Don’t call it a comeback

Aug 22, 2022

Image credit: Anthony Burrill

Hi friends, it’s been a while.

Before I dive into a rather lengthy post, I want to give everyone the opportunity to unsubscribe. We all get enough emails and if this is adding to your anxiety or list of things “to do”, I’d actually encourage it. No hard feelings.

Those of you still with me, let’s catch up.

Life
I sent this newsletter consistently every week for over six years and desperately needed a pause. I always try to be candid with you and the reality is that I lost my joy and felt like I was showing up out of guilt more so than enthusiasm. One week turned into months, and I noticed I didn’t have that overwhelming feeling of “I need to share this cool thing or I’m going to burst!” which confirmed taking a step back was necessary. It was one less thing to do as I navigated life during a pandemic, setting up a business, sorting out a new visa, and living out of a suitcase for almost 10 months.

Work
After feeling so displaced, it was great to settle back into New York and now I can’t believe Super Keen is over a year old. Running a studio with Lauren has proved nothing short of amazing. She is the smartest and most supportive person, and every time I wonder why the hell I’m doing this, I remember it’s because I get to partner with her and create a different way of working.

In case you missed it, we published a report detailing our first year of business to talk about the highs, lows, and financials of starting a studio. We chatted about it further on the Made By Folk podcast, and you can listen to the episode here.

The worst part of the process has been starting our portfolio from scratch, and despite working like madwomen, we still don’t have a company website. It’s “CoMiNg SoOn” obviously, but it’s pretty hilarious how many clients have found us without one.

World
It feels especially heavy. I started OMGLORD because I had things to say and as I’ve grown and become gradually less ignorant (still very much a work-in-progress) I’ve struggled to find purpose in design when there is so much disparity and injustice.

The world is so complicated and full of contradictions. I am too. We’ve been flattened into neat little social media boxes when the reality is a lot messier than that. That’s what I’ve always loved about this newsletter format—I can be multifaceted and no algorithm can stop me. I don’t need to show my face and mouth over pop songs while pointing at words appearing. It feels slower. It feels like my rules. The latest updates (then reversal of those updates) from Instagram only further confirmed what I believe makes this newsletter format so special.

What’s next?
I don’t know really, but I’m hoping to find joy in writing and sharing again. After talking to a few close friends, they said newsletters that provide a little relief are a nice distraction, so at the very least I’ll aim to give you (and myself) exactly that.

Don’t call it a comeback, call it taking things a day (or newsletter) at a time.

Gabby

Resource of the Week

An archive curated by Anthony Burrill gathering together over 500 examples of inspiring lo-fi graphic design, characterful typography, and discarded ephemera.

A.B. XYZ

Lucky Dip Links

NPR Joy Generator
Well, well, if it isn’t a Joy Generator to continue this theme perfectly?

Elvis: A Baz Luhrmann Film
Since Elvis hit cinemas I’ve had too much to talk about which might require a follow-up newsletter of its own. Short version: very Baz, yes Austin Butler, no Tom Hanks, and great costumes (disclosure: my very talented sister worked on them).

Image credit: Elvis Movie

Brown Noise
Brown noise has been trending and it’s apparently better than white noise for sleep, studying, and focus. I’m giving it a go this week because my Spotify Discover Weekly has not been delivering the goods.

Kimchi Fried Rice
These playlists crack me up and they must take so much time! Kudos—and also Kimchi.

HPV Test From Home
Australia became the first country in the world to offer HPV self-testing swabs.⁠ It’s pretty cool considering how shite a time it’s been for reproductive rights, and I can definitely see a wave of branding potential for products like this.

Intimacy Gradient and Other Lessons from Architecture
If you’re into interior design and architecture, this is a must-read.

Pixy
I don’t know how I feel about this flying camera by Snap beyond the fact that it is very cute.

Why Design Matters
I bought Debbie Millman’s book but am still yet to read it. It’s very large and intimidating but I know it’s going to be amazing. Debbie constantly reminds me that design matters.

From Africa
Counter-Print also has a new book out: ‘From Africa’. It is the seventh book in their series focusing on geographic locations and their creative output.

RIP Issey Miyake
A lexicon and guide to the fashion designer’s groundbreaking portfolio, collaborators, and innovative thinking.

Image credit: Elle DE

All resources and links are shared purely because I think they are cool, interesting, or helpful. No content is sponsored unless explicitly stated. I am open to submissions but can’t promise they’ll be featured.

You can reach me directly by replying to this email.

OMGLORD
Things that make G–Lord say OMG

To support this newsletter you can buy me a coffee ☕️