Meet hayden

Growing up in Victoria, Canada, Hayden was always surrounded by nature—from the coastal waters to the dense forests. His love for animals led him to Seattle, where he enrolled at the University of Washington to study zoology. Phinney Ridge became his home, not just for its cozy neighborhood feel but because of its close connection to Woodland Park Zoo, where he now works. Whether he’s helping care for the animals, educating visitors, or learning how to save wildlife and their wild places, Hayden feels most at home surrounded by wildlife. For him, Phinney Ridge isn’t just a place to live—it’s where his passion for animals and conservation comes to life

About phinney

Phinney Ridge is a welcoming, hillside neighborhood in north-central Seattle that strikes a perfect balance between urban accessibility and small-town charm. Nestled between the bustling neighborhoods of Ballard and Greenwood, and overlooking the tranquil waters of Green Lake, Phinney Ridge is a favorite for locals who value community, walkability, and a touch of whimsy.

At the heart of the neighborhood is Phinney Avenue North, a lively thoroughfare lined with independent coffee shops, family-owned restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, and boutiques. Community spirit runs deep here—evident in the popular Phinney Farmers Market, seasonal events like the Winter Festival & Crafts Fair, and the beloved PhinneyWood Art Walk, which brings neighbors together in celebration of creativity.

Phinney Ridge is also home to the Woodland Park Zoo, one of Seattle’s most cherished institutions, making the area especially appealing to families and nature lovers. On clear days, the ridge offers spectacular westward views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and to the east, easy access to the trails and waters of Green Lake.

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hayden’s List

Immerse yourself in Hayden’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore his favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in Phinney.

Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #haydenslistseattle

COFFEE | Herkimer coffee
BRUNCH | Mainstay Provisions
HAPPY HOUR | Nutty Squirrel Gelato
happy hour | ridge pizza
DINNER | kipos greek
DRINKS | barking dog ale house
LIVE MUSIC | The Whit's End
WALK | Green Lake trail 
ACTIVITIES | woodland park zoo 
SCENERY | green lake

hayden’s Seattle Playlist

Nirvana, Heart, Odesza, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis all hail from Seattle. 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.
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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, 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.

Listen to Hayden's Playlist

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Creating hayden

Words from the artist

“I started creating Jackson during my morning drawing routine from my desk on the 14th floor of W Seattle. I began my morning as I usually do with 15 minutes of meditation, followed by getting my coffee in TRACE Market (black with a splash of almond milk). Once settled, I began to sketch and watched the Faces Floor come to life.” - Morgan Zion

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.

While I paint, I like to snack on nuts, hummus, and veggies and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine to fuel my creativity. 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.”