### In 2017 my friend Jonas and I created several products.

Here's how the high-quality wrist watch MILA and a series of the wireless charger GERDA came into existence.

## MILA

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F2797b7da-e026-411a-9042-ac53ea8d2a0b.jpg?alt=media&token=5ed73ca2-0a4c-4df6-9343-abd935b13e34","id":"2797b7da-e026-411a-9042-ac53ea8d2a0b","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"lykke_2.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F6ed27d75-fd6f-4563-8136-96acdf5627da.jpg?alt=media&token=fb5c0665-fa45-4961-9e9c-451e498784d3","id":"6ed27d75-fd6f-4563-8136-96acdf5627da","width":4000,"height":6000,"filename":"lykke_4.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Flykke%2F0c22d49a-8119-4428-a8d6-055097b6adc1.jpg?alt=media&token=dc3576a2-802e-433b-8f71-f40bbffe34c3","id":"0c22d49a-8119-4428-a8d6-055097b6adc1","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"lykke_5.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F16e13639-f063-4cd9-970d-863f953df9c3.jpg?alt=media&token=654160d0-1de0-4583-9d94-60413ef148a1","id":"16e13639-f063-4cd9-970d-863f953df9c3","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"lykke_11.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Flykke%2Ff7cc53f1-c040-446e-aa85-c810ad01ce98.jpg?alt=media&token=bcd843d8-6f0d-4fc3-8962-79e4728b6cca","id":"f7cc53f1-c040-446e-aa85-c810ad01ce98","width":3543,"height":2362,"filename":"lykke_7.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F944ec331-d6fc-42de-b096-92c3f209654e.jpg?alt=media&token=16981f4b-7757-42ec-a519-1f7721041d31","id":"944ec331-d6fc-42de-b096-92c3f209654e","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"lykke (1).jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2017, Jonas invited me to join him on a trip to Marbella, Spain. He was hired to do a photo shoot for a hotel there and could bring someone - so of course I packed together and joined him. Over a dinner we talked about side projects and what we would like to work on.

Since the age of 12 I had dreamed of designing my own watch one day - I knew exactly what it should look like, had a collection of inspiration and sketches.

The rest of the trip we couldn't stop talking about the idea and were doing the first research. At the airport on the way back to Germany we were already looking up how to find a manufacturer on our phones.

The part we expected to be the most complicated turned out to be relatively quick and smooth. In a matter of a few weeks we went from initial sketches into full-fledged designs. Spending a few hours we decided on the project name Lykke, bought a domain and set up a simple landing page.

Reached out to a list of manufacturers and had first conversations. We decided on one company based in Shenzhen that offered to create a completely custom mold for the watch case and use Japanese or Swiss movements. After going through an extensive design review process we transferred \~$600 and hoped for the best.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Flykke%2F4f8a9369-860e-472e-939e-774409cb6e9d.jpg?alt=media&token=0c147613-8d91-41e1-8b44-3965da6a6f77","id":"4f8a9369-860e-472e-939e-774409cb6e9d","width":1266,"height":436,"filename":"lykke.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Jonas and I were looking for a way to produce custom straps. We had already found a supplier for organic, naturally dyed leather goods from Germany and were hoping to find a manufacturer that would be willing to make a small batch.

In a taxi on the way home from a birthday party the driver and I had a long conversation. I found out he's an artist who creates images by cutting and layering different textured leather.

I of course had to ask if he would by any chance know how to create watch straps from scratch, and he actually said yes.

Two days later we met at the strangers apartment to look at his laser machine, discussed what we were looking for, learning a ton about leather manufacturing and creating our first few straps over coffee.

After receiving all the parts and testing the watches for durability, we redefined some small details and ordered improved an improved version from the manufacturer.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Flykke%2F6926bc49-1f4c-44db-9980-8a6e54e567aa.jpg?alt=media&token=5cffa3db-774e-489d-aa1e-c081d6d8cba8","id":"6926bc49-1f4c-44db-9980-8a6e54e567aa","width":2041,"height":567,"filename":"lykke.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

We never started selling the watches publicly, but some friends and ourselves are wearing them to this day. It was an amazing experience with a lot of learnings and we might pick up the project again in the future and create an actual business around them (and even launch a few other minimalist products).

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

## GERDA – Wireless Charger

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F345e3356-3e76-4d7f-a905-f0ebd385e7f1.jpg?alt=media&token=bde05966-b14d-488d-adb9-ae81342bd3ae","id":"345e3356-3e76-4d7f-a905-f0ebd385e7f1","width":3543,"height":2362,"filename":"Lykke_by-Jonas-Friedrich_056_fullres_highres.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2Fb8b9372c-def1-467f-a76f-d40f783775c6.jpg?alt=media&token=cb4f69bb-1ed9-4852-be9a-6e3dec97fa81","id":"b8b9372c-def1-467f-a76f-d40f783775c6","width":3543,"height":2476,"filename":"Lykke_by-Jonas-Friedrich_045_fullres_highres.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F2c952cdd-1561-435d-8f25-ed3cfc40e816.jpg?alt=media&token=df135554-b532-49a6-930a-a219150918c6","id":"2c952cdd-1561-435d-8f25-ed3cfc40e816","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"Lykke_by-Jonas-Friedrich_074_fullres.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F970750fe-215a-4f06-97ac-615fc2cf718e.jpg?alt=media&token=9925ff27-76ad-4013-a0bb-5d518a8058bb","id":"970750fe-215a-4f06-97ac-615fc2cf718e","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"Lykke_by-Jonas-Friedrich_071_fullres.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2F0ekVtdegHhv8puaUqsYy%2F4db2eda7-005c-40fb-b56e-65672a4e921c.jpg?alt=media&token=7116c2c5-c440-42d4-acee-66039b905e7b","id":"4db2eda7-005c-40fb-b56e-65672a4e921c","width":6000,"height":4000,"filename":"Lykke_by-Jonas-Friedrich_083_fullres.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

The second product we created is a set of wireless chargers made out of concrete.

All photography done by [Jonas Friedrich](https://www.jonasfriedrich.co/).

Dabbling in physical product design

I have a strange passion for domains. They can act as the starting point of an idea, and as an owner, it feels like you have a small piece of land on the internet.

Domains are a metaphor for the spaces we inhabit and the ideas we nurture. They are about ownership, identity, potential, and community, providing a foundation upon which we can build.

Here's an overview to remind myself which domains I currently own. If you're interested in acquiring one, feel free to reach out.

* [sendspout.com](http://sendspout.com)

* [debbles.com](https://www.notion.so/debbles-com-c3b965e42f08425eb541dab2b8430c65?pvs=21)

* [lotella.com](https://www.notion.so/lotella-com-47686fdc07d34a50aa85d59118a98861?pvs=21)

* [quickary.com](https://www.notion.so/quickary-com-4b8ce0a8f05e40e4908f7d286413f8f2?pvs=21)

* [polanto.com](https://www.notion.so/polanto-com-9a77fb41d65c46ebb17442b40e72b34b?pvs=21)

* [lolula.com](https://www.notion.so/lolula-com-6abbe8d5dd164cbd9cd084026cd89a7a?pvs=21)

* [hitchful.com](https://www.notion.so/hitchful-com-9df832a45f614f0696d8ba4bc27509d8?pvs=21)

* [tipary.com](https://www.notion.so/tipary-com-69346b0ffcde44d2a427a484425ba28c?pvs=21)

* [lobbl.com](https://www.notion.so/lobbl-com-de9f4370e0894a98bd8059c6de748d81?pvs=21)

* [amadro.com](https://www.notion.so/amadro-com-dc4d0e0b91d940cf97eec5e495f578c4?pvs=21)

* [literal.love](https://www.notion.so/literal-love-04a63a1c298a4f489663bcaf8477f164?pvs=21)

* [literal.space](https://www.notion.so/literal-space-eefb2db0e93049c38952f6f6493e6425?pvs=21)

* [thegallery.io](https://www.notion.so/thegallery-io-bc563946fea2424c956bb749bd1e2619?pvs=21)

* [some.supply](https://www.notion.so/some-supply-664ff4c8cc4648d4ba74e33ee96b9d27?pvs=21)

* [terheyden-art.de](https://www.notion.so/terheyden-art-de-b1d4dc99df3a4237a20215b80acc6612?pvs=21)

* [oni-icons.com](https://www.notion.so/oni-icons-com-a41d83f2db07448b9ff4ac799f2f97a1?pvs=21)

* [some.ventures](https://www.notion.so/some-ventures-923492993bf545fb83621277e7a7a103?pvs=21)

* [pool.holiday](https://www.notion.so/pool-holiday-75c8cbcdd4ae497fa3458a669d4a5ffc?pvs=21)

* [sortable.co](https://www.notion.so/sortable-co-c8751e5884fe4cc3a0f889810e92def4?pvs=21)

* [pool.day](https://www.notion.so/pool-day-fa66ad850c46433dafaaaf6235e60805?pvs=21)

* [webflowcheckout.com](https://www.notion.so/webflowcheckout-com-326338a5ee6944189c7ef387b2ec71f9?pvs=21)

* [framercheckout.com](https://www.notion.so/framercheckout-com-67fcaa2fc61a4baabbbab58820ca9269?pvs=21)

* [some.studio](https://www.notion.so/some-studio-8c1964b6c4014a6f82b4f1240d81e878?pvs=21)

* [dogswaitingfortheirowners.com](https://www.notion.so/dogswaitingfortheirowners-com-27985eeae55848388bebdf316957769a?pvs=21)

* [islandcheck.com](https://www.notion.so/islandcheck-com-2a3d2299376844338e7a8e8c982833c2?pvs=21)

* [inselvergleich.com](https://www.notion.so/inselvergleich-com-a58d8beff8934372bdf1ca807fcdbdea?pvs=21)

* [getgloria.com](https://www.notion.so/getgloria-com-ee531327426f4810950a47c2fe9d13b4?pvs=21)

* [getburrata.com](https://www.notion.so/getburrata-com-a61cf6631c6d4da8854119959e1d945a?pvs=21)

* [dick.day](https://www.notion.so/dick-day-efa1b6f6bf2f437c9b5dcf42654ff9d9?pvs=21)

* [funki.store](https://www.notion.so/funki-store-72ece21fe5ed485cbeb7d5615c4eab93?pvs=21)

* [edited.app](https://www.notion.so/edited-app-72ec121b4d99478d9f83ff12d843dbba?pvs=21)

* [ausstellungskalender.de](https://www.notion.so/ausstellungskalender-de-ad59cdc6fd574a69b71c9b184db0a405?pvs=21)

* [fuckiwishididth.at](https://www.notion.so/fuckiwishididth-at-b02ff0ad6b92435a9f5d9db73ddc934c?pvs=21)

* [fuckiwishiknewth.at](https://www.notion.so/fuckiwishiknewth-at-9ff8158459ed4ea9b67cf4d1af0fa8b4?pvs=21)

* [minimal.gallery](https://www.notion.so/minimal-gallery-12116556fecb4e33953b42d497afb59b?pvs=21)

* [more.supply](https://www.notion.so/more-supply-d7635238ed054815810769d6f965ebdd?pvs=21)

* [spacenine.de](https://www.notion.so/spacenine-de-7f665a81179745a6b66cedd038b05824?pvs=21)

* [intendency.com](https://www.notion.so/intendency-com-dd78476ca4ed4163b5d318449eb54f3c?pvs=21)

* [literal.club](https://www.notion.so/literal-club-29f418d07f04491bb99532ca699a1bc2?pvs=21)

* [materiali.st](https://www.notion.so/materiali-st-b03f63c255c049e9afe69da1c3c97ba1?pvs=21)

* [marty.so](https://www.notion.so/marty-so-9c3acd323b4b450bbcf1cabd4c536054?pvs=21)

* [360VirtualAssist.com](https://www.notion.so/360VirtualAssist-com-3371aa11625e483dbde8dc6388ae2bf8?pvs=21)

* [disko.website](https://www.notion.so/disko-website-ce1f855327a44504b0254db48bfc0a42?pvs=21)

* [disko.life](https://www.notion.so/disko-life-648a882d3cf74cd1a423116621db3e6a?pvs=21)

* [disko.studio](https://www.notion.so/disko-studio-2ca595ced2cb47f0bc8e961ee0763359?pvs=21)

* [fries.day](https://www.notion.so/fries-day-3c447773c42048a8bffa48528b10c4bd?pvs=21)

* [badmintonlove.com](https://www.notion.so/badmintonlove-com-b539bba37d5241b9a9b7d644657b1ba3?pvs=21)

* [drilling.co](https://www.notion.so/drilling-co-e87064e49b8246cab3388638686c3379?pvs=21)

* [superiortactics.com](https://www.notion.so/superiortactics-com-3db998200e6a44ac80fc00225a0ee97d?pvs=21)

* [interfaced.co](https://www.notion.so/interfaced-co-10a3319b8fad45be9bdd1baad4a86d70?pvs=21)

* [wt.ls](https://www.notion.so/wt-ls-e63391ea1bd4440d81067bf97f04fa49?pvs=21)

* [helmet.cc](https://www.notion.so/helmet-cc-b7ca14daa8dd4c3986286b467b05d982?pvs=21)

* [b00ks.com](https://www.notion.so/b00ks-com-b284fcb5d4974762b7a2dbe86a03dab2?pvs=21)

* [sj.vc](https://www.notion.so/sj-vc-f89a2f47949a4065a62184a1cad79cfd?pvs=21)

* [piet.place](https://www.notion.so/piet-place-4e36dd5131224b3cbde419c991d9377e?pvs=21)

* [piet.party](https://www.notion.so/piet-party-2315a43f54ad43f1a8953a0a4481f95f?pvs=21)

* [piet.page](https://www.notion.so/piet-page-f4c7dbd5a6a24de08639c75f12e77bb8?pvs=21)

* [bookrecorder.com](https://www.notion.so/bookrecorder-com-44d19d80792240a186894cf60b01678d?pvs=21)

* [hitcatch.com](https://www.dynadot.com/account/domain/name/edit.html?domain_id=20551051)

* [crashagent.com](https://www.dynadot.com/account/domain/name/edit.html?domain_id=20551052)

* [selectedstories.com](https://www.dynadot.com/account/domain/name/edit.html?domain_id=20551053)

* [spinoff.studio](https://www.notion.so/spinoff-studio-c0d6032a9f2649a89b64feb07b68c02b?pvs=21)

* [tide.so](https://www.notion.so/tide-so-74d60d067e79410cb913249c0a559ce3?pvs=21)

* [inspiration.vision](https://www.notion.so/inspiration-vision-8e4e7d7283674491a10296b4c77696ef?pvs=21)

* [background.vision](https://www.notion.so/background-vision-3cf12f50a40c450486023cbeaab0aa6f?pvs=21)

* [framer.market](https://www.notion.so/framer-market-e7bbb7e7ebeb4582aa7f81009110e640?pvs=21)

* [hummus.app](https://www.notion.so/hummus-app-ad2840229e76434880f60d6ce96529c7?pvs=21)

* [bow.so](https://www.notion.so/bow-so-309ceaab128c4e6796ac02aac52b7f07?pvs=21)

* [billion.so](https://www.notion.so/billion-so-119fc3bebab34d5a93f1f0381ef386d7?pvs=21)

* [dude.so](https://www.notion.so/dude-so-6487f1fb80824df08891463c0f4ade92?pvs=21)

Domains

### Go to bed and wake up undistracted

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2Fb3e0e1a9-b43e-430e-ad79-506bf306efd8.jpg?alt=media&token=06f303b7-5015-4458-8a24-c7775625a4d8","id":"b3e0e1a9-b43e-430e-ad79-506bf306efd8","width":560,"height":346,"filename":"alarm-1.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Many people start their day by scrolling through social media or checking work emails. Checking your phone right after waking up can trigger your stress response, putting you on edge for the rest of the day. And work-related messages can keep you thinking about them even before you've had a chance to grab a cup of coffee.

Similarly, some people like to listen to podcasts or audiobooks to fall asleep. But using your phone in bed isn't the best idea either.

To prevent this, some people buy a Google Nest Hub, an Alexa, or Sonos to leave their phones outside of the bedroom. But then again, you might miss important features from your smartphone, like using sleep tracking apps or receiving an urgent phone call from your family.

### What if there was a solution that didn't force you to leave your phone outside but still encouraged you not to use it?

Imagine a simple block that you can put your smartphone into, making it harder for you to access it. The block comes with an app for your phone, with a simple interface that only shows you the most important information for that moment, like the time or time remaining in a podcast, album cover, and a play/pause button.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2Fe421738a-2f5a-4be5-8889-4e79f56ac605.jpg?alt=media&token=16f3ab5d-fbac-48a7-bd34-f575d5dd5b69","id":"e421738a-2f5a-4be5-8889-4e79f56ac605","width":1680,"height":1338,"filename":"alarm-4.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2F79a4450b-5581-45c6-a2a8-b25265c50343.jpg?alt=media&token=4005d5f1-f923-4524-8ee6-444e66c4fbf0","id":"79a4450b-5581-45c6-a2a8-b25265c50343","width":1680,"height":936,"filename":"alarm-5.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2F156952e6-e304-4283-8519-16bd2e9e6edb.jpg?alt=media&token=eeb65bc2-412e-458f-b674-9b222b6c461d","id":"156952e6-e304-4283-8519-16bd2e9e6edb","width":1680,"height":879,"filename":"alarm-6.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2F2ad8f328-18cf-49aa-960c-54c0869fedc9.jpg?alt=media&token=00bb6bd2-dd03-472c-b5cc-cdfc2a5aa645","id":"2ad8f328-18cf-49aa-960c-54c0869fedc9","width":1680,"height":1359,"filename":"alarm-2.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FEMesD7pb9ME6LdKrBzUd%2F65ddcfc0-0bf5-4f2a-9fca-664e0d0457f8.jpg?alt=media&token=0c194c0f-fc3f-439d-a679-43c17b1ca975","id":"65ddcfc0-0bf5-4f2a-9fca-664e0d0457f8","width":1680,"height":879,"filename":"alarm-7.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

You can slide in your phone from the top, only leaving a part of the screen visible through the front of the block.

The block has a built in NFC-chip that triggers and automation on the phone to open the custom alarm app.

Several fronts are available for the block, each with different materials and cutouts, providing access to different features.

Alarm clock concept

Piet Terheyden\
Charlottenstraße 1\
10969 Berlin\
\
[piet@some.studio](mailto:piet@some.studio)\
(030) 81455148\
\
Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer: DE289761594

## Trademarks

All trademarks, logos, brand and company names are the property of their respective owners.

Legal notice

**April 2023**

### My web design curation project [Minimal Gallery](https://minimal.gallery/) is turning 10 this year. To celebrate, I wanted to share how it all started, new features, some numbers and what’s planned.

## History

I’ve been curating Minimal Gallery (almost) daily since 2013. It recently crossed 2,000 featured websites and 100k views/40k unique last month.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FXRa0Y1C3DqBB8IrwxZ1k%2F1a981750-f21e-4efe-a270-459dd19cad8c.png?alt=media&token=ef2e00c1-886d-413b-83b8-02d9b585310f","id":"1a981750-f21e-4efe-a270-459dd19cad8c","width":2292,"height":540,"filename":"Screenshot 2024-06-27 at 01.26.10.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

It’s crazy to think that it started as a personal collection of inspiration for my client projects. I was saving bookmarks of my favourite websites for inspiration and reference, but it got so so much that I wanted to find a better solution for organizing them, ideally with preview images and tagging features. A simple way to do so was to create a simple tumblr blog for myself and upload a selection of my bookmarks, adding screenshots to each of them. After a few weeks I noticed people started following it, so I started working on a custom design and “simply” never stopped curating it.

It’s amazing how much impact an unpaid side project can have on your life. I’ve met some folks through it that I now call my friends, people who’ve been following since day one, and some who found and applied for jobs. I’ve even had people who started following when they first became interested in design, then went on to study, got their first job and years later submitted their first site to the collection.

## Monetization

I’m trying to find a good balance that provides value to visitors and sponsors alike so still experimenting here. Trust should always be prioritised over ads or promoting big names. I rejected many advertising opportunities over the years and will continue doing so to keep up the level of curation.

### I’m currently exploring a few ways to monetize:

Job board: Not your typical embedded board with thousands of jobs, but instead hand-picked companies and positions that I support, with the same quality as the rest of the project.

Submission fee: Submitting websites will stay free. I don’t want to take the opportunity away from people who can’t pay. But since beginning of the year, you pay $25 to submit if it’s a theme, domain or typeface for sale. This seams to be a fair solution.

Sponsors: I welcome [Studio Lenzing](https://www.studiolenzing.com/) as the first sponsor ever. I love their work and am happy that they decided to support this project. Going forward, I'm planning to have \~3 sponsors at a time, randomly showing one of the three when visiting the site.

### For transparency, this has been the revenue so far:

February: $50

March: $125

April: $250

...

Update September: $800

Update October: $1050

*(Imagine an amazing hockey stick curve diagram here)*

## Other updates & future plans

Domains: People who visit the site are often at the earliest stages of a project. And as a domain addict myself, I thought it could be fun to list some [high quality domains](https://minimal.gallery/domains/). Theoretically the commissions for this should also be another source of income, but so far I haven't received any.

Built with: On the [subpage](https://minimal.gallery/twohy-design-works/) of each website, you can now see what the site was built with. Currently detecting Webflow, Framer, Shopify...

Mobile view: A way to switch between desktop and mobile screenhots. Coming soon.

Templates: With the rise of no-code tools like Framer, it could make sense to curate the best templates somewhere. Not sure if this should be a separate website.

All these things should be seen as experiments. I will continue to curate the collection on an almost-daily basis and hopefully grow the audience even more. If you have any requests (anything, really), reach out and let me know.

## Thanks

Thanks to everyone who's been submitting websites, spreading the word or following for a long time. And special thanks to [Manuel Moreale](https://manuelmoreale.com/), who was running a similar project and was kind enough to gift me the domain (thegallery.io) when it was shut down.

Minimal Gallery turned 10 years old

I've had the pleasure of working with clients in many different fields and industries, from small brands and artists over growing startups to Fortune 500 companies. Over the course of a decade I designed everything from websites to apps, developed and prototyped concepts, coded landing pages and shops or led creative direction.

As I brought on more people to projects to offer additional capacity and specialized expertise, my freelance business naturally progressed into a small studio. This resulted in projects for more than 100 different brands.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Fwork%2F271fcdd8-e1e6-41bb-b6a0-7e4fa1162a95.png?alt=media&token=cd69efc7-af02-42cd-81b6-1cb8f630c73b","id":"271fcdd8-e1e6-41bb-b6a0-7e4fa1162a95","width":5748,"height":1649,"filename":"Frame 169073.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Among others, my work has been awarded by Product Hunt, Awwwards, Mindsparkle Mag and Red Dot and featured on SiteInspire, One Page Love, The Gallery and klikkenthéke.

## Selection of work

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fba08ae47-1dc6-424d-9758-b0e82ce9b6fe.jpg?alt=media&token=29e6d6ef-72d2-4f75-9747-0d89bcb96a98","id":"ba08ae47-1dc6-424d-9758-b0e82ce9b6fe","width":1680,"height":933,"filename":"formelskin.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2023 I worked with [smalltribe](https://smalltribe.studio/) to redesign the product offering pages for [FORMEL Skin](https://www.formelskin.de/), reducing the work load for doctors and improve the cart and checkout process for better conversion rates.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fff8194c3-b978-4525-8051-0a6f0d11685e.mp4?alt=media&token=02a09754-47ed-4684-ad64-0894f32f4856","id":"ff8194c3-b978-4525-8051-0a6f0d11685e","width":1100,"height":606,"filename":"mohab.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":true}]}
```

In 2019, at MoreSleep, who are behind all of the branding, I developed multiple websites for [MOHAB](https://www.mohab.group/). The architecture and engineering collective is redefining sustainable living through innovative, design-focused tiny homes. The sites use Wordpress as a CMS.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2Fwork%2Fe898232e-46b2-4c50-8416-1ce4911b1b4f.jpg?alt=media&token=5042e254-458e-42f0-8e10-d4ef824ec7f9","id":"e898232e-46b2-4c50-8416-1ce4911b1b4f","width":2801,"height":1555,"filename":"siliconallee.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2020, together with [Joasia Fidler-Wieruszewska](https://fidlerowna.com/) I designed and built a new online presence for the Founder/Investor hub [Silicon Allee](https://siliconallee.com/).

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2F092fb6df-8550-4c7b-9885-c59886a193e2.mp4?alt=media&token=4ba205a5-8565-4b10-ba54-83bee88522e9","id":"092fb6df-8550-4c7b-9885-c59886a193e2","width":1200,"height":662,"filename":"ripin (1).mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":true}]}
```

In 2020, I designed and built an animation-heavy Shopify store for [Ripin Racing](https://ripinracing.com/?ref=some.studio), a new brand for motorcross racewear clothing.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2F55d4d74a-6b4f-4fb6-85f1-c5952fca4960.mp4?alt=media&token=fec927a4-79ff-436b-8f34-20a528765cb7","id":"55d4d74a-6b4f-4fb6-85f1-c5952fca4960","width":1100,"height":606,"filename":"orgreen (1).mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":true}]}
```

At MoreSleep, I led the technical side of the new online experience for Scandinavian eyewear brand [Ørgreen Optics](http://orgreenoptics.com/). I created a complex Wordpress website including an automated product management for the clients’ international B2B-business.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fccc7b0e2-9f15-4528-a8c9-2e762c951a11.mp4?alt=media&token=fc075a22-221a-4eda-ba98-dd554bb4b046","id":"ccc7b0e2-9f15-4528-a8c9-2e762c951a11","width":2880,"height":1644,"filename":"tiquest.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2020, I worked for artist management [TiQuest](https://tiquest-management.de/?ref=some.studio) together with [Joasia Fidler-Wieruszewska](http://fidlerowna.com/?ref=some.studio), directing the new logo and brand identity and creating a new website.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2F54d44cf6-e469-47b9-afe8-1528019215e1.mp4?alt=media&token=d2932140-1003-4f86-8ef1-0c50e5e564f4","id":"54d44cf6-e469-47b9-afe8-1528019215e1","width":1100,"height":602,"filename":"swayed.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":true}]}
```

[Swayed](https://www.swayedai.com/?ref=some.studio) uses AI to help hospitality clients provide next-level service. In 2019 I developed the website at MoreSleep, who also designed their logo and identity, shaping a balance between advanced technology and human interactions.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fd515fbbc-0675-4b65-9bcd-47145fb393f7.jpg?alt=media&token=8d98f5af-590a-41c3-8341-6251a2db32a2","id":"d515fbbc-0675-4b65-9bcd-47145fb393f7","width":1920,"height":1047,"filename":"baze.jpeg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":true}]}
```

From 2019, for more than a year, I worked as a freelance product designer for the nutrition startup [Baze Labs](https://www.baze.com/?ref=some.studio), redesigning their mobile app, parts of the website, marketing materials, and building digital design systems to help shape the brand and business.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2Fbea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0.png?alt=media&token=d1820ef2-0ab7-4103-961f-a9ad2a9a3580","id":"bea9c8e4-9470-44d8-b542-c42071c6b0e0","width":1080,"height":22,"filename":"Bildschirmfoto 2021-04-26 um 10.00.35.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FcSrkdRloCwXUa7HAqnv4%2F270e5a10-2501-47e0-866a-a2d2f5242861.mp4?alt=media&token=4a03c278-6a1b-4b37-b91e-432d6caaa5e3","id":"270e5a10-2501-47e0-866a-a2d2f5242861","width":1100,"height":665,"filename":"marvin_kuehner.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2019, I designed and developed the portfolio of video editor [Marvin Kühner](http://marvinkuehner.com/), using Wordpress as the CMS and building a complete custom theme with a modern, Netflix-like layout.

Client work

For the launch of [Literal on Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/literal-2#literal-2-0) I was looking for a Figma template to preview the design of our post. The only ones I could find online were pricey or lacking details.

So I created one myself - this template is free (do whatever you want license). You can simply edit the components to preview your designs on the Product Hunt home page and post page.

[Get the Figma template here](https://www.figma.com/community/file/1148771333743706645)

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2Fd9fRCzxKCzO8ajCQugNSktQRGXC2%2FlJ7MlZunrfipNNJS6dgn%2F9e3128a6-7ec5-4ce1-a939-3dbedf6f6c7f.png?alt=media&token=24903e4c-e5ac-4fdb-aefe-5ca72fb947e8","id":"9e3128a6-7ec5-4ce1-a939-3dbedf6f6c7f","width":2762,"height":1078,"filename":"Screenshot 2024-06-27 at 01.30.03.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```