Designing Daily

Eirian Chapman (Illustrator and Designer)

2011-02-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

I find the most gorgeous things on yayeveryday.com, and today is no exception. Lucky for me, it helped me discover Eirian Chapman's portfolio site. Her illustrations are absolutely lovely, and there is an effortless sense of whimsy that radiates from them. A little bit of awesome always brightens my day.

Into the Wild: The Longing for a Transcendent Experience

2010-12-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Movie #2: Into the Wild

My interest in it:
Christopher McCandless took on the alias of Alexander Supertramp to leave behind a of formulated, static life of consumption. In an effort to reject all societal norms and live a spiritual life of solitude, he embraced the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska. McCandless, who died during this great adventure, has been described by some as a fearless hero and by others as an ignorant, stubborn kid.

As quoted by an Alaskan Park Ranger:
"When you consider McCandless from my perspective, you quickly see that what he did wasn't even particularly daring, just stupid, tragic, and inconsiderate."

I can't help but be enchanted by his utopian vision of life in the raw environment of Alaska. What do our worldly goods do for us, ultimately? Finding myself in the solitary confinement of the woods often makes me realize my worth again. I rediscover why I live each day. A sense of enlightenment rushes through me, as if I have never truly been alive before.

There is something true, something turbulent and reckless about the risk that McCandless took. He made the ultimate sacrifice of struggling for survival and trusting his instincts in a world beyond that of manipulation and competition.

Towards the end of his journey, McCandless ripped out a meaningful piece of literature from the memoir Education of a Wandering Man. On that page was an excerpt from a poem, "Wise Men in Their Bad Hours" by Robinson Jeffers.

It reads:
Death's a fierce meadowlark: but to die having made
Something more equal to centuries
Than muscle and bone, is mostly to shed weakness.
The mountains are dead stone, the people
Admire or hate their stature, their insolent quietness,
The mountains are not softened or troubled
And a few dead men's thoughts have the same temper.

This raw, unwavering outlook on life is something I yearn for sometimes. Why can we not see the simple fascinations that surround us? Do we tear our spirits apart in preparation for a futile existence?

I leave you with a quote from McCandless, words of a man longing for a tangible transcendent experience.

"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and convervatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."
–Alexander Supertramp

A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-11-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

In times of epic boredom, I find myself watching, reading, searching, listening, living, and loving so many things. I believe in the power of excess inspiration. It is my true pleasure to drag you along on my quest for awesome-ness, and I'm starting with movies and continuing with music, books, articles, art, etc. I invite (and strongly urge) you to join me and share your discoveries via the comments option. What am I waiting for? Get excited...

Movie Clip #1:
Across the Universe, "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"
Click here to view

Description:
This movie/musical's artistic grandness and witty humor are in (a positive) competition with the intense musical scenes. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" delivers a gritty, intoxicating political history lesson by personifying American allegorical figures and by incorporating visual chaos. This is repetition in its finest form, folks.

Kick-Ass Lines:
"I'm a cross-dressing, homosexual pacifist with a spot on my lung."
Response to above: "As long as you don't have flat feet."

"Learn French or die!"

Where I've Been

2010-11-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I haven't blogged for quite some time* now. My life has been drastically changing for the better, and I've been practicing my renewed joy for life and all things creative. Where have I been?

Since my last blog post, I have:
1. Gotten a new (amazing) job working at an art museum.

2. Flown on an airplane for the first time in my entire life.

3. Visited my friend Jessi (@ The Design Slice) in Chicago.

4. Done a ton of vintage/thrift shopping. Yay for $6 dresses!

5. Gone to 3 apple orchards, 1 in Iowa (for my brother's 21st birthday) and 2 in Minnesota.

6. Discovered my love for music again.

7. Gotten in my first car accident.

8. Made new friends.

9. Watched 7 seasons of The X-Files.

10. Eaten at several delicious Mpls restaurants.

11. Realized I'd like to dabble in fine art and collaging in my free time.

12. Watched as a co-worker made her dream of opening a restaurant come true.

13. Watched Don pursue school (again) while working 1 full-time job and 2 part-time jobs.

14. Decided (for sure) to get a tattoo in memory of my dad.

15. Revisited the idea of taking guitar lessons and learning left-handed so I can use my dad's guitar.

16. Become conscious of how my lack of exercise will affect my body long-term.

17. Tried to reduce my $5 coffee intake by grinding my own beans and taking coffee to work.

18. Truly started to feel like Minneapolis is my home now.

19. Felt happier than I have in a very long time.

20. Eaten a ton of soup.

I've also been pondering the future of my blog and the direction I'd like it to take. Now that my life is more stable and I have time for creative ventures, I'd like to share them with you. After what has seemed like a brutal 2 years, I'm eager and ready to explore again.

* = Yeah, I know. Sorry.

MOBA (The Museum of Bad Art)

2010-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

In my lifetime, I don't know how many times people have explained their lack of creativity to me. My response never wavers. I believe that every person is creative and original, and with proper training can create beautiful work. But what is beautiful, really? Who decides what is aesthetically pleasing and what is not?

Recently I came across the website for MOBA, the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts. According to their site, it is "dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms and in all its glory." If you don't have the energy to hop on over to Massachusetts, the collection is online and in book form. Plus, they send out newsletters to interested parties.

It's strange how compelling this "bad art" truly is. Each piece was made with a specific intention, a hidden meaning and an artist's hand. I'm not sure I believe in the criticism of such a subjective medium to this degree, but that's the fun of it, right? During college I learned the benefit of critiques, but at some point you have to listen to your inner voice when creating a meaningful piece.

What do you think?

This Made My Day

2010-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'd like to send a special thank you out to Jessi Scurte of The Design Slice for sending me this cute and super hilarious short video by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp. Introducing...Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.

NapaStyle Registry

2010-08-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a catalog that stood out from the rest of my daily junk mail. It was sent to me by NapaStyle, a company that offers furniture, glassware and home goods. I have an eclectic taste in design, and I love combining contemporary lines with vintage and rustic pieces. As I was flipping through the catalog, I fell in love with several pieces. I thought I would share them with you below. Enjoy, but be careful! You may be tempted to spend your entire savings account.

The Runway is Back!

2010-07-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Project Runway is gearing up for its 8th season, and I can't wait to tune in next Thursday (July 29th) for the season premiere. I like making predictions, so I cyber-jogged over to Lifetime's Project Runway Site to view the contestants' portfolios. My favorites include Gretchen, Valerie and Ivy. Below are some of my favorite portfolio sightings.

Note: All photos below are from Lifetime's website.

Designing Daily: Featured on Chimes Blog

2010-07-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

I love waking up on a Wednesday to see that my blog has been featured! Fellow blogger Calee Himes (a.k.a. Chimes) was generous enough to feature Designing Daily on her always creatively satisfying site.

You may remember reading about her in an earlier post I made in June. Calee is a do-it-all, innovative craftster. Want proof? Her etsy store never fails to impress with its painted vintage pieces and quilted beauties. Seriously, I've been ogling the "Butterflies in Wonderland Quilt" since she first listed it. Check it out below.

Hurray for designers supporting each other and showing a little love! Happy Wednesday!

Urban Experience Community Art Project

2010-07-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

The other day, the Uptown Association (Uptown is a neighborhood in Minneapolis for those who aren't aware) posted a description for the Urban Experience Community Art Project. The deadline is quickly approaching on July 16th, but it's a great way to unleash your creative skills on the world, or at least on Minnesota.

Below is the description from the Uptown Association's Facebook page.

"Each individual has their own interpretation of what an 'urban experience' is and it is this assortment of ideas that brings character and vitality to the Uptown community. With the theme of this year's art fair being 'Urban Experiences,' we would like to invite you to participate in a community wide art project that will bring people and art together to display this diversity. The postcards collected from this project will be displayed during the Uptown Art Fair kickoff party, the Uptown Art Fair, and at Calhoun Square. Your vision of what an 'urban experience' is will be seen by all that come to experience Uptown. A winner will be selected in each of nine age divisions to receive a 2010 commemorative print. Directions: Take the back of this postcard and create your representation of what an 'urban experience' looks like. Fill out your contact information below and then stamp and mail the postcard when finished. Please postmark by July 16."

A separate post encourages you to "Contact stephanie@uptownminneapolis.com if you would like a postcard to decorate!"

A View of the Peace Garden

2010-07-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, my dad's camera has been following me on many of my recent excursions and adventures. On Tuesday Don and I had planned on visiting the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis to have a picnic and listen to music. We packed up our food (forgetting the fork for the fruit salad as well as something to drink) and made the short drive to the lake. Fortunately (and unfortunately) it was a beautiful day, and we therefore couldn't find a parking place within a reasonable walking distance.

I let my spontaneous spirit lead the way, and as soon as I saw the Peace Garden I told Don to stop. We first explored a walking trail in the forest that looked like a scene from a fairy tale. I could have spent an entire day hiking if time had allowed.

The Peace Garden came next with its stunning flowers, fountain and typical park atmosphere.

What really caught my attention was the sculpture with origami cranes draped over it. Along the walking path you can find paper as well as a description of the folding process to make your own crane. This is how the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board site explains it:

"The sculpture represents the international tradition honoring Sadako Saski, a girl who developed cancer as a result of radiation released by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Told of a Japanese legend that people who fold a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish, she folded over one thousand cranes before her death at age 12."

The story behind this sculpture really inspired me, and its use of color stood out even among the thousands of flowers. Allowing the viewer to actively participate in the origami as Sadako did helps us feel like we are part of the story and its ultimate sadness. It was emotionally powerful.

On our way home the sun was beginning to set, so we camped out on the beach and watched the sailboats and ducks. We were even able to hear the end of the concert we missed at the bandshell.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in the world's noise. When I feel stifled creatively, separating myself from my everyday routine is a breath of fresh air. Sometimes it seems counterproductive to step away from the never ending lists of things to do, but it is exhilarating and makes the daunting tasks seem easier.

Below are a few of the photos I took that night.

The Self-Portrait (A Tribute)

2010-06-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

I've always had a profound love for photography, but it has intensified since my dad's death last June. He carried his camera with him everywhere, and had couldn't have found less opportune moments to capture his photos. You're eating? Great, let me snap one. Needless to say, there are hundreds of awful full-mouthed photos of me floating around. There are also hundreds of beautiful, touching moments that he discovered with that camera. I remember getting irritated with him once for having the camera out at what seemed like an inappropriate time. He fought back, stating that I would now forever treasure the little memories I would have otherwise forgotten.

When looking at our family pictures, I always notice the random self-portraits he took by holding his arm out and pressing the button blindly. This was his way of proving his existence to the camera. Dad was the photographer, and therefore was rarely featured in the pictures. I may not be able to see his face in most of the images, but those photos are taken from his vantage point. He pulled out the camera during the moments he felt held a certain importance. To me, that is so much more meaningful than having him on the other side of the camera.

This past weekend I was in Iowa to visit family and honor my dad, as tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of his death. I felt it necessary to to pull out his beloved camera for the occasion. No act makes me feel closer to him than when I'm holding his camera, framing out my composition. Above you will see my self-portrait, my blind attempt to show the face behind the images.

Here's to you, Dad. Thank you for pulling out the crayons with me when I was little and letting me color outside of the lines. Thank you for drawing goofy cartoons and teaching me that creativity has no limits. Most of all, thank you for allowing my brother and me to see the world in a way that is truly our own.

I cherish my unique vision of the world.

My Facebook Page: Verde Utopia Design Studio

2010-06-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

The other day I created a Facebook page for my freelance design services. Will you help me spread the word? Only a small portion of my portfolio is currently online, so check back regularly for updates.

More? Oh, yes.

2010-06-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Photo above from: Turtle Soup Blog

I promised to share a list of sites that weren't included on my 10 Mind-Blowing Sites list. Below is my first installment. These particular blogs belong to three of my crazy-talented college classmates.

Listing fun new finds (3 at a time) will probably become a regular feature on my blog, so watch for my new discoveries.

In no particular order...(drumroll)

Chimes Blog
Graphic designer and craftster Calee Himes shares her innovative crafts, recipes and hilarious life adventures as well as her daily mugshot.

Turtle Soup Blog
Stephanie's profile describes her as a "Designer. Crafter. Paper lover. Expert in the domestic arts." Her blog tracks the culinary fun, sewing, party planning and designing that is a part of her daily life.

Design O' Blog
Niki Brown provides easy-to-follow print and web design tutorials and adds a (large) pinch of inspiration and humor on her site.

Day Ten: Etsy.com's Blog

2010-06-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Website: Etsy.com's Blog

Where to go: CLICK HERE for home page, CLICK HERE for blog

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
I know what some of you are thinking. Let me defend myself. Yes, I realize that Etsy is a well-known daily shopping stop for many. Because of my long-time love affair with Etsy, I'm always shocked by the blank stares I get when I mention it. According to Etsy's site, their mission "is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: buy, sell, and live handmade." In other words, creative people from across the globe create stellar goodies for the fortunate buyers.

It is easy and free to become a seller, and Etsy only takes a small portion of your profits. As a buyer, this site is a gold mine of jewelry, photography, stationery, clothing, pottery, etc. There are also great options that help you shop locally, or according to color preference. Many sellers will create custom items at your request. If you see something you like, keep in mind that many items are unique and aren't created in bulk.

If you love Etsy but you don't follow the blog, you should. Not only does it showcase great design, but it provides a "how-to" section, lists events, and encourages contest participation on their news page.

Click on the "Craftivism" portion of the blog and discover how you can use your passion to become an activist. Many Etsy sellers are doing their part to help clean the gulf. Another featured article discusses the Combat Paper Project, which helps soldiers reclaim their stories and express their experiences through art.

Look for a post in the near future that lists my favorite Etsy sellers.

#10...

2010-06-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here contemplating what site #10 (the final one on my list) should be. There are so many amazing and inspiring ones to choose from, and I failed to make a master list before I started the countdown. I might have to sleep on this. Look for #10 tomorrow!

I'd like to do a follow-up post with honorable mention sites. If I have missed some amazing ones (which I obviously have since I can only feature 10) let me know and I'll add them to the extensive and possibly endless list.

Day Nine: Hylton Warburton's Photostream on Flickr.com

2010-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Website: Hylton Warburton's Photostream on Flickr.com

Where to go: CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
It was my lucky day when I came across Hylton's photostream on accident. According to his profile, he is a graphic designer, illustrator and art director from South Africa. His portfolio primarily consists of quirky, colorful and brave illustration work. There is a certain in-your-face surrealist/children's book/Tim Burton quality to his style that I find intriguing and fun.

If you don't frequent Flickr for inspiration, I strongly advise that you do. It is your gateway to designers around the world, and they are creative visionaries (and voices) just waiting to be heard.

Day Eight: The Design Slice Blog

2010-06-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Website: The Design Slice Blog

Where to go: CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
The Design Slice is a blog written by Jessi Scurte, a fellow graphic designer, Iowa State grad, interior design aficionado, gardener and creative observer. Jessi has fantastic tips for thrifty shoppers, provides helpful household suggestions and showcases current trends in fashion and design. Jessi and I have been friends for years now, and she has posted about our Twin Cities exploration and our recent trip to the Minneapolis Farmers Market on her site. Her blogging style is fun and laid-back yet inspirational and perceptive. I suggest you check this site out, but be warned that you might decide to forgo dinner to read her previous posts. I wouldn't want you to go hungry, after all. :)

Day Seven: Design Sponge (City Guides)

2010-06-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Website: Design Sponge (City Guides)

Where to go: CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
This site may be familiar to many of you designers out there, but I think it's essential for me to include it on the list. For those of you who are have no idea what this site is, you have been missing out.

Design Sponge offers a wide variety of resources, including trend listings, product guides, recipes, etc. While these features are intriguing, the city guides are the reason I'm including this site on my list. Scroll down and find your hometown or your vacation destination on the list. Click on it and WAHOO! In your hands you will find...(insert suspenseful music here) a fantastic design guide that lists restaurants, trendy hangouts, museums and thrift stores that will fill your summer with spectacular activities. Don't forget to view the comments at the bottom of the page. Many readers have further suggestions and insight to share.

I'll Be Writing Again Tomorrow!

2010-06-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

I guess I didn't provide any advance warning that I would be neglecting my blog. My mom and brother are currently visiting from Iowa, so I've been giving them my full attention. Look for a new post tomorrow and every day following until I reach #10 on my list of mind-blowing sites!

Day Six: Spoonflower

2010-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Website: Spoonflower

Where to go:
CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
Do you enjoy sewing? Do you wish you could find a pillow with a very specific pattern or style? Are you creative, or do you know someone who is?

Spoonflower.com is a service that prints your custom design on fabric. It uses eco-friendly printing methods and offers $5 swatches so you can preview the finished product before spending $18 – $32 per yard. For you creative people out there, the site offers tons of themed weekly design contests. A 10% commission is awarded to the winners, as well as $100 in store credit. If you are a design enthusiast rather than a designer, check out the treasure chest of beautiful designs offered on their online store.

Day Five: PostSecret

2010-06-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Website:
PostSecret

Where to go:
CLICK HERE to view the secrets.
CLICK HERE to discover more about the project and to view upcoming events.

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
PostSecret is a revealing art project founded by Frank Warren. People were asked to anonymously mail in their deepest secrets on postcards. These secrets were then compiled into a book form.

According to the wikipedia entry for PostSecret:
"Frank Warren claims that the postcards are inspirational to those who read them, have healing powers for those who write them, give hope to people who identify with a stranger's secret, and create an anonymous community of acceptance."

Over the years I have connected emotionally with many of these secrets. Reading the content of these postcards makes me realize how complex the world around me is. The visuals (created by the sender) add another dimension to the messages being shared. In a world increasingly consumed by social networking and technology, this is another way to communicate in a passive yet therapeutic way.

Several books have now been published, including The Secret Lives of Men and Women: A Postsecret Book and Confessions on Life, Death, and God. If you decide to flip through a PostSecret book, don't be surprised if you find a few postcards hidden in the pages. Rather than mail in their cards, some contributors prefer to share their secrets with the (lucky) local bookworms.

Day Four: Daily Drop Cap

2010-06-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Website:
Daily Drop Cap (by Jessica Hische)

Where to go:
CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
I'm beginning to think that designer Jessica Hische is the Martha Stewart of the design world. She creates a new initial cap every working day, and lucky for us, she posts these handcrafted masterpieces for bloggers across the world to use. Somewhere in her day she also finds time to blog, tweet, freelance, teach, run an online store and answer questions from her growing number of fans.

Jessica has a recognizable style, and her illustration and typography skills have gained her a great deal of attention in the design community. If you are craving inspiration on "one of those days," check out her portfolio, which she updates often to showcase her newest work.

Please note:
Jessica's drop caps have specific limitations, but printed copies can be purchased from her online store.

Day Three: Leanne Marshall/Petals & Waves

2010-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Website:
Petals & Waves (Leanne Marshall Blog)

Where to go:
CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
Project Runway has been a television obsession of mine for years now. Watching it helps fulfill my (somewhat unrealistic) dream of making my own clothing. Unfortunately for me, when the battle is me vs. a sewing machine, I don't stand a chance. Someday I'll win that war, but for now I'll settle for Bravo's reality tv.

Leanne Marshall was the winner of Project Runway's 5th season. Her garments are innovative and constructed impeccably. I admire the whimsical, yet wearable pieces and her fresh use of color. To get a feel for her aesthetic, I recommend checking out her Fall 2010 lookbook. If you are interested in purchasing one of her gorgeous dresses, check out her etsy shop here.

Image above is borrowed from Leanne's site.

Day Two: Summer of Dresses

2010-05-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Website:
Summer of Dresses Blog

Where to go:
CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
Unlike yesterday's site, this one is purely for fun and entertainment. This participation site encourages people to send in pictures of themselves in dresses. It promotes personal style and is a showcase for fashion and local trends. Want to contribute? Awesome. Just send in a picture of your lovely self in a dress. Click here for participation guidelines.

10 days, 10 mind-blowing sites

2010-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

I really think I should be honest with myself. I think I'm addicted to surfing the internet. Finding a fabulous new blog to follow is exciting for me. Another designer portfolio to view? Excellent. I'd love it if you'd join me. For the next 10 days I will be posting a new site that has dragged me in. Come over to the dark side – you know you want to.

Let's start today!

NUMERO UNO!

Website:
David Lynch Presents: The Interview Project

Where to go: CLICK HERE

Why I think it's mind-blowing:
I love David Lynch, primarily because Mulholland Drive still confuses the hell out of me. Do I like to be confused? Yes, sometimes. Lynch has a particular way of allowing you to interpret his works. It's almost as if you feel like a contributor to the art he has created.

The Interview Project aired a new episode every three days, but has finally come to a conclusion. Every episode consists of a brief interview that reveals a snippet of a common person's life. Traveling around the country, they aimed to hit nearly every state. So much emphasis is placed upon celebrity interviews that we lose sight of the stories our neighbors have to tell. Click on "route" on the homepage to view the interviews in your state.

The Diary Project

2010-05-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

I can't help but share the experience I had yesterday. My aunt Rose Ann visited me, bringing along photo albums that held photographs from her childhood. For years now she has been encouraging my grandma to document the story of her life. After recording several years worth of experiences, my grandma gave Rose Ann permission to summarize the writings from her diaries. I remember watching her write pensively in that red book when I was a child, sometimes writing two pages worth if she had been too tired to go through her routine the previous night. She would fill the entire page with information about the weather, the grain prices and the day's activities and adventures. Her cursive handwriting curled around the edge of the page when she inevitably ran out of space.

The finished draft is now in my hands to design. Yesterday we attempted to pick out photos that will serve as visual references to complement the written words. Photos capture something pure, something hypnotic. Looking through the gorgeous black and white prints yesterday was a captivating experience. It put me in a hypnotic state of mind, placing me in a time and place I never experienced. I thought I would share a few of the discovered treasures with you.

More than a sparkling vampire? Yes, I think so.

2010-05-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Image from imdb.com

I must make an embarrassing admission. Yes, I read the Twilight series. After watching the hilarious movies where awful acting and goofy graphics seemed to be the prominent themes, I decided I should give the books a try. The movie's plot was slightly intriguing, so some vampire reading should be harmless, right? To make a long story short, the books were very entertaining though slightly bothersome in their messages regarding love and sexism. I could go on forever, but that's not the purpose of this post.

Where am I going with this? Oh, right.

The other night I dragged an unwilling Don to see a late night showing of Remember Me at a dollar theatre. I had quickly come to the conclusion that the movie would be sappy, and that Robert Pattinson (from Twilight) would provide eye candy but wouldn't contribute much in the acting department.

I am here to say that I was COMPLETELY wrong about my preconceived judgments. This film was provocative, emotionally engaging and beautifully acted. The cast, including Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper had amazing chemistry. The themes of death, remorse and anger within a family unit were reminiscent of Garden State. I had been told before entering the movie that the end provided a twist, and it definitely did not disappoint. The movie went from being powerful to hitting home in a mere two minutes. If you want the full effect, don't read about it ahead of time. Knowing the twist will make you less emotionally vulnerable. While the critics were not impressed by this film, viewer reviews have been much more promising. Really, rent this one when it is released on DVD.

To see the theatrical trailer (which I warn you is misleading) click here.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-04-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, long, long ago...I wrote the last post on my blog. I have news for you. KEY DRUMROLL HERE. I'm back.

I'd like to premiere my re-blogging with a post about Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Over the last two years, I've had an intense interest in the food industry and the effect it has on our nation's health. I'm constantly learning about genetically modified crops, food labeling and large-scale food production. As you might have guessed, I jumped at the opportunity to watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on ABC.

In case you aren't familiar with the show, it documents chef Jamie Oliver and his attempt to bring healthier habits to Huntington, West Virginia. During the filming he attempted to establish a new school lunch program that serves fresh produce, while eliminating overly processed food. He visited families and opened a local kitchen to educate locals about healthy cooking habits.

To sign a petition supporting healthier food in schools, visit Jamie's site.

I would love to see what we could change in this country (and around the world) if we only tried. With a virtual world around us, it seems that getting people to collaborate and rally together should be easy. How can design help support and challenge the issues you are passionate about?

An easier way to have ketchup on your fries!

2010-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Original image and article can be found here.

For all of you who have struggled with ketchup packets in the car, the solution is finally here. The old design from the 1960's has been replaced with Heinz's new packet, which allows consumers to dip or squeeze. Not to mention it holds much more ketchup than before.

You all must understand that this is a "monumental" event in my life. I can't eat fries without ketchup...the greasy delicious-ness just isn't the same without it. I have struggled and squeezed ketchup onto napkins my entire life when I'm in the car. What about you? How do you dip?

If you love music

2010-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you love music and you haven't discovered Apple's lala.com yet, check it out. In essence it is a musical social networking site, but I thought that wikipedia (the most reliable source EVER, wink, wink) described it nicely.

The service allows trade-enabled members to legally create online shareable "playlists" (formerly known as "radio stations") of their own uploaded music which can play full length songs for other registered Lala members, purchase mp3s, stream music on a one-time basis or as inexpensively purchased "web songs," buy new CDs from the Lala store mail for $1 per trade plus 75¢ postage, leave blurbs on other members' pages, and participate in the community forums. New members can upload their own music, create playlists, purchase MP3s and web songs, buy new CDs at the Lala store, leave blurbs, and can change their personal account settings to activate trading privileges and also be able to trade CDs and use the community forums. -Wikipedia.org

If you would like to be my music friend, I go by the name Heidi M. and my e-mail address is heidi.miller.design@gmail.com! It doesn't take long to register, and you have the ability to listen to an entire album before purchasing anything. Since I just joined, I haven't bought anything yet, but you can look at what I've been sampling at the very least.

Pantone Shoes

2009-12-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

All design nerds: J Crew has Pantone shoes. Let's hope they come out with a larger variety of colors soon. Check it out.

Colorstrology

2009-12-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Today, with the help of Pantone and Michele Bernhardt, I found out what my birth color is. Below is my birth color and my personality traits as determined by the month and date I was born. Check yours out at Colorstrology.

My color: green-blue slate

Traits: complex, quickwitted and expressive

Perceptive and intellectually gifted, you can read people quite easily. You often know just what to say or do in order to give people what they want. You are expressive and funny and people like it when you entertain them. It is important for you to discover your own wants and needs. Being outdoors is one of the ways that you can relax and remember who you really are. Your personal color gives you the strength to move through the complexities of life. Wearing, mediating or surrounding yourself with the color green-blue slate reminds you to take care of yourself as you interact with others.

Real Simple Magazine Subscription for $5

2009-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would bring everyone's attention to the $5 magazine subscription promo on amazon.com! Thanks to Twitter and my friend Kelly's tweeting, I found out about this awesome deal. Through today only (Dec. 1) you can get any of 10 different 1-year subscriptions for five bucks. I ordered Real Simple for its great recipes and home ideas. Don gets Popular Science since he is constantly watching the Discovery Channel. Also included on the list are: Cosmo, Southern Living, Food and Wine, People StyleWatch, Popular Science, House Beautiful, Travel + Leisure, SmartMoney, and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Happy reading, everyone!

Since MTV Doesn't Play Music Anymore...

2009-11-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, I remember seeing music videos all the time on MTV and VH1. Now they are consumed with scripted reality TV shows and I have to dig to discover the newest ones. I thought this interactive video by Cold War Kids was unique. It allows you to click on each member of the band during the song to turn each instrument (or the vocals) off and on. I also found that the instruments on the page change. Once you see the instruments you want to see included, press play now. There are several sound possibilities. What a great way to engage the viewer in a unique music experience.

P.S. If the video loads quickly and doesn't wait for you to press the button, load the website again and it should change the instruments automatically for you.

Felt and Wire Shop

2009-11-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

Twitter is a beautiful thing. A letterpress firm I follow posted a link to Felt and Wire, a site I've never heard of. Maybe I am just behind on things. Like Etsy.com, it is a community of designers that create online stores to sell their merchandise. Felt and Wire is somewhat unique, seeing that it is dedicated to the art of paper goods. Brought to us by Mohawk Fine Papers, it is a hidden treasure of design bliss. Score! For quite some time now I have been working on designing my own cards, gift tags and other fun paper pieces. Eventually I will share those with you on here. This new discovery makes me that much more excited about the designs I've been working on.

Hooray for Being Productive!

2009-11-09T06:57:00.001-08:00

I have been spending most of my waking time working on my portfolio lately. I have a great feeling about this, and I expect to be back into the creative world by early 2010. For those of you who know me well, it's about time.

This morning, rather than sharing something design related, I'm going to provide you with a hilarious website that is simply just for fun. Feeling a little stressed? Try looking at these photos from People of Walmart. Enjoy!

Thanks to Jessi...

2009-11-03T07:34:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Jessi over at The Design Slice, our thrift store adventures have been documented. Check out her site for all the details.

My Bargain Buddy

2009-10-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

I was visiting The Design Slice blog the other day, and Jessi was talking about some of her fabulous vintage finds. While in college, the two of us would rummage through antiques and Goodwill stores in search of buried treasures. Her posts have inspired me to share a couple of my recent buys.

First of all, I found this original woodcut artwork (signed and everything) along with this lamp at a consignment store in Carroll, Iowa. I plan on painting the lamp and of course, adding a lampshade. I'll also be on the hunt for a bargain frame for my new piece of art!

During my stay in Iowa City, Iowa a few months ago, I visited another thrift store where I found this magazine holder. It now has a spot in my office, and is home to creative goodies I get in the mail and can't stand to recycle.

Jessi will be visiting me this weekend, and we have plans to do some serious bargain-hunting. Nothing pumps me up like a coffee in hand, exploring thrift stores!

Traveling, and therefore not updating my blog

2009-10-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy week. I zoomed down to Iowa and went to an apple orchard for my brother's birthday, found some beautiful thrift store treasures, returned to work for two days, then spent 1.5 days by Lake Superior. Not to mention I attended my friend Jessie's wedding earlier this month. I have lots of fun things to talk about, but evidently no time to type. Be watching for updates! :)

Easy Artwork

2009-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have problems. I have problems finding artwork for my apartment that I REALLY like. Either the pieces in stores aren't my style, or they aren't the right color or size for my space. It can be frustrating, right? I am on a mission to create artwork myself, or at least do it in a thrifty way. I was excited to come across Canvas on Demand today, an internet company that prints your photos on a piece of canvas for an affordable price. What a great way to get large scale artwork using stock photos, your own photos, or mixed media pieces!

Wall Tattoo

2009-10-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to re-decorate my apartment for a while now, but I just need to implement the design vision I have in my head. It was exciting to find this Benjamin Moore wall tattoo in a magazine the other day, since I had imagined using a similar concept for an area of my living room walls. Hopefully the company will release other design options in the future. What a fantastic way to introduce beautiful design into the homes of those who are intimidated by DIY stenciling.

Strawberry Swing Video

2009-09-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated with music videos my entire life, and this one for Coldplay's song "Strawberry Swing" made my creative fuzzies go to work. It works as a story of sorts, a short film almost. After watching generic dance move videos on MTV (if MTV is actually playing music) for the past few years, this is a breath of fresh air. The video is almost entirely illustrated, and features Chris Martin as the main character. During the duration of the song he floats on a smoke cloud and fights off a giant squirrel by throwing a tempting acorn at it. The art was created by Shynola, designers who have created similar videos for Beck, Radiohead and many others. The essence of the song really seems to be captured in their work. If the design process interests you, check out this interview with Shynola about the creation of Coldplay's video. I'm all giddy now...someone has to stop me.

Attention typography snobs!

2009-09-22T09:37:00.001-07:00

This morning I came upon the wonderful website of House Industries. Check out the awesome clothing and home furnishings for designers. You can request a free catalog, and even nab three free fonts while you're there.

I heart illustration

2009-09-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

All images above can be found on Nate's website.

I am constantly looking for interesting and innovative artists, products and random quirky objects. Last summer I discovered the illustrations of Nate Williams. You may recognize his work, which has been featured in publications all over the world. His playful integration of color, line quality and hand lettering never fails to grab my attention. Nate's website includes examples of his illustrations, as well as wallpaper options for your computer, iPod or iPhone. Also check out Letter Playground, a site Nate launched that allows users to upload their own illustrated typography.

Critters and Creatures, Oh My!

2009-09-10T13:17:00.001-07:00

So I really need to get back to working on my freelance project, but I'll give you a quick overview of last Sunday.

Mpls Farmers Market

I forgot to take pictures since I was so in love with the beautiful fruits and vegetables. I try to go to the Farmer's market every other weekend for fresh produce. Don's mom Vicki accompanied us, and we had fresh squeezed orange juice and a pecan roll for breakfast! I brought home tomatoes, cilantro, potatoes, berries, cucumbers and tons of other goodies. Yum.

Como Zoo

I had never been to the Como Zoo before, and it was the perfect day to go. It operates off of donations and is so much fun. Some of the animals we saw included giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, sea lions, and gorillas. One of the gorillas had a baby that was struggling to swing on the ropes, and finally gave up and was aimlessly wandering on the ground. The mom realized it was lonely and reached for its hand and pulled it up. Oh, and apparently gorillas like the throw things.

Forget the animals for a second, I really liked the typographic art piece on the wall that listed major donors. :) Look above for our experience in photos.

State Fair Wonderful-ness

2009-09-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

For once in my life, I had last weekend off! Don and I decided to make the most of it and on Saturday went to the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul. To avoid eating a mountain of greasy fried on-a-stick food, we ate breakfast at Sonic, the most delicious place ever. Last year we dealt with a great deal of frustration when trying to find a parking spot, so this year we utilized the Park and Ride to get there.

It was a beautiful day, and we spent a majority of our time at the animal building and the art gallery. Most of the artwork was very impressive, and we saw (from a distance) a vet performing surgery on an animal that we weren't close enough to identify. I also can't forget that Don insisted that we stare at "big machines" or anything that had an interesting engineering component.

Highlights of our visit:

1. Don saying that he could imagine a giant monster gobbling up the people who were being escorted from one side of the fair to the other in the seats. Sorry, for the life of me I can't think of what they are called. Maybe he has watched Cloverfield too many times. Look at the picture below if I have completely confused you with my vague descriptions.

2. While there, I also received a message that my friend Jessie got engaged! Congrats, Jessie!

3. The yummy strawberry smoothies, and pretending to be Mona Lisa. See below.

Visiting Iowa

2009-09-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made a trip to Iowa to visit my mom and brother, and I would have to say that visiting the Santa Maria Winery in Caroll, Iowa was the most enjoyable thing we did together. Having heard mixed reviews from locals, the three of us decided to form our own opinions.

The restaurant has a tuscan-inspired interior, which is unusual for a small town like Carroll. I'm not much of a wine fan, but I do love food. My choice of food was the caprese panini (the basic mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil) with lemon mayo on sourdough. It was absolutely delicious and was served with a salad and fresh vegetables. After eating we decided to look around the rest of the building, which was formerly an auto dealership. It has been transformed into not only a restaurant, but an event center complete with an outdoor courtyard. Sculptural art pieces are built onto the walls themselves, and even the restrooms have a sophisticated and modern appeal to them.

Here is the website if anyone is interested in checking it out online:

http://www.santamariawinery.com/?www.catchwine.com

Yay for sophisticated local businesses!

New ventures

2009-09-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

First of all, I'd like to apologize for neglecting my blog. My schedule has been frantic lately. I'm currently working on a book for my aunt's friend, while also attempting to complete my portfolio for my job search. I also took a trip to Iowa to see my family, went to the Minnesota State Fair and the Como Zoo, and have been using my dad's camera to practice my love for photography. I'll be posting each of these experiences separately today.

Ok, woah!

2009-09-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

Dear Blog,

I know I've neglected you, but I've been very busy lately. More to come after the weekend, I promise!

Love,

Heidi

What's to Come

2009-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

What is to come on my blog? I will eventually be posting pictures of the wedding invites I finished, as well as pictures of glass etching (I have yet to do this) and my concepting as I attempt to paint and re-decorate our apartment. Stick with me...my schedule is busy this summer, so I'll do my best to keep up with the blog!

Food Production and Social Responsibility

2009-08-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I became a (semi) vegetarian about 6 months ago. I still eat seafood, but have completely eliminated any other meats. I did this not only for health reasons, but also because I have strong beliefs about animal cruelty. Why do I continue to eat fish? Primarily because of the lack of options at chain restaurants for a vegetarian. It is also another thing Don and I can eat together, since he has no intention of going veg. Since changing my diet, I have experienced a dramatic increase in my energy level and my overall well-being

I am in the middle of reading the book "Food Inc." which delves into several food production issues. It is my goal to finish the book before watching the documentary, which is currently in theatres. The more I process the information I am reading, the more frightened I become about the chemicals and processes used to produce our food, and the general lack of knowledge society has on the subject.

For more information on "Food Inc." visit http://www.foodincmovie.com/

"Organic" has many meanings now, and this word can cause confusion for consumers. Ultimately some people become frustrated by the high price of "organic" meat and produce. Are there solutions to this? Could we buy organic for the produce that is the most heavily sprayed? Food Inc. makes a great point by suggesting that the long-term benefits of eating well will save us a great deal of money in the future. It also points out that many people spend $5 on a latte that lasts 5 minutes, but are reluctant to spend an extra $1 or $2 on a dozen cage-free eggs that will last much longer.

As a designer, I have been especially interested in the labeling issues associated with meat. I believe that graphic designers and marketers have a social responsibility when it comes to the spread of information. Should meat producers be allowed to label their beef accordingly if they thoroughly check every cow for mad cow disease? Many argue that would hurt other beef producers who find it too costly to test every cow. What kind of freedom should companies be allowed when it comes to their packaging? Should we refuse to do business with companies who aren't as "green" as they claim to be?

Falling Behind...

2009-07-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a couple of days since my last post, and oh yes, I apologize. I have actually been diligently working on wedding invitations for my amazing friend Jessie. It has been a learning process for both of us, but we are nearing completion. Next Friday we will get to pick them up from a digital print house that I discovered and visited the other day. After walking in their entrance, I instantly eyed the Charles Spencer Anderson prints they had framed around their office. After asking, I discovered that they have printed several of their projects. CSA is a design firm based in Minneapolis, and I adore their work. Check out their website if you haven't already. http://www.csadesign.com/ or go to mrfrench.com, where their French Paper identity is displayed. The graphics are whimsical and bright, reflective on the past yet relevant.

P.S. I'm going to try glass etching at some point in the next few days. Wish me luck, and I will post pictures of my success or failure. Either way, let's be honest about results, folks.

My Love for Anthropologie

2009-07-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

All images above are from anthropologie.com.

I can't help but share my love of the store Anthropologie with you. After moving to Minnesota I had the opportunity to explore the items by getting to touch and feel them, rather than staring at them via the catalog. There are a couple of stores in the area, and the retail environment is just as impressive as the catalog and online store suggested. The antique-inspired, rustic-turned-contemporary feel of their products (furniture, home decor, clothing, etc.) places me in design heaven! Every item has a particular respect for design quality, including the books they choose to sell. While most of their products are quite pricey, it is possible to find a deal in the sale section. Some of their smaller products also fit into a thrifty lifestyle budget. I have posted some of my favorites from their current catalog above.

Discovering Mobile Me and CS4

2009-07-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Recently I have had unfortunate luck, and my Apple Powerbook decided it was time to rest for all of eternity. After spending a few hours with my head resting on the desk of the Apple Genius bar, I found out that my hard drive had crashed, along with several other components.

As sad as this story is, it has a lovely outcome. I am now the proud owner of a new computer, and the purchase gave me the excuse to upgrade my Adobe software to CS4 from my outdated CS2 version. I'll be blogging about the great new features I discover along the way. The guy at the Apple Store also convinced me that I could benefit from a Mobile Me membership. I was reluctant until he shared that it allows me to sync my i-Phone calendar with the one on my computer. It also gives me an online FTP site that eliminates the frustrations that come with attempting to send large design files via e-mail.

With my new technology, I am on the road to finishing my portfolio and finding a job in the Twin Cities. I have realized throughout the past year in MN that I can't keep myself away from design, no matter how hard I try. I'm constantly looking for new projects, whether they are freelance or personal experimentations. If I'm not designing I'm reading an article out of Print Mag. Hmm...I might be slightly obsessed.