Читать книгу Graphic USA - Ziggy Hanaor - Страница 25

AUSTIN, TEXAS BY BRYAN KEPLESKYI’m fortunate enough to call Austin my home. It’s where I’ve worked, played, gotten into trouble, and grown creatively, personally, and professionally over the last six years. If you’re visiting the city, the first thing you need to do is forget whatever notions you might have about Texas or Texans. Despite being the capital of the state, Austin has always relished its role as the loud, snotty, strange, and very drunken member at the Texas family reunion. A generation ago, Austin was a home for hippies and weirdos and as it’s grown and expanded, it’s evolved into a highly progressive, creative and laid back city.I’m always wary of city branding, but our official slogan is “The Live Music Capital of the World”, and in this case it’s actually true. One visit to www.showlistaustin.com reveals how popular this city is with musicians of all description. This has fueled an influx of like-minded folks – people who want to screenprint posters, make art and publish zines – but will serve coffee, write software, or whatever other day job it takes to be part of this place. And this, in turn, means that bars have popped up left right and center to cater to the hedonistic requirements of all these creative folk.Geographically, Austin can be divided into several areas, each with a unique vibe. Downtown Austin is the epicenter of live music (Red River District) and bars (6th Street). To the west is the University of Texas at Austin, the largest university in the state that continually brings an influx of culture and young people. South Austin (best represented on South Congress Avenue) perfectly captures the humble, relaxed vibe the city started out as. East Austin is the up-and-comer, home to a large Hispanic and African-American population. It was once considered pretty rough but is now in the midst of an energetic revitalization, with lots of new bars and galleries. All of this is accessible by foot, on pedal, or a quick cab ride.One final note: Austin has a reputation as a drinking town, which I think is a bit unfair. Austin is an exceptional drinking town. 25 Austin, TX