Happy Fourth of July (a tad early) -- hop over to Emmadime and check out this week's Top-Notch Typeface!
Design + Style : #12
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Work has been a bit hectic so my blog has taken a recent break on some of my posts -- but I thought it would be a great time to bring back my Design + Style posts! I decided to continue my summer theme for this week and bring these two images together. I've been a big fan of Matthew Korbel-Bowers, we even have a print hanging in our place -- I think I could have each print on our walls!
Planet Blue
Monday, June 25, 2012
I'm a big fan of Planet Blue's Tropical Squeeze lookbook. The colors are so vibrant and perfectly summery. And I love the overlay of the hand drawn flowers -- it adds the perfect extra detail.
Spaces // Lindsay Stetson Thompson
Monday, June 18, 2012
I'd like to introduce to you, graphic designer, Lindsay Stetson Thompson of MStetson Design for this week's Spaces feature. Lindsay's blog is not only perfectly curated with all things design and art but it's also designed so well that it even makes each post look killer which really shows off her eye for design and artistry. So it's no wonder that her workspace matches exactly that. Check it out!
Tell us about yourself as a creative.
I am a graphic designer with a print background, but now design frequently for web. I have had my blog, MStetson Design, since 2007 primarily as a creative outlet and happy distraction while working at an in-house department. I am inspired by graphic design and typography, but also interior design, industrial design, photography, and art. I like to use my hands and encourage myself to find ways to create things off the computer, so I'll paint or make my little clay tags for my etsy store. I am currently squeezing in time between my client projects to update my design portfolio as well as new products in my etsy shop.
Describe your creative journey.
I have always had an interest in art, but never had actual fine-art classes or training. I worked for years at paint-your-own pottery studios (remember them?!) and painted the samples for the stores. While attending Western Washington University for Pre-Med, I had a bible study leader who was preparing for her senior design show. I was amazed. I had always wanted to be a store-owner—I had "designed" my logos, websites, marketing materials in Word (ha!) and, once I saw her portfolio, it all clicked. I didn't want to own and run a shop; I wanted to design all the materials for it. I couldn't believe that could be my job—to collaborate with companies on all their materials. That summer, I submitted a portfolio to the art department, switched my major (sorry, parents!) and then spent hours upon hours in the computer lab. Upon graduation, my husband and I relocated to Southern California where I worked at an advertising agency as a senior designer, then at an in-house creative services department as an art director. At the beginning of 2011, I began working as a freelancer full-time and was able to teach a design class at a local University. I love what I do.
Share a little bit about your space.
As I mentioned above, I've been working from home for the past year-and-a-half. We use our second bedroom as my office (and sometimes my hubby's, too; he works from home, as well). It's definitely still "under development", but it has been a great setup thus far, and has evolved little by little as I realize what works best for me. I love the space as I get amazing light throughout the day and I've positioned my desk to allow me to observe what's going on outside. Sometimes I need the reminder to get away from the light of the computer screen and instead soak up some real rays on my sunny patio. My main desk and storage units are from Ikea, while my second desk and chair are craigslist finds. The chair is needing a replacement as the stuffing is pretty much deteriorated—hence, the pillow. All in due time, though.
What's your favorite thing about your space?
Other than the light I mentioned above, my favorite thing about my space is it's location—my apartment. Working from home hasn't always been easy, but I feel so blessed to be able to have lunch with my husband on a (almost) daily basis and have my dog to provide joyful distractions.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
Gosh. That is hard. Other than the necessary equipment, I would say, inspiring items. They don't have to be graphic design related, and probably better that they not be. I have a stack of old Domino Magazines that I still love to thumb through, or I'm constantly ripping photos or pages out of catalogs and magazines to hang on my wall. Come back in a few months, and that curated collection will probably look totally different. Okay, wait, I lied, one more thing. STORAGE! Seriously, how quickly can all our paper, supplies, etc get out of hand? My paper work and inspirational items could easily take over my space, so I regularly have to reign things back in—storage bins, Alex storage units, and a file cabinet definitely get good use.
Thanks Lindsay!
*Photos by Lindsay Stetson Thompson
Beach Essentials
Thursday, June 14, 2012
It's been a while since I did a little round-up so I thought I'd share some beach essentials. My husband and I love heading to the beach so he can surf while I relax. I have a obsession with the ocean and it's beauty so I'm always up for the chance to get there.
Spaces // Anna Hurley
Monday, June 11, 2012
This week's Spaces features the workspace of Designer and Illustrator, Anna Hurley. I'm a big fan of Anna's work and specifically love her illustration work. I started following Anna on twitter a while back and she never fails to make me laugh out loud with her witty tweets. Be sure to hop over to her site and check out all of her work!
Tell us about yourself as a creative.
I'm a graphic designer specializing in print, mainly invitations, posters, illustrations, and the like. I used to work as a designer for Hello!Lucky letterpress in San Francisco, but now I'm a designer at Yelp. I also do plenty of freelance design and illustration. I basically work all the time, but who doesn't?
Describe your creative journey.
Like most people, I knew nothing about anything when I left for college. I decided to attend a small liberal arts school in Southern California. The design program wasn't great, but my super motivated group of friends taught me everything I know. Ever since then I've tried very hard to be surrounded by people I look up to and can learn from, and I've been pretty lucky.
Share a little bit about your space.
My little Macbook lets me move about my apartment so I can basically work anywhere. I'll typically work on the sofa and, since I clearly have the attention span of a toddler, I'll have something playing in the background. So, thanks, Netflix Instant, for all those hours of Saved by the Bell. But let's get the college years on there, shall we?
What's your favorite thing about your space?
That it doesn't have a "KEEP CALM CARRY ON" poster.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
A spot where you can have a break and avert your gaze from the glowing siren song of the computer screen. All work and no play, as the saying goes.
Thanks Anna!
*Photos by Anna Hurley
Spaces // Emma Robertson
Monday, June 4, 2012
I'm excited to share this week's Spaces feature with you, featuring the workspace of Graphic Designer, Emma Robertson! As most of you know, Emma asked me to do a weekly column, called Top-Notch Type, on her blog, where we feature free fonts, designed in a lovely way. I've had a BLAST designing each week -- so I'm excited for you to learn a bit more about Emma! Check her out!
Tell us about yourself as a creative
I have been a freelance graphic designer for 2 years now. My original plan was to find a position in an art department or design firm in San Francisco but I didn't have any luck so I was forced into working on my own. In the end, I am so glad I was pushed down this path. I have dabbled in lots of other things over the past few years as well : blogging has become a huge part of my life, I opened a paper shop, I knit as well... needless to say, I like to stay busy!!
Describe your creative journey
I started doing that above a bit... I'll elaborate more on this**
After I finished school, I moved to France and took a break from design. Then I moved to the Bay area where I attempted to dive into the design world. I slowly found some momentum, made a few great connections that got me lots of business, and everything was uphill from there. Things have truly picked up in the last year - I don't think I can put my finger on what changed but I give a lot of credit to my California move. Right now I am designing full-time and working on a VERY special project that I can't tell you guys about just yet. I am busy, happy, enjoying my new home, and anxious to see what 2012 has in store for me and my business.
Share a little bit about your space
I have been in the shared office for about 5 months now. Bri Emery was my foot in the door - we became design friends when I interned for RUE Magazine. We continued to work together on lots of different things and decided I needed to make the move to Los Angeles ( I was living in Texas at the time ) and get a desk in the space. I have the upstairs loft area all to myself - at first I didn't like it because I was separated from everyone but now I see the perks and love it. I have tons of space ( yup, I have TWO desks ), it's secluded enough to really focus when I need to but open enough to be apart of what's going on if I want to, I also get a lot of direct natural light because I am right by all the windows. We have mini-fridges so I bring snacks and treats with me to get me through the day. We also have a great little restaurant right next door that has an outdoor patio that's good for afternoon breaks. Overall, I love where I work!!
What's your favorite thing about your space
The light is my favorite part about the space, hands down. It's so beautiful during the day and keeps me from getting too claustrophobic at my desk. I also love sharing it with other creative people - not only have they become good friends but I have learned a ton about owning your own business and tricks of the trade that I was unaware of!! There are lots of good perks that everyone brings to the table - Michael of Flashdance is always playing good music, Bri Emery is continually keeping me in the know-how with everything blog related, Steve Pappin of Son of Sharkpig keeps me sane with his sense of humor, the list goes on... Sometimes I opt to stay at home ( when I'm feeling lazy ) but 90% of the time I am up there working away & having fun.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
Again, lots of good light. If you're tucked away in a dark corner you're going to go crazy! Also, a friend or two to bounce thoughts and ideas off of.
Thanks Emma!
*Photos by Emma
Debbie Powell
Friday, June 1, 2012
Debbie Powell did a killer job making a poster for Boden with these illustrations.
Her illustrations are so perfectly playful and loose.
Make sure to check out the rest of her work!