Serif:Sans, Design Collective

The Long and Short of it All

2009-05-14T23:12:00.018-04:00

Dachshunds
There's no other dog like a dachshund,
Walking so close to the ground,
They're stubborn and sly as a fox and
The happiest pet to be found.

Most kinds of dogs seem to either
Have shapes or proportions all wrong;
They're only one way or the other,
But dachshunds are both short and long.

Dachsie, meine dachsie,
The best canine under the sun,
Call you "wiener" or "sausage" or "hotdog,"
We know that you're number one.

It's true, I experienced my very first Dachshund Spring Fiesta in Washington Square Park last month. I've never in my life seen so many dachshunds in one place-talk about hilarious! Hundreds of dachs were wondering around the park in sweaters, t-shirts, hats, costumes, and booties. Even the proud parents of the dogs were dressed accordingly for the event.

My top 5 favorite things about the fiesta:

When, out of nowhere, and in the middle of it all, I saw the pug who didn't get the memo.
Learning about wire-haired dachshunds. They're cute in an ugly sort of way.
Taking photos of the dogs together...it was a gorgeous day, too!
Finding the ONE dachshund that ALMOST reminded me of Chipper.
Watching an elderly woman interact with the dogs...sweet moment indeed. It was as if she'd attended the event for years.

Spring at Galison

2009-04-02T20:13:00.013-04:00

While the weather in New York is just beginning to feel more like Spring, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share my favorite designs from Galison's new Spring '09 line of stationery and gift products. We have two new patterns this season: the sunny Dandelion and the chic Retro Tulip. We also have two new mini collections of stationery utilizing the artwork of British textile designer, Maxine Sutton, and New York illustrator, Mike Lowery. Some of my favorite gifts, however, come from our Andy Warhol Collection. All of our Andy Warhol (1928-1987) products were produced under a license from The Andy Warhol Foundation, which we obtained two years ago. Our initial launch of his 1950s butterflies, cats, and desserts was so successful that we decided to move forward with a second, edgier Pop collection.

Though the Galison Spring '09 line may seem new to you, I'm in the midst of working on our Spring '10 line. We just completed our Fall '09 line, so be on the lookout for some fresh, new designs coming out in August. Also, if you're in New York in May, we'd love to have you visit our booth at the National Stationery Show from May 15-18.

Retro Tulip Everyday Journal

Retro Tulip Social Notes
Dandelion Weekly Organizer

Andy Warhol Pop Collection

Maxine Sutton Little Keep It Box

Maxine Sutton Mini Journal

Bird Perch Keep It Box

To view the entire Galison Spring 2009 collection, visit our website here.

Lovely

2009-03-25T09:45:00.002-04:00

I came across this lovely website this morning that reminded me of conversation I had with my mom when I was about 9 or 10. I very passionately explained to her that "packaging was EVERYTHING" as I debated over which shampoo to purchase...I guess I was destined to be a designer.

Experiencing Planet Earth on the Lower East Side

2009-03-07T16:13:00.005-05:00

There is something in animals beside the power of motion. They are not machines: they feel. E.B. De Condillac: Traite des animaux, I, 1755

When Jo last visited me in New York, we went to the most breathtaking performance at a bar called Pianos on the Lower East Side. A man passionately played the keyboard and tuba in front of a showing of Discovery Channel's Planet Earth. The way he played the instruments was completely reflective of the imagery screening behind him. A stampede of wild elephants meant that the music became dramatic and energetic, yet when rays of sunshine appeared, the music was serene and subdued. Although I was sitting in the middle of a grungy Lower East Side bar, I was taken to a place of serenity, far away from the hustle and bustle of the City.

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. Psalms XXIV, 1, c. 150 B.C.

Building a Better Bronx

2009-03-01T10:30:00.008-05:00

Pro bono work is fulfilling because you can:

Create positive change
Grow your skills and
Meet other people in your industry

I'm an active volunteer for the Taproot Foundation, an organization that assists local non-profits with projects such as strategic planning, websites, logos, annual reports, etc. They look for nonprofits working in strategic areas such as the arts, education, social services, environment, and health.

I'm in the midst of completing my first Taproot/pro bono project in New York. I was placed on a team of highly skilled professionals to work on a brochure for a non-profit in the Bronx called SoBRO (South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation). In a nutshell, SoBRO improves the quality of life in the South Bronx by generating business growth and creating effective economic, housing, educational and career programs for youth and adults.

As a team, we spent a lot of prep time talking to SoBRO and outlining a solid plan of action for the project. They wanted a brochure that described each of their four vital program areas: Youth and Adult Education, Career Development, Housing and Real Estate Development, and Community and Economic Renewal. The brochure was to be distributed to possible funders, as well as residents in the Bronx who would benefit from SoBRO's services.

As possible funders were our primary targeted audience, we did some research about how to best reach them in a compelling, yet convincing way. I learned in this article that our brochure copy needed to appeal to the heart, not the head. Sponsors are more likely to give money to an organization when they are presented with stories about personal experiences as opposed to facts and figures. Bottom line: feelings drive donations.

After a lot of thought, my team and I came up with words that we felt best described SoBRO's program areas: LEARN, WORK, LIVE, THRIVE, and PROSPER. The concept behind the brochure design was based upon SoBRO's motto, Building a Better Bronx, and it was designed in a way that highlighted the words describing the program areas. For the cover, our team photographer took head shots of a variety of South Bronx residents who've been positively impacted by SoBRO's services. A printer in the Bronx will produce the 2,500 brochures in the next two weeks.

My hope is that this brochure successfully reaches funders, who in turn contribute to the work of rebuilding the South Bronx community.

For more information about SoBRO, visit www.sobro.org. To become a volunteer for the Taproot Foundation, visit www.taprootfoundation.org.

SANS LOOKING FOR SERIF

2009-02-27T19:23:00.005-05:00

I need some inspiration. I am in the middle of some type studies for a project that relates to the American Revolution.

I am looking for a great serif with curvy spines, round bowls, cute ears, and nice ligatures. A high contrast in weight widths is desirable. I will not disclose those fonts which I am avoiding (I'd hate to influence any of your suggestions and am open to reconsideration).

GO!!!!

iSketchy

2009-02-26T23:59:00.009-05:00

When uploading images to my computer from my iPhone, I noticed these photos:

Creepy! How did it take pictures of itself?!?!
This is actually a good representation of my everyday...
I snooze every morning for about an hour, then I check my email, then I listen to some good music, then I decide whether or not to answer the phone call from my dear serif :) I love the little picture at the top. So perfect!!

The Matisse of Subway-Ad Mash-Ups

2009-02-25T20:51:00.011-05:00

To my despair, I just read that the "Poster Boy" sabotaged the MoMA advertising campaign in the Brooklyn Atlantic-Pacific subway station. The Poster Boy built his reputation for turning subway ads into political art. According to NY Mag, he's been called the "Matisse of subway-ad mash-ups." Conceived on the spot, the 25 year old has manipulated around 200 underground posters over his career in vandalism. While I'm intrigued by his audacity to make statements, I am appalled by the fact that he made Andy Warhol's Marilyn look as though she had a nose job. Andy Warhol did say, "Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." I guess th Poster Boy got his 15 minutes of fame (or more)!

Marilyn with a nose job

Cut out a race car made to look as though it's diving into Monet's Water Lilies

Below: more works by the Poster Boy

The Swedes know Toys

2009-02-24T22:57:00.009-05:00

So, my cousin just had a baby, my nephew turned four, and my co-worker's wife is due any day now...boy-oh-boy have babies been on my mind this month!

As a designer, I'm expected to give cool gifts. Maybe I put that pressure on myself, but I'd rather pretend it comes from an outside source. The gifts can be hand-made like an original painting (oh how people love those), some sort of photo montage (seems a little generic but I do love a good photo!), a stylish outfit (keyword stylish), or some sort of designerly toy (aka European).

SO, in my search for two family baby gifts and a gift for a fellow designer's newborn, I came across some interesting sites. First of all, there was a cool blog called Droolicious | modern design for modern parents from the magazine Babble. And also a great ecofriendly site called Happy Green Baby (because we are all so green these days). Some really cool ideas, clothes, and other products on both sites which I am definitely letting my friends and family know about, however, I didn't find my answer for a cool gift here.

Most of what I found (that I actually liked) was from Swedish designers. I mean, look at this...I can't remember where I pulled this but whatev.....how could you not love this bear.

Or how about this set for a little boy?
Playasm has such sleek, modern, beautiful designs! I really want to buy some things from them but BOY aren't they pricey?! If only we weren't in a recession! I'm gonna be in trouble once I start having my own kids...until then I guess I am going to montage or paint a pretty nursery picture for those I love.

Shobbs this one is for you my dear...
This is a BRIO design.

I wish I were Swedish :)

I Found Andy in the Atlantic Ave. Subway Station

2009-02-21T14:50:00.008-05:00

I recently made a visit to the Atlantic Ave. subway stop in Brooklyn. Having read this article in the NY Times, I was on a mission to experience the prestigious MoMA--underground. It was fascinating for me to see the masterpieces (well, reproductions) of Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Monet, etc. completely "out of their element." I also enjoyed seeing the interaction between the artwork and those merely making their weekend commute. Some people stopped to reflect, and others rushed by in a hurry. Regardless, I think this exhibition is a powerful testimony to what lies behind the walls of MoMA.