FACES | W Seattle
the Robyn room
Meet Robyn
Growing up in Victoria, British Columbia, Robyn originally discovered the Emerald City on a weekend trip aboard the Victoria Clipper. His passion for being on the water and desire for change prompted his move to Seattle. The Puget Sound gave him the comfort of home and Ballard’s energetic atmosphere ultimately led him to an apartment just above the shops on Ballard Ave. He often spends his evenings taking a walk down to the marina, watching the sunset on the Ballard Locks.
About Ballard
Bordered on the west by Puget Sound, Ballard is home to unique markets, indie shops, and a variety of social bars and restaurants. Deeply connected with the Seattle art scene, Ballard’s local artists are showcased monthly during the Ballard ArtWalk. On Ballard Avenue, you will discover a variety of cocktail bars, neighborhood pubs, and live music venues, collectively creating the lively atmosphere the neighborhood is so well known for. Along the south end of Ballard runs Salmon Bay, where the locally famed Ballard Locks can be found, popular amongst boaters and sunset chasers.
Due to Ballard’s ever growing food and nightlife scene, the neighborhood has attracted many young professionals. Approximately a 15 minute drive from W Seattle, Ballard’s walkable streets and plentiful public transportation points make the neighborhood highly accessible.
Robyn’s List
Immerse yourself in Robyn’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore his favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in Ballard.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #robynslistseattle
COFFEE | VENTURE COFFEE
BRUNCH | RACHEL’S BAGELS & BURRITOS
HAPPY HOUR | HAZLEWOOD
DINNER | THE BALLARD CUT
DRINKS | LITTLE TIN GOODS & APOTHECARY CABINET
SHOP | BALLARD FARMERS MARKET
LIVE MUSIC | TRACTOR TAVERN
WALK | GOLDEN GARDENS PARK
ACTIVITIES | BALLARD ARTWALK
SCENERY | BALLARD LOCKS
Robyn’s Seattle Playlist
After attending a concert at the Crocodile, the home of grunge, Robyn found himself immersed in the Seattle music scene. One of his favorites being the cultural icon, Jimi Hendrix, who was born and raised in the city of Seattle. Regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists, Robyn is inspired by Hendrix’s musical art and arguable creation of the modern electric guitar sound.
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As the third best city in the U.S. for music fans, the city on everyone’s list for the best live music, and the place credited with the creation of its own music genre, Seattle is a music lover’s haven. W Seattle is one of many music destinations in the city, being the first hotel in North America with a W Sound Suite, a fully equipped private recording studio and creative space for artists. W Seattle also works with local artists to host weekly DJ performances and a monthly music series, W Seattle Presents First Fridays. In partnership with KEXP, First Fridays serves as an incubator for music acts on the cusp of bursting out of the Seattle scene. The first Friday of each month, First Fridays will showcase two live bands on the W Stage in the W Seattle Living Room.
Creating Robyn
Words from the artist
“I started creating Robyn on an early Monday morning in the summer watching the sunrise from the 14th floor of W Seattle. I began my morning as I usually do with 15 minutes of meditation, followed by getting my coffee from Trace Market (black with a splash of almond milk). Once settled, I began to sketch and watch Robyn come to life.”
My creative process
“As I sketch, I think about each character's story, their life, personality, interests, friends and what they would tell a visitor about why they love their city. After I have finished the sketch and story, I begin the mural process. I usually paint at night as it is my least busy time of day.
I like to snack while I paint on nuts, hummus and veggies and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine to fuel my chill, creative vibes. Each painting is stylistically meant to look like a large crosshatch sketch, giving each a gritty and unique personality. My intent is to draw guests in through the character’s eyes. The gaze invites the viewer to feel the personality, comfort and depth of each face.”
“Tapping into my creativity isn't always easy. When it comes to creating characters and their stories I really have to immerse myself into my creative process.
I hope our guests will enjoy the company of each face knowing it was made with intent, happiness and my love for seattle.”
— Morgan zion
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE Robyn ROOM
Share your experience in The Robyn Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #robynslistseattle to be featured.
Faces Artwork
Shop original prints and hand drawn artworks. Everything from hand-drawn maps, coloring books, face prints, and original drawings from the hand-painted rooms at W Seattle.
Experience Seattle like a local
Discover the Emerald City like a Seattleite. Experience each Face’s favorite hidden gems.
*Please note that each face is an artistic creation of Morgan Zion. They are not based on real people.