Monday, February 20, 2012

A few links.

Some of my favorite posts from other blogs I read on a regular basis are ones that include a bazillion links to things they're digging right now. Sometimes they're articles, other blog posts, photos, or even clothes or music examples. Either way it's a great way for bloggers to immediately send you to other things that they like and you might as well. So, since I've been lucky enough to enjoy a very sunny day here in the studio creating and finding fun things...I'd love to share a few.

image pinned from lostindecoration

Firstly, as an '89-er I grew up in the 90's..and can agree with everything in this article from Thought Catalog.
Remember when I mentioned my friend Jen was doing a fun letter exercise? Well I can't wait for her to finish them all but so far my favorites have been J, and K, and M
As Spring approaches I keep itching more and more to get my tattoo. Loving on these.
This artist is making 365 pieces, one for everyday of the year. I want to applaud her then buy like 6 of these to hang in my house.
Bon Iver is one of my favorite artists. So talented, even sans autotune.
And last, a few fun things seen on FFFFOUND! Tea, Pipe Light, and one ridiculously wealthy cat.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Letterpress demo.




I was lucky enough to be asked by my alma mater AIGA group at Grand Valley to come in and talk to the gang all about letterpress and my involvement with NotDesign last week. This was the first time I've ever really taught anyone anything, especially letterpress, so I won't lie, I was pretty nervous. But after a brief introduction and little history lesson we jumped right in and got our hands dirty. All in all it was a great night and I think everyone was really jazzed afterward! I even got a few guys interested in coming into our space here at ND for a follow-up, more in-depth workshop in the near future which is awesome.

Mainly I love seeing others geek out about typography and creating something with their hands. It feels great that I can spread knowledge about something I care about so much. Also, as the previous AIGA GVSU President it's great seeing everything the students are doing. I hope that love for teaching and learning never changes.

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Sketchbook Project

look at all those blank, white pages.

I finally took the plunge! About a week ago I finally signed up to participate in the newest Sketchbook Project hosted by Art House Co-op. Ever since I heard about this little endeavor a few years ago I've wanted to be one of the thousands of people who dedicate a few months and a ton of hours of heart, soul, creativity, and frustration into pocket-sized sketchbooks that then go on an epic journey across the United States. The idea is simple: fill up 30 pages however you like...pictures, photographs, drawings, writing...this is your book. The books have fun themes to chose from, to obviously be interpreted however you so chose, and the rest is up to you. Once you've finished the book you mail it back (mine is due April 30th) where it joins the rest of the collection and is archived at the Brooklyn Art Library. The unique thing about The Sketchbook Project: Limited Edition is that all of the sketchbooks from this round will be compiled to create Vol. 1 of The Sketchbook Project collaborative art books! Now how cool is that.

Well, thanks to an eye-opening chat with my roommate and feeling constantly inspired by my friend Jen's fun new project I decided it was time to sign-up.

It's funny how no matter how much you might add to your plate, if you're not doing enough for yourself you just don't feel like you're doing enough period. And that's when I realized this was something I needed to do. When I made the commitment to train and run my half-marathon I did it because I wanted to. Sure, it took a lot of time out of my day, time that perhaps could have been used elsewhere, however, the end result in knowing I accomplished that goal made all of those hours feel worth it. And that's what starting this felt like for me; a new project, a new goal, a new finish line.


Needless to say when I got my book in the mail I was both thrilled and nervous to get started! I'm hoping to keep on top of it and post finished (and on-going) spreads here on the blog for all to see.

Sketch on. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

February 14th

festive nails.

vanilla cupcakes w/ chocolate frosting. sprinkles and fondant hearts.

song lyric inspired Valentines.

surprise cards from Mom.


Hope everyone's day was an extra sweet one!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Why I actually like Valentines Day...

i love love.

So, contrary to the attitude I may have portrayed on my last post, I actually don't mind Valentines Day at all. In fact, I kind of like the pink, red, and sparkly heart-filled holiday. Sure, I don't love the commercialism or the fact that high expectations are rarely met but unfortunately in today's society what holidays don't feel like that? Buying gifts and things just because you feel you have to instead of because you want to. Of course, some could argue it's a reminder that maybe you're single and you'll be buying yourself chocolates this year but to me it's no more of a reminder than a Saturday night spent at home with your cat. Instead for me, Valentines Day is a reminder of how much I love, love.

Maybe it's because growing up I knew my Mom would always have a card and little treat waiting for us on Valentine's Day morning. Perhaps I've held on to the memories of elementary school cards and parties filled with way too many sweets. Remembering the Daddy-Daughter dances I attended, one year with my Dad and one year with my uncle. I love that tomorrow I have an extra excuse to tell everyone in my life, I love you. I really don't care that there isn't one special person in my life to celebrate with because Valentines Day is about love, and that is something that is better spread around.

I'm excited that even though I've never been the girliest girl that I get an excuse to paint my nails red with little white hearts and wear a fun dress tomorrow. I get to have whipped cream and sprinkles on my coffee in the morning because those are the fun things you get to do on a holiday. I will help clueless men and women pick out chocolates that will make their dates feel extra special for at least one night. I plan on baking cupcakes and making Valentines. I plan on having dinner and drinks with some great friends, joking about our past relationships over bottomless fries. And most of all I plan on reminding myself how lucky I am to be surrounded by love.

Happy Valentines Day.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

bahaha.


via wit&delight

I don't have much to say about this except when I saw it I found it hilarious. And hey, you've gotta laugh at your own misfortunes every once in a while.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Sh*t Graphic Designers Say



Would you ask your hairdresser to work for free?

So the other day one of my design heroes Debbie Millman tweeted a video her and the rest of the crew over at Sterling Brands posted: Sh*t Sterling Graphic Designers Say. I must admit, I've seen a few of these popular Sh*t whoever says viral videos, but this I could relate to therefore I laughed even harder.

Of course upon sending it to a friend I had to label numerous people we know according to who they would be in this video. For the record, I'm definitely the girl who just swears out of nowhere and at the computer. Haha oh internet memes...