Nevermind, don’t answer that — we know plenty of designers rocking it across our markets. But as Technical.ly’s newest reporter, I’m looking for both ideas from and connections with more of you, so hit me up if you know some technologists or are one.
While we don’t advocate unauthorized or uncredited use of others’ work, if you’re tech-savvy enough to know how to screenshot/grab on your iPhone, Android or desktop, then we’ve got a few Baltimore-centric ways for you to DM your way into your crush’s heart.
Not savvy? No problem. Here are some simple commands:
- On Mac, press Command, Shift and 3
- On Instagram, tap the paper airplane icon
- On iPhone, press the side button and the volume up button at the same time. Quickly release both buttons. There’re even options to crop to your preferred image size
- On Android, press the power and volume-down buttons at the same time
If none of those work, go to your product’s manufacturer’s support site for help or ask a tech-savvy friend — just not the one you plan to send the screenshot to. That would be awkward.
As for what to screenshot or share, here are some options, courtesy of local startups, small businesses, individuals and institutions:
Blvck Door
Pronounced “black door,” this creative career platform and 2023 RealLIST Startups honorable mention bridges the gap between creatives of color and employers who see the benefits of an equitable, diversified workplace. Even though they’re usually helping Black creatives find jobs, they made this post to help us send love notes:
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Red Emma’s
This worker-owned, collectively managed vegan cafe and bookstore on Greenmount Avenue is coming in hot on V-Day with a repost of a graphic design by LA-based artist Sarah Epperson.
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I. Henry Photo Project
A Black-led and Baltimore-based archival initiative with a focus on preserving history through digitization, the I. Henry Photo Project wishes us all a Happy Love Day with a sweet reel using late Afro American Newspaper photographer I. Henry Phillips Sr.’s work from the 1940s and ‘50s. Many of these images, which were digitized and curated by Phillips’ grandson H. Webster Phillips, portray life before integration. This pinkish-hued compilation video, set to Drake’s “Yebba’s Heartbreak,” is perfect to send a nostalgia-loving friend — or someone more than a friend.
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Creative Mornings/Baltimore (CMBAL)
The next speaker in this long-running monthly breakfast lecture series is Vanessa Geffrard, whose VagEsteem offers an online platform for sex education and candid conversation. Befittingly for V Day, Geffrard is a self-proclaimed fierce lover and will discuss the concept of touch at Impact Hub Baltimore on Friday, Feb. 26 at 8:30 a.m. Registration opens on Feb. 20:
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The Digital Factory
Get creative at this Black-owned photography studio and event facility over on Water Street. This recent reel post, featuring the works of visual artist Nile Williams, is a reminder that you can book The Digital Factory’s studios using a V-Day-inspired promo code — VDAY23 — for 15% off of studio time. Why send an image that someone else created when you could just go make your own? Creative direction and photography are sold separately.
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The Baltimore Banner
The nonprofit news outlet invites us all to write a love letter to its hometown using a graphic design by multimedia journalist Stokely Baksh.
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Mayor Brandon Scott
Baltimore’s mayor took time out of his busy schedule to wish the city Happy Valentine’s Day. In this clip, he also reminds us to spread love to our neighbors, as well as those who are less fortunate and may not have anyone else to love on them. How sweet!
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Greedy Reads
Crushing on a book lover? This yummy stack of books from one of Greedy Reads’ two locations is a super charming Valentine’s Day. Because Greedy Reads is cool like that, it has e-commerce capabilities if you want to buy a book.
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The National Aquarium
The Northeast’s premiere aquarium has some “pun-ny” downloadable Valentines that feature some of our fav aquatic animals. It teased the Valentines on Instagram, but they’re also available on the aquarium’s website.
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Baltimore Magazine’s reminder to love yourself
The publication shared this Baltimore bench graphic in pink so we’d remember to have a happy Valentine’s Day in the Greatest City in America.
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