THE GENERAL STORE INC.

I’m happy to re-release FILL THAT SPACE: A RESIDENT'S GUIDE TO CREATIVE PLACEMAKING. The guide was first published in April 2014. After some much-needed improvement, the newest version is here. I created the guide for all residents to understand how placemaking works and how to create fresh/ impactful projects. Snag you copy here.http://www.thegeneralstoreinc.com/the-good-stuff/ #fillthatspace

GET PRETTY by Tamara Wellons (via #UnpackingPretty: Why the Word “Pretty” Made Me Cringe)

Mural love by Rose Inks

For a second can we just admire the simplistic brilliance of the @hoteltonight logo. The fact that it incorporates the letter H and T into the shape of a bed! Pure Logo/Brand envy happening here. 

my fabulous boobies, twitter chat, nicole mclean, bloggers, breast cancer awareness, 

If there’s anything we should learn from Prince’s legacy it’s that he existed in a trend-free zone. Like many artists, Prince was influenced by the greats before him. But What made Prince and his music fresh was he didn’t mind being the only one making or doing things that we’rent considered popular. He created what he liked without concern for what the charts, likes, the record industry or what the populous was dictating. I encourage all creatives to stay true to who you are, adapt, grow, and never ever worry about what’s trending. Share and shine a light on what makes you, YOU. 

GOALS. How many of us have them? Well, I hope all of you do. For some goal setting may seem overwhelming. Who wants to hear "What's your 50-year plan?? "Stop thinking this way. You're well ahead of the game if you've already discovered your purpose or your purpose has discovered you. If not stop and do a self-assessment of where you are and where you'd like to be. Mind mapping and business model canvases are good tools to use if you can't afford a career coach. Then attack those cycles and distracting habits that are constantly hindering you. Finally, think and act big by making and celebrating all the small wins along the way. SCORE!  Happy Friday Fearless Folk

Currently and forever. Fresh grooves courtesy of Shaed 

ATTENTION DESIGN AND ART STUDENTS: FREE MONEY VIA AIGA 

Pre #liveathouse from Saturday night. Cheers to Shaed for the fresh performance. Cheers to House Studio and DC Music Download for the vibes and collaboration. 

ABOUT Rachelle Etienne-Robinson was born in Queens, NY and raised in Fairfax, VA. A self-professed tomboy, Rachelle was first introduced to fashion by her mom who loved dressing her up in frilly dresses, ruffled socks and hair ribbons. Rachelle began sewing in middle school. Her love for  art, design, and crafts developed and lead her to further her education, obtaining a BFA in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 2001. Rachelle’s background spans the fields of fashion, media, events, education and arts administration. She has worked for various organizations like; Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, the Knot Inc., District of Columbia Public Schools, and currently as the Grant Coordinator for the Arts Council of Fairfax County. In 2013, Rachelle started her own company called ChezChelle Designs, a custom design clothing and accessory brand. The name ChezChelle, comes from her family name, Chechelle (pronounced ˈshā-ˈshel) given to her by her Haitian parents. Chez means “at the home of” in French and Chelle is Rachelle’s nick name. Her source of inspiration comes from a myriad of experiences and her travels. She primarily works with African and ethnic print fabrics. The ChezChelle Designs customers are those who love a classic aesthetic with an ethnic flare.

Last night I was finally able to snag a place in a  3D printer certification class at MLK Library. I’m now officially certified to use the MakerBot and woke up early this morning sketching out some ideas and messing around with TINKERCAD. CAN YOU SAY SUPER PRESSED. EVERYONE should get certified. It’s FREE. The class is an hour. Printing costs are low. Keep in mind before you take the 3D certification class you must do the Fab Lab orientation. I did my orientation last summer.  Do the orientation asap and then immediately sign up for whenever the next 3D certification. Go forth and Make. Do. http://dclibrary.org/labs/fablab

The new Herman Miller Showroom in DC. 

I adore doors. Captured on a morning walk yesterday. 

Okay I’ll tumble for ya. It’s been a minute since I’ve tumbled. I need this. I’m kind of over my own long storybooks I’ve been posting on Instagram and on Twitter. I started my social media journey on myspace and then Tumblr. Oh how far we’ve come? I’m back on here to share my creative work, challenges, and triumphs.  So My Saturday was all about the White House and Afrofuturism. My old homie and friend Ayo presented a workshop today at a little known creative space in Takoma. In the workshop we created/discovered artifacts utilized by Afronauts/Afrofuture folks in the future. Some of the designs will be constructed and exhibited and a 5 minute sci-fi film incorporating the artifact will be made. Ayo’s Lyapo Repository Project is concerned with addressing the relative lack of representation of Africa and people of African descent in contemporary projections of the future. http://ayo.io/