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.