Killer Jellyfish of Graphic Design Favors

I seriously laughed out loud when I read this poster. Mainly because it is way too true. Being a graphic designer I get hit up for free design favors ALL the time. Sometimes I don't mind it because it is for a good friend or it is a fun project. But sometimes it is ridiculous requests by people I barely know or at least do not fall into the friend category.

A few I've gotten most recently are t-shirt designs for the twilight movie premier because they were too cheap to purchase already made ones. And a sports poster for a football game with a specially designed font that includes the nike check in every letter. Both expected to be pro bono. And both expected to be just whipped up. I don't want to sound whiney because I love doing favors for my friends and family. But if you don't fall into that category and your request is super frivolous...it gets to be ridiculous. Which is why this poster is so glorious. Maybe I should hang this on my cubicle wall so people start to get the hint. Especially since I'm awful at saying no.

By LunchBreath

{via Core77}

This Day Will Never Happen Again

Keri Smith's sketched quotes really hit home to me today as I've been trying to keep a level mind lately. They are definitely reminders to relax a little bit and enjoy life. To take everything in and appreciate life for what it is.

You can check out more of her sketches on her flickr page. She also has several books out.

The New Yorker Halloween Cover

I know this is a little bit late, but my friend Katie sent this to me over the weekend and I couldn't resist sharing. Above is the latest cover of the New Yorker, making smart commentary on how overly connected to our wireless devices we are and how "phoned-in" parenting is starting to become a trend.

While this illustration may be a slight exaggeration, sadly I don't think it is very far from the truth. I see parents leaving their kids practically unattended while they play with their phones all the time. While I understand, especially in DC of all places, sometimes you just have to keep an eye on your email. But I see it everywhere, and not just with parents. I have many friends who have a hard time putting down their blackberries. And even in meetings I have coworkers who will be ghosting (as it has been nicknamed) in a meeting but not really present because their head is down and they are checking email or playing on their phone.

Now I'm not sure if this magazine cover was trying to really get that deep with its message that we are all way too over-connected. But it does make you stop and think and realize we should step away from our social-networks, our twitter, and our email once in a while. And be present in real life.

Also as a side note I'm really digging the illustration by Chris Ware. I love that the glow of the phones mimics the mask/faces. And of course I love the way he used different shades of gray as well as minimalist shapes.

Patterned Book Covers

These pattern book covers by Gabriele Wilson are so pretty I wish I had them as cards.

{via Seesaw Designs}

Illustrator Linzie Hunter

Lately I've been playing with creating my own lettering and fonts, but Linzie brings it to a whole new inspirational level. So many different beautiful letters all in one picture, all so very light and whimsical. Makes me want to keep practicing so someday I can make something remotely close to similar.

Illustrated Missed Connections

When I first moved to Washington, DC I used to look at Missed Connections all the time.  I thought it was so entertaining, sad, funny, and hopeless to read desperate reaches to strangers that they had never met.  Ok and to be completely honest, a small small part of me was hoping I would come across a post to myself as well.  Eventually I lost interest though and some of them got to be a little too creepy to be entertaining.  

I actually completely forgot about Missed Connections until I stumbled across this blog where artist Sophie Blackall illustrates people's posts.    They are so whimsical and fun and they make me love Missed Connections all over again.  See more illustrations on her blog.

Freya

Its been extremely hard getting back to the corporate grind after a week long vacation and a long holiday weekend with friends and family.  Freya's work add a little bit of brightness to my day with sweet but not too cheesy quotes and illustrations

{via HOW}

Jay Fletcher

Jay Fletcher's work first caught my eye with this Kayaking poster on Design Work Life.  I was instantly drawn to the beautiful shapes and color and the way he interacted the type with design.  I feel like the sign of a truly good designer is when they can successfully and flawless interact type and images together.  When looking at his portfolio I saw that he is both a talented illustrator and designer in one.  Check out his site to see more of his work.

{via Design Work Life}

Illustrator Natsko Seki

I love love love these illustrations by Natsko Seki.  The combination of a collage feel with the hand illustrations is so whimsical and fun.  I'm working with a freelance client right now who is really into the collage look and its a lot harder to achieve than you would think!  This definitely offers me some inspiration though for my next poster!

{via Grain Edit}

Desktop Calendar

These hand drawn desktop calendars were the perfect thing that I needed to refresh my screen  background. With the weather changing for the better, I was ready to get away from the snow scene I've had up for months now.  You can download your own for free from illustrator Natalie Perkins on her website.

Jury Duty Art

I knew Jury Duty could get boring at times but wow.  American Gallery of Juror Art features art done by jurors while on jury duty.

{via Zoom-in}

Inauguration Illustrations

The New York Times shares Maira Kalman's illustrations of her visit to DC during Inauguration.

Lorenzo Petrantoni

I am falling in love with Lorenzo Petrantoni's illustrations.  His use of typography and black and white imagery is so beautiful.  I love the fact that he doesn't use any colors yet it is still so dynamic.  

Mel Kadel

My new favorite artist, Mel Kadel.  I just love these whimsical yet somewhat dark sketches.

Kat Macleod

I love these collage illustrations by Kat Macleod.  They honestly make me so happy with their bright colors and texture.  I've always wanted to try creating a collage design with scanned in fabrics or other items.  

This style is definitely becoming more prevalent in the design world with emphasis being put on doing part of the design outside of the computer.  I think it is very important because sometimes designers (including myself) rely a little too heavily on the computer.  This may be a generational thing since I have grown up with a computer since I was a kid.  Even so I am trying to break my bad habits by doing drawings away from the computer first.  These sketches are just a reminder of the potential that awaits me when I finally do.

{via Loveology}