Hop over to Emmadime and learn about type anatomy for this week's Top - Notch Type!
Summer / Fall Outfit
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
While most of the country seems to be transitioning into at least some what cooler temps, we're still going strong with the weather forecast to be 100* this weekend. But I'm so desperate for fall! It is my favorite time of year, which is kind of non-existent here... so I thought I'd put together a perfect warm fall outfit. Hopefully sweater weather is around the corner?? (probably not).
one / two / three / four / five
Spaces // Amanda Wright of Wit & Wistle
Monday, September 10, 2012
Let's kick off another week with a peek into designer and shop owner, Amanda Wright's workspace. Amanda runs the illustrative paper shop, Wit & Whistle. Wit & Whistle is full of beautiful designed and illustrated cards and goods, some with a perfectly quirky saying or illustration -- my favorite? The Uterus Birthday Card! You have to check it out!
Tell us about yourself as a creative.
I design and illustrate stationery and paper products, but my creative interests are so spread out that it was difficult for me to pick one thing to focus on. Luckily I can use my blog as an outlet for any excess creative energy. As long as I'm making something, whatever it is, I'm happy.
Describe your creative journey.
In first grade I made pretend business cards for myself that said "artist". I took art classes all through school, and then I majored in Graphic Design at the North Carolina State College of Design. I chose graphic design because, according to my high school self, I wanted a practical creative job so that I wouldn't have to be a starving artist. After graduating I spent several years working at a firm designing logos, annual reports, websites, and such. Most clients didn't allow me much creative freedom, and I had a feeling that I couldn't keep working like that for long without doing permanent damage to my creative spirit. With my husband's support and encouragement I quit my job and started Wit & Whistle.
Share a little bit about your space.
I set up my studio in our finished basement. It's quite nice for a basement. Two sets of french doors provide more natural light than most basements have, and there's even a fireplace down here!
What's your favorite thing about your space?
I love that my studio is separate from the rest of the house. I can make a huge mess if I need to, and I don't have to worry about cleaning it up right away. I also love that my dogs think my work space is their own personal dog park. They often hurtle around the room chasing each other while I work.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
I think every creative space needs at least one potted plant. My studio doesn't get tons of light, but I've managed to keep my snake plant alive. I think a little leafy green stimulates the creative juices.
Thanks Amanda!
Crossover Festival
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
You also can't go wrong with neutrals and neons.
Recent Brand : Dreyma Studio
Spaces // Vanessa Gonzales
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
As you can tell, I've been absent from the blog for the past week. I took some personal time last week and blogging kind of took a little rest. Sometimes life throws you a few things and you just have to tackle them. BUT I'm back and sharing the workspace of Pasty Chief turned Graphic Designer, Vanessa Gonzales. Vanessa is the creative mind behind HelloVanny and is about to take the dive into fulltime freelance. Check her out!
Tell us about yourself as a creative.
I'm a freelance graphic designer with a passion for web. I occasionally blog over at HelloVanny about my life, work and design. My boyfriend, Aaron and I have been together for nearly 5 years and frequently collaborate on websites together (I design while he develops.) We'll soon be opening up our own digital crafted goods shop called, Neue Reform. I like to stay busy!
Describe your creative journey.
Growing up my family was always encouraging me to draw and take art classes. I took everything from ceramics, drawing and photography in school and at one point became obsessed with painting on canvas. I eventually went away to art school for college. While I obtained a degree in baking + pastry arts (I love designing cakes!) half way through my program I found myself putting off my homework to teach myself graphic design. I enjoyed it so much! After graduating, I worked as a pastry chef at The Wynn in Las Vegas and while I worked there started to build up my design portfolio. Though I still love pastry, working at The Wynn only solidified my decision to pursue graphic design as a career. I'm currently working on my portfolio and plan to make the transition to freelancing full time in just a few short months (!!!)
Share a little bit about your space.
My style is very minimal. I don't like having too much stuff on my desk at one point and definitely like to try to keep things clean. You can always tell what kind of week I'm having by how messy my desk is. When Aaron and I made the move from Las Vegas to San Diego last March it was a major downsize in regards to space. We moved from a 2 bedroom house into a TINY 1 bedroom apartment. We had to completely flee from the norm and turned what should be the living room into a bedroom and our bedroom into an office. Though I know this current space isn't permanent I do love that we have a designated room for us to work in. Also, our American Bulldog Molli equally loves our space just as much as I do. You can constantly find her sitting in my computer chair sleeping or observing, ha!
What's your favorite thing about your space?
My favorite thing about my space is definitely my desk. I love how big it is and love that it allows me to spread out. Really making it easy for me to sketch, scan and move to my iMac without having to move much.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
A sketchbook! No matter how creative you can be on the computer I always think it's great to go back to your roots and sketch your ideas out. Last year I purchased a dot grid book and love that it works as a guide when sketching out websites. It's also very beneficial when lettering!
Thanks Vanessa!