January 30, 2010 • 4:20 pm
“when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feelin sad…”
I pick up my notebook and pencils and pens, then I don’t feel sOoOoOo bad.
Just kidding, but seriously, I find that these few items are always around, and when they’re not, it’s always an easy find when I need them.
1. Moleskine soft cover, squared notebook.
2. Sakura Pigma Pens, (Graphic 1.0mm, Micron .25mm and Microperm01) All black ink for moi.
3. PrismaColor Turquoise Sketch Pencils, medium black core in various grades.
4. Alvin Brass Wedge Pencil Sharpener
These few things are like staples to my life. As often as I am staring at a computer, it’s always refreshing to step away and put pencil to paper. Even when I don’t utilize them on the regular, the comfort of knowing I have these items is great. However, when I am using these goods, it’s usually for noting some thoughts, sketching out logo ideas or design ideas in general and simply being artistic when I need to clear my mind.
What are your favorite things?
Filed under: creative, random
Apparently Aeropostale is ready…
I was perusing the mall, aimlessly really, and was distracted by all the colorful swimsuits lined up for the spring/summer. I’m not quite ready to even be considering the seasons yet! Although, I am very excited to put the top down on my Jeep.
Of course this leads to the spring lineup of vibrant colors and what to expect for 2010. I always resource Pantone when I am in the “need to know” for the seasonal transition for new hues. And here is what they have listed for our spring palette…
Turquoise PANTONE 15-5519
Tomato Pureé PANTONE 18-1661
Fusion Coral PANTONE 16-1543
Violet PANTONE 16-3320
Tuscany PANTONE 16-1219
Aurora PANTONE 12-0642
Amparo Blue PANTONE 18-3945
Pink Champagne PANTONE 12-1107
Dried Herb PANTONE 17-0627
Eucalyptus PANTONE 15-0513
Thank you to Pantone, for they always do such a wonderful job at giving us our rundown of seasonal colors. You can download a your very own copy of the pdf here, with the breakdown, inspiration and creators of each of the fabulous colors for Spring 2010.
Filed under: color, design, fashion, trend
January 29, 2010 • 9:11 pm
to my readers who stop by and hope for news and I’ve let ya down!
I have some topics dreamed up and in need of assembling. Please don’t give up on me. {grin} I enjoy your company!
Filed under: slacker
January 18, 2010 • 1:40 am
Isn’t he adorable?!
courtesy www.red-kangaroos.com/
This guy is a marsupial from the Macropodidae family. Macropodidae means “large foot”. Kangaroos are native to the continent of Australia, the smaller macropods are found in New Guinea and Australia. The Kangaroo is the national emblem and is found on the Australian coat of arms, additionally is a popular cultural reference.
But enough about this cute little guy. Which by the way, became a topic to post per co-workers request when I asked what to blog about next. Excitingly replied, “Kangaroos!”
While I pondered on how I’d plan out this post, it suddenly became a type design project. I decided that if I were to design a font based on the kangaroo, it would look something like this:
Maybe I’ll call it “roo”. That’s all I got on the Kangaroo. Till next time.
Filed under: creative, design, typography
My sister and I drove over to the small town movie rental place called Flicks for a couple movies today. We rented Sunshine Cleaners and Duplicity. Sunshine Cleaners was a cute movie, based in my hometown in Albuquerque, NM. It was a great movie! But my mission isn’t to discuss a movie, as much as I’d like to discuss movie covers.
While we were perusing the our options, I was suddenly distracted by a what has become all too familiar design style.
My critique on this matter? As if it REALLY matters… One cover reminds me of a previous cover before. Like for instance, Napoleon Dynamite, or Juno, or any of the movies above, that have some similar story line to go with some similar design. I’m wondering where is creativity sits these days? Of course, things that have to be considered is the demographic. The illustrated designs are appealing to “someone”.
Music tends to make me feel the same sometimes. I often wonder how some artists hold their ground in the spotlight. One of many artists that I can love and appreciate is Lady Gaga for reasons that she is 1. very creative and 2. I’m always excited to see what the girl is going to come up with next. Ya follow me?
When I see movie covers like the above, I question the unique designs that could exist. And more so, how to always stay unique and creative myself.
Thoughts?
Filed under: creative, design
January 12, 2010 • 12:28 am
I have a new project on my hands. Everything from scratch. From the logo, to the web design and everything in between. Additionally, under a tight timeline. Which is normal routine for me. So, I brainstorm…
Some essential information about a logo… and added pressure: A logo appears often and everywhere. It beckons to be clear, concise and refined. The logo needs to speak to the audience. Everything is important. The color, the type, the form all has to speak to the audience. A logo is a visual language. It represents a brand, a product, company or what it is that’s being offered to the consumer. If it’s not speaking to the audience, then it is lost.
With that, I’m immersing myself with visuals, inspiration and research. Then I take it all away and glare at my notes. Then I put all that aside and put my pencil to work. Plotting on a logo design is a tad bit tricky. You have to make something so powerful and meaningful, all the while being just as simple.
…
…
{restaurants/whimsical/saucy/sassy/finedining/black/white/red/searchengine/directory/reviews/simplistic}
Filed under: branding, creative, design, identity, logo, strategy, work
January 10, 2010 • 1:46 am
I have been far too busy! Not that it’s a bad thing to be busy, but I think it can be bad to be too busy. Ya dig? This weekend, post holidays, post any traumatic incidents, I’ve decided to do absolutely NOTHING. I’ve avoided making any plans or obligating my time to anyone. Although, I did catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in 10 years, which was great.
So what does a designer like me do to recharge?
NOTHING!!!
However, being a busy girl at heart, I do need to be doing something. I’ve filled my time in between naps and walking my dog, with books and resources in design and typography. I’ve decided that refueling myself was necessary. I’ve started this process with a great read by Debbie Millman, titled Look Both Ways. Millman, btw, is one of my favorite leaders in the design communities, full of great insight and inspiration.
Look Both Ways is an inspirational read, full of illustrated essays on the relationship between design, branding and everyday life. This book, thus far, has been very engaging and brilliant. The way D.Millman explains the details, connections and memories she has with design is amazing. I recommend.
Another book that I pulled out of my happy Amazon box today, Typography Workbook, A Real-World Guid to Using Type in Graphic Design.
I’m looking forward to reading this one, as I’ve only just cracked the binding a little today. I’ve flipped through to peruse the visuals. Looks like it’ll be a good read as well.
I am thoroughly enjoying my weekend, allowing myself to recharge and refuel my designer soul. I was feeling stretched thin after this last week, in a good way. I highly recommend that everyone take a weekend to just “sloth it up”. It feels great!
Filed under: design, growth, inspirational, motivation, typography
December 24, 2009 • 2:11 am
December 15, 2009 • 2:07 am
The day started off early, as I raced to get to the train station in downtown Albuquerque with my gawd awful coffee, only to get there earlier than I thought. Hurry up and wait right?! Ha. We have this wonderful system here known as the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. This train runs north and south, between Santa Fe and Belen. I’m thinking it’s going to find itself as one of my favorite things to do in the area.
At anyrate, I made some plans with a friend, purchased a ticket and hit the tracks on a destination to Santa Fe, NM.
The train ride was nice. It was quiet, relaxing, with a nice view. Of course, this was after I freaked out about unfamiliar grinding noises and what-not. Once I made it up to Santa Fe, a friend on mine scooped me up and we got breakfast at this cute place called Chocolate Maven. This place had the best tofu scramble I could ever ask for. So tasty. Can’t speak for the non-vegan food, but it looked good.
We started our mission towards the Santa Fe Plaza, where we walked around, scoped out galleries of every artistic form and critiqued area rugs, while discussing color psychology and legos. It’s a mess, I know.
Of course, all good things come to an end. I had obligations to meet back in Albuquerque, and had to hop on the RR to get back. As we raced to get me back to the train station in time, I left in time to watch a beautiful sunset.
All in all, a great day and a fun experience.
Filed under: adventure, random
December 5, 2009 • 10:21 pm
Once upon a time, we once had to take photos on film. With mystery on how photos would come out. It’s like little surprises in a pack of 24 (or more) processed images you get back from a camera shop. We’ve been spoiled with digital cameras and instant results all packed into our little memory cards that hold so much information.
It’s been years… YEARS since I last used my Minolta XG-7. This camera has a single-lens reflex, with electronic system that controls exposure automatically, while allowing you to override auto-mode to set it for full manual operation. It has an electromagnetic shutter release and a “touch switch” meter, along with other great features that I have been neglecting for so long, due to the efficiency and convenience of digital availability.
Today I decided to break out my camera. I went to a local camera shop for fresh batteries and a roll of color and black/white film. As I listened to a guy talk to the shop owner about all the places he traveled for his photography, I got even more excited to for my mission.
Of course, not everything works as planned in my world. I put the new batteries in my camera and still got no response. This is what I get for neglecting my camera for so long. Over a late lunch with the Pops, he looked at it and gave me a rough diagnostic on the dilemma. Like everything of mine that breaks, it goes with Dr. Dad to his shop desk and into surgery. I hope to have it repaired and back in action in the nearest future. If so, I do intend on utilizing and going ol’skool for some shots around the beautiful New Mexico turf.
Until then, I’ll be going digital.
Filed under: creative, film, photography
