Linzie Hunter

Great typographic postcards, the brainchild of the very clever Linzie Hunter. Check out her website for more inspiring illustrations, maps and ornamental type.

Carambatack Illustrations

There's something really great about using something which has already been created, to being made into something new. Have a look at these lovely illustrations available at etsy by Carambatack.

Let me be your cheerleader

I'm not having an identity crisis as a designer. I'm just trying to work out why on earth I do what I do, and what really is my purpose… when all is said and deep-etched. I've just returned from my (what seems to be becoming a yearly) pilgrimage to New York, and I've had a few thoughts regarding the "why".

Sometimes I feel like I'm a cheerleader. I don't mean that I see myself in a very small lycra costume, wiggling my bootie and flashing my sparkly white teeth for an otherwise supposedly disengaged crowd of spectators. No. What I mean is, I feel like my role as a designer is to glorify everyone ELSE. I'm there to shine a light, bring attention to, best present and generally do all I can to ensure that they/you look as good as you can, and perform as well as you're able.

We don't assume to be the main event. A good wine isn't made famous by the way the typeface is used on the label but by the taste of the grapes. A gallery or museum is not about the catalogue, it's there to give us art. People generally don't flock to the theatre or a sporting event to read the program, they want to be entertained. And as much as I'd like to think otherwise, I know that albums are purchased for their music and not for their cover art. The popularity of iTunes is proof enough of that.

I get it, it's ok… it's not about me. I know. But hear this, dear client: I'm gonna jump, shout, chant and cheer for you as best I can, just because I want you to win. And if I get a little attention along the way (God knows I'll try) – I guess that's just a bonus.

Brooklyn Brownstones

Ahhh, Brooklyn. Take me in. It's all too easy to whip out the digital camera to try to capture the charming streets of Park Slope. A few days ago I hopped aboard the F train with sketchbook, pen, coffee and bagel in-hand, and parked myself opposite a row of these quintessential Brooklyn abodes for about 2 hours. Not sure what will become of my wiggly little illustration, but thought I'd start by uploading it here.

mingmakescupcakes

The most amazing looking cupcakes! Simple, clean layouts and easy looking recipes. Now I just have to decide which one to make first...

mingmakescupcakes

Brooklyn Brewery Packaging

The most interesting thing I learned on my tour of the Brooklyn Brewery recently was that in the 1970's, designers were charging upwards of US $40,000 for a logo. The Brooklyn Brewery logo was designed by the same guy (Milton Glaser) who did the iconic "I heart NY" logo, for which he won a "National Medal of Arts" award, presented by the US President. But let's get back to the number there. $40,000?! Do studios still charge that? Are they getting more (they should be, with inflation, right?)? Apparently Glaser refused the $20,000 offered to him by the young Brooklyn entrepreneurs at the time, and asked for shares instead... nice move I reckon. Maybe we should be doing that. Or just giving a little more thought about the value of our practice.

New York embraces the flying rat

Taking a wander through Brooklyn today and I spotted yet another ode to this city's dirty bird. Experimental folk artists Maps & Atlases poster for upcoming shows here (2) is a woodblock-printed design and oh so Brooklyn. Made me think of a few other pigeon references I've seen around, and thought I'd share these. 1: Bag available in many colours by Paul Farrell 3: Tshirt by Chinchilla Entertainment 4. The perfect Brooklyn Souvenier by Alyssa Zygmunt 5. Pigeon light. I saw a Tshirt at Cog & Pearl in Park Slope the other day with an embroidered pigeon – with a wooden leg and an eye patch. Can't find the link but I think that one has been my favourite.

Travel with Words, Meet the World

Pictures from a word... is exactly what happens when we're reading.

Amazing how the simplest of scaling, rotation and positioning of letters create easily recognisable icons of a city.
These clever advertisements were designed by IESP, Brazil for Penguin Books.

Treasures in North 6th, Williamsburg

Last time I stayed in New York I was in East Village, noisy and alive and to be honest, a little smelly. This time I'm in the hipster neighbourhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn... where inspiration is to be found on every corner, and on each street in between. Yesterday I took a wander down North 6th, where there are a few designer stores set amidst charming cafes and rowdy bars. I saw the above limited edition one colour neon subway map poster by Triboro Design (www.triborodesign.com) at store The Future Perfect (www.thefutureperfect.com). Also enjoyed visiting Merch, who have a great website too at www.aandgmerch.com. Just wish I could bring all these beautiful things back home with me!

Pictures on postcards

Not sure if the link between these two finds is all that obvious, but in the last 24 hours I've stumbled upon two examples of vintage imagery which really caught my attention. Top is one of the spreads from the brand new Arcade Fire album, and above is a postcard I picked up from a bar downtown Brooklyn. I really like the 3D font too. I can't tell how these images would have been printed – I'm guessing some kind of silk screen or hand colouring. Have a look at The Lodge website too: www.lodgenyc.com

Pretty sky at a beach in New York

Coney Island is a peculiar place. I'm back in New York City for a couple of weeks (lucky me!) and took this picture along with a few others using my Holga. I'll be sure to check in with anything new and inspirational that comes my way.