer. We do this through thoughtful, organic-inspired designs that add value and meaning to your life.’

Give them a follow and show this top notch women owned business your support 👊🏽

06/01/2021

A little peek at the photoshoot in my studio for with the talented — ladies you make it easy to direct when I’m able to work with such gorgeous models and goods! It is always a treat to be able to work with clients who share a similar passion for thoughtful design, elevated aesthetics and an impeccable eye for detail.

Check out the last photo for an honest look at what went on behind the scenes (as you can imagine this was the LAST photoshoot I directed before giving birth.)

Support local and make it a point to visit their new location at 47 State Street this month for a taste of endless summer. ☀️

06/01/2021

Hello gorgeous! Oh how I LOVE a logo redesign that finally reflects the quality and evolved vibe of a growing business... This logo redesign we crafted follows Sages philosophy of minimal, purposeful decor. The airy, open design is not only calming and inviting with laid back lowercase letterforms but features a refined edge. It is strong, balanced and stable while exuding an upscale vibe.

The descender of the G is used as the base of the logo icon making a unique connection back to the the primary word mark. This simplistic logo icon holds a dual meaning — not only is it a modern interpretation of Sage’s ‘Endless Summer’ interior design motto with a modern sun visual but it is also representative of Sage’s Store and outdoor living services as it also resembles a desert plant in a round minimalist pot.

Curious to see all of the Sage logo concept sketches before we refined this one? Let me know below!