We’ve decided to start a new series featuring some of the creative people that we know. Every Tuesday we will introduce them as they share with us the ten things they can’t live without. To set the tone we’re going to start with our very own boy behind the blog, Mr. Derek Klepac.

Location: Houston, TX

[one] camera

Coming from two parents that are professional photographers, shooting was almost a given. But actually liking it took being in college and photographing my projects that I found some of the real fun in it. My favorite part about taking pictures is finding the scenes that a camera simply can’t catch.

[two] iPhone

Besides the obvious amazing quality of the device itself,  Apple has done a stellar job with the interface and usability of the software. The industrial designer, Jonathan Ive has really started something new in the realm of technology and in what has become such a huge part of most of our lives.

[three] mac pro

I do a bit of freelance photography, graphic design, and even some architecture. Having a quality machine to support my passions is a necessity and I would use nothing other than Apple’s flagship.

[four] mom’s home cooking

My mom was born and raised in New Orleans, and is an incredible cook. She can always come up with something and it’s always sure to satisfy.

[five] playing music

My dad has played music for years and I started learning from him, then got into school and played several instruments in high school. I started playing bass and guitar in a few different bands, the most of which is with two of my closest friends.

[six] building furniture with my dad

My dad has always been a wood worker, and even worked in a machine shop for a time in his life. Though I took shop in school, I learned most of it from him. We have built several things over the years from my Swiss impaired bed (pictures and blog eventually), some shelving systems, and a special little gift for Catharine. I love building stuff. You have total control and can make it fit, look, or function however you want.

[seven] the atmosphere of design

Since I’ve gown up around creative people and got into a creative field, things that are designed well catch my eye a lot. I can’t live without trying to design a logo, or looking at work from one of our friends and how they laid out something. Even the design of food on a plate, or the geometry of a bass speaker cabinet, it all has logic and intention for a purpose. Sometimes less realized that others, but when it’s successful man you can feel it without even realizing why you like it. That’s the realm of good design.

[eight] the culture of my friends / family

I grew up with a relatively interactive family even though I’m an only child. I live for the days when I get to be around other thinkers of the world. Sometimes they are a lot younger,  or the more logical elder generations’ good insight into a thought or statement, and ripping it open to see where it was meant to go is so exhilarating. Its what gets me excited about creating something, or building, or playing, or writing. For lack of a better cliché, I love a good intellectual conversation. On the other hand, hanging out at La Tuna and drinking fat tire, eating fried mushrooms and just laughing with friends make life worth living.

[nine] lime chips + chocolate milk

I’m certain that this will get the most response. I know it’s weird, but it’s so good. Tostito’s hint of lime chips are great, with salsa, queso, beer, but especially chocolate milk. I know it’s weird but something about the salty sourness of the limes hit with the sweet chocolate milk is incomparable. Please proceed with the stone throwing.

[ten] camping / backpacking

My parents love to camp. I am an Eagle Scout and I camped a lot with those hooligans, and I camp with my friends from school. We even went on a spring break adventure with my high school best friends one year. Simplifying everything really feels good sometimes. I always feel you eat so much better when you camp. When you grill your veggies and steaks over an open fire you had to build. I have a serious love for backpacking. Being self-sufficient, carrying everything I need to survive on my own back is a really fulfilling experience.

Stay tuned for text Tuesday when we feature the girl behind this operation, Catharine Stevens.

Until next time!

DC