The Bean in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cloud Gate, or ‘The Bean‘ as locals call it, has become an icon of Chicago because it is like nothing you have seen. It is a public sculpture in Millennium Park; it is huuuge, its super shiny and its sort of odd when you first see it. Not odd in a bad way, just odd in the way that you don’t really know what it is or what it’s supposed to be or mean. Let me fill you in, the shiny surface was intended to reflect and distort the immense Chicago skyline. So for Global Yodel, I decided to flip it a bit and have numerous Chicago icons integrated into The Bean.
Place you live: Chicago, IL USA
Place your postcard is designed for: Chicago, IL. – ‘The Bean’ with reflections of iconic Chicago everything.
Can you sum up Chicago? The people: hard working and seemingly rough around the edges, are the most humble and hospitable in the world once you get through the tough exterior. The culture: Chicago has everything from homegrown political figures to world-class art galleries, there is more to it than a Chicago style hot dog. And speaking of the food: if you have not tried one of our pizza pies, you haven’t lived. It truly is a deep dish.
Occupation: Art Director at MAKE., a small creative studio that specializes in graphic design, illustration and lettering.
Preoccupation: Girl Friend pleaser, English bulldog owner, Athlete Object creator, marathon runner and backyard basketball player.
What is a perfect day in Chicago? Starts out with a nice long run down the lakeshore along the bike path, such an amazing view of Lake Michigan. Then shower up and grabs some delicious huevos rancheros at Flo and put in a few good hours of design at the MAKE. studio. Grab some fish tacos at Big Star for lunch, finish the workday with some screen-printing for the MAKE. Store. And finish the day playing with Frannie and grilling some grub on the boulevard in Logan Square.
If someone was visiting, what must they do? Eat, this city has some of the best cuisine you have ever seen (hey, that rhymed). Be sure to bring your appetite (and a pair of sweat pants).
What and where is a perfect meal in the place you call home? It seems like every single answer has been about food. For my money, the perfect meal is a deep dish pizza, from either Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s.
What is the best thing about the place you live? The best thing about Chicago is the people. They are honest, hard working and most importantly nice. They aren’t uptight and snobby like New Yorkers or arrogant and superficial like west coast folks. Chicago people truly embrace the midwestern mindset.
And the worst? The crime rate and corruption in politics.
A little known fact about where you live? Contrary to popular belief, Chicago IS the best city in the world.
Where is your favorite place in the world? See above.
Who are your three favorite designers/illustrators? Mike McQuade, Aaron Draplin and McBess.