Art of Logo Design

I recently subscribed to OFF BOOK by PBS. It is a great station to check into science, technology, art, and design. Today's clip was very satisfying. Enjoy!

Blank Page

I love looking at a blank page—knowing its potential and the fresh start that it provides every time I pull out a new sheet. I am known for having a piles of "used" paper cluttering my desktop. I tend to keep paper around until I have used both sides of the paper to its fullest potential.

Whether it is a sketch, painting, doodle, or just a lengthy list; the process of filling a blank page is cathartic and stimulates my brain. I can more quickly see a solution and new ideas in the few minutes it takes me to fill a page, and that is refreshing.

So FILL a page today.

Turn It Around

I was at a wedding this weekend for a dear friend met with former classmates and there are always the typical questions: What have you been up to, where do you work, and the dreaded are you working on any interesting projects. This maybe is not a dreaded conversation for most people, but it is for me. One of the biggest jokes in this life with be having to making small talk with a socially awkward person, and to have to answer difficult questions. My husband constantly reminds me that I should be working on interesting side projects. I know I should.

Work for friends or make up a project on my own like back in school. It is difficult to take the time to continue working after hours, but I have recently taken a vacation from work. There has been no design work for 5 days and that maybe just what I needed. Taking a break has created the space I needed to make my life more about what I want rather than being incredibly busy. I am looking forward to creating some work I enjoy and can be proud of.

New Blogs to Love

I have come across some new blogs that I have enjoyed:

1) The Great Discontent: A blog about contemporary designers and artists. Truly inspiration to read interviews of other designers in the field and what drives them to create.

"Make more. Make as much as possible"
"Don't compare yourself; you're on your own path"

These are just some of the sweet inspiration from the "Team Parris" interview. There are lots of treasures to inspire throughout the site. (and have you noticed that large image based sites are popping up everywhere, that is how you know internet speeds have just gotten so good they can handle the large data)

2) Revival of a Boring House: this blog is written by a former classmate and his wife. I love their little tips for creating a house to a home. It is great to get inspired from others who are trying to livening up a boring home, just like me.

3. What Katie Ate: Not a brand new blog, but I have just found it. Her beautiful photography is one of favorite blogs to go through my RSS feed. Talk about food porn.

Have you been reading anything interesting lately?

Weekend Redo

This weekend I finally accomplished something I have had on my to-do list for awhile. This was my great grandmother's bed-set that she had given to me when she had given to me after she passed away. It was with me most of my childhood, and it has seen better days. (If you look closely you can see all the sticker residue.) My grandmothers was one of those who would one an item re-purposed than traded or hidden away. If it functions for you and makes you happy, that is all that she would want.

Total Make-over: $33
Spray Paint (2-cans): $6
Lace (1.5 ft): $5
Contact Paper: $4
Glass Knobs (6 knobs): $18

 

Steps to a great new look for your dress: 

1. Clean Dresser (Alcohol works best)
2. Fill in any holes with wood filler
3. Sand (Start with 120 grit and work your way up to 220 // If this is a Formica dresser make sure surface is dull looking after you sand so that paint with adhere to the surface)
4. Wipe down the dust
5. Cut and adhere the lace (Use book paste or spray adhesive)
6. Then spray paint in a clean well-ventilated area. 
7. Let it dry over night. 
8. Add knobs. (These are hand cut glass, so you can save money by using knobs that aren't as pricey)

Done!