You're good at what you do. Your income doesn't show it.

BUILD MY MAP

A FREE MAP OF WHAT'S IN THE WAY AND WHAT TO FIX FIRST

9/29/14

Sonos Sounds

Have you ever thought about having a master sound system in your house without the millionaire cost of wiring a system into your walls?

Music is and has been a huge piece of my life and inspiration. I love to have music bumping in the office, and my home. Music is the muse of all art forms(a great quote from my podcast with friend music lifestyle curator friend, Michaelangelo L’Aqua). I love to have a good seamless system that I can bump.

Since I moved into my Brooklyn pad 5 years ago, I’ve been using my computer in my office streaming to speakers connected to my airport express. I could play my music downstairs in my office and upstairs in my livingroom through my wifi network. My biggest frustration is the wifi is choppy and very unreliable. I had so many issues with the music chopping up and cutting out from interference of some sort. Also, the delay from clicking play on a song to the time it actually played was 5 sometimes 10 seconds. Not to mention, you can only stream to all speakers though your iTunes library. That rules out any other music services like Spotify, Pandora, Etc.

Recently while visiting my family out in Seattle, I was introduced to the Sonos system. It’s a wireless speaker/sound system that runs through a MESH network that is much stronger and reliable than regular wifi.

Here’s the top 3 reasons I love the Sonos system:

  1. The control system. Sonos has a controller app for every platform. Mac OS X Desktop, iPhone, iPad, etc. It can be controlled live from every controller. This is great because my team can play from their computers or phones without needing to use my computer. We’re working on setting up a centralized iPad for anyone to control. The play time is instant and much smoother. You can also integrate a bunch of different music services into the controller to play directly.

  2. Customize to Build. You buy the speakers individually for each room of your house, and keep adding in increments if you want. Each speaker is easily added to the network, and you can control each individual one, create groups, play different playlists in each room, or the same one throughout your house. They also have a “Connect” if you have super high end audiophile speakers you want to connect to the system.

  3. The Seamlessness. I love how the whole system is seamless from connection to playing tunes. It makes it so much easier to host parties and people. I believe music creates an experience. Its a centralized system, and they seem to be a forward thinking company that is constantly updating their products.

A few drawbacks that aren’t too much to worry about, but Sonos, if you’re reading this it’s something to take into account. The first thing is the Playbar’s only input is an OPTICAL audio. Great and all for those people who have TV’s, but you can’t run it from a projector which is what I have. I tried connecting my Mac Mini with audio jack to OPTICAL audio cable, and it doesn’t work. I ended up having to just put the Playbar down in my office which isn’t bad, but I wanted to use it to watch movies. One other drawback is the only “LINE IN” input is on a PLAY 5 speaker. Which is fine, but the sound doesn’t compare to the Playbar in terms of movie audio. Thirdly, which I read is coming soon but the Sonos system hasn’t integrated soundcloud yet. The only way to play from soundcloud is a Line In to a Play 5 which isn’t ideal.

If you’re a high end audiophile, I’d recommend picking up the Connect (which is pretty spendy for what it is) and connecting your high end speakers. You’d probably have to do more research on the audio file conversions but I’m an audiophile.

That said, this system has been revolutionary in the sound experience of our office and home.

LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE

CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION

Have you ever thought about having a master sound system in your house without the millionaire cost of wiring a system into your walls?

Music is and has been a huge piece of my life and inspiration. I love to have music bumping in the office, and my home. Music is the muse of all art forms(a great quote from my podcast with friend music lifestyle curator friend, Michaelangelo L’Aqua). I love to have a good seamless system that I can bump.

Since I moved into my Brooklyn pad 5 years ago, I’ve been using my computer in my office streaming to speakers connected to my airport express. I could play my music downstairs in my office and upstairs in my livingroom through my wifi network. My biggest frustration is the wifi is choppy and very unreliable. I had so many issues with the music chopping up and cutting out from interference of some sort. Also, the delay from clicking play on a song to the time it actually played was 5 sometimes 10 seconds. Not to mention, you can only stream to all speakers though your iTunes library. That rules out any other music services like Spotify, Pandora, Etc.

Recently while visiting my family out in Seattle, I was introduced to the Sonos system. It’s a wireless speaker/sound system that runs through a MESH network that is much stronger and reliable than regular wifi.

Here’s the top 3 reasons I love the Sonos system:

  1. The control system. Sonos has a controller app for every platform. Mac OS X Desktop, iPhone, iPad, etc. It can be controlled live from every controller. This is great because my team can play from their computers or phones without needing to use my computer. We’re working on setting up a centralized iPad for anyone to control. The play time is instant and much smoother. You can also integrate a bunch of different music services into the controller to play directly.

  2. Customize to Build. You buy the speakers individually for each room of your house, and keep adding in increments if you want. Each speaker is easily added to the network, and you can control each individual one, create groups, play different playlists in each room, or the same one throughout your house. They also have a “Connect” if you have super high end audiophile speakers you want to connect to the system.

  3. The Seamlessness. I love how the whole system is seamless from connection to playing tunes. It makes it so much easier to host parties and people. I believe music creates an experience. Its a centralized system, and they seem to be a forward thinking company that is constantly updating their products.

A few drawbacks that aren’t too much to worry about, but Sonos, if you’re reading this it’s something to take into account. The first thing is the Playbar’s only input is an OPTICAL audio. Great and all for those people who have TV’s, but you can’t run it from a projector which is what I have. I tried connecting my Mac Mini with audio jack to OPTICAL audio cable, and it doesn’t work. I ended up having to just put the Playbar down in my office which isn’t bad, but I wanted to use it to watch movies. One other drawback is the only “LINE IN” input is on a PLAY 5 speaker. Which is fine, but the sound doesn’t compare to the Playbar in terms of movie audio. Thirdly, which I read is coming soon but the Sonos system hasn’t integrated soundcloud yet. The only way to play from soundcloud is a Line In to a Play 5 which isn’t ideal.

If you’re a high end audiophile, I’d recommend picking up the Connect (which is pretty spendy for what it is) and connecting your high end speakers. You’d probably have to do more research on the audio file conversions but I’m an audiophile.

That said, this system has been revolutionary in the sound experience of our office and home.

9/29/14

Sonos Sounds

Blog

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

GET THE DETAILS

GET THE DETAILS

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

PODCAST

BRAND INTELLIGENCE

CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

Have you ever thought about having a master sound system in your house without the millionaire cost of wiring a system into your walls?

Music is and has been a huge piece of my life and inspiration. I love to have music bumping in the office, and my home. Music is the muse of all art forms(a great quote from my podcast with friend music lifestyle curator friend, Michaelangelo L’Aqua). I love to have a good seamless system that I can bump.

Since I moved into my Brooklyn pad 5 years ago, I’ve been using my computer in my office streaming to speakers connected to my airport express. I could play my music downstairs in my office and upstairs in my livingroom through my wifi network. My biggest frustration is the wifi is choppy and very unreliable. I had so many issues with the music chopping up and cutting out from interference of some sort. Also, the delay from clicking play on a song to the time it actually played was 5 sometimes 10 seconds. Not to mention, you can only stream to all speakers though your iTunes library. That rules out any other music services like Spotify, Pandora, Etc.

Recently while visiting my family out in Seattle, I was introduced to the Sonos system. It’s a wireless speaker/sound system that runs through a MESH network that is much stronger and reliable than regular wifi.

Here’s the top 3 reasons I love the Sonos system:

  1. The control system. Sonos has a controller app for every platform. Mac OS X Desktop, iPhone, iPad, etc. It can be controlled live from every controller. This is great because my team can play from their computers or phones without needing to use my computer. We’re working on setting up a centralized iPad for anyone to control. The play time is instant and much smoother. You can also integrate a bunch of different music services into the controller to play directly.

  2. Customize to Build. You buy the speakers individually for each room of your house, and keep adding in increments if you want. Each speaker is easily added to the network, and you can control each individual one, create groups, play different playlists in each room, or the same one throughout your house. They also have a “Connect” if you have super high end audiophile speakers you want to connect to the system.

  3. The Seamlessness. I love how the whole system is seamless from connection to playing tunes. It makes it so much easier to host parties and people. I believe music creates an experience. Its a centralized system, and they seem to be a forward thinking company that is constantly updating their products.

A few drawbacks that aren’t too much to worry about, but Sonos, if you’re reading this it’s something to take into account. The first thing is the Playbar’s only input is an OPTICAL audio. Great and all for those people who have TV’s, but you can’t run it from a projector which is what I have. I tried connecting my Mac Mini with audio jack to OPTICAL audio cable, and it doesn’t work. I ended up having to just put the Playbar down in my office which isn’t bad, but I wanted to use it to watch movies. One other drawback is the only “LINE IN” input is on a PLAY 5 speaker. Which is fine, but the sound doesn’t compare to the Playbar in terms of movie audio. Thirdly, which I read is coming soon but the Sonos system hasn’t integrated soundcloud yet. The only way to play from soundcloud is a Line In to a Play 5 which isn’t ideal.

If you’re a high end audiophile, I’d recommend picking up the Connect (which is pretty spendy for what it is) and connecting your high end speakers. You’d probably have to do more research on the audio file conversions but I’m an audiophile.

That said, this system has been revolutionary in the sound experience of our office and home.

9/29/14

Sonos Sounds

When you need a trusted creative partner in the room.

Take the Fit Check

Be seen at the level you’re stepping into.

Hey! I'm Nick.

PHOTOGRAPHER
BRAND ALCHEMIST
TEACHER

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia.

Build authority from the inside out.

Emanate is a creative-direction-led photography experience for entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders in a moment of expansion. This isn’t about better photos. It’s about aligning how you’re seen with who you’ve become. For seasons of rebrand, visibility, and next-level leadership.

Magnetic Authority is a self-guided container for people who feel visible, but not fully anchored.

If your message keeps shifting, your brand feels inconsistent, or your presence doesn’t match your capability yet. This is where you build the foundation before you scale.

Take the Fit Check

Start Here

For founders, creatives, and leaders who want a trusted long-term partner. This isn’t coaching or traditional consulting.

It’s an ongoing creative partnership focused on bringing your personal brand identity to life.

Your brand. Your website. Your visuals.
All shaped as a direct extension of who you are. The work also includes a bespoke process of identifying and aligning the right experts when needed, so nothing gets built out of sync with your core.

Explore the Partnership

Quiet. Precise. Highly Selective.

read the latest

Mountain landscape in New Zealand, one clear thread running through a magnetic personal brand

A magnetic personal brand comes from coherence and one clear through-line. Here is how entrepreneurs build one, in order, and the trap that keeps most brands scattered.

Hiking a New Zealand mountain trail, learning at your own pace in midlife

I spent a month training kung fu in Wudang at 47, the oldest and slowest learner in the room. What being a beginner again in midlife taught me about pace, comparison, and starting anyway.

Photographer walking a snow-capped mountain ridge in New Zealand, the long practice of seeing that develops taste

You develop taste through thousands of reps of looking closely and deciding what works. A photographer’s honest answer on how taste gets built.

Silhouetted figure leaping from a sea cliff at sunset, committing to one coherent personal brand identity

You make a personal brand more coherent by naming the identity underneath it, distilling a one or two word through-line, and bringing the four layers into agreement. The full path, in order.

Nick Onken travel image, Life Intelligence essay on travel as creative input that sharpens the eye

You cannot pour from an empty well. Travel is how I refill mine. Here is why new places are creative input rather than a break from the work, and why output without input runs dry.

Nick Onken portrait, Creative Intelligence essay on the creative act versus performing one

There is a difference between making something and performing the act of making it. Here is what I learned about the creative act, content, and why the resistance is the whole game.

Nick Onken portrait, illustrating that personal brand identity is human-built with AI as the tool on top

AI can generate endless brand content, but it cannot construct the identity underneath it. Here is the real line between what AI can do for your brand and what only you can.

Nick Onken portrait, Life Intelligence essay on nervous system regulation and creative recovery

Burnout is less a willpower problem than a nervous system running with no recovery. Here is what I learned about creative recovery from social media burnout and a reset in Costa Rica.

Elevated Realism brand portrait by Nick Onken, a subject looking unmistakably like themselves

Most brand photographers take good photos of you. Few capture who you actually are. Here is what to look for when hiring a brand photographer so your images match your authority.

Nick Onken portrait, Creative Intelligence essay on taste and the discipline of seeing

Taste is less a gift than a discipline you build through thousands of reps of seeing. Here is what twenty-five years behind a camera taught me about the art of seeing.

Nick Onken portrait illustrating visual frequency of authority, presence matching identity

Visual Frequency of Authority is the energetic signature your images transmit before anyone reads a word. What it means and why two people with the same credentials read so differently.

Nick Onken portrait, three gaps in a personal brand

Every personal brand stalls in one of three gaps: Identity, Signal, or Infrastructure. Most people have the third and spend years fixing the first.

Nick Onken portrait, Life Intelligence essay on martial arts as a daily practice

A month of kung fu training in Wudang, China taught me that the body learns at the speed of honesty rather than the speed of ambition. Here is what martial arts taught me about practice.

About the Blogger

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

NICK'S STORY