Several members of the Hammock crew dusted off our cameras in August to have some fun with a photo scavenger hunt. The rules were simple: Interpret the nine items on the list in any creative or literal way that we wanted, and have fun!

What Ben found:

What is your favorite non-electric tool you use for work?
My favorite non-electric tool has to be my weekly planner. It's not only my favorite but it is maybe the most essential thing I have in front of me. I literally have the worst memory. Great short-term, but if you ask me what happened yesterday I couldn't tell you. So I rely on my planner to keep track of everything I need to be working on. It's the sad truth.

What communication medium helps you most during the day?
I definitely use iChat the most to communicate throughout the office. It's a lot easier than getting up or having to go find someone. Now they just need an upgrade that will read my mind so I won't have to type either. Complete laziness is at hand.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what are your favorite artists/songs to listen to while in the office?
I'm constantly getting new music, so I never really stick on one band for long. One of the best finds this past year has been the Fleet Foxes. I'm going to the Bonnaroo Music Festival in June, so lately I've been getting to know some of the artists that are playing there that I haven't heard much from. There are three groups that I'm really excited about seeing right now: Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear and Bon Iver have all grown on me in the past couple months.

How do you refocus if you're having trouble concentrating or getting the creativity flowing?
The old design rut can hit at anytime, but usually during an impossible layout. Sometimes I need to just go out there and look at great design to get my engines going again. There's nothing like seeing a great piece of art, no matter the medium, to really get you back in the groove. How, Print and CMYK are great design magazines to search through. My favorite site online is ffffound.com. If you look around enough you can find all kinds of cool stuff.

What three software programs do you use every day and could not live without?
I wouldn't be able to survive without InDesign and Photoshop. Those are the primary programs I use all day to make the magic happen. Then of course I can't live without iTunes. It keeps me pumping all day. Those have to be the top three programs that are essential to my work existence.

I have a few simple resolutions for when I step back into the office in the new year.

1. Keep up with entering my image purchases so that Lisa Ask won't have to hunt me down.
2. Try to learn some of the new technology in my field so I can stay fresh with the industry.
3. Keep my work area cleaned and organized.
4. Spent less time conversing on group chat. (It's my addiction.)
5. Post more to hammock.com.

Hi all, I will be out of the office beginning Christmas Day until January 5th. I may be in some time between then, but the best way to contact me during this time is through my work email, bstewart@hammock.com. You can also reach me on my cell phone, 615-519-2023.

Best Wishes to all over the holidays and into the new year.

It's easy to be bombarded with all the landmark sights around Nashville, even if you're one of its residents. With so many places to visit, some of the city's brightest attractions might actually be missed. Try catching a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium the next time you're looking for something to do in Nashville or if you're trying to find a great activity while visiting. The Ryman, which was once home to the Grand Ole Opry, still hosts a variety of amazing acts that come into Nashville, and it also offers one of the most accoustically pleasing environments for live music.

So you've heard about the Ryman and all it has to offer. But did you know that another Nashville landmark is in cahoots with the Ryman? Hatch Show Print is located just around the corner from the Ryman and still does prints for all its shows. The Hatch print for each artist can be purchased at the Ryman the night of their show. In one evening you can experience a great live act and go home with one of the most unique and pleasing posters made today. For a longtime resident or just a passer by, these venues are sure to please.

I recently went to see Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Ryman, and was blessed with one of the finest Hatch Show Prints that I've ever seen. It made the night that much better being able to have the surprise of not only a wonderful piece of art, but something that will help me remember one of the best shows I've ever had the pleasure to see. There's a reason why both spots have been around for so long and continue to thrive, and there's no reason why you shouldn't experience it all for yourself.

Ben Stewart is a native of Central Illinois who brought his hopeless passion for the Cubs and Bears to Tennessee. He is a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Graphic Design. Ben likes to collect silkscreen event posters, and is an avid disc golfer. The newest addition to Hammock is excited that he's learned everyone's name and has yet to be reprimanded.