Design Work Life: Cataloging Inspiration Daily

While I was check­ing out some of the shops I had on my list I ended up stum­bling upon a few oth­ers that are def­i­nitely worth vis­it­ing when in the area…

826 Valencia

I had seen a lot about 826 Valencia online, so I was really excited to come across it while walk­ing around the Mission. 826 Valencia is a really amaz­ing writ­ing pro­gram for San Francisco-area kids ages 6 – 18 that dou­bles as the Pirate Supply Store (pic­tured above). They sell all sorts of Pirate-related items to par­tially fund their pro­grams. The teach­ing and writ­ing takes place in a large space in the back. 826 also has out­posts in sev­eral other major cities includ­ing right here in NYC. Make sure to check out Brooklyn’s Superhero Supply Co. as well.

Needles and Pens

Needles & Pens is a really fun store sell­ing a large selec­tion of zines, sta­tionery and lots of hand­made indie items. They have a great gallery space as well. I got to see this show when I was there.

Therapy

Therapy has two retail spaces right next to each other on Valencia Street. One is ded­i­cated to house­wares and fur­ni­ture. The other sells paper goods, cloth­ing, jew­elry, acces­sories — every­thing else basi­cally. There’s lots to look at so save some time for this stop. (Last pic­ture cour­tesy of Monica D. at Yelp.)