lovely lovely intern

There will be a new face around the store, but I’ll let her introduce herself. She is fantastic and I’m thrilled to have her help. Just one more thing to be thankful for. Hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving! Without further ado, this is Regina.

I walked into Smartfish Supply for the first time last Final Friday. I’m a student of industrial design at UC—the same program Alisha graduated from. My classmates’ masks were on display, so after a good post-critique nap, a group of us came downtown to see the store and have some Final Friday fun.

I’d never been inside the store. I had peeped in the windows once after hours; I had seen Alisha’s card at DAAP on the bulletin boards. It seemed cool, but I’ll admit to being skeptical. Most things advertised as “sustainable” are so far out of my price range as a student. When I found out about the student discount, I was sold.

That evening, I met Alisha—and before long, we were discussing the possibility of an internship. Details fell into place, one after another. Now I’m at the store for the first time as the official intern!

This place feels so cozy today in the rain. I love being surrounded by art supplies. Even though I’m studying industrial design now, my background is in graphic and fine arts. The supplies in here feel like home!

Aside from being excited just to be in this place, I can’t wait to see what the work here is going to lead to in the store and in my own path in design: I love my industrial design program, but I don’t see myself designing manufactured objects ultimately. In fact, I want to use my skill set for design focused on something bigger. I’ve been lucky enough to get involved in humanitarian design in Tanzania, historic preservation in the wider Cincinnati community, and sustainability movements on UC’s campus. Sometimes, intensive studios can foster a narrow perspective. The very act of leaving studio a few times a week to work here will be great—and that’s just the beginning.

Cincinnati Unchained

Tomorrow (Nov. 19th) is the fifth annual Cincinnati Unchained.  Smartfish Supply is one of 80 local businesses offering specials for the day. Head over for 15% off all paper rolls, sketchbooks/pads, and 35% off all paints. I’m so pleased with how many shops are participating in Over-The-Rhine. Hooray for shopping small and local!

baboons, bats, and longhorn cattle, oh my

Just three of the twenty paper masks that have taken over the store windows. These were done by DAAP Industrial Design Sophomores, and are so impressive.  

The masks will be up for the next few weeks, so be sure to stop by shortly if you didn’t make it on Final Friday.

And thank you to all the students for coming down, it was so nice to meet so many of you.

Happy November everyone!

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Field Notes Fall Limited Edition is in the shop now! Read all about it here.

And all your other Field Notes favorites are back in stock! Perfect for sketching by bonfires, or inspired to-do lists. 

for DAAP first year students   $125.95

Includes everything on your class supply list, in one neat bundle. 

Extended Hours

Welcome back DAAPers!

Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply will be open 11am to 9pm on Wednesday the 21st and Thursday the 22nd, for your back-to-school supply needs.  

And don’t forget, free supply delivery to campus on Monday and Thursday mornings. Please call Wednesday evening before close, to place your order for this Thursday morning.

It’s been a week

And what a good week it’s been. Thank you, thank you to everyone that came out for the opening last Friday, or has stopped by since. 

I wanted to share a few photos from that first night:

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I’ll share more photos shortly, as they come my way. 

Here’s to week two.

You’re Invited!

Almost there! The grand opening is this Final Friday, August 26th, from 6pm to 10pm. Cincinnati folks, please stop by to see what I’ve been creating for you, have a drink, and celebrate! 

Normal store hours will start Saturday the 27th:

Monday  11am to 7pm

Tuesday  11am to 7pm

Wednesday  Closed

Thursday  11am to 7pm

Friday  11am to 7pm

Saturday  11am to 7pm

Sunday  12pm to 6pm

Couldn’t be happier!

If you were at The City Flea this weekend, you’ve already had a peek at these. Screen printed by Andrew from YES gallery, and I couldn’t be more pleased! 

 Visit the crowdfunding post to get your hands on one.

The City Flea

via The City Flea

This Saturday was the August City Flea. Such a good day! A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for a visit. Your interest, enthusiasm, and (kind of gross) hugs definitely helped fight the heat. And congrats to Nick and Lindsey for doing such an amazing job putting the whole thing together. There’s still one left this summer, if you missed out be sure to head down on September 3^rd! I’ll be over at 1301 Main by then, so stop by and say hello!