Put Your Best Button Forward
Profile of a Collector
Story and Photos by Erin Feeney
The things we collect can say something about our attitudes, opinions, beliefs, character, and mood. They can show who we are, how we’re feeling, or make a statement. The buttons I collect become associated with different people. Sometimes the person a button came from gets associated with that button, but sometimes a reflection of character links a button to someone. Each button has a different personality that can be explored through the things people collect.
Thai One On: The Trendsetter
Always looking for some clever way to make a statement and be heard
She tries to stand out in a trendy “I don’t care what you think” way, while secretly trying to start the next trend
Where you’ll find her: Broken City, The Rocket, Caffe Beano, or any place that’s trendy enough that I’ve never heard of it yet
Favorite Artists: Man Ray, Frida Kahlo, Antonio Gaudi, and Salvador Dali
Collects: Converse shoes, vintage T-shirts, and hats.
Flasher: The Jock
The cool guy that everyone wants to be friends with because you never know what wacky thing he will come up with next
He’s funny and loud, but guarantees an unforgettable time
Where you can find him: At the World Beer Pong Championship in Las Vegas, a sporting event of any kind, or at the local pub
Favorite Artists: 50 cent, Blink 182, and Ludacris.
Collects: sports equipment, beer bongs, shot glasses, and girlfriends.
Daddy’s Girl: The Prom Queen
When she’s not leading the Student’s Association, this innocent and naive girl is quite content to stay at home with her nose in a book
Where you can find her: the library, volunteering, planning a pep rally, or at home singing badly in front of a mirror
Favorite Artists: Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Michellangelo, and Monet
Collects: books, good grades, college applications, and letters of reference.
Sum 41: The Punk Rocker
This die-hard music fan prefers to hang out with people with similar musical taste
Keeps updated on the local bands and concerts
Where you will find him: Mac Hall for the next show, Tramps, Urban Sound Exchange, or Hot Wax Records
Favorite Artists: The Ramones, Pearl Jam, Foofighters, and Soundgarden
Collects: tattoos, piercings, and vinyl records.
Party Girl: The Bar Star
Always looking for a good time
Spends her weekends club hopping, drinking too much, and trying to pick-up guys
Where you can find her: Saturday night hot spots (Vicious Circle, The Metropolitan, or Tantra)
Favorite Artists: Johnny Walker and Jack Daniels
Collects: shoes, sparkly tops, and lip gloss.
Tastes Like Chicken: The Prankster
Will constantly have you rolling on the ground after one of his side-splitting gags
Has seen The Dark Knight one too many times
Where you can find him: Spencer’s Gifts, Don’s Hobby Shop, or the movie theatre
Favorite Artists: Sarah Silverman, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, and Chris Farley
Collects: jokes, graphic T-shirts, and comic books.
I Did the Hula in Waikiki: The Traveler
This excitement seeker can’t wait to escape to different places and experience new adventures
While traveling all over the globe, he takes every trip as an opportunity to learn something new. From surfing to sky-diving, he’s tried it all!
Where you will find him: Chapters... in the travel section, of course! (if he’s in town, that is)
Favorite Artists: Chris Supertramp, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Brangelina
Collects: maps, languages, and passport stamps.
I Help Clean Calgary: The Environmentalist
Always looking for a way to go green
Spends her time loving the planet
Where you can find her: Mountain Equipment Co-op, Community Foods, planting trees, or spending time in the great outdoors
Favorite Artists: Leonardo DeCaprio, Al Gore, David Suzuki, and Michael Moore
Collects: cans, glass, paper, and milk cartons.
Bike Stunt: The Dare Devil
This guy has nerves of steel, a death wish, and feeds off the rush of adrenalin
Has broken many bones, but can’t wait to set a new record or try the next big stunt
Where you can find him: Black Diamond trails, Bow Cycle, or Race City Speedway
Favorite Artists: Bam Margera, Evil Knievel, Steve-O, and Super Dave Osborne
Collects: scars, extreme sport stories, and close calls.
