The new year brings out new Everyday designs (Birthday, Baby, Wedding, etc.) This is our new general Birthday tableware design. My favorite part of the design process is solving the problem, or 'concepting.' I think I approach all of our projects this way because I was a Graphic Designer first. Graphic Design is all about solving visual problems. In the social expression industry, the 'problems' are usually the same. How do you say Birthday in a new way? What hasn't been done? Nothing. Still, I try to come at the subject with a slightly new twist. The best feeling is that moment, that instant, when a solution flashes in your mind. It feels especially wonderful if you've been wracking your brain over it, in the shower, in your sleep, and even when you don't realize it. That single moment is my favorite part of the creative process. With 'Birthday Notes' we thought about the birthday song, the one we all sing at every birthday. It's something very common, so we had to try and find an uncommon solution. We hope it appeals to you, and makes you hum the notes when you see it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Birthday Notes
The new year brings out new Everyday designs (Birthday, Baby, Wedding, etc.) This is our new general Birthday tableware design. My favorite part of the design process is solving the problem, or 'concepting.' I think I approach all of our projects this way because I was a Graphic Designer first. Graphic Design is all about solving visual problems. In the social expression industry, the 'problems' are usually the same. How do you say Birthday in a new way? What hasn't been done? Nothing. Still, I try to come at the subject with a slightly new twist. The best feeling is that moment, that instant, when a solution flashes in your mind. It feels especially wonderful if you've been wracking your brain over it, in the shower, in your sleep, and even when you don't realize it. That single moment is my favorite part of the creative process. With 'Birthday Notes' we thought about the birthday song, the one we all sing at every birthday. It's something very common, so we had to try and find an uncommon solution. We hope it appeals to you, and makes you hum the notes when you see it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Classic Beef Stew
It's cold in NY. We woke up to a coating of snow, and frigid temperatures. All of this cold makes me think about soups and stew. I am still a beginner cook. I've been at it for awhile now, but still a beginner. I like taking on new recipes though. I finally got over my fear of boiling chicken, and conquered chicken noodle soup. I've made it twice, and the second time was better, so progress. This week I took on classic beef stew. With the help of Mark Bittman (my cooking hero) it was super easy. My cooking bible is Bittman's How to Cook Everything. Just like Bittman himself, it's straight forward step by step instructions for the every day cook.
He says it best "Striving for brilliance in everyday cooking is a recipe for frustration. Rather, everyday cooking is about preparing good, wholesome, tasty, varied meals for the ones you love. This is a simple, satisfying pleasure. Your results need not be perfect to give you this gift, to which all humans are entitled." As I read that over again, I think it also pertains to everyday art. Not striving for brilliance, and just having fun mixing things together, simply because it's good for you. I think there are a lot of hidden lessons in cooking.
He says it best "Striving for brilliance in everyday cooking is a recipe for frustration. Rather, everyday cooking is about preparing good, wholesome, tasty, varied meals for the ones you love. This is a simple, satisfying pleasure. Your results need not be perfect to give you this gift, to which all humans are entitled." As I read that over again, I think it also pertains to everyday art. Not striving for brilliance, and just having fun mixing things together, simply because it's good for you. I think there are a lot of hidden lessons in cooking.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Crazy Critters
Sometimes a design might not find the right home right away. I initially created what I endearingly call our Crazy Critters design for our studio holiday card in 2005. The characters were so fun to create, and I thought they would definitely bring a smile. 
Everyone enjoyed them, and I blew out the design to include the entire alphabet A-Z. I showed the design on a few different products (bags, tableware) and placed it in the portfolio. For the next 4 years, everyone laughed, smiled and awwed at the design. The loved it, but were not sure. Could they really place it? Finally, this past year, the great people at Design Design Inc decided that they needed to give the Crazy Critters a home. I think it was a perfect match, and I knew they would be in good hands. 
The samples just came in, and they look wonderful. Sometimes a design just takes awhile to find the right home. I believed those Crazy Critters would make it out of the portfolio one day, and soon they'll be running amock in a store near you.
Everyone enjoyed them, and I blew out the design to include the entire alphabet A-Z. I showed the design on a few different products (bags, tableware) and placed it in the portfolio. For the next 4 years, everyone laughed, smiled and awwed at the design. The loved it, but were not sure. Could they really place it? Finally, this past year, the great people at Design Design Inc decided that they needed to give the Crazy Critters a home. I think it was a perfect match, and I knew they would be in good hands. 
The samples just came in, and they look wonderful. Sometimes a design just takes awhile to find the right home. I believed those Crazy Critters would make it out of the portfolio one day, and soon they'll be running amock in a store near you.
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Wishing Tree
One year, while in Spain over the holidays, we came upon this wishing tree. It wasn't in the center of town, but in a small courtyard, a treasure for those who stumbled upon it. I loved the way it looked when we walked up to it. I loved it even more when we realized what it was. At its base were little cards and pencils, and you were supposed to write your wish for the New Year and hang it in the tree's branches. When the wind blew through, it would hopefully carry those wishes into the New Year. I was in love with all of it. Just this year I realized what a beautiful tradition this could be. On New Year's Day we hung our own wishes on Henry's branches (our Christmas tree). When Henry goes over to the Mulchfest on Saturday, our wishes will be transfered to our Wish Box (we really are a wishful family.) And a new tradition is born...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Take Flight
The theme for this year's calendar is birds, and the idea of 'taking flight'. Sometimes we sit on the branch of life too long, waiting for that perfect moment, that perfect wind that will make our first flight easy and grand. First flights are never perfect. I remember seeing a video once of a momma bird pushing her reluctant chick off the branch. It was so scary, because the young chick had to take a few hard falls. But with each trip off the branch, the chick was learning, wider wingspan catches more air. So eventually, with enough flapping, he was finally flying. The wind swept under his wings, and he naturally did what he was made to do. If he never stepped off the branch, he would not have survived. I think this is a good theme for a new year. What are you waiting on the branch of life for? The young chick showed willingness to grow, despite discomfort, to ask more of himself, despite fear, to ask 'why not' instead of 'why'. The moment, as always, is now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)