Color Inc Talent Team

Repurpose - Ben Harrison

re·pur·pose (rē-pûr'pəs) - To use or convert for use in another format or product. I am a firm believer that no matter what your abilities or talents, you can re-purpose them for good. No matter how big or how seemingly insignificant, any and every talent can be re-purposed for good.

Take the example of Blake Mycoskie, creator of Toms Shoes, who decided to create a new kind of shoe ... but didn't stop where most shoe companies do ... he not only designed a very popular shoe, he also started one of the most significant philanthropic movements in the past 5 years. The movement is coined "One for One," and it is based around the business model that for every pair of shoes that is purchased, Toms will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. To date, Toms has given over 400,000 shoes to children in need ... helping to improve the quality of life while at the same time helping to prevent one of the leading causes of disease in developing countries: soil-transmitted diseases such as helminths (or intestinal worms), elephantiasis, Trichuriasis, etc. So what did Blake do? He re-purposed the seemingly insignificant job of designing and selling shoes (sorry to any shoe designers reading this), and used it to literally save lives. You can read more about the Toms Shoes movement here : http://www.toms.com/movement-one-for-one and help to raise awareness by taking part in One Day Without Shoes on April 8th : http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/ ...

In July I had the amazing opportunity to re-purpose our job of wedding photography (as the owner of HARRISON STUDIO) and use it raise support and awareness for an organization that saves lives. I traveled with Mike Colon, Jim Davis, and 12 other amazing photographers to Tanzania, Africa to participate in a benefit shoot for Thirst Relief International sponsored by Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. The concept was simple: to raise support and awareness for Thirst Relief International among wedding professionals and the public at large. We partnered with 5 elite wedding dress designers : Ines Di Santo, Amy Michelson, Adele Wechsler, and Angel Sanchez ... who all designed a dress specifically for our benefit shoot, and have generously decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each dress to Thirst Relief International. Along with each designers generosity, Grace Ormonde of Wedding Style Magazine also guaranteed a feature of the benefit shoot in her amazing magazine to help spread awareness. You can see details and images of the spreads by heading over to our blog: HARRISON STUDIO BLOG Along with photographing the gorgeous gowns designed to bring support to Thirst Relief, we were also able to do service projects in which we helped to build the life-saving bio-sand filters (pictured below) as well as install these filters in communities and orphanages with little to no access to clean drinking water. I can't even describe the impact the Tanzanian people had on me ... but I can tell you that I am a FIRM believer that it is FAR GREATER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE. I would urge anyone reading this to consider re-purposing your job and abilities to impact others. You will be blown away by the joy you will feel knowing that you can make a difference in people's lives. Whether you are a wedding photographer, portrait photographer, or any other event professional ... you can utilize your talent to impact others. You may not be "saving lives" with your profession, but I can guarantee you that you can re-purpose your profession in a way that impacts others. Below are some great resources for ways that photographers can use their skill to help others ... or just check around locally with non-profits and churches, as there is always a need for photography and event related volunteers! Thirst Relief International Help Portrait Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Photo Philanthropy ....

Here are some images from our time in Tanzania:

Guest Post: Creating a Wall Collage

Tylor Devereaux Interior Design shares a few tips on how to create a wall collage. For more info visit their website.

There are many fun and exciting ways to showcase photos and artwork in your home. You may be asking yourself, “how do I do it, and what rules are there to follow?” The truth is, there are no rules! The best interiors are those that are unique and creative. An essential ingredient to success is Balance. Whether it is a collage of four frames or a multiple artwork assortment, balance can be achieved in many ways when arranging your own look. Let’s touch on three: Symmetry, Theme, and Focal Point.



Symmetry is the most classic way to achieve balance while being very appealing to the eye. For example, a simple print above each nightstand in a master bedroom or a pair of photos above a buffet is always a home run. However, why not be a little daring and try arranging nine photos in a square grid pattern? This concept works nicely with 4, 6, or 8 frames and so on. It also creates a stunning effect when incorporating multiple mirrors. Arranging photos symmetrically works in all interiors, from ultra modern to traditional.

A subject matter Theme is also a great way to establish balance when creating a random assortment. This can be achieved by gathering a collection of prints from the same time period, artist, style, or color scheme. For example, collecting black and white prints or etchings that have a contemporary flare, or watercolors prints for a more traditional feel. Choosing a theme for the prints will give you freedom while still creating a sense of continuity.



Establishing a Focal Point is another key feature to a collage. This can be a large frame or a very inspiring image that captures your eye. Once this is established, everything else plays off and supports the grouping. An example of this would be a large photo offset with two smaller frames on each side, with a 1” space in between. This showcases a focal point and balances out the large central frame. Keep in mind the scale of each photo and frame. You can do it! Stand back and take a look from a distance. Does it feel good to your eye?

The possibilities are endless, so be sure to have fun. If you are in a bind, hire an interior designer or contact an art gallery for assistance. Both sources have the knowledge and experience to help you create a look that says, "Fantastic!"

Look for our easy ‘how-to’ guide for creating a photo collage in your home, coming soon with all purchases at Color Inc. Now get busy…start ‘collaging.’

Follow us on our blog at tdinteriordesign.wordpress.com to find more creative solutions for your interior and displays.

- Tylor Devereaux Interior Design is a full service design firm located in Grand Rapids, MI.

- Photos courtesy of Brian Kelly - All Rights Reserved