The creator behind one of my favorite graphic design blogs, Graphic Exchange, has some photo prints and stickers for your walls on the site Harmonie Interieure. I love these images and find myself constantly gravitating towards this derelict yet beautiful and emotive style of design – it’s an especially welcome contrast to the IKEA-esque modern and kitschy styles that are very popular.
I was really inspired by Modern Dog’s approach and outlook on design when they spoke at TypeCon last year. For a design studio so well-known and experienced, they are refreshingly down-to-earth, open, and funny. Not a single self-serving design aphorism for me to quote.Â
You might recognize their packaging work for funny products like Dirty Girl and Miso Pretty, and lots of posters from the Northwest music scene. They spoke about their offbeat process behind this particular poster for the Seattle Repertory at the conference – the sweet and serene butterfly image is an imprint of someone’s butt.
If you like their stuff too, they are commemorating their 20th birthday next month with a brand-new book.
It totally looks like I went out of my way to find today’s very Valentine-y images, but so not the case! Nevertheless I think they are very appropriate for the holiday in very unique ways. This poster by Mia&Jem, another San Francisco design team, is so clever!
Don’t you wish thought of that too? Redbean has been a design inspiration since I was but a student wishing to go to art school, and now the studio is making cards like the one above to purchase on Etsy. I love how their style perfectly balances spare minimalism and organic ornament, and this card says it all so beautifully and clearly without the fluff and sappiness.
Even if you’re not located in perpetually warm climates like I am, sweet sunny days can be found in the pages of Urban Outfitter’s current catalog. I have been collecting their catalogs since 2003, and this one is the latest to join the inspiration pile. It is light leaks and flares galore, thanks to photographer Clarke Tolton. I’m not sure when they started crediting photographers or if they always have and I just never noticed, but I’m glad they do.
Although in all fairness, I have no immediate access to a pool or grassy fields. Can’t have it all.
Did you pick up your favorite Fafi shades at MAC already? I did. You may recall an old post proclaiming my love for all things Fafi so I was naturally hyped up for this collection. The colors are so vibrant and animated, much like the Fafinettes that adorn the packaging. I picked up a few things in coral and bright pink – just in time for spring!
I have never attached myself to the idea of a pink handbag – I mean… COME ON – but these bags by Jenny Yuen are absolutely crave-worthy. That metallic rose is the perfect shade to go with all the inky winter neutrals that I am only now fully embracing, and it comes in a variety of sizes in simple but substantial silhouettes. Love it. Want to have it all.
I have been coveting this print by Yunting Ruan since I first saw it at Gallery Nucleus a year ago. It’s so melancholy yet hopeful for something more – so me!! (And yeah, she is totally rocking those knee highs.) It’s currently hanging up in my room and I couldn’t be happier. I still fall in love with it every time I look at it.
Speaking of Nucleus, their next exhibit, A Band of Bugs, opens this Saturday and looks to be tons of fun. I HAAATE bugs, yet I’m so grossly fascinated by them at the same time. Gallery Nucleus is one of my favorite galleries in L.A. They’re always throwing creatively themed group showings, and I always leave with another print or two on my wishlist.
Photos for Jovovich-Hawk’s collection for Target Go International have finally surfaced! I’ve been anticipating this line since word got out and was hoping there would be more pieces like the ones above, from their Spring 2008 line. Unfortunately I find it a bit too boho for me. (Wooden beaded necklaces? Really?) But knowing me I’ll probably pick up a few things. Especially the ones that will keep cool in the L.A. summer heat. So not looking forward to that.
The line comes out in early March, which is also when the new Target near my place opens – within walking distance! Getting exercise on the way to shop. Can’t beat that.
Thought I should spread the word on this project that hits close to home, quite literally. I was up in the Bay Area when the California wildfires hit – though I was thankfully not directedly affected by them, it was devastating to pick up the Oakland paper and see the map of the fires practically surround L.A. county and wonder if we were going to be next.
The So-Cal Fire Poster Project has teamed up with a bunch of talented designers and artists to raise funds for victims of the wildfires by selling limited edition posters like the ones above, done by Modern Dog and Rule29. It’s wonderful to see fellow creatives donate their talents towards a good cause.
