A Love Letter to Analog
There’s a certain kind of magic in things that don’t ask to be optimized.
No syncing, no updates, no scrolling. Just weight, texture, time. The quiet satisfaction of something that does exactly one thing—and does it beautifully.
I've been thinking about this topic for a while, as I have always been drawn to physical media like vinyl and film photography. I like the intentionality of it and being able to hold art in your hands. I love objects that invite you to slow down, pay attention, and participate. Things that don’t disappear into the cloud, but instead leave a mark and take up space.
Here are my eight favorite ways to incorporate the spirit of analog in my life:
1. Vinyl
As a big music lover, there's something special about being able to hold a favorite album in your hands. I was a CD kid, and loved playing them on my boombox in my room and reading through all the liner notes. As an adult, I collect vinyl like it's my job. I love the colored pressings, the album photography, and hearing the crackle when it plays.
2. Books
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but in the age of e-readers, there really is something about a physical paper book. I've recently adopted a Kindle, and I love it, but nothing beats turning the page.
And my ode to pink books on the blog.
3. Watches
À la Princess Diana, the delicate wristwatch is having a moment. When we can't stop picking up our phones all day long, there's something about removing the temptation by having another way to tell time. I haven't gotten one yet, but there are a few I've been eyeing.
4. Magazines
I'm an avid collector of physical media, and my mom always saves me her Vanity Fairs and Vogues with my favorite actors, artists, and musicians on the cover. I've recently fallen in love with good old fashioned magazine stands, and my favorite is Iconic Magazines in New York City. And for my local friends, I love Heath Newsstand in San Francisco.
| photography by andie furber |
And like every other girl on earth, I'm always looking for the covers with the Heated Rivalry boys.
5. 35mm Film
It's no secret that I'm a film enthusiast. I have been an avid film photographer for about 6 years, and have a small business selling my prints and postcards. There's something about the intentionality of film - you only have 36 shots, so you have to get them right. There's no room for shooting 100 photos in a row like on an iPhone.
6. Journals
There's something meditative about putting pen to paper. The Notes app on my phone just can't compete.
For my 31st birthday this summer, I'm thinking about buying myself a Louise Carmen journal like the one my mom has.
| photography by laurie furber |
7. Handwritten Mail
Snail mail forever. It's intentional, it's personal, and it's the most lovely surprise in your mailbox.
Here are the cards I use - I made them for Elsie Green using my film photography, so cheers to double analog.
8. Walks
This one isn't exactly analog, but there's nothing like a walk in my neighborhood to clear my head. We're so overstimulated by so many lights, noises, and content in this day and age, and there's something special about looking around, breathing deep, and enjoying some peoplewatching.
| photography by andie furber |
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