The LOW RES Leadership League

We're looking for 6 highly creative community builders to join our new LOW RES Leadership League. Have you been looking for a place to sharpen your leadership skills? A way to give back to your community? We want to develop a group of high-impact leaders who want to help shape the experiences we create for the community at our LOW RES events. We believe Chicago is the best place to be a creative and we're on the hunt for like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact on our city. 

LEARN HOW TO:

• Become an Effective Leader
• Identify Your Core Strengths
• Clarify A Message So People Will Listen
• Implement the LOW RES "One to Five" :: A Roadmap to Success
• Create a Successful Marketing Campaign
• Program an Impactful Event

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FROM US:

• Monthly training at LOW RES
• Dinner before each event
• One-on-one guidance on our personal career
• A behind-the-scene look at how we've build LOW RES

WHAT WE'LL EXPECT FROM YOU:

• Assistance at one LOW RES event per month
• Attendance at our monthly training sessions
• To Engage the LOW RES community
• Build awareness about LOW RES and The Creative Muscle Podcast
• A commitment of 6 months

READY TO APPLY?

Email us at: [email protected]

Subject Line: Let's Grow Chicago

Answer These 3 Questions (Putting Your Creative Spin on Them):

• What does leadership mean to you?
• How can creativity change Chicago?
• Why should we pick you?

Deadline: Friday, March 30th

Award Letters: Wednesday, April 4th

Welcome Dinner: Wednesday, April 11th

21 REFRESH // Alex & Aleia

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February's Re:Fresh art is by Chicago's own duo, Alex Wallbaum and & Aleia Murawski.

Photographer Alex and art director Aleia regularly collaborate on dreamy still lives, transforming the ordinary and mundane into unexpected visual playgrounds. Both Illinois natives now reside in Chicago and work freelance together while also doing their own unique personal work.

Hit the links above to pick out the best size of Alex and Aleia’s photo for your screens this February. And be sure to check out the rest of their work on their site and at @alexwallbaum and @aleia on Instagram.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with their still life. 

20 REFRESH // Yukai Du

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This month’s Re:fresh art is by UK-based illustrator and animator, Yukai Du who has been exploring and establishing her work in both still images and motion. Unfortunately, we can't give you one of her GIFs as a background, but we highly encourage you to check them out here.

Hit the links above to pick out the best size of Yukai’s illustration for your screens this January. And be sure to check out the rest of her work on Behance and on Instagram to discover more. 

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Yukai's art. 

19 REFRESH // KOUZO SAKAI

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This month’s Re:fresh art is brought to you by freelance illustrator and Tokyo resident, Kouzou Sakai.  His inspiration stems from his admiration of animals, insects, and foliage. You might’ve already seen some of his colorful and impressive illustrations on global wide campaigns, with some of past clients of his being CNN, Forbes, Amazon, and Coca-Cola, to name a few. 

Hit the links above to add some of Sakai’s dreamy work to your December screens. And be sure to check out the rest of his work on Dribbble and on Instagram. From all of us at Low Res, we wish you a happy holiday with all things merry and bright.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Kouzo's art. 

18 REFRESH // KEITH DAVIS YOUNG

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This month we’re thankful for Keith Davis Young and his masterful creations. Young is a freelance designer residing in the great state of Texas. His work extends across a variety of mediums including brand, illustration, and logo design — each piece possessing an articulate attention to detail and a consistently present balance.

You might recognize some of his work featured on our pins and shirts found in The Shop. 

This funky, geometric illustration created by Young is our wallpaper pick of the month, and it can be yours, too, by clicking the links above. Browse more of his creations by checking him out on Dribbble and following him on Instagram.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Keith's art. 

17 REFRESH // NATHAN ROBERTS

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Nathan Roberts is a graphic designer based in Chicago, Illinois, with esteemed popularity within the music community. His folk-inspired and Western-reminiscent illustrations have graced promotional posters for renowned bands such as The Lumineers, Band of Horses, Leon Bridges, Portugal. The Man, and countless others.

In addition to layout and poster design, he is also skilled in stand-alone illustration, which lead us to this autumn rose as our pick for this month's wallpaper artwork. Be sure to check out the rest of his incredible work found on his Dribbble. 

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Nathan's art. 

16 REFRESH // ALYONA VOROTNIKOVA

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Alyona Vorotnikova is a vector illustrator based in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Her travel inspired scenes make us want to wander the world, but we are especially obsessed with this lemon tree print. Alyona's colors are incredibly moody, and are perfect for the transition into fall that's upon us. Click on the links above to download the print for use on your devices as a background, and make sure to check out Alyona's extensive body of work on her Behance.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Alyona's art.

15 REFRESH // MARY FRANCES FOSTER

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Mary Frances Foster is a freelance art director, designer and visual artist based in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 2006, she has had the opportunity to work within traditional agencies and boutique studios alike, allowing her to collaborate with an array of individuals and organizations, and in turn find a style all her own.

Fascinated by seeing people’s hand in the world, she enjoys searching out pieces of the past, paying attention, stopping to photograph passing signs and sights, and incorporating those influences where it may be appropriate, with a pliable approach to her projects; beginning always by hand.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Mary's art.

Andrew Belle - Honey & Milk (Live at Low Res)

We're so excited to have had Andrew Belle in studio for this live performance of his new single, Honey & Milk, off his latest record Dive Deep. Not only that, but we had the opportunity to talk to Andrew about his life as a creative on our podcast, The Creative Muscle. Check out the video above to see the performance and make sure to subscribe to The Creative Muscle to hear his interview.

SUMMER SNAP OFF RECAP

Last weekend's Snap Off was the best way we could have kicked off Summer! If you weren't there, we got to partner up with The Hollander and The Robey hotels to host our very first Snap Off Field Trip. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place came from our friends at ONA bags, Artifact Uprising, and The Hollander Hotel.

We started off the day in the lobby of The Hollander and successfully packed it out with more than 100 Snap Off contestants! There was so much inspiring, creative energy flying around the room! Each photographer was sent out with two hours to shoot, edit, and upload a unique image incorporating a colored visor. We reconvened on Floor 2 of The Robey, where contestants feverishly went to work on their submissions. When time was up, the crowd sorted through all the photos and voted for their favorite!

First place went to Casey Vanderstel (@caseyvstel) who won a night’s stay at The Hollander for her and two friends, the Nylon Camps Bay backpack from ONA, and a $100 credit to Artifact Uprising! Second and third places went to Jesse Schroeder (@jessevisual) and Viridiana Rodriguez (@_viridiianaa_), and an honorable mention — picked by the Low Res staff — went to Adam Cvik (@adam_shmadam). Find the winning submissions and some of our favorites below!

The Pixel Pack of Low Res Studio agreed that this was the best collection of photo submissions so far. We were so stoked to see everyone exercise their creative muscle and include others in the process. Together is certainly better.

Stay tuned for Fall Snap Off, and make sure to check out our other events.

14 REFRESH // DANIELLE KROLL

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Danielle Kroll is a Brooklyn-based artist and designer who applies her whimsical and curious style to a variety of mediums, including illustrations, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. Danielle has done work for names like Anthropologie, Kate Spade New York, Google, Warby Parker, and Ban.do. She possesses a magical talent to create art that can put a smile on your face.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with Danielle's art.

13 REFRESH // JAMES OCONNELL

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James Oconnell is a Manchester-based creative who has a passion for mixing colour (with a "u", because, Manchester) and lines. He applies his minimalistic style to a variety of themes and has created work for the likes of WIRED Magazine, YouTube, T3 Magazine, BBC and The Atlantic, to name a few. His inspiration comes largely from contemporary pop culture in all its forms - from motion pictures and music to advertising and sport. Simplicity is the key to his work, allowing the expression of the idea to reign supreme.

While you're here, take a listen to the Spotify Playlist we've made to pair with James' art. 

12 RE:FRESH // JEANNIE PHAN

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This month's Re:Fresh art is brought to you by Jeannie Phan, a freelance illustrator based in downtown Toronto along with her cat and life coach, Odin. Vogue, New York Times, Lucky Peach, and Vanity Fair (France) are a few of many of her previous clients. This particular piece was originally created for Bitch Magazine's 20th anniversary issue under the theme of community, but is now available for you to use as a desktop or mobile screensaver! (Lucky you)

While you're here, take a listen to the playlist specially curated for Jeannie's art and make sure to follow us on Spotify!

11 RE:FRESH // MIKEY BURTON

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THIS MONTH'S THEME: FOOD & BEVERAGE

The art featured above comes from NY based illustrator, Mikey Burton. You may have seen work he's done for the likes of Converse, ESPN, Target, The New York Times, Time Magazine, and Esquire. The piece he illustrated for this month's Re:Fresh is ready to be used as your phone, laptop, or tablet background -- just click the size you need and download! It serves as a great reminder to not only consume, but be creative with the food and beverage you enjoy this month. 

The playlist below includes some tracks you all suggested on Facebook as well as some tracks that our studio really enjoys. Make sure to follow us on Spotify so that you never miss a playlist. 

SPRING SNAP OFF RECAP

We are stoked with how this year's Spring Snap Off turned out!  To those of you who missed it, Kolo Topdrawer and Artifact Uprising brought some sweet (and quite lucrative) gift cards for prizes, and Ipsento, Green Sheep Water, and RX Bar hooked us up with all the refreshments one could need to feed our creative muscles.

Starting the day off right, we got to hear from Chicago portrait photographers Alex Tan, Anna Zajac, and Adam James Cohen in a panel about inspiration, process, and using photography as a tool to inspire change. Each panelist was so unique in their approach to capturing moments that it left everyone in the room motivated to create their own. 

With the energy level in the studio booming, the secret prop was revealed: a flat 6" mirror (brief pause for moments of pure panic/inspiration). Each participant was given a mirror and only one hour to go out and shoot, edit, and upload their creative interpretation of the prop. When time ran out, the crowd looked through all photo submissions and voted for their favorite. The three top choices were awarded ribbons as well as prizes from our sponsors!

Everyone did a killer job utilizing the mirror, and the votes were close, but first place was awarded to Cassie Evangelista (@cassieanna) for her second Snap Off first place win!  Second and third place were awarded to Carina Sherman (@carinasherman) and Michael Brandt (@mp_brandt), as well as an honorable mention picked by the Low Res staff to Wesley Taylor (@wesleytaylor). Check out their photos and a few other of some of our favorites below!

Stay tuned for our next Snap Off, and make sure to check out our other events.

TRUNK CLUB X LOW RES

We hold style to the upmost importance at Low Res, so naturally we were excited to have Trunk Club shoot part of their fall lookbook at the studio. For this year's campaign, they also shot a few short videos; one of which took place at our studio. We're not saying that the video isn't a reflection of what we do every day at Low Res, but it's scarily close. Check it out below.

10 RE:FRESH // MORGAN RAMBERG

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THIS MONTH'S THEME: GIRL GANG

In honor of Women's History Month, March's RE:FRESH is all about girl power.

This month, we're featuring Chicago Illustrator Morgan Ramberg (@morganramberg). You can catch her work in Chicago Magazine, Walgreens, Papyrus, and Bust Magazine. Keep up with her growing portfolio by following her on Instagram and Tumblr! You can download the background above in whatever size best fits your device and give your technology a refresh!

Paired with Morgan's illustration, our curated playlist this month is filled with women artists that we're really enjoying right now. Listen below and make sure to follow us on Spotify so you never miss a Re:Fresh!

09 RE:FRESH // HANNAH BESS ROSS

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THIS MONTH'S THEME: SHOW LOVE CLUB

Whether you have a significant other or not, February is a time to show love to those around you. It's not all about heart shaped chocolates and flowers that will wilt, it's about showing love to people who need it, and appreciating those in your life that show love through out the year.

This month we're featuring work from Chicago illustrator Hannah Bess Ross. We love Hannah's whimsical and colorful style, and the piece we're featuring is one of our favorites. Make sure you check out the rest of her work, and download the background above in whatever size best fits your device.

Paired with Hannah's illustration, our curated playlist this month will give your music library the refresh it deserves. Listen below and make sure to follow us on Spotify so you never miss a Re:Fresh!

08 RE:FRESH // SCOTT TUSK

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THIS MONTH'S THEME: HOLIDAY MISH MASH

I don't know if you've heard, but tis the season to be jolly. You know what helps with being jolly? Christmas music and a new festive background for you devices. Good thing we have you covered.

This month we're featuring work from Chicago designer Scott Tusk. Scott's geometric illustrations of buildings and environments are fun and quirky, and his illustrations of buildings in Chicago are some of our favorites. 

Paired with Scott's illustration, our curated playlist this month is filled with holiday classics as well as a few fresh tracks with all the festive feels. Listen here at Designers MX or follow on on Spotify! Happy Holidays from Low Res!

FALL SNAP OFF RECAP

We had a blast at this year's Fall Snap Off. We were so stoked to see what you guys would create, and we were blown away by everyones submissions. To those of you who missed it, The Impossible Project,  Artifact Uprising, and Kolo Topdrawer teamed up with us for this Snap Off, and we got to hear from Chicago photographers Alina Tsvor, John Stoffer, Dennis Elliott, and Evan Sheehan in a panel on how they put inspiration into action. Most importantly though, we got to get everyone together and showcase Chicago's creative scene. Everyone was given a roll of wrapping paper and an hour and a half to flex their creative muscles and create a photograph. When everyone got back to the studio, we voted for our favorite photo and the winners were awarded prizes from our sponsors.

Everyone did an amazing job, but first place was awarded to Cassie Evangelista (@cassieanna). Her photo perfectly captured the feel of the day as everyone ran around wrangling their wrapping paper for their photo. Second and third place were awarded to McKenzie Hanson (@itskenziejean) and Alex Tan (@jalexandertan). Check out their photos and a few other of some of our favorites below as well as some photos Cassie Evangelista took throughout the day!

Stay tuned for our next Snap Off, and make sure to check out our other events.

Photos by Cassie Anna Photography