60 out of 120

My lady. My love. This is Grace. I met Grace through mutual friends and she has been such a light and inspiration in my life. She owns her own business Hello Sleepy Whale where she puts her heart and soul into her designs. She's all about making beautiful and personalized things that are handmade and special. She quit her job as a designer and fearlessly started her own business making the things that she loves and I couldn't be more inspired by her. She also has amazing hair and if you ever need some motivation or positivity, Grace is boss. 

Check out her business here or buy something awesome at the HelloSleepWhale shop!

1 out of 120

About 3 years ago a scruffy punk walked in through the doors of Doejo, the design agency I was working at. He would always annoyingly tap his fingers at his desk to whatever song he was listening to while animating in After Effects. Soon, this youngin' and I bounded quickly over vulgarity, good bars and asian.... anything ;). Even though we're time zones apart I can still count on this guy for a laugh and good ole support. He gave me some of the best advice I've ever gotten: "Suck it up, buttercup." 

Check out his work that probably has a circle in it somewhere.

2 out of 120

If you aren't one of Chris' half a million Instagram followers then you are totes #lame. Chris was the first fellow employee that I met at Facebook and we immediately bonded over photography, hashtags and missile silo exploration. Have fun trying to find this guy though. He'll most likely either be on the top of a foggy mountain or standing in the middle of a street somewhere with his iPhone. #perspective #yougramminbro

Check out his mediocre work:
@chrisconnolly
15by8.com

3 out of 120

Because of his celebrity status, I will refrain from using Karl's real name. But "Karl Brolesky," the man, the myth, the legend is probably one of the funniest dudes I know. He probably doesn't want to hang out with you or he might be too busy tweeting about bisque. But if you do get to meet Karl as him about Georgina.

You can stalk this celebrity at: @karlbrolesky

5 out of 120

There are those times you say "Yeah, he's like the nicest guy ever." If anyone can live up to that, it's Craig.  This guy is either covered in fake zombie blood for his job as the Multimedia Director at Threadless, on top of his roof or wearing a cool graphic tee. I met Craig through the bad-ass Chicago design community and man has this guy got the "Look straight at the camera wearing a tshirt" thing down. Blown away by his creativity to capture delight from the most mundane to nature's wonders, I'm thrilled to call this guy my buddy. One humid summer evening him and I camped out on his roof and painted with light against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. That was rad. 

If you want your mind blown go here:
vimeo.com/cshimala
 @cshimala

6 out of 120

I'll let you compose yourself after seeing this beauty. Her name is Ashley and she is just as awesome as she is gorgeous. I've known Ashley for a really long time through mutual friends and you'll likely find her riding her fixed gear bike around Logan Square or drawing incredible illustrations on old repurposed windows. She also just got a puppy so that makes her pretty f'in amazing too. #jealous

7 out of 120

Slow down ladies, he's taken. By my mom, ha. World, this is my dad and I've learned every single fucking thing from this man. He's the one that in high school put an old metal Pentax film camera in my hand and showed me how to create. His optimism, warmth, support and understanding fuels me every single day and I can only hope to be exactly like him one day. You need perspective, call this guy. I love you dad!

8 out of 120

This sassy little nugget is named Frannie. She's the baby of my two bestest friends Jesse and Abby. She needs constant attention and if you don't give it to her she pouts and sits approximately 3 feet from you with her back to you. Gentlemen.... line up for dis bitch. 

To see Frannie when she was sweet and innocent:
http://vimeo.com/29265990

9 out of 120

Jesse Hora: aka jessehoradotcom, Sea Biscuit, Jesse Horachata, Jay, Jesse "Ilookgoodineverypicture" Hora. Whatever you choose to call him, it can't be less than amazing. I met Jesse through mutual friends at a party and immediately stalked the shit out of him, interviewed him for an article I was writing and then force-invited myself to his summer camp in Michigan. If you're having a bad day, just watch this guy rage dance in his chair listening to rap while he works. Feeling blue? Just have this guy crack any joke or do a little "sweetie juice" dance. When he isn't being one of the most charismatic people I know, he's an amazing designer and illustrator. We ain't talking just that computer stuff. This boi is HAND DRAWN, suckers. He continues to inspire me every day with his talent and creativity.

You too can stalk him and his work at: jessehora.com

4 out of 120

No it's not a rainbow unicorn in this photo, it's my friend Rashelle. I met Rashelle at an art camp that I go to every year in Michigan called Camp Make Effect. She's incredibly inspiring, charismatic and just enough weird. 

If you wanna see photos of whimsical Urban Outfitters photos, check out her instagram: @raaashl

10 out of 120

Meet Allie. Her smile is pretty contagious and she just popped out a lil' mini named Max. I met Allie through being co-workers and friends with her "one-of-a-kind" husband, Noah. Whenever I see her she pours out such support and warmth. 

11 out of 120

When you think of someone as a soulmate you generally think of your significant other, your wife or husband. For me, this girl has made be realize that you can have soulmates in another way. Meet Abby; my soulmate. We met at a party and instantly knew we were meant to be. Not only is she the exact same person as me (but blonde and NOT asian) but we also experience things, emotions and people in the same way. I would be lost without her and her constant guidance, support and friendship is one of the things I value the most in this world. I mean who else can you send photos too with all of the ugly areas of our bodies circled in red marker and then laugh about it to each other?!?!  I'm still waiting for her to hire me.... ahem?

Check out this sweetie juice and her company she owns with her manfriend: makeandco.com

12 out of 120

We worked together about 3 years ago at Doejo and promptly bonded due to close proximity of our apartments. I would offer him rides to work in the mornings, but quickly realized that a computer engineers internal clock doesn't wake before 10am. From Chitown to SF, he's been my greatest friend, greatest foe and the only person I want to share this adventure with.

To see dysfunctional videos and sub-par black and white photos: @paubins

13 out of 120

Meet my wonderful mom. This past holiday when I went home I had this realization that I am exactly like her. And I love it. She's constantly sending me positive vibes and reminding me to cherish the things I have. No one in my life has ever made me feel more special, and I owe that all to her. Thanks mooooooooom. 

14 out of 120

This is Chris. Also known as Redbeard and also known as "The guy that can never take a bad picture." I unknowingly met one of my best buds when I was doing concert photography in Chicago and Chris was the "PR dude I'd email to get a press pass." (He works as a music publicist for Biz3) We actually met and then quickly he became an integral part of the Epic Summer of 2012 filled with museum trips, Sunday dinners, late nights at the VFW and of course.... The Owl. 

15 out of 120

Meet Cameron. While he's not teaching me my new west coast lingo or surfing in Montara, he's probably being a badass creative force. Cameron started at my job right after me and we quickly realized we lived down the street from each other. He's incredibly thoughtful, energetic and has a magnetic laugh. #totesgnargnarondapowpow

See more of Cameron here: instagram.com/jamescameronewing

16 out of 120

I knew of Sam Rosen in my early days in Chicago as one of the members of the art collective The Post Family. I'd go to all their events hoping to befriend one of them and eventually (because Chicago is a tiny town really) I got to meet Sam! He's pretty awesome, incredibly smart and throws a great dinner party. 

Check out his company One Design based in Chicago.

17 out of 120

When I first met Ciana I could have sworn she hated men and wanted to be in The Craft. However after spending 5 amazing days with her at an art camp, soon fell in love with her witty sense of humor and sarcasm. 

You can check out her fierce eyebrows here: @cianafrenze

18 out of 12

How can you look at this guy and NOT think he is the nicest ever? Meet my friend Greg. I met Greg while working at Firebelly Design in Chicago. He has that natural talent that you can just feel when you work with him. We didn't get too work too long together before I headed out West, but one thing I know is true: he has the most epic dog named Bucky who used to always sit on my lap at the office while I worked. I miss that pup!

Check out his design work here: gregoryjcalvert.com

19 out of 120

Ian is officially my first friend that I knew in San Francisco when I moved here. A designer at Apple, he's got impeccable taste and style. He actually had to explain to me what "chambre" and "gingham" is. I met him too at the art camp in Michigan and we'll forever share epic moments of laughing and telling ghost stories inside a tee pee. He is one of the few that witnessed me eat cold hot dogs alone in a kitchen late at night... haha. 

20 out of 120

If you don't already know Connie, you will soon... she'll make sure of it. I met Connie while working at Facebook and her energy and charisma was contagious. I've never met someone so motivated and driven with a true strong ladyforce presence wherever she goes.  We got to work on a Hackathon project together and shared our true love for bacon thumbs. I'd meet her fast if I were you, because she'll soon be the president of something or taking over the world one thumb at a time. 

#CONNIE

21 out of 120

Meet Brendan. He's pretty cool and has better hair than me or you. That's really all you need to know.

22 out of 120

Named "hottest 30 under 30" and owner of his own record label with the names of Skrillex, Clayton is taking on the LA scene by storm.... and that's just the boring stuff. He can also recite the entire intellectual history of rap and hip-hop in his sleep while cooking up the best risotto you've ever had. I met Clayton in Chicago and after the "epic summer of 2012" jumping off sand dunes and eating fried shrimp, I forged a lifelong friendship with this clown. He's also addicted to e-cigs and bath bombs. "Weez a unit, Biz."

Check out his over-active twitter: @yunggroupon

23 out of 120

Welcome to Babetown, USA. Population: 1.... dis bish. Meet the lovely ladyforce named, Jenna. If you ever wanna gossip and giggle late night or eat plates of pasta and cheese, this is the gal you wanna call. She also has that whole "sexy red lipstick" thing on LOCK. Her loving spirit and bombshell personality is pretty much awesome. We met in Chicago through mutual friends (the Chicago scene is tiny) and through many backyard bonfires and Longman & Eagle cocktails immediately knew we were spirit animals. Plus, she sends the best snapchats.

If you like beautiful photos and beauty out of the mundane take a look at her Instagram: @jennafaye

24 out of 120

This grumpy old man is my friend Marko. If he isn't talking about pooping or how shitty your mock up looks he's probably being a badass product designer. I worked with Marko for about a year and learned a lot about... quality control, ha. He also has a great cynical sense of humor, a great dog, a great wife and now a great daughter.

25 out of 120

This unfocused but pretty little lady is Carli. We worked together in Chicago at Nelson Cash, one of the many small boutique design agencies that are scattered throughout the city. I got the pleasure to sit right next to her giggling and sharing fun hand-drawn ideas. She has an amazing talent in design, illustration and hand-lettering. I've never met anyone else than can rock a beret quite as fierce as Carli. 

Check out her twitter here: @carlidottore

26 out of 120

Behind the mug, is the mug of Tim. He lives in LA and has an incredible talent in capturing light to tell stories. As a Director of Photography he's got an undeniable passion and drive towards creating beautiful films. He also knows how to rig a miniature golf pond into an eery horror film set. Stay tuned him and his best friend are making a movie next summer called Road to the Well  about friendship and killing a hooker... I mean you really can't go wrong with that. 

Check out Tim's instagram here: @tstop_d

27 out of 120

I just met Luke on my first instawalk in SF a couple weekends ago.  He's got mad style vibez and moved here from SoCal to help build a church in the Bay area. Looking forward to exploring underground tunnels and more foggy bridges with this guy!

See his great photographic work here: @thereallukes

28 out of 120

This beauty is Mary. Everything about her is adorable. She's a teacher and even collects Russian nesting dolls which is just so appropriate for her. 

29 out of 120

Jon is the other half of the power couple of "Tim and Jon," and is the writer and director for their upcoming film, Road to the Well. He's also hilarious and when him and his buddies get together they frequently communicate to each other through grunts and repetitive sounds. 

30 out of 120

This is Hannah and her and her red umbrella stole the show at the recent instameet walk I went on. On a morning of gray and fog, her smile and her pop of red stood out. It was great to meet you Hannah!

Check out her instagram at: @hannahjesus

31 out of 120

His name may be a mouth full, but I get to work with Skyler everyday at Facebook and learn not only about smart design but also about the daily surf report. He's probably got an app for every THING you'd ever need and there's usually a castle of amazon.com boxes around his desk. 

32 out of 120

There isn't a box big enough for me to talk about how much I love this guy. With a name sounds like an old classic typeface, Gage Salzano is not only my friend and previous co-worker but also one of my inspirations. I worked with Gage at Doejo when it was just a large table of 6 of us and then about 3 years later at Nelson Cash where the only reason I took the job there was to work with him again. I've learned so much about good design from Gage. He is the most humble and motivating person to work alongside and I found that my work is always stronger when he has his hand in it. He also loves a good beer, laughing at everything and getting really silly at my going away party at Five Star. One day we'll start our own design company called "SaLIZano," where we only wear mustard yellow. 

Here's some of his incredible work here: dribbble.com/gagesalzano
Or follow ramblings at: @gagesalzano

33 out of 120

She may only be 5 feet tall, but put a sassy pair of floral heels on this gal and she'll steal the show. I met Chelsea at Facebook and even though she is a content strategist by day, we're secretly planning on starting our own acrobatics circus... as can be seen here. Chelsea also gets to live in a magical treehouse on Saturn. I'm not kidding....

34 out of 120

Meet Miss Michelle, she is the leader of the art camp I keep referencing called Make Effect. I met her after begging my way into going to this camp 3 years ago. She's an unbelievably amazing soul, talented artist and inspiring educator. I'll always have awesome memories of dance parties in the mess hall and getting our hands dirty in letterpress ink. She's got some of the best collaging and printing skills that I hope to be as good as one day!

Check out her work here: michellebowers.com

35 out of 120

Warning: Do not look directly at the beard, haha. If he's not organizing Instagram meets or chasing light, he's probably making someone laugh. I met Brock digitally through Instagram and we finally started hanging out and going on photo walks. Since living here he has been an inspiration and a much needed photo pal. He's got an impeccable talent for capturing the Bay areas natural wonders and is even starting to add some more color into his photography ;) Ask anyone around and they'll tell you that Brock is so welcoming, humble and eager to create beautiful images with amazing people. He's so great at nurturing and encouraging the online Instagram community. I can't wait for all the adventures we're going to have!

Drool over his photography here: brocksanders.com
Or become one of his many followers at: @mrbrock21

36 out of 120

Erin is a badass female engineer at Facebook. (Hell yeah) I got the pleasure to work with her on a Hackathon project that successful shipped to 1 billion users! 

37 out of 120

Ladies, meet Thomas. I met Thomas when he was living out of an old vintage suitcase and traveling from NYC to Denver to LA to Chicago. He wears the whole "traveling-Kerouac-writer" thing all too well and in case you start to take him too seriously, he also has a great sense of humor and adventure. He's usually been the calm to my storm....errr hurricane of unorganized friends and is the best house guest you could ever ask for. He's also a fantastic writer and the most efficient traveler! (ONE TINY SUITCASE).

 

38 out of 120

This ladyforce is Joleen. She inspires me everyday and if she's not cloaked in cats she's probably drawing or eating pizza. #glamlyfe I met Joleen way too late in my years in Chicago and she is one of the strongest and most honest women that I know. If I could some her up in a couple words it would be: Beyonce, cats, nailart, bangs, gurrrrrrl. She isn't afraid to twerk to Bey or lay in bed covered in cats and that's why I lover her. Her advice and support has been a huge blessing in my life!

If you want to laugh hard check out her twitter here: @joleen_marie
Or be jealous of her cat life and tattoos here: instagram.com/joleen_marie

39 out of 120

This crazy cat is Drew. He works in the Facebook Analog Research Lab and runs the Artist in Residence program. That basically translates to the best job ever finding the coolest artists to make awesome art. Drew ran up to me and flailed his limbs onto the bench when he saw me. I then snapped this photo. Pretty accurate. 

40 out of 120

I met Jack, a developer, while working at Nelson Cash. Unfortunately I didn't get to work much with him but always found him incredibly charismatic and personable. Just ask him about how much he likes tee pees...

41 out of 120

Uri always told me not to be afraid of being afraid. Fear should never dictate what you do. It always stuck with me and it's words of wisdom that I try to remember ever day. Uri is the owner of Nelson Cash and I am very grateful for the talent he sees in me and his constant encouragement. When I told him I was leaving NC for Facebook he gave me the same talk about "Fear," and I appreciate his honesty and his visions for me as a designer. Great guy, great laugh, great friend. 

42 out of 120

This is Chris. He is a product designer on the Parse team here at Facebook. He is my go-to-guy to geek out over cameras and photography as we're both enthusiastic and eager to create. He's talented and take awesome photos... oh and he has an awesome French accent.

Check out his awesome photography here: tauziet.com

43 out of 120

I get to call this gnar guy my friend and my manager. This is Josh aka "Higgy" and he is the raddest dude ever. Once in a crazy popular band that toured with Nirvana, then to working as the design director for the Obama campaign and now my fearless leader and confidant. I look forward to his optimism and encouragement everyday. Plus he lets me complain to him....

44 out of 120

This is Ally and I got the pleasure to meet her on a random photo walk meet up where we explored the streets of Chinatown together causing trouble and peeking into fortune cookie factories. 

Check out more of her photography here: instagram/mizer_

45 out of 120

"If Beyonce's not doing it, I'm not doing it." This is Jon, one of my oldest friends that I met in college in Ohio. We've done so much together including handstands in bars and running around High Street in Oxford, Ohio. He is one of the few people that still call me "Beth" and he is an accomplished squirrel-whisperer. 

46 out of 120

I met this fellow designer and photographer while working at Nelson Cash and I was instantly impressed by his word-for-word replication of R Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet." (It is quite impressive). He's smart, welcoming and entertaining (as can be seen by his R.Kelly talent.) Hoping to see more of this dude soon!

47 out of 120

Ok, maybe this portrait doesn't capture #thatjeffreygersonsmile but it still captures a great guy. Meet Jeffrey. He is one of the badass community managers at Instagram that makes the community so unique. Him and some others finally got me to go out on my first Instagram meet up and we spent the whole day together singing Beyonce, getting soaked by waves and taking photos. Jeffrey is a representation of why Instagram is such a warm and inviting community filled with out-of-this-world talented creatives. 

For more of #thatjeffreygersonsmile check out his Instagram here: @jeffreydgerson

48 out of 120

Meet the "Pun-isher" aka Rachel. This is my partner in crime and office buddy at doejo. Together we conquered the world one falafel at a time. Besides being insanely talented, she's a bright and hilarious friend. We have so many memories together working side by side on various projects. She made my time at the job the best with endless inside jokes and synchronized cup routines. It's been awesome to see her grow as a designer and become a badass at what she does. Just think we almost had to design a website in comic sans... oh how far we've come. "History."

To see adorable pitbulls and a fat cat check out her Instagram: instagram.com/placentahat

49 out of 120

Jasmine is one of those women who empowers you to build an app or eat more bacon or run a 5K.  I met Jasmine while at Facebook and as a fierce product designer she holds her own all while looking effortlessly lovely. She also ran a half marathon recently and that's just ridiculously awesome. 

50 out of 120

Meet Anne. I knew Anne in college in Ohio but she is the beautiful other half to my buddy Jon. We recently went on a camping trip together in Point Reyes where I shot this portrait of her on the beach. It was a 5 mile hike in to the campsite and a 5 mile hike out but in the end we got to see a waterfall on the beach and the best golden hour I've seen yet in California. "Look at this goldennnn hourrrr!"

51 out of 120

I was obsessed with her hat, she was obsessed with #thatyellowscarf. Meet Adrienne. We had been following each other for a while on Instagram and finally got to meet and explore old archways and tunnels together. We instantly hit it off thanks to an incredible photography community. I can't wait for more exploring with this fine lady!

To see more of her great eye check out her Instagram: instagram.com/adrienney

52 out of 120

Don't let this guy fool you, while he may be my design manager by day, he's actually an unbelievably talented fine artist by night. His meticulous and detail oriented eye allows him to create wonderful art that I hope to one day buy. Known as the "NO" man, Brian was the guy I first interviewed with out here and ultimately who hired me. So I guess I owe him a lot... and new socks, I owe him that too. 

See his OCD art here: iamsomeguy.com

53 out of 120

This guys full name is a palindrome... NOW WHAT YOU GOT!?!? This is Ohn. I worked with him while at Firebelly and he just moved to join me out in San Francisco! Besides being one of the top designers I know, his love for food and the art of cooking is contagious. He creates food like he creates his designs. Recently we had "Liz and Ohns Best Day ever" ending in getting locked out of my apartment on my roof to watch the most beautiful sunset. 

54 out of 120

Zainab is another amazing female engineer here at Facebook and I recently got to work with her on a Hackathon project. She was nice enough to chase some light with me for this portrait!

55 out of 120

Christmas Elk... aka Kristin is such an amazing person. I met her through Instagram and after she direct messaged me that she'd be in town, I decided to finally go to my first Instagram meet up just to meet her in person. She is so bright and sweet and I enjoyed hearing her stories about being a flight attendant and her #roundaboutUSA trip. She truly believe in Instagram as a place to meet amazing people and share amazing stories. I can't wait to hang out with her again!

See her adventures here: instagram.com/christmaselk
Or see her famous face on Instagram's video. 

56 out of 120

This is Lauren. And while we didn't really hang out much at the Instameet, she made herself more famous by getting ticketed by Homeland Security for venturing across the fence of Fort Point to get an awesome wave photo. Any girl with that kind of commitment is fine in my book. She also brought this gorgeous striped blanket that I just had to take a photo of. 

Check out her stuff here: instagram.com/laurendavison 
And if you're curious to see what kinda shot costs $125, here ya go. I think it was worth it :)

57 out of 120

This ladyforce is Kyre and I get to sit next to her everyday. She's been a great source of support and encouragement as when I first started in my group, she was the only other female. We've grown since then but Kyre is still the one that I can always talk to or reach out to for some extra insight. Her son Fergus also has the most amazing long hair ever. Well done Kyre and your genes. 

58 out of 120

This is Chef Merrick; some people also call him Jeff. Jeff worked with me in the early years of Doejo. When I first started there I didn't know much about the world wide web and Jeff helped nurse me to competency.

59 out of 120

Behind these hand painted glass windows is Jez. Jez runs the Facebook Analog Research Lab and is one of the main sources for spreading our visual culture through beautifully crafted posters, books and art. He also is a master at sign painting and him and my co-worker Scott have really revitalized the artform for me. There's nothing more satisfying that painting the perfect "S."

Check out some of his work at: jezburrows.com
He also recently produced and designed a wonderful book partnering illustrators with writers. 
 

60 out of 120

My lady. My love. This is Grace. I met Grace through mutual friends and she has been such a light and inspiration in my life. She owns her own business Hello Sleepy Whale where she puts her heart and soul into her designs. She's all about making beautiful and personalized things that are handmade and special. She quit her job as a designer and fearlessly started her own business making the things that she loves and I couldn't be more inspired by her. She also has amazing hair and if you ever need some motivation or positivity, Grace is boss. 

Check out her business here or buy something awesome at the HelloSleepWhale shop!

61 out of 120

Whether holding the hottest camera out there or shoving a camera in your face, this is my friend Maykel. He's got the highest standards in everything from photography to user flow to pixels. He is a product designer at Instagram and a great guy that's been super helpful as I grow as a photographer. 

Check out his work here: instagram.com/miekd

62 out of 120

This is my buddy Rinat, a web developer I met while working at doejo. Always down for a good time, I remember one late night at the office with too many beer the guys started playing guitars and Rinat (in his thick Russian accent started to sing along. One of my favorite memories from that office. "Please continue."

63 out of 120

This is Doug. He is the head of developer products at Facebook but you'd never get too intimidated by him because more importantly he is one of my biggest cheerleaders. I got to work with Doug on a small branding project and since then his energy and vision has been contagious. I love how he sees the world and how he wants to share it. I'm so lucky to be able to have worked with him and I can't wait to see what we'll create together in this new year. #^$