WE BACK AGAIN

Where have we been?

YINKA – Mentally everywhere lots of change more than the metaphysical. Like where do I even start recounting from? Cuz there was no beginning of the break. I guess I’ll start from our last marketed project, the second issue of our magazine, Sobremesa.

That was July 2026.

We had a couple projects planned out for the last year but after being thrown for a loop with some good ol’ corporate bullying bullshit from former collaborators we decided a pivot and calibration on our goals and interests was needed. We have been working I guess just not showcasing in the best way, Recounting we had a pop-up at an Almost Famous market last November, began working on Sobremesa Issue 3 from January, did creative direction, co-production and production design for Mutuals+ from March through July and exhibited our photo gallery show in June. So there has been some activity but it hasn’t been the way we would have wanted hence the public declaration to announce to our audience and most importantly to ourselves that we are back to “business”. ISSUE 3 (AND MANY MORE) COMING SOON

Where have we been?

EJIRO – Many think YEN is done after ‘one summer off’, that’s not how we view it. We’ve never been a group to keep up with the rat race of events and projects. Taking a step back to see the larger picture is not only advised but required to transition into a greater form. Since we last saw you all we’ve experimented, moved, transitioned all within our own lives and practices. Life gets real and sometimes you have to pause or even rest. Anyone who says otherwise is bullshitting you and being performative. The first thing that’s crucial to note, is that Yinka moved to Canada. We aren’t just a design collective but close knit friends, we felt this one, just like we did the year before. BUT, there is opportunity and positivity here! A fresh start for our friend, a whole new city to meet people and network with others. A new city to bring a fresh perspective to. This move forced us to adapt and mitigate our weak areas in our operations and create new ones. On some real though, I gotta say I’m mad excited for where we’re going.

We look at the scene and ask why everything is the same. How is everyone for the culture and for the people? The culture isn’t perfect and still has room to be positively contributed to.

Where have we been?

NATE – Anyways we’ve been here, there, a little bit of everywhere (along the east coast). Yall’ve seen a bit of the photos between our commutes, but along with that, we’ve also been hitting the books. For some CE continuous education because you can never stop learning new things and I strongly believe that a self inflicted halt in learning is another ways to begin dying. Earlier this year while compiling content for Issue 3 of Sobremesa, I managed to dedicate some time to complete an exam that encouraged the pursuit of sustainable design in the built environment called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). A two-part test that updated it’s version/ standards this year, provide a small break from studies for me. Ready to pick the books back up and integrate those methods into the work we share with you all.

Until then… enjoy some recaps of my break.

Pics of some new faces in some familiar spaces.