In a Waverly World...

Well, if I had my way I would live in a Waverly World. This campaign has been around for a while but each new ad always makes me chuckle. Every inch of the world should be so beautiful. Thanks, Waverly, for the inspiration.

Easter Eggs 2013

Happy Easter!

What inspires you?

What inspires me? Re-branding, typography and pattern design all in one ad is kind of hard for me to resist. This ad in Fast Company actually splits the magazine in half, turning the orientation upside down in either direction. (Well, you have to see it to know what I mean, but it is a cool media buy if you like that kind of stuff, which I do!) The advertiser: Lincoln Motor Company. (Hmm, sounds familiar, do I know them?)

Happy Valentine's Day

Pantone Color of the Year 2013: Emerald Green

    

I was not surprised to see this green as Pantone Color of the Year. I feel like versions of it have been appearing on my radar for a while now. I have been playing with different ways to use Emerald 2013. One of the things I love about this color is its versatility. It can be the hero of a palette or a great grounding color for some brighter companions. The blueish-green version, almost a teal, is where I see this color going in the next couple years. I was shopping in Target and just could not resist these towels. Brave of them to mix the yellow-green with the teal, but I think it works beautifully.

Twitter Art Exhibit

"Through art we can change the world" That is the mission of #twitterartexhibit. I contributed to this year's event along with hundreds of other artists from around the world! Requirements were to create 5 x 7 postcard size, original art, each to sell for $35. Proceeds to help young artists. It was kind of exciting, actually, to be a part of this, even though I could not attend the event in LA. But because this is a social media-driven fundraiser I was able to follow along online. I really would have loved to have purchased some of the art, as well. You can view this collection of fabulous artwork here on their FB page. And learn more about the organization at http://twitterartexhibit.org.

Merry Wishes!

I hope everyone is enjoying this Merry Season! Peace and happiness to you all. 

Stay inspired.

Flirting with Black & White

I love color! But that doesn't mean I can't be inspired to play with some black and white patterns. I recently did some backyard research using over 50 designs ranging from classy to sassy in various different palettes. Every design that was in a black and white "color" scheme got high marks. I know this trend has been around a while, but it is not going away.
I tried to design patterns that were more for the Free People customer but would also appeal to White House | Black Market shoppers.

the path to inspiration is lined with leaves

Walking on this beautiful fall day I was stopped short by the "found patterns" in these leaves. I immediately started imagining a textile design with hand-painted elements. I am seeing it in a palette of yellow-green leaves on a gray background, or maybe turquoise-blue. If I get to this project soon, I will post pieces/parts as they come to life...

Refreshing, irreverent & playful Jonathan Adler

Me having fun

close up of shower curtains

 

 

One of the high points of my family visit to NYC was stumbling upon the Jonathan Adler store in SOHO. While the rest of the gang loitered out on the street, I wandered through the den of original design, chic decor, and pure playfulness that is Jonathan Adler. This guy does not take it all too seriously, which is what attracts me to his design. Even the sales help has a little fun. Chas let me set up a photo shoot on his wrapping table. And he even surprised me by gift wrapping one of the mugs I purchased even though he knew it was "from me to me". 

Always loved Jonathan's design, and after getting the full treatment of his brand ID, love him even more. It isn't brain surgery, so why not have some fun? My favorite line is "your 24-hour pot dealer".

Hip Hop Flip Flop Collection

 

So I have been submitting surface designs to various manufacturers. This collection was created specifically for Sandalista, makers of fine flip flops. They did give me some positive feedback but needed to see more before they would be interested in committing. So then I took a few of those designs (above) and submitted them to Tigerprint (a division of Hallmark Cards) for a gift wrap product competition. Again, I heard thanks— but no thanks! I have to say I really do not mind rejection. Well, I know it's only been a few times, so far, but I am just getting my feet wet in this industry. And the more I move forward the more I learn. So every time someone says no, I see an opportunity to take a look at what they DID like and what rises to the top. I know I have a lot to learn, but I am OK with that. That is the fun part for me. See the entire collection in the studio here.

Window Shopping: Trina Turk

Banana Republic's window really caught my eye, featuring the Trina Turk Collection. Lovely, luscious color and free-spirited patterns.