09.12.08
Oh the festivities
Lately I have to admit we have been pretty shitty with our blog (and general site) updates. We have been flat out behind the scenes with side projects, full time jobs and family duties, and it looks to be no better with the festive season pretty much in full swing. I will try to keep up over the next few weeks.
There is however a bit of news that has been consuming a huge amount of our time lately.
We have been working overtime, setting up the foundations and future of our new venture and clothing line ...... TAKEN™, which has been exsistent, to some degree, for quite a few years now. Yet only now seeing the light
of day.
TAKEN™ clothing is a brand that only stocks/producers limited items, so you better get onto each release quick, or you will miss out.
Stay tuned, as Jan 09, sees the arrival of our new tee's and site where you will be able to get all sorts of info and goodies and maybe even a little crap... so get excited!! ... but most of all get Merry!!
More info will follow... or stay posted at takenlimited.com
- [BB]

09.12.08
Balabka Design
We recently collaborated on a project with a good friend of ours. Balabka Design has been responsible for some of the most infamous and noteable photos, of some of Australia's hottest fours (& more!). We came together to design a range of "splash"/home page images for his website. Taking images he had in his portfloio, we have created a few interesting (on a rotation cycle) splash images that not only bring out the quality of his photos but also enhance the look of his website "entry"... Head to our portfolio section for a closer look.... or why not head on over to balabkadesign.com.au and checkout his work for yourself.
- [DB]

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05.11.08
ZEST beverages
Our good friends at ZEST beverages came to us with another fun job for their very unique and original product.
I've been working pretty closely with Kim over at ZEST for almost 2 years now, originally coming up with their logo design and company branding, including bottle labels and 4 pack wraps. This time it was to compose an eye catching double sided A4 flyer, that would be used to promote and sell her boutique beer across Australia.
We are really happy with the end result, and even more importantly, so is Kim and the team at ZEST!!
Make sure you guys and gals get out there and support ZEST when and where you can.
Check their site out to learn more about the product and what they are all about @ www.zestbeer.com.au
- [DB]


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04.11.08
Skin Deep
One of my close mates came to me with an idea for a tattoo. It's essentially a tattoo to mark the day he and his fiance met. We developed the idea and added things to it over time until Jimbo was completely stoked with it.
Although the design is simple, it came out really well. A big shout out to Dennis at Tattoo Asylum in Mt. Druitt. He not only did an awesome job (the photo just doesn't do it justice), he also made Jimbo's day.
That shits for life Jim! - Congrats to you and Jona, all the best on your journey as a soon to be married couple!!!
- [DB]

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15.10.08
It seems like only yesterday
2 weeks ago some very good friends of ours tied the knot, and we had one bender of a weekend.
For Darren and Rhyanna, it was pretty much love at first site... I should know, because I was there. The fireworks between them were almost dangerous at that close range. Both sharing similar interests, and even careers (they both serve and protect) it was only at matter of time before they both realized there love for one another would take over and therfore bring them to this moment.
It all began on the Friday night (3rd October) with the bucks party. The lads had a 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of Sydney hired out
for the evening, but this was just the start (and eventually the end) to the evening. It was situated on the 68th floor and lets just say the photos below do it no justice. Standing face pressed up against the windows actually made it feel like you were flying...or that you were going to crash through and hurtle to your doom. However, the fun didn't stop there. Lets just say things got crazy as they do on an occasion like this, and the rest is histrory.
Darren buddy, we hope you had an awesome night!!....

Love this city...


...As we all recovered on the Saturday (Unfortunately Darren didn't get much of a chance), we then pulled our half lifeless bodies from
our beds on the Sunday morning for the official ceremony of marriage. The day was full of constant laughs, and a few suprises. I was honoured to be up there as a groomsmen on my ol' mates special day. Dale captured plenty of photos all day (PLENTY!!), but here are just a selection of them.
To Darren and Rhyanna, congratulations! From everyone at the playground (and extended), we hope you have a great life together.Cheers for a beautiful day. So many good memories, and many more to come!!
- [BB]



It's official, lovers!!



Congratulations buddy!!

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2.10.08
MOTOR exposure
If you have been staying tuned, you will rememeber a while ago we did some work on paint and sticker concepts/designs for the new WRX Sti. If not, This was a project to design paint concepts and sticker decals for the new morphos company car. Its still up on the blog and in the portfolio section of the site. They had a lot of photo coverage done while at a track day a few months ago.
The photos landed their car (and the work of pixel playground) in a feature, in the latest Australian MOTOR magazine. We are stoked that the lads have had their car in such a renowned/respected magazine!
Congrats, Rohan. The car looks tidy man. It's a shame it didn't have the new wheels on the day of this shoot.
Along with the fact that the fruits off our labour, are gracing the pages of a magazine such as this, it was a pleasure to work, once again, with the team at morphos. Thanks again guys.
- [BB]



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29.9.08
IT'S A GIRL!!
I am proud to announce that I am soon to be the uncle of a baby girl.
Although we all knew they are expecting, Dale and Tanya found out the sex of there baby (to be) today and I couldm't be happier for them!!!
Congratulations to the both of them on bringing another life into this world, and even more so the Bigeni family...
The legacy begins... well kinda.
It is still so crazy to think that a little human is forming within the belly of my sister in-law, and even more crazy to think of my little brother as a father (Not that I doubt he will be the best dad!!).
Dale and I have already begun plotting our charade, for when the time comes, that this little darling will bring home boys. (Think Bad Boys II - when both Will Smith + Martin Lawrence confront his daughters date)...haha
Good times!!
Once again congratulations to the two of you!
All my love now and forever,
-
Uncle Benny!

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29.9.08
The Hundreds X Gravis
I have been a big fan of Californian clothing label 'The Hundreds' since Dale first got me onto them back in early 2006. We have been inspired on so many levels by so much that these guys do, and what they are all about!!
Their whole reason and drive behind their brand, along with their influences, are so similar to the way we feel and our influences.
I have watched them constantly push the boundaries and from season to season, they never fail to amaze me and keep me inspired! If you haven't heard about them already, look them up.
They are really doing things right...and doing it well!!
Along with an ever growing catalogue of products, they have a number of collaborations under there belts.
Some with the likes of such heads as Greg 'Craola' Simkins (one of my favourite artists), éS shoes,
G-shock + X-Large, Forum snowboards and much more. There most recent collaboration is with footwear
and bags giant Gravis!!
You only need to look at this line of sneakers, travel bags and more to see exactly what I mean when I say these guys are hot shit!! There attention to detail is also another trait of theirs which I can really appreciate.
With the power of this collaboration duo and the current popularity of anything produced by The Hundreds, these are sure to go fast.
Enough said, check them out at www.thehundreds.com for more info.
- [BB]

Staying true to there skateboarding roots and brand inspiration. Bobby from The Hundreds collaborated with Joe Babcock over at Gravis and chose to have ureathane skate wheels as that little something extra in replacement of the traditional (and usually boring) luggage rollers! - NIce, this is my kind of travel luggage!!

Take note of The Hundreds trademark 'JAGS' pattern embossed on the accents of these stylish low cuts!!

Although I'm not usually one to buy white shoes, you can't deny the great look of these mids. Once again, staying true to their attention to detail.

Source: www.thehundreds.com
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27.9.08
How time flies
It seems like we have been attending a lot of family functions over the past few weeks, and they aren't over yet.
This weekend that just past, we helped celebrate our little cousins 'confirmation'. As it has been so long since I had my confirmation, I can't even begin to remember what it involves.
Something to do with accepting the communion (bread) at church. I think!
I was never a practising catholic, but growing up I remember all the parties we would have for both Dale and myself revolving around certain periods of our catholic schooling. Mum and dad would always go to great lengths to bring hords of family and friends together, and put on a killer event. I remember always being so excited about seeing all my family (and a few friends), who would all come around and eat a hell of a lot, and not to forget drink a lot more. To me I always saw it as a great excuse for a celebration and gathering. But at the same time, this is what I love about them.
So now seeing my little cousin Aisling celebrating, and smiling as largely as I used to. I can't help but reflect on my life so far, and where it is leading us all. With Dales bub on the way and my wedding fast approaching, we can't ignore the fact that time really does fly!! This is just the begining of a new page in our lives and the future is going to reveal some real exciting things coming up. I feel like I am once again that young boy looking forward to the family festivities + more. Yet this time round, I partake in the drinking!!
- [BB]
Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling).... cutest smile.... congratulations

NIce pebbles!!


Nona (grandma) hard at work.....as always! She was up at 6am in the morning making these FRESH.

She didn't make these. She's Italian.

Nona's got styles.... killer pink zebra print top!!



Probably plotting some kinda shit.

These garden pixies are all going to be my lead troops in my wedding party!!



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19.9.08
Is this the apocalypse?
Its nowhere near it, but damn this pic looks like a scene from Independence day. Thanks to Tommy P for this beautiful pic and his view of Sydney from his apartment.
- [BB]

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14.9.08
Classics Never Die
I just couldn't help myself. I love classic vans.
- [BB]

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13.9.08
Still Rollin
The weather was perfect for a skate today, almost a little unbearable. Im sure most of Sydney would have been outdoors or heading to the beach, and if this is any sign of what Summer is going to be like. It is going to be a scorcher.
I will pick up my skateboard over a pair of board shorts and beach towel anyday. For one I'm not a fan of Melanoma's, and then there is the fact my skinny pale legs don't look the goods in shorts! Ha.
My man Tommy P and I have been skating and hanging out for years. This guy is one of the nicest people you will meet, so genuine and full of good spirit. Whenever we are together we end up killing ourselves with laughter over one thing or another. Right now he is busy working on some of his own business plans, but is always willing to lend a hand around the playground whenever needed. We can talk business, life, and general bullshit all day, the best part is we have fun doing it all. We never take ourselves or our skating to seriously.
Keep on rollin'
- [BB]

PP's contribution to the skate community!!


Jump Tommy! Jump!

Tommy P: Switch backside 360 tre-flip to 'HAND'-overcrooks...ha.



Ben: nice try!! hahah


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08.9.08
The Spring thing
We have been pretty tied down lately here at the playground, and have been manically working on a number of projects + good things for the Spring/Summer period. Particularly on the clothing line front!! (Stay tuned for news on new tees and website soon).
We did however get some downtime over the weekend just passed.
We had our cousins wedding on Saturday and Fathers day on Sunday, which was a great time to sit back, drink a lot (maybe too much - ouch!), eat loads and have a good ol' laugh with our family.
We look forward to what the future beholds.
~ Congratulations Marie & Johnny!! ~
- [BB]





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Always a comedian! Happy Fathers day Ol Matey.

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