The Neon Hive is an independent mult-disciplined creative agency. We have been with the S&C crew since the beginning. In time, the synergy between the two companies, not only in terms of working within the same small world of esoteric lifestyle and niche luxury goods but also, and most importantly, the similarity in ethics by which we trade (our goal, to defy perception), has seen that evolving grey line between client and agency dissipate entirely, the results of which being… www.strawberryandcream.com

By special request we were coaxed out of our underground hub by guys at S&C, shed our usual covert operation attire (normal preference being to work incognito and the brands be in the spotlight!), to form the colourful and inspiring S&C Art + Design department. Our mission, to put together a collection of products comprising some of the best and most relevant products we could discover suited to creatives, although not limited to.

Productivity never looked so good...

3 New Ways To Get Some Action!

Action Method by Behance.

As part of their mission to organise the creative world, Behance's line of paper products is designed with Action in mind. And now, they've introduced 3 new ways to get organised in style. The bonus: these new Action Method products are 100% sustainable.

To make this possible, Behance has partnered with New Leaf Paper, the world's leading green paper company. New Leaf has saved over 1,693,350 trees and 472,973,848 gallons of water through its environmentally friendly practices. By choosing these notebooks, you are making a difference.

Available exclusively in the UK right here, on Strawberry and Cream! BUY NOW.

We just can’t live without...

Vannen Watches

The highly anticipated first collection of Vannen Watches is here. Vannen Series 1 invites you to experience a new world where art meets fashion. The first collection features designs by Buff Monster, Brian Morris, Chris Ryniak and Damon Soule. Limited editions per artist of 500 pieces worldwide.

Curiosity is the driving force behind many designers, ourselves included, so we took five to get the inside tip from David Stowe, Founder of Vannen Watches to find out what makes him tick - sorry, couldn't resist the  (bad) pun! Here's what we found out...
 

10 Questions with...

David Stowe, Founder of Vannen Watches

TNH: We understand "Vannen" is Swedish for "friend" but what's the Swedish connection?
DS: No connection. The name just kind of happened serendipitously. We wanted a name/word that summed up what this whole project was about. "Vannen" sounds great, and loosely translated, literally sums us up in one word: friend. And that's what we're about - working with our friends, supporting our friends and making new friends through our line of watches.

TNH: What drew you to create an artist line of watches over other products?
DS: I've always loved watches and for the past few years I couldn't find a watch on the market that was a reflection of my taste... or that I would enjoy wearing... or designed by artists I love, so I decided to do it myself and start Vannen. Not related to why I  chose the product but, one thing I knew had to change was making sure that we treated our artists like family. I heard about all  these horror story licensing deals, so I knew wanted to make an exceptional product and build an exceptional company that supports the artist to the fullest extent. And we do. We actually pay the artists one of highest royalty rates in the industry. So keep that in mind when you buy Vannen, because you'll truly be supporting the artist when you buy their watches.

TNH: Series 1 has a phenomenal artist line-up, what drew you to these artists in particular to launch your brand?
DS: There's a few different reasons why we chose this line-up, but for the sake of the simplest answer - it boils down to the individual designs and the overall design harmony of the group. They (as both people and watch designs) contrast and compliment each other so nicely that it just felt right as an overall collection.

Series 1 also introduces the collector to what we're going to do from here on out. We'll be putting out watches by artists who are established and have lots of great products on the market, and we'll also be releasing watches by artists who don't have a bunch of exposure, but are exceptional enough and deserving of something as cool as having their own art watch.

TNH: Dead or alive, who would be your ultimate Vannen artist?
DS: VC Johnson, Jack Kirby and a few others i cant really mention right now ;)

TNH: As a professional designer yourself, can we expect a David Stowe design in a future Vannen series?
DS: Probably not. Vannen Watches are the vehicle for the artists, not me.

TNH: Talking future series, can we get any (hush hush) clues on new artist collaborations?
DS: We'll have a Holiday Exclusive watch for Christmas coming out on December 1st by Chris Bettig. And its also safe to say Series 2 will be out in a few months as well. Bigfoot, Blaine Fontana, Thomas Han and Travis Lampe are all in Series 2. We're really excited about every one of those watches - they look amazing.

TNH: Caffeine or yoga?
DS: As of late, its lots of caffeine. Hopefully soon it'll be yoga.

TNH: As the founder of a watch company, how's your personal timekeeping?
DS: So far I'm pretty good about staying on top of things and I always return phone calls and emails. Only problem is I don't make much time for myself.

TNH: If you could travel in time, what year would you visit and why?
DS: I'd like to go at least 100 years into the future and see where we end up as a civilization. I'm curious if we ever evolve and turn things around for the better... politically, environmentally, etc.

TNH: Complete the sentence, in five words - "Vannen is..."
DS: "...fun and affordable for everyone."


We are mighty proud to announce Vannen as the latest "must-have" brand in the S&C Art & Design Dept. and our namesake, The Neon Hive, not only for the passion and sheer dedication that has gone into the brand and the quality of the finished product but also because Vannen echoes the entire S&C crew's values and mission to "protect the work of many artisan craftsmen and designers; to ensure their small collections and one-off pieces are recognised for the passion and quality with which they were created". Collectively, we feel (strongly) that this is something to really shout about. Vannen, welcome to our crazy family, we're stoked to have you on board!

If you would like more information about working with us or to discover the colourful world of The Neon Hive in depth, please head over to our website and Say Hi!