cathy hunt | blog | open book

This is how I show my love on Valentine's Day...

2012-02-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

More about Oberlin

2012-02-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

There were a lot of cool shops and gallery-type places in Oberlin. I didn't take a lot of pictures because I was kind of busy browsing. But I snapped a few at this one shop that had the most gorgeous textiles. It seemed like most of the items were African, masks and such, but I was mostly focused on these fabrics. A lot of batiks and absolutely beautiful patterns and colors.

The Cause of Art is The Cause of The People: Allen Memorial Museum of Art

2012-02-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

I went on a field trip yesterday with a group of friends out to Oberlin, OH, home of Oberlin College and the Allen Memorial Art Museum. I was overwhelmed by the collection at this museum! Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Cezanne, de Kooning, Klee, Warhol, Lichtenstein to name only a very few. So many impressive and beautiful works in a wonderful building. The outside of the building has an inscription on one side that says "The Fine Arts A Heritage from the Past" and on the other side "The Fine Arts A Gift To The Future"

There were actually many collections to view including art from the Italian Renaissance, Egyptian art, African art...But these were my favorites from the contemporary pieces. I need to return soon and see the Frank Lloyd Wright House that is also a part of the AMAM.

Tangerine Tango, my new best friend. Pantone 2012 Color of the Year.

2012-01-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

I think I just like saying that name, Tangerine Tango. Pantone 2012 Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango. Love the color. Love the name.
By the way, the color is Pantone 17-1463 and you can find the color data here. And if your swatch books are as outdated as mine, Pantone has a palette for Adobe applications that you can download here. Thanks, Pantone!

Above, is a style board, playing with some Venice-inspired surface designs using the color of the year, Tangerine Tango! Here's a peek at some more color tests:

Watercolor exploration with orange.

with violet...

maybe with brown...

more color exploration...

You can view more of my work at cathyhuntstudio.net

Buon Natale!

2011-12-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Roman-style! Many of the restaurants in Italy had beautiful displays of food either in their windows or in front of the doorway, but this place in Rome was dressed early for Christmas.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2011-12-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, The Colors & Textures of Venice

2011-11-24T15:02:00.000-05:00

Late afternoon light on the Grand Canal

My sister-in-law, Annie.
"Everyone looks more glamorous with Venice in the background."

Venice made me feel like I was a photographer...with my point & shoot.

I just returned from Italy and I am newly inspired! What a beautiful place. It will take more than one post to cover even the highlights, but I am starting where the trip started, in Venice. What I loved most about Venice was all the ancient, weathered walls and window shutters in beautiful, muted colors and textures. The pinks, corals, ochres and earthy grays and browns have me inspired to start a new series of watercolors.

Collage of texture and the start of a new palette.

My favorite photo of Venice.
Residents chat with their pull cart of market purchases
on this side street off Via Garibaldi.

Playing with the leaves.

2011-10-08T15:50:00.000-04:00

I am never sure where an inspiration is going to take me. Collecting these leaves on my walk started me playing with different backgrounds to capture them on. Then, I thought a little bit about whether I might do a painting based on the photo. And, I also dug into a little color palette play.
Sometimes these meanderings of mine result in a creative project. And sometimes...it's just another day of play...

Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd & Duralee Fabrics!

2011-09-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

I keep seeing this ad. I loved it the first time and it keeps stopping me, so I finally clipped it and pinned it up on my wall. The color combinations and the design of the textiles are gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd and Duralee!
http://eileenkathrynboyd.blogspot.com

http://www.duralee.com

Anthropologie is Food for the Soul

2011-08-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

Browsing in an Anthropologie store is like visiting an art gallery. It always gets me inspired. I picked up these post-its on my last visit, because...well, I must have fun post-its. Love the artwork by Betsy Thompson, whimsical and sophisticated at the same time.

This is why I love Elle Decor

2011-07-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

This image from the July/Aug issue of Elle Decor stopped me with it's beauty. I had to look up the photographer and share some of my faves. To see more of Ilan Rubin's work, and there is a lot to look at go to www.ilanrubin.com.

Step One: Get Started

2011-05-26T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have been inspired lately but I have not made the time to start creating something new. I think it is because I am not sure which direction I want to go in, not even sure what medium.

So when in doubt, do something, do anything. Just do, instead of thinking about it. The rest usually works itself out. So I did.

Early Morning

2011-04-22T05:44:00.000-04:00

I am up early this morning. An inspiring time. This is the tree I look at every morning as I drink my coffee. I have taken a lot of pictures of this tree.

"Remember to take your daily dose of color."

2011-04-07T12:12:00.000-04:00

Port Authority, New York

Eating healthy and embracing color – two of my favorite things! New York social sculpture artist, Tattfoo Tan, has combined the two with his NMS: Nature Matching System to create awareness and encourage us to eat our fruits and vegetables.

I love this and what it represents. Read more about the art, the project, the murals at tattfoo.com

Placemat

Grocery Store Stickers

I want to paint like a 6 year old!

2011-04-02T16:13:00.000-04:00

Keeping my artwork fresh is always a challenge for me. I tend to overwork things, trying to get them just right. Sometimes that process can suck the life out of a piece of art. So I admire any artist who can keep things loose and spontaneous. One of the reasons I am captivated by children's art.
I was completely blown away by this body of work that was created by my niece, who is only 6 years old. She has been taking classes for a few years now and these small canvases are each beautiful on their own. My sister-in-law creatively gathered them together to create one stunning piece for her kitchen wall.

Random sightings of beauty

2011-03-18T13:58:00.000-04:00

Shooting on location is one of the best parts of my job. I have been lucky enough to travel to some wonderful places. And work with some talented photographers. But even unglamorous locations offer moments of inspiration and beauty. These are just a few things that caught my eye last week. I am no photographer, but I can't resist capturing things that inspire me, including yet another concrete floor.

Backdrop to The King's Speech

2011-02-27T11:44:00.000-05:00

It's Oscars time and I have been running out to try and catch the nominated movies before the 2011 Academy Awards tonight. I finally saw The King's Speech, which is up for Best Art Direction, and really enjoyed it, great movie.

I was absolutely mesmerized by the wall that served as a backdrop for much of the drama. I kept wondering as I was watching, did they create that? Is it a set or location? It just felt so gutsy, these layers and layers of peeling paper, such rich, old texture.

(I did a little research, and as it turns out, it is part of a location in London. More on that story and the industry controversy , if you are interested, can be found at incontention.com )

So excited for the Oscars, one of my favorite nights of the year.

Retail Therapy at American Eagle

2011-02-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

Walked the mall the other day just to check out the point-of-sale. (I am a retail-design-geek, it's true). American Eagle Outfitters' window was the winner. I love the wet-paint type treatment, muted palette. The water backgrounds are great, and I especially love that they used them as "solids" on the merchandising cubes.

Chinet goes beyond basic with Comfort Cup

2011-02-12T22:13:00.000-05:00

I love it when a little beauty shows up when I least expect it. And in this case, from an unexpected source, Chinet, a brand that has always stood for strength and quality.

Bringing a little style to it's line-up attracts me, makes me feel differently about this brand. Even the packaging is unique. I'll be interested to see if Comfort Cup is just the beginning of a new Chinet. Will they become "the Target of paper goods"?

Looking back helps me to see ahead.

2011-01-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

At the end of the year, I like to take some time to browse through the past 12 months. I look at my date book, I clean out files, I review the work I have created. It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment. I came across these abstracts that I had set aside to a junk pile. A little time passing gives me perspective, and I see these in a new light. Not sure why I did not like them, but I see something more I need to explore, a new path to follow. I like that.

2011 Color of the Year

2011-01-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

I am not yet tired of apple green. I loved it all last year (see 2010 Color of The Year), and it looks like it will carry over to 2011 as my favorite. My husband said no way to apple green walls in our family room. But somehow, he was OK with the two full-length, GREEN sofas I just ordered! I am committed to this color!
The fabric swatch is shown here with some throw-pillow options.

Wear your true colors.

2010-12-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

I love the new bracelet I received from my girfriend/sister-in-law. She knows me so well. I have been wearing it every day as I work at my desk, and it really gets me in a great mood. It is like a painting with all my favorite colors.

Yes, the writing's on the wall...

2010-12-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

Not only do I love notebooks, but I also love textured surfaces, especially weathered materials, old floors, rusted metal. So when I came across this journal, I flipped. I bought two, one for me and one for a friend. I cannot wait to spend some time doodling, sketching, maybe using the book itself as inspiration. Each spread has a unique wall scene that just makes me itch to pick up a pen. It is published by Quirk Books, who I am just discovering, and distributed by Chronicle Books, an old favorite of mine.
By the way, I picked up my copy at Room Service, at their new location on West 25th St.

Everything I hope for in a cup of coffee.

2010-11-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

"Warning: You may encounter unadulterated strong coffee, spontaneous enlightenment and/or unfettered optimism while drinking this beverage."

I was completed entertained for the first ten minutes of my flight the other day, studying this to-go cup from Phoenix Coffee. I love the illustration and colors, the coffee itself. And the words pretty much sum up what I hope to get out of a cup of coffee.

http://phoenixcoffee.com/

Just playing around...

2010-10-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's good to just let your mind wander a little. I haven't had a lot of time to play, lately, and I forgot how much I need that.

More Falling Water

2010-09-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

This must be "one-tank-trip" month. Just after returning from my girl's weekend in Pennsylvania and touring Falling Water, my husband suggests we go up to Niagara On The Lake and check out the wine country and, of course, Niagara Falls. Another incredible fall weekend. Here are some of my visual highlights. The pictures just do not do The Falls justice, you really have to see it in person.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water - Incredible

2010-09-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

I recently visited this famous summer home of the Kaufmann family, designed by the famous architect. I was blown away by how Frank Lloyd Wright was so far ahead of his time. This house would have been groundbreaking in the 60s or 70s, never mind that it was built in the 1930s. Too many cool things about it to relate all of them.

One of the things that fascinated me was the way the entire house was made with built-ins. Look closely at the photo above. Not only are the glass window panes built INTO the rock that makes up the structure of the house, where interior wall and outer wall are one, but the shelves in each room are built into that same stone.
The house was built around an existing boulder that makes a natural appearance in the "great room" by the fireplace. And almost all of the furniture and decor in the house today are the original pieces, including original artwork throughout, which was a bonus, to see a couple Diego Riveras and several other stunning pieces of art. I was literally in awe for the entire tour. If you ever have the opportunity, visit Falling Water. It is an incredible experience.

Tile I love, by a designer I love. Ann Sacks.

2010-08-16T13:57:00.000-04:00

Aren't these gorgeous? I was searching for some basic neutral bathroom tile for a middle-american master bath, took a detour, and stumbled across these and was blown away! 24" x 24" Aura glass tile, by Ann Sacks.
www.annsacks.com

I want to go back to school!

2010-07-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Back to school used to mean fresh, new notebooks and binders with color-coded dividers, pink erasers and spiral notebooks. Today, in late July the back-to-school store flyers cater to the college student, and feature ipods, Tide and bedding sets.

I want to be a college kid again, for many (many, many) reasons, one of which is playful choices like this Peace Sign Comforter! I would definitely get some shag carpet remnants to go with it.

Comforter from Garnet Hill.

Morning coffee tends to bring inspiration.

2010-07-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

My favorite part of the day. A cup of coffee, a window, and my thoughts. Today I was enjoying the texture of my patio table. It has been repainted several times, but I didn't paint it this year as I thought it was pretty done for. But I am starting to like the patina and texture that is developing.

SJP shows her true colors.

2010-05-26T13:23:00.000-04:00

Well, we know Sarah Jessica Parker, aka Carrie Bradshaw, is not shy about mixing it up in the fashion department. Check out this packaging for her new perfume. Color, texture, pattern, even butterflies. All the things I love rolled up into one beautiful package.
Click to see more SJP NYC fragrance.

Beautiful Mothers

2010-05-09T16:01:00.000-04:00

This Mother's Day morning, I was thinking of my mother and I started looking through old photos. How come everyone seems so much more glamorous in old pictures? The first one above is of my mother and I, maybe on my first birthday, because that is the Raggedy Ann doll that I received, which I still have. I am struck by how I always remember my mother wearing a wool skirt and blouse. I cannot imagine going through the day as a stay-at-home mom, with all she had to do, and on top of it having to dress up, probably wearing pantyhose to boot.
The next photo is my Grandma Corcoran, who was a very down-to-earth lady, but check out that outfit she wore to my parent's wedding! Gorgeous! And then there is Grandma Smith, trying out the new ride-on mower in her pearls and crisp, shirtwaist. I am pretty sure she never wore pants in her entire life.
Three beautiful, classy, funny, creative, loving women and I am so proud to be related to them! I miss them all!

Spring!

2010-04-10T12:06:00.000-04:00

Not being the green thumb I wish I was, I have to depend on forced bulbs in colorful pots to brighten my world. These arrived about two weeks ago, courtesy of my husband, as a spring surprise. I said, Gee, honey, thanks for the pots of dirt. Within a day they had sprouted, and were in full bloom within a week. So wonderful to watch them come up.
If there is someone you want to inspire or cheer, think about getting them something like this. Such a treat. I am a huge fan of ProFlowers, where these came from. Always excellent quality, always fresh, unique arrangements, beautifully packaged.

Shelf Liners. They're not just for Grandma anymore.

2010-03-11T16:25:00.000-05:00

I am in love with this surface design. It is a woven, bamboo-burlap pattern, printed on a cushiony plastic that comes in rolls, to be used as a shelf liner.
It has been sitting on my desk for the last two weeks, a product sample for some TV concepts I am working on. I have to say, although I love the pattern, I did not think I would love lining my shelves with it. But every day another drawer gets a mini-makeover, and I get a little lift. ( I like to clean out and reorganize, go figure).
The cool thing about this particular shelf liner is that it has a grip bottom (non-adhesive) and a smooth top that makes it easy to clean. AND you can even throw it in the washing machine.
OK, I stole a few lines from the TV script, but seriously, this product offers a fresh approach in an old category.
Check out the Smooth Top Easy Liner from Duck.

Transmoflection. Vancouver 2010 Graphic Identity.

2010-02-22T18:20:00.001-05:00

Transmoflection. Transformation, fusion, motion, reflection, connection....these are the words used to describe the essence of the Vancouver 2010 Graphic Identity. I have been enjoying the backdrops at the events, the green, blue shapes, swirls and textures that are the core graphics and a visual part of each event. The process they used to get there seems intuitive, yet smart. I love the end result. Very unified. Strong identity, which of course is the point, but not something that has stood out to me in past Olympics.
Watch the design team talk about how they got there.

i heart pink!

2010-02-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

Just one of the things I love about Valentine's Day.

GO WORLD.

2010-02-13T18:19:00.000-05:00

2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I am already glued to the competitions. But even more than the events, I enjoy the dramatic back stories, the lush scenery, better than going to the movies! And the commercials! Who needs the Super Bowl? So far, Visa, Coke and Nike spots have grabbed me.

My studio feels white, fresh and ready for what's next.

2010-02-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

I like to be surrounded by things I love. Every wall in my studio gets covered with bits and pieces of inspiration that I collect along the way. It becomes a collage of color, type, quotes, messages, trends and things I feel I need to capture, before they slip away. In fact, it was the inspiration for this blog. To share the things draw me in, move me forward, or just make me happy. But, every once in a while, it's time to clean house. So today, I took down my wall. My studio feels white, fresh and ready for what's next.

Some of the things that showed up recently...

loose, hand-drawn patterns...

pinks...

deep plums and dark grays...

artwork featuring words...

organic shapes...

neutral color palettes...

birds...

I have a huge sketchbook I keep, a sort of visual log, into which some of these trends will get taped and saved for future reference.

Cathy's 2010 Color of the Year: Green

2010-01-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

Green has been showing up a lot in my choices lately. A new scarf, a handbag. It is the warmer, yellow greens and ochers that are catching my eye. Thinking about painting the family room green - an olive green, paired with charcoal gray, or deep brown, so that the green almost becomes a neutral.

I also like a brighter apple green as an accent, in accessorizing that businessy-black suit. Or mixed with ochers, or plum, or turquoise.

Source:

Handbag:
Fossil from Zappos

Earrings:
AestheticsAndOldLace on Etsy

Bedroom: Ikea

Watercolors: Cathy Hunt

A Good Fortune

2010-01-04T21:28:00.001-05:00

Who is writing these? Opened this on the second day of the New Year. A very good fortune. Better than Lucky Numbers.

Ok, so I just googled this and discovered that it is in fact a famous quote by Ralph Waldo Trine.

live, love, hope, dream, believe

2009-12-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and Peace to All!

I enjoy creating my card every year. Designing the card and message, creating the artwork, choosing the envelope. This year I had a little extra fun creating custom postage stamps with a portion of the card artwork. The stamps are official USPS which I ordered through PictureItPostage.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

2009-12-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

Now even your coffee can look hip. And be environmentally aware. And taste better.
I was out doing holiday stuff and stopped in at Caribou Coffee for a cappacino and saw these Reusable Clutches on display. Nice packaging. Couldn't imagine a better way to do it. Love the headline, too. And the use of "clutch".
Personally, though, I liked the cardboard sleeve with the seasonal message on it that came with my cappacino. It suits my festive mood.

Pantone Announces Turquoise 2010 Color of the Year

2009-12-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this.

If you know me at all, you know I have embraced turquoise for a good 5 years now. My house is decorated around turquoise, I have a wardrobe full of the color. I spent well over a year of my life creating a series of watercolors based in aquas, blues and greens. And a line of textiles. (see both above). In fact, my next post will feature my Christmas card which I designed and created using, yes, turquoise!

So I am glad turquoise is having it's day. Let's celebrate turquoise!

Then, what's my problem? I guess I am just ready to move on. Maybe not leave turquoise behind, but I am ready for a new master. Maybe apple green, maybe a cornflower blue, paired with a cooler charcoal, instead of the warm brown.

Stay posted, I think I have just been inspired for a New Year's post on Cathy's Color of the Year.

For more info on Pantone and the 2010 Color of the Year go to www.pantone.com

Creative Opportunity Came Knocking...

2009-11-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

I entered another contest with Veer. It kind of makes me chuckle, because I don't usually take the time to enter contests. But the creative opportunity presented itself, I was between projects and I...was inspired to jump in.

The challenge: Step away from the computer and create the Veer logo out of things in the real world. Take a picture of your creation.

How I did it: Once I had an idea I liked, I treated my entry as I would any photo assignment, except in this case I was the Art Director, the stylist, the photographer, and the photographer's assistant. I did a lighting test the day before to figure out the time of day that would work best for candlelight. The day of, I searched for props at the park and found just the right mix of orange, red, and yellow leaves. (wondered what my husband would say when he learned I had just brought a garbage bag full of leaves INTO our yard.) I also picked up 1

00 votive candles and pre-lit them to prep the wicks. At 4:00, I set up the shot. Then at 4:45, amid a sprinkling of rain, I got up on the ladder, and I shot for an hour, until it was dark out. All that was left was to narrow down the shots to the best selection and I was done.

I did not win the contest. But I did have a few days of inspiration and fun, just when I needed it. There were 726 entries, with some really cool ideas which you can view at Veer's The Skinny. (Mine is slide 126 in the gallery.)

Yes, I love type!

2009-11-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

is for Daily Drop Cap, a project created by type lover Jessica Hische. She offers up these, and more, original initial caps for "your enjoyment and for the beautification of blog posts everywhere." That's what I call generous. Thanks, Jessica! And thanks for the inspiration. (No, I am not related to Jessica, just love to share when I am inspired).
See more of the awesome alphabet at dailydropcap.com.
(Also, be sure and follow the usage rights.)
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

Thanks, Veer!

2009-10-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

At this time of year, all I have to do is go outside to feel inspired. But I downloaded a few color inspirations from Veer® Marketplace. It is a little unpredictable to have a pink in a fall palette, but that's where the image on the left took me.
These images are compliments of @VeerUpdate. They run daily contests on Twitter and I was fortunate enough to win one with my sketch book page submission (11.25.08 post of this blog).

It's always a good idea to ask questions.

2009-10-16T10:37:00.001-04:00

I don't have a 5 year plan. I tend to like to meander a bit through life, leave some room for unexpected turns in the path. I do have goals. And I do know the general direction I want to go. And I have also learned that I will not get anywhere without defining the steps and taking action. But I like to keep the rest kind of open-ended.

What I continually do is ask questions. Am I enjoying what I am doing? Am I contributing to this world? And always....Am I following my passion? For me it is the things I am passionate about that drive me in the right direction. That is where the real juice is.

Inspirational tools are a great way to explore yourself. I am a huge fan of Compendium and their products. I have the book "where will you be 5 years from today?" that a friend gave to me. It poses some great questions.

Click on the above image to view the video promoting the "5 book". And ask yourself some questions.

message #12: i don't have a label

2009-10-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

Here's a peek at a new series of art I am developing. Available for license in 2010.

My studio is bright today.

2009-10-02T16:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to me. So touched to be remembered by friends and family today. I am very blessed and very grateful.

Kleenex: Making the world a more beautiful place, one tissue box at a time.

2009-09-14T16:35:00.000-04:00

Folks, I know it's just a box of tissues, but is there any reason why it can't be attractive, as well? I applaud Kleenex® Brand Tissues for raising the industry standard, with new shapes, surface pattern designs, eye-catching merchandising. Being a leader in any category means finding or creating the opportunities to stand out. I am glad to see Kleenex step up.

As a consumer, choosing between faded pink roses and the above design is no contest. I would love to see this green pattern design used in a fabric, maybe a throw-pillow, or a purse? I will settle for seeing it on my desktop.

(BTW, not sure, but I think most of these designs are exclusive to Target. Stopped by Walmart and saw nothing like these)

It only looks like the real thing.

2009-06-16T19:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, NOOoooww I am loving this campaign. Don't get me wrong. I loved it when I first saw the James Dean ad, and the Louis Armstrong, and, of course, the Lucille Ball?...forget about it. Very well done, on strategy and excellent execution. But the Gilda, well, now you've got me. It's that emotional connection that makes a great ad. Maybe it's because she is from my era. (are you shooting a little younger, Armstrong?) Maybe it's because I love the colors, or her spirit, but whatever it is, it speaks to me. This one goes on my wall.

www.armstrong.com

Museum of Arts and Design : Klaus Moje Exhibit

2009-05-26T13:30:00.000-04:00

I love smaller museums (well, I also love larger museums...I just love museums) I like being able to take my time wandering through the exhibits, and still be able to see it all. The Klaus Moje Exhibit at The Museum of Arts and Design is a fascinating combination of technique (these are made of GLASS) and artistry. Very unique medium.

The other exhibit that I loved, Totally Ra d: Karim Rashid Does Radiators, showed contemporary design of...the radiator. The display features steam-heat unit designs that are actually being manufactured today. This exhibit kicked off the museum's Design and Innovation Gallery, which will "explore emerging trends in design through a series of short-term exhibitions guest-curated by leading voices in the field." I look forward to seeing future exhibits in this gallery.

Museum of Arts and Design

2 Columbus Circle, NY, NY.

Window Shopping:

2009-05-19T13:57:00.000-04:00

My recent trip to NYC was kind of relaxing, I did not really have an agenda and was not trying to "fit in" a bunch of things, like I usually do. So I was able to wander a bit and window shop. The Anthropologie window caught my eye. That large shape of items is actually honey bears, honey packets and Bit 'O Honey bars. So unexpected.

Another of my favorites for texture and inspiration is ABC Carpet & Home. It is hard to see in this photo, but there were quotes incorporated into the display and the feeling was ethereal, really beautifully done. If you can't make it down to this location and you need a fix, check out their website.

a little spring in my step

2009-05-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

Stopped by Room Service and picked up a few things that caught my eye. Great place to find unique gift items, or just be inspired by the eclectic mix. Interesting, most of the things I grabbed were by the same manufacturer, Danica Studio. Love the bird motif.

check out www.roomservicecleveland.com and danicastudio.com to see more.

Practice peace. Practice patience. Practice generosity...

2009-04-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

If you see someone wearing a T-shirt with this on it, it is probably me. It is my favorite shirt and I wear it every chance I get.

It's now or never time.

2009-04-07T12:52:00.000-04:00

Recently, a friend was looking over my shoulder, at my computer and was somewhat horrified that I would tape things to my keyboard surface. What better place? I can't miss it there. And this is a really good message for me, one that has kept me motivated for almost two years now. I feel as though I have a space of time right now that is very valuable. It's now or never time.

Anyway, at the rate that computers become outdated, this snippet will probably outlast my laptop.

color and shapes along the way

2009-04-03T19:29:00.000-04:00

Just a few things that caught my eye. I have a thing for leaves, but don't often see them on the beach. And I couldn't pass by this inspiration for a color palette.

Our deepest fear...

2009-03-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

I was sorting through some papers and came across this quote that I had adopted as a favorite a few years back. I believe this is a slightly shortened version. I still love it.

The complete original quote by Marianne Williamson (not Nelson Mandela, to whom many have credited this quote) can be read at www.marianne.com

Going to the dentist can be fun.

2009-03-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

Ok, well, maybe not in every instance. I just completed a corporate ID and website for a dental practice, that believes in a more holistic approach to dentistry. Their offering includes a combination of advanced technology and a caring environment.
Developing a brand image, new name, logo and tagline was a challenge I enjoyed. I have learned that you just never know which projects are going to end up being the ones you love until you dig into them.

To see the final corporate ID/website (or to find a great dentist) you can visit www.aernidental.com

Letter to Target:

2009-03-04T11:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Target Stores:

Please don't abandon me, not at a time like this, when I need you most. Yes, I am watching my spending, like the rest of America. I also still need to make certain purchases. And one of the guilt-free pleasures I get is from "expecting more" while I "pay less". Don't take that away from me.

I see from your ads that you feel the need to push price, and I understand. Just don't forget why I love you. Maybe some folks will choose another mass merchant retailer for supposedly lower prices, but your core customer still wants to feel current, on-trend, and inspired while they buy their shampoo.

How else can I say this without being blunt, "Please don't turn into Walmart." If you do, I might not be able to see a difference between the two of you, and I might start doing my shopping there, and once that happens, who knows if I'll come back.

So don't abandon me, and I won't abandon you. We need to stick together in these tough times. I have faith you will do the right thing.

Sincerely,
A true "Expect More, Pay Less" believer

http://www.target.com

Old and Rich.

2009-02-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

Old buildings always draw me in, all the peeling paint, rusting metal, weathered-worn-down wood, that create such texture-rich surfaces. I was roaming around a reeeeeally old building recently, and found dozens of tableaus, such as this one. This piece of "art" was actually part of the hardwood floor. I would love to see it hanging on my wall.

What do you heart?

2009-02-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

wishing you and whoever or whatever you heart, a Happy Valentine's Day!

Restraint.

2009-02-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

I just saw Benjamin Buttons and it was worth it just for the art direction alone. The desaturated look throughout is so rich, and yet so restrained. I could count the times a bright rich red showed up against the deep greens and browns. The steel blue, night-time, water scenes were gorgeous. I think one of the hardest things to do in any kind of art is to have restraint. To keep the color and tone of the art narrowly defined, powerful in its subtlety. I loved the unique texture this palette added to this unique story.

Style Board #147

2009-02-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

Creating a visual tone is a big part of what I do as a designer, and creating a style board is one of my favorite ways to present a "look". This particular one is pretty polished, but really anything goes with style boards.
I have been working on a lot of health care lately, it seems to be one of the industries that is continuing its marketing efforts in this economy. Creating a look that is not too clinical, and also does not look like other players in the industry is a challenge. Great imagery always helps.

Live beautifully.

2009-01-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

Every time I run across one of the Ligne Roset ads with this headline, I tear it out and pin it up somewhere. Each one says it so...well, beautifully. I recently checked out their website, where there was a screensaver of their ads available for my own personal download. (and yours too) I was originally drawn to the headline and the texture and colors of the backgrounds, but the photography, overall, has me completely captivated.

Photography by Julia Fullerton-Batten. http://www.juliafullerton-batten.com

Good enough to shoot.

2009-01-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

When some people might say, "That looks delicious", I say, "That looks good enough to shoot." I guess I am more interested in the way it looks. (No surprise that I am not a great cook.) My son said to me the other day, why are you always taking pictures of food? I don't know why, but when the ingredients are assembled, I start art directing the plate or serving dish, and sometimes, yes, I take a picture, which I may refer to for any number of reasons. But I do wish I could have a stylist and photographer on hand for these occasions, because right now it is bugging me that those berries are looking so dark.

By the way, this bowl of oatmeal ended up being delicious. ; )

I am nothing if not hopeful.

2009-01-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

I can't help it, I am an optimist, the glass is always half full. But I have bad days, too, and reminders like this make me smile. Because if a printed quote pinned on my wall says it's going to be OK, then it must be true.

This was copied from a magnet made by quotable cards, inc.® www.quotablecards.com

A New Year's Resolution

2009-01-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

Unexpected gifts are the best kind.

2008-12-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

No special occasion, no particular reason, those are the gifts that I love best, like this beautiful journal/sketchbook a friend of mine surprised me with, "just because..."

Joy to the World

2008-12-26T18:16:00.000-05:00

Let's all have a great 2009!

If you would like to receive a snail mail or email holiday greeting from Open Book next year, please email me your address.

It's all starting to blur together.

2008-12-16T01:23:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would take a break from the holiday madness and post a small piece of "pretty".

Move over Red Bull.

2008-12-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

Nutricosmetics. The next new niche. I was reading about this in Fast Company, a great source for trend-following. I am always interested in new product categories that spring up, new ways to package old ideas. I love the marketing of this "ingestible", Glowelle from Nestle. Will the 40+-somethings (I know a few...) that love to be sold on youth elixirs buy into this? I don't know, but I will be keeping an eye on it.

(cool website, too)
http://www.glowelle.com

It's really very simple.

2008-11-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

I don't like stress. It stresses me out. Especially work stress, I always meet the deadline, so what am I worried about? Hence, my latest mantra. Do. Do the work, get started, don't procrastinate, don't think about how much you have to do. Enjoy. Enjoy it while you are doing it, isn't that why you do creative work, because you love it? Believe. That it will get done, that all will be well. So simple.

Kids make the coolest stuff

2008-11-25T10:21:00.000-05:00

Some collected leaves from the yard and a few art supplies...I love what kids come up with.

these were MADE for me...

2008-11-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

I can never have enough post-its in my life. (And these just happen to match my business stationary.) Go. See. Do. Enjoy. ; )

Made by Compendium - http://www.live-inspired.com

Watch your step.

2008-11-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

I sit in a lot of lobbies waiting to meet with clients. I had a little time to really soak into this particular space. The texture and color of the finished concrete floor makes me want to break out the oil paints and canvas and start something new.

there's something about a leaf

2008-11-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

I picked up a handful on my walk today. Too bad they don't last more than a day.

Inspired by jewelry

2008-10-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

I fell in love with this ring, which has some of my favorite colors...the palette I created uses a less "orangey-orange", which works better for use in printed materials.

yes.

2008-10-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

Glass blocks make cool shapes

2008-10-15T23:36:00.000-04:00