Practice peace. Practice patience. Practice generosity...

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.

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Anyway, at the rate that computers become outdated, this snippet will probably outlast my laptop.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

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...

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.

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:

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.

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. ; )