San Francisco is one of a kind. It's synonomous with innovation and a beacon to some of the brightest minds around. For many people tapped into the design or technology scene, it can't be beat: it's the greatest city in the world.
People are mobbing the Bay Area to spark their ventures and for good reason. Community, talent, money—they're all there. If the resources needed to start and sustain a successful digital venture are centered around one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, why go anywhere else?
In nearly three years, our team grew accustomed to San Francisco's peculiar ways. We also watched it progress. Once a mere distinction of the city's culture and economy, technology took over, which—for many designers and developers—is a good thing. Digital isn't going anywhere. We're better off embracing it, right?
Maybe for some people. We feel that if you create human-centered products and services for a living, perspective matters. Whether a coffee shop, concert, restaurant or park—wherever you go in San Francisco—someone is talking tech. With only one vibe, it's easy to forget about the average Joe.
Good or bad, there's no arguing: San Francisco is a microcosm.
The vision for Knormal is unique. We want to build it from the inside-out, away from the influences of a city consumed by a single industry. Trends, a homogenized work environment, turnover, and a skewed perception of life outside its borders are all pieces of San Francisco we felt comfortable leaving behind. And as a strategically-small independent entity, recruiting or the proximity to venture capital have never been major factors.
It also doesn't hurt that Los Angeles is big, diverse, and home to some of the worlds most influential media, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle brands—most of whom are just scratching the surface when it comes to digital. To us, LA screams opportunity.
Needless to say, context matters. Everyone's situation is different. While we certainly enjoy both cities, we don't enjoy convention. Call it defiance, risk, or even curiosity—we simply prefer the road less traveled. And we're excited to see where it leads.