Category: Art and Design

The problem with being a Graphic Designer…

Do you know the show Extreme Couponing? Well, if not, we’ve all been guilty of doing just the same, buying something because of the great deal. But, you know, times are tough, no shame. I however, have a different problem. I buy things just because I like the packaging. Does it have a trusted brand name? Probably not. Does it look super awesome? ALWAYS. It is always nice to buy a product on the basis of the design and then discover that the product itself is pretty sweet too. Today I am referring to my recent purchase of J.R. Watkins Dish Soap in Lemon that I found at Target. No animal bi-products or colors and fillers. Woohoo! I will be indulging in J.R. Watkins home products for the foreseeable future.

From the Studio

It’s been a while! I am now getting my master’s in Graphic Design and a lot busier with school. Here is one of the recent projects I completed for a typography class.

To Infinity, And Beyond: The New York International Gift Fair

This weekend I am headed to the New York International Gift Fair with my favorite Aunt : ) I am currently charging the Sony Bloggie so I will have plenty of battery to document this crazy, large event. The NYIGF is hosted at the Javitz Center near Penn Station which is a supiciously INFINITE void of time and space, like those giant mega malls in the suburbs I can never seem to find my way out of. Vendors come from all over to display their newest wares for industry buyers. The misnomer, “Gift”, covers everything from home accessories to stationery.

See Below: Pretty Crazy Stuff. Can’t even tell one booth from the next.

One of my personal favorite blogs, Apartment Therapy, documents their experience at the fair every year. Since I am a newbie and don’t have any insider scoop I would like to credit AT for these sneak-peek photos below. Hope I see things this gorgeous in my attendance.

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Charming Vintage Finds

Photo Credit In Dramatic Fashion

This weekend I was lucky enough to have my mom come visit me in New York. Albeit she slept on my futon and had to share my bathroom where you cannot even sit front-ways on the toilet, it was a great time.

We set out on Saturday in search of a few haunts to fill our thrifting quotient for the weekend.

The first was Pippin Vintage Jewelry, recommended to me by my co-worker at the gallery. Pippin is a great find. The interior of the shop is always crowded but the merchandise is worth maneuvering the small aisle. Favorites included old cameos, bakelite chains, sterling and turquoise belt buckles, and the collection of white gloves.

Pippin is located at 112 W 17th St in Manhattan.

Other finds of the weekend were the Angel Street Thrift Shop and always wonderful Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market.

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Diane Keaton Goes Domestic

I am loving this new set of tableware designed by Diane Keaton, closet architecture and home enthusiast. It is a combination of graphic modernity and cozy home comfort. Read about Diane’s new line and its inspiration in the New York Times and pick up some of your own at Bed Bath & Beyond.

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Living the Language

I am always on the lookout for beautiful design. Today’s treat comes to us from EF, a group dedicated to organizing student travel worldwide. Their newest campaign Living the Language caught my eye. Check out these awesome short videos on London, Paris, Barcelona, and Beijing.
Voila! Click here for Un Link Magnifique

Photo Credit Education First

Photo Credit Education First

Photo Credit Education First

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The New(ish) North Carolina Museum of Art

If any of you have been up to Raleigh lately, let’s hope that you visited the newly renovated North Carolina Museum of Art, imagined by Tom Phifer and Partners, a green architecture firm out of Manhattan. I had a chance to listen to the Phifer’s (Tom and wife, Jean) at Davidson College in February. They are truly passionate about good design and green best practices.

So I have two favorite things about this new space.

1. The Rodin Courtyard: I mean, helllooo!, a courtyard of Rodin. And I thought we were lucky at Davidson to have our own Jean D’Aire in the atrium of the Visual Arts Center.

Photo Credit Scott Frances North Carolina Museum of Art

2. The amazing outdoor space. Take your lunch along for post-art strolling in the park behind the museum.

Photo Credit Heather Gillespie

So, if you are making a Raleigh trip be sure to check out the museum. You may find yourself like this little girl…

Photo Credit Tom Phifer and Partners

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