Happy Holidaze

Vivi Dot: Graphics Alive 2

I want to give a well deserved shout out to my friend Molly Gaines and her finance Duncan Hooper to congratulate them both on their Vivi Dot feature in the new Graphics Alive 2 book! Not only is it an honor to be included in this amazing design book, but they are the first brand to be featured. I also want to thank them for giving me props on my "popular" feather design illustration that I created for Vivi Dot last year. Unfortunately, the publisher got the credits wrong, as the two of them actually did the photography and all the rest of the designs, but it's great to be mentioned regardless! Thanks guys!!

Photography: America in Color from 1939-43

The photos below are selected from a series entitled "Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943" that were taken by Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. They are, apparently, some of the only color photographs that show the effects of the Great Depression on America's small, rural towns. My favorite thing about these ones, in particular, is the amazingly rich, color-saturated floral fabrics and patterns that make up the clothing and textiles. It's such a stark contrast to their hard, tired expressions and the dingy surroundings that they endured.

Design: Dowling Duncan

This past week in San Francisco has been so fogged in that I swear it's the middle of July and not December. I know that sounds backwards but we all know SF is famous for it's foggy summers (among other seasons). The local design firm Dowling Duncan was asked by AIGA to create designs that they felt best represented San Francisco and the result were these amazing cards, entitled Summer in San Francisco, that you can find for sale in designer stores and museums around the City.

Fashion: Magnetic Mumu from Tigerlily

You had me at "oversized blanket style mumu with fringe."

More Gemstone Inspiration: Carly Waito

I love the natural, effortless beauty of these raw minerals that artist Carly Waito captures in her hyper-real oil paintings. As stated on her website, I love that Waito's small paintings (about 6x6") indulge a lifelong fascination with the natural world – especially the little parts we feel compelled to pick up and keep. I would happily collect and adorn my walls with all of these treasures.

Inspiration: J. Tillman's Album Artwork

When I was a younger I wanted to grow up to design album covers for a living. Somewhere along the line the reality of doing that was brushed aside, but in a sense, I still dream of doing just that. These album covers for musician J. Tillman (of Fleet Foxes) just reignited that not-so-recently-lost desire within me. I know the first one, for his album Year in the Kingdom, was designed by the amazing Mario Hugo (who I will do a separate post on later), but I can't figure out who did the artwork for Vacilando Territory Blues. Do you know?

Fashion: Thomas Engel Hart Bootie

I'm thinking these Thomas Engel Hart Underground Zippo Ankle Boots with Metal Zip would make the perfect Christmas present for yours truly. 

Design: Erik Anthony Hamline of Woods and Weather

I love these Native American-inspired prints designer Erik Anthony Hamline of Woods and Weather did for the U.K.'s NowThen Magazine.

Fashion: Ensemble, The Style of Music

EveryGuyed presents ‘Ensemble: The Style of Music’ a series of posters featuring Iconic Outfits from 20 Male Musicians. Designed by Glenn Michael of Moxy Creative House, and illustrated by James Alexander the prints are available here.

LEGEND
L-R: Jim Morrison, Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Kiss, Chet Baker, Michael Jackson, Run DMC, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Prince, Kanye West, Marvin Gaye, The Ramones, Andre3000, Pharell Williams, Brandon Flowers, Pete Doherty, The Beatles, Miles Davis.

Here are some of my favorites:

At first I thought Kanye's outfit was actually Pee-Wee Herman and then I realized he wasn't officially a musician.

Design by Kamma Claire: Celebrate Fen & TJ

Here's a flier I designed for my boyfriend, Fen, and our friend TJ who are both celebrating their 30th birthdays come December. TJ's wife, Stacy, and I are throwing them both a big '70's inspired disco dance party at the Space Gallery in SF. We've got some local DJ friends (Sorcerer, Jon Blunck, Hotthobo) all lined up to bring the boogie to the people. Needless to say, it's going to be awesome.

Art: Nathan Coley

Explosions in the sky

Design by Kamma Claire: Deck the Halls

It's only Halloween weekend but the Holidays are already sneaking up on me. I just designed the flier below (click image to view larger) for the Presidio Motel's Deck the Halls pop-up mall on Dec. 4th in Santa Barbara. All 16 of the Presidio's motel rooms will be transformed into pop-up shops featuring the most unique and handmade wares for one night only. Not to mention live music, festive cocktails and merrymaking of all sorts. My favorite things!

Technicolor Dream Coat: Diane von Furstenberg's Fur Hoodie Jacket

Again with the Fringe: Antik Batik's Friel Wallet Bag

Inspiration as of late.