The Pixelist Blog

Quirky Portraits of Hobbyists a la Wes Anderson’s Rushmore

Wes Anderson fan? Remember Max Fischer’s yearbook montage from Rushmore? ( if you have no clue what we’re talking about.) Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini have carried on that grand tradition with this beautifully symmetrical and perfectly orchestrated portrait series of hobbyists. Hobby Buddies is a quirky, insightful, and often endearing look at the human need for connection through common interests. All 60 photos are worth your time, but here are some of our favorites.

Blue and White Rowing Club

Pigeon Fanciers’ Club

Froburger Academic Co-ed Fraternity

Camping and Caravanning Club

Merriment Pipe-Smokers’ Club

Dintefisch Diving Club

Association of Mycology

Soapbox Club

Butchers Friends Society

Tram Club

Municipal Fire Brigade

HB9BS Ham Radio Club

Floorball Club

Orchid Club

Knitting Group

Majorette & Show Dance Troupe

To see those we have left out, including the Santa Claus Group, the BDSM Regulars’ Table, and the Coffee Cream Lids Swap Meet, view the entire series here: Hobby Buddies by Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini. 

Top 9 Unique Gifts on Kickstarter Right Now

Browsing crowdfunding sites might not be your first thought when looking for unique gift ideas. But it should be! The beauty of purchasing gifts on crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter is that you can buy completely unique, sometimes never-before-seen, gifts for that special him or her (or canine or feline!) at often discounted “early-bird” prices. So not only do you get to be the coolest person at the party, but you save money in the process. Score!

To give you an idea of what an amazing gift resource crowdfunding sites are, we’ve compiled a list of the current top 10 unique gifts on Kickstarter. All of these campaigns have over 20 days left to give you plenty of time to decide.

1) Jewelry

Jewelry is seemingly the ubiquitous gift for special lady friends, so disrupt the status quo (just a little) by .

2) Art

It’s not irrefutable, as it is untested, but  might be the most hipster phrase written today, especially after you read how they’re made with eco-friendly spray paint.

3) Gear

For the person who wouldn’t know how to turn down the party if they were attached to a party-turn-downer, nothing short of the will satiate.

4) Pets

Sometimes, our best friends aren’t of the human variety, and they deserve the finer things in life as well. Like peace of mind. Get them the to keep them occupied in the bleak abyss that is the time you are away at work.

5) Bag

This gift scratches several itches: function, style, and philanthropy. It feels good just writing that, so imagine how great it will feel to buy this , THEN gift it. (Hint: An Inception-level of amazing is the appropriate answer.)

6) Tool

For the person who does it all, and seemingly has it all, this is the perfect gift – because you can wrest assured they DON’T have this. Yet. Until you buy it for them, making YOU awesome.

7) Watch

Special fellas deserve special watches. James Bond’s wrist almost melted when he tried on for the first time. Your distinct gentleman can feel ultra important by receiving it before his peers. Smell the sophistication.

8) Game

For a true board game nerd, we present . Squee!

9) Card

Finally, what’s a gift without a card? Either this is a riddle, the setup to a joke on the back of a Laffy Taffy wrapper, or a pointed rhetorical question. You decide. Purchasing one of these  screams “I appreciate you!” in a way that might be considered uncomfortable if it wasn’t just a metaphor.