True friendships don’t have an expiration date. They can withstand radio silence, life changes, and even a global pandemic. That’s the kind of resilient bond that I hope I’m rekindling with this newsletter.
I’ve slowly been emerging from a four-year social media hiatus. The last time you probably heard from me was during COVID when I was writing the Random Embassy Papers (also known as this email newsletter). I’m picking those virtual papers up again, but with a different approach. So much has changed since then, and I’ve changed too. Throughout this time, what I’ve missed most is a closer connection with the people I work with and create for. That’s why I’m resurrecting this newsletter.
Now far as the re-launch of the Random Embassy Papers is concerned - check-ins every three to four weeks feel just right to me. Frequent enough to keep you updated, but not so often that you’ll tire of hearing from me. And for those who prefer more frequent updates, I’ve also returned to Instagram (@studioanthonysmyrski), where I’ll be sharing snippets of my day-to-day work and inspiration.
I’m looking forward to rekindling our connection through these newsletters. If anything resonates with you or sparks a thought, don’t hesitate to hit reply - I’d love to hear from you. Now, let’s explore what’s been happening in my world…
Tierra Whack — World Wide Whack
I recently collaborated with artist and art director Alex Da Corte on Tierra Whack’s latest album, designing custom icons and the layout for the limited-edition vinyl release from Interscope Records.
Our work expanded beyond the album, encompassing posters, billboard advertisements, and a unique pack of World Wide Whack playing cards for the promotional campaign. The cards are available for purchase from here.
As someone who was drawn to graphic design through album artwork when I was a kid, this project was particularly exciting. It was great to contribute to the tradition of record design while working with talented collaborators who are making things happen in the contemporary art and music scenes.
Xiva — Brand Refresh and Web Development
Another of my latest projects involved partnering with Xiva, a UK based app designed to help small businesses and self-employed professionals streamline administrative tasks. I refreshed their visual identity and both designed and developed their website using Webflow.
Web design has evolved significantly over the past decade. Tools like Webflow, Squarespace, and Elementor have expanded what’s possible in digital design. However, it’s not just about the tools—it’s how a skilled designer uses them. My background in typography, layout, and user experience allows me to leverage these platforms to create truly distinctive and effective designs.
In recent years, I’ve found digital work to be just as creatively fulfilling as print projects. The combination of powerful tools and design expertise allows me to craft websites that are both visually compelling and highly functional.
If you have a digital project in mind, I’d be excited to discuss how we could bring your vision to life, marrying technical capabilities with thoughtful, purpose-driven design.
Catawiki — Working as a Brand Specialist
Catawiki is Europe’s largest online auction house. For the past three years, I’ve been working with Catawiki’s brand and marketing teams as a brand specialist. In this role, I contributed to elevating Catawiki’s visual presence across various platforms. My work encompassed designing elements for online and print advertising campaigns, creating exhibition and event graphics, developing visual assets for reports and buyer’s guides, and producing marketing and social media materials for Catawiki’s weekly auctions.
Working within a diverse team of designers and writers, I thrived on the challenge of keeping Catawiki’s visual identity consistent yet fresh through a variety of projects. From digital campaigns to print materials, each task presented an opportunity to interpret our brand guidelines in innovative ways, balancing creativity with brand coherence.
Travel Moments
During a recent trip to Tokyo with my girlfriend, I came across the Yanaka Beer Hall in the Taito district, just as dusk was falling. One of my favorite activities is to aimlessly wander a city, allowing serendipity to guide me to new experiences. This striking building caught my eye, and we were delighted to find we could enjoy a beer and a snack inside.
As a designer, I find these unexpected discoveries often spark fresh ideas. The Yanaka Beer Hall’s ambiance, especially as day faded into night, offered a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern purpose - a balance I often strive for in my own work.
If you find yourself in Tokyo, it’s worth visiting this gem near Nippori station. And if you’re curious about how such experiences influence my design approach, I’d love to discuss your next project.
Also of Note
Towel Studio
I’m really digging these beautiful organic cotton towels, designed and manufactured on a really cool machine in Berlin. Check them out
Decentralized Music
A book about the potential of blockchain and AI technologies to transform musical practice. Written by my former piano teacher, Adam Łukawski. Buy it
Not Standing Out in Public
As a kid, I wanted to fit in. As a teenager, I wanted to stand out. Then as an adult, I wanted to fit in on the surface but stand out in what I actually thought and did. Lots to think about here. Read
Art by Lot Madeleine
Former colleague of mine from TBWA Amsterdam. A hard worker and a deep feeler. Check out her text-based artwork and design here.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
Food is not a strong suit in Amsterdam, despite it being a very international city. There are good places to be found, but generally, the food seems toned down to Dutch taste, or the value for the price isn’t there, and I’d rather cook at home. I was really pleased with De Juwelier. (Thanks Nina!)
The New Urban Order
What’s going on in cities in the USA and around the world right now? How has the discourse around urbanism changed and evolved in the past decade? Find out on this Substack by Diana Lind. Read
Air Conditioning in Europe
I’ve lived in Europe for seven years now and I’ve disabused myself of many misconceptions and fantasies Americans have about how much better life in Europe is. Of course, these preconceptions are accurate on many levels, but it’s always more complicated. Read more by Tyler Cowen in Bloomberg.
Until next month…
Thank you for reading this newsletter, my first in several years. While I’m excited to be back, I see this as just the beginning. Just a warm-up, so to speak. Future editions will delve deeper into design insights, creative processes, and other weird or interesting stuff that I come across.
Your support means a lot as I rebuild this connection with you. If you found value in this newsletter and want to encourage more, consider buying me a coffee. Cheers.
I’m looking forward to sharing more with you next month. Until then, be well.