Political Design

I was compelled to write in my blog this morning after receiving an email from HOW Design Blog featuring a series of posters designed by Campbell Mithun for upcoming Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul. They were designed for The UnConvention which is being sponsored by The Walker Art Center. I have to honestly say that when I saw these posters, I just didn't get it....I know that they are trying to make light of the reputation of the Replublican party, but I don't think it's the best work that I have ever seen. Plus, for me, the message is a turn-off. The designs lack creative imagination, in my opinion. I think that after seeing the poster designs for the Democratic National Convention, I am just disappointed.

I saw the poster designs for the Democratic National Convention a few weeks ago. They were designed by Idaho Stew. I have to say that from the moment I saw them, I loved them. I just love the illustrative design...I am captivated by the creative innovation in each one. I love how they all tie in with the Democratic National Convention, and the location of DNC (Denver, CO). I am not Democratic but I am very impressed with these posters. I would even say that they are persuasive. Those who know me, they know that I am not big into politics. I just don't get involved in a lot of discussion regarding politics. This year, I have to admit that I have been unimpressed with the candidates on all sides from the beginning. I can't say that any of them have won me over and that is a sad thing. However, if it were based on design savvy alone, I'd have to say that the Democrats definitely have the lead there. And the amazing thing is that design is viral...whether we like it or not, design does influence.

Drip.Dot.Swirl

I just read exciting news about a book that is coming out in March of this next year that is called Drip.Dot.Swirl by Von Glitschka. I cannot wait to get my hands on this book!

Back in May, after returning from the HOW Design Conference, I was sifting through swag and found an awesome little swatchbook featuring Mod-Tone paper from French Paper. I fell in love with it instantly. I was seriously considering using some of this paper for a stationery project that I was working on at the time as well as possibly for my graduation invitations. I also realized that a friend of mine had sent me a Christmas card that featured this paper. So, after talking to her about it, realized that I didn't necessarily need to use that paper to get the same effect. I could just create my own patterned tiles. And I also remember asking Von about this subject as well. As always, Von was great about responding to my email with some tips and suggestions. So, when I saw his post regarding his book, I got really excited about it!

And as for my own pattern tile creations, no, I haven't actually made any. I shelved the stationery project temporarily because I have been so busy with other things. But I am seriously thinking about taking them off that dusty shelf and working on some patterns to use with them. There is also a package design project that I am going to be working on soon, perhaps I can apply pattern tiles to that as well??? Hmmmmm......my creative voices in my head are not congregating....

In any case, stay tuned for more on patterned tiles and also more information about Von's book. I am sure I'll be mentioning it again in the near future!

Time to go to an exhibit!

I just received an email from Ink Lounge Gallery yesterday that inspired me to throw up here on my blog. I get periodic emails from Ink Lounge Gallery but decided that in my pursuit to find more topics relating to design/illustration and such, this topic would be great to mention. Donovan Beery of eleven19 (as well as The Reflex Blue Show and formerly of Be A Design Group) actually introduced me to Ink Lounge Gallery's website as I had mentioned to him that I was wanting to learn how to do screen printing. Ink Lounge Gallery actually offers periodic workshops in screen printing and so I signed up to get their newsletter as I wasn't able to take a workshop at the time. Granted, I still have not been able to make it to Denver to take a workshop but I am really hoping that I can before the year is up! (I have 5 months left, so surely I can fit something in, right?!)

Anyhow- what I was wanting to share was that they currently have Jay Vollmer's work on exhibit from Friday, August 1 through September 21st. Yes- today is the opening of the show and it will be from 6-9pm at Ink Lounge Gallery which is located at (I believe) Block 07 Belmar, 445 S. Saulsbury St., Studio H in Lakewood, Colorado. You can also call (303) 321-7101 to make sure that I have the information correct. Their hours are from Tues-Friday 12-5, Sat & Sun 12-6.

I don't know if you have heard of and know Jay Vollmer's work. Before getting the email from Ink Lounge Gallery, I can't say that I have. But I still wanted to check it out and see what sort of work he did. I have recently been interested in screen print and letterpress work. There is something so very cool about more handmade type work that just grabs my attention. I found that Jay Vollmer's work has a lot of this quality I enjoy. There is a hard edge to most of his work that I do like. I love altered collage type work and so this definitely caters to that category in a lot of ways. I realize that a lot of my illustration work seems to be a bit on the "clean" side but when it comes down to it, I really like imperfection....a ragged, rugged, rough edge. LOL

The hard question is- will I be attending? To the open show- probably not. I just found out about it and know that there is no way I can break away to drive to Denver right now. I might have the opportunity to see the exhibit before it is over and I am going to try to make an effort to do so. But as busy as my schedule has been lately with not just work but extracurricular stuff going on, it's hard to plan trips like that. However, I hope that anyone reading this is able to make it, that they do go and see it!