Welcome.

I'm a graphic and interactive designer. I live in New York City, but frequent Los Angeles. This is where I toss my ridiculous ideas, conversations, inspirations, etc. I can be reached at info@ashleysimko.com
Archive | Ask | Bloglovin | Flickr | MySpace | MyFace | RSS | Twitter | Vimeo
Jan 30
Permalink
Shoes by Comme des Garçons Play, sand via Gaws…

Shoes by Comme des Garçons Play, sand via Gaws…

Permalink
“ I have never been in a natural place and felt that was a waste of time. I never have. And it’s a relief. If I’m walking around a desert or whatever, every second is worthwhile.
— Viggo Mortensen
Permalink
Permalink
  • Simko: Do you think I'll get car sick on the dunes?
  • Schmidt: We can only hope so... I mean no.
Permalink
Photograph by James Nord… Our dune with a view.

Photograph by James Nord… Our dune with a view.

Jan 26
Permalink
“ People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
—  Dave Barry
Permalink

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi…

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s design and construction ‘unites the world’, using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the Mosque. Natural materials were chosen for much of its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities, including marble stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics. The design has been inspired by both Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture, particularly the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca being direct influences. The dome layout and floorplan of the mosque was inspired by the Badshahi Mosque and the architecture was inspired by both Mughal and Moorish design. Its archways are quintessentially Moorish and its minarets classically Arab. (via)

The mosque also houses the largest carpet in the world at 35 tons, 60,570 square feet and 2,268,000,000 knots.

Permalink
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates… If you look carefully, you’ll notice that the man in orange is actually restoring the tiny tiles of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s courtyard floor (which is considered to be the largest mosaic in the world).

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates… If you look carefully, you’ll notice that the man in orange is actually restoring the tiny tiles of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s courtyard floor (which is considered to be the largest mosaic in the world).

Permalink
  • Gaws: Simko, nice outfit. Margiela 09?
  • Simko: ...
Permalink
Another photograph by James Nord… While on our way from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, we had the opportunity to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque’s decor is absolutely stunning and in order to gain access to it, female visitors are required to wear mosque-issued black abayas and headscarves. Several hours and about a dozen scarf adjustments later, it was still painfully obvious that I was a tourist. The heat was equally daunting - while walking through the sun-drenched entrance, I felt like an ant being burnt under a magnifying glass… Nonetheless, I’m still really glad I went. Getting a glimpse of a different religion and such an incredible place of worship was an amazing experience.

Another photograph by James Nord… While on our way from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, we had the opportunity to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque’s decor is absolutely stunning and in order to gain access to it, female visitors are required to wear mosque-issued black abayas and headscarves. Several hours and about a dozen scarf adjustments later, it was still painfully obvious that I was a tourist. The heat was equally daunting - while walking through the sun-drenched entrance, I felt like an ant being burnt under a magnifying glass… Nonetheless, I’m still really glad I went. Getting a glimpse of a different religion and such an incredible place of worship was an amazing experience.

Jan 22
Permalink
Permalink
“ The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
— William A. Ward
Permalink
Sailing on Puma’s Mar Mostro with photographer Jamie Beck… She’s forever making magic.

Sailing on Puma’s Mar Mostro with photographer Jamie Beck… She’s forever making magic.

Jan 21
Permalink
  • Read: Pick a point on the horizon in front of us and aim for it.
  • Simko: It's so touchy for such a big boat.
  • Read: You've driven a car before, right?
  • Simko: Well, I live in New York City so...
  • Read: We're in trouble.
Permalink
Sailing on Puma’s Mar Mostro with Ken Read… During my trip to Abu Dhabi, I was given the opportunity (of a lifetime) to sail on Mar Mostro for the Volvo Ocean Race’s Pro-Am race day. As if that honor weren’t big enough, a few of us were also given the chance to take the helm. My favorite story from the afternoon goes something like this: photographer Liam Goslett asked Mar Mostro skipper Ken Read to hold his camera while he took the wheel of the 70 foot racing yacht. While doing so, Liam reminded Ken to please be careful with his beloved camera. Read agreed and then reminded Liam that he was currently driving his 6 million dollar boat.

Sailing on Puma’s Mar Mostro with Ken Read… During my trip to Abu Dhabi, I was given the opportunity (of a lifetime) to sail on Mar Mostro for the Volvo Ocean Race’s Pro-Am race day. As if that honor weren’t big enough, a few of us were also given the chance to take the helm. My favorite story from the afternoon goes something like this: photographer Liam Goslett asked Mar Mostro skipper Ken Read to hold his camera while he took the wheel of the 70 foot racing yacht. While doing so, Liam reminded Ken to please be careful with his beloved camera. Read agreed and then reminded Liam that he was currently driving his 6 million dollar boat.