Friday Five: Human Crafted

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Designer profile Q+A: Human Crafted

Happy Friday! Today we are featuring Jon Alling of Madison, WI based design studio Human Crafted.

1. Daily ritual?

V60 pour-over of a locally roasted coffee is a must.

2. Best creative (or business) advice?

Just start.  Experiment.  Try.  Learn.  We all can spend so much time in our heads, trying to plan, trying to figure out how to get to the end, when we really should be trying to just take the next step.  Having a plan or a dream isn't progress, taking a step in that direction is.  

3. Current inspiration sources?

Besides all of the awesome Join Design members () ... I'm inspired by the diverse group of creatives that I work alongside at One-One Thousand studios here in Madison.  There are illustrators, printmakers, fiber artists, jewelers, woodworkers and knife makers, all trying to practice a craft and grow their businesses at the same time.  

4. Favorite podcast(s)?

Song Exploder!  But I also really enjoy Studio Neat's podcast Thoroughly Considered because I can relate to so much of what they discuss.

5. How does your city influence your work? 

Madison, WI is a big, small town.  Although there is a small and emerging design scene, you have to make a lot happen for your self. There also isn’t a lot of industry or history of craft in Madison.  That has influenced me to be scrappy and self-sufficient, and I think that comes across in the products I design and produce.