Old and Rich.

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?

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

Restraint.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Unexpected gifts are the best kind.

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

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.

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

Move over Red Bull.

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