Archive for February, 2008
Happy Valentine’s Day!
by evie s. on February 14th, 2008
I hope everyone has a lovely and romantic day today. I got valentine’s from two special guys in my life, my wonderful husband and my father (it’s somewhat of a tradition since I was little).
“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows.
For love is the beauty of the soul. ”
by St. Augustine
[ Photo credit by Over the Counter Culture. Art by the underground graffiti artist, Banksy. ]
Circles: The Most Elemental of Shapes
by evie s. on February 13th, 2008
Circles are one of the most simple shapes, but I can appreciate the creativity for which they are used in design and pattern. I’ve collected a few simple but artful wares that capture the simplicity and beauty of the circular formation.
From left to right:
Circles and Circles Wool Scarf by Eninaj [ Via Stylehive ] // Serena Drum Chandelier by Jayson Home & Garden // Circles Mirror by CB2 // “Molly” Round About Bag by Lisa Lill Studio // Sassy Dots Umbrella by Pare Umbrella
Coasters and Trivets: Pretty Things to Set Other Things On
by evie s. on February 12th, 2008
These pretty coasters by European artist Daniël Watze can be joined together to create a trivet for your pots and pans. I love when design combines beauty and practicality in a seamless way. Trivets are one of my favorite things too, mostly when they are made of wrought iron, and…the more ornate the better!
If interested in the product, you could probably e-mail him at info [at] danielwatze [dot] com.
Graphic Design Is…
by evie s. on February 11th, 2008
…the endless search for beauty in things. -büro für form
I completely agree. This quote inspired me to enter a poster competition run by the talented Belgian artist, Veerle Pieters. Since I gain most of my artistic inspiration from the world around me, I am constantly trying to capture the beauty I see in some form of design, so this was a great opportunity for me to do so.
For this project, I really wanted to create a beautiful image that would complement the theme, so I got out my sketch book, pencils, and my Zig Millennium marker to work on a concept. After sketching an image that I liked, I just traced over the pencil marks with the marker and added in some details. I really wanted to use watercolors, even though they are not my best medium (I prefer acrylics). I absolutely love the organic quality of watercolor, and that was the look I was going for. When it was to my liking, I scanned it into Photoshop and added typography and more color.
I’m pleased with the final outcome, and I really enjoyed the project! You can see some pictures of my process and the final design here.
What is Graphic Design?
by evie s. on February 8th, 2008
That is the question I will be asking myself this weekend as I work on a special art project. It’s really more for fun and practice then for anything else. Hopefully it will be complete by early next week.
Sprawled out on my office floor sketching, I was thinking that I need to make time every week to draw. That was one of my goals for this year, and so far this was the first time. Fortunately, drawing for me is like a good friend that you haven’t seen in awhile. You just pick up right where you left off. That’s good, otherwise I would probably be quite drawing impaired by now for lack of practice!
Here is a sneak peek…a sample of the beauty that is to come. Stay tuned!
Sculptural Window Covering
by evie s. on February 6th, 2008
Curtain designer Florian Kräutli has brought window treatments to a whole new level of beauty and design. His creation incorporates magnet technology into every panel. Hundreds of tiny magnets are embedded into a grid of prefab folds, allowing for easy manipulation of the silhouette for light or privacy. This would be like creating a new piece of art everyday, and would be perfect for an industrial space or modern interior.
[ Via Yanko Design ]
Typography Beautiful Enough for Martha
by evie s. on February 5th, 2008
There is nothing like a great typeface that can carry a design all on its own. Archer, a new release by Hoefler & Frere-Jones is a beautiful piece of work and does just that. I love the graphics that they have created to highlight the artistic qualities of the “sweet but not saccharine, earnest but not grave” typeface.
It was specially created for Martha Stewart Living, so it should be beautiful, right?
Heart Art: Silk-Screened Posters
by evie s. on February 4th, 2008
If you are an independent music fan, you’ll love these silk-screened posters from The Small Stakes. I’ve selected a few from Jason’s collection that had a heart theme, but he has a myriad of great designs to choose from.
From left to right:
The Shins // Mates of State (San Francisco) // José González // The American Analog Set (Hearts) // Camera Obscura
These and many more are available at The Small Stakes poster shop, each for $25.
Free PDF Download: “Love in Lights” Valentine Postcard
by evie s. on February 1st, 2008
And finally, here is the third Valentine’s Day postcard in the series. Just download the PDF using the link below and simply cut and send.This one is my favorite.
Love in Lights Postcard from evie s. - PDF Download
Size: 86 kb
You can view a full-size image of the postcard here.