Mel Bar

2011-07-28T22:59:00.006-04:00

After a solid three years of updates, this blog is retiring.
New site is in the works, but in the meantime I'll be blogging at melbarat.tumblr.com

Thanks for reading!

dream baby dream

2011-07-04T14:45:00.006-04:00

"Stars" by Edward Mapplethorpe 1994

Subversive Margins

2011-06-30T20:21:00.007-04:00

I picked up an issue of WTVR for the first time at the Urban Outfitters on 14th the other day. The size is great, completely purse-able. Nice stock, solid printing. I'm on the fence about the layout. Into the headers and typefaces, not really on-board with the margins. It makes complete sense for the zine/audience though. Digging the Pitchfork Fest mark a lot as well.

Rainbow City // FriendsWithYou

2011-06-27T21:16:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing Rainbow City at The Lot under the High Line. The installation was a bright and weightless departure from the concrete and glass surrounding it. I've been a fan of FriendsWithYou for a while now, it was nice to finally experience their work on a large scale. My previous interactions have only included printed material and a handful of boxed toy surprises from KidRobot. There were a ton of families in the Lot on Sunday afternoon, it was heartwarming to see children and adults interact with these simplified totems with equal levels of joy, surprise and wonder.

This brief interview with Sam Borkson and Aruro Sandoval from the Miami Art Basel is super enlightening. The artists discuss how their work aims to [paraphrasing] acknowledge an ignored state of human development where adults can still react to their surroundings with a childlike awe and inspire simple spirituality. I'm so intrigued by the notion of 'reinterpreting ritual acts into acts of play'. A ritual is preformed regularly, one should make time for fun regularly. Rainbow City has got me thinking a lot about how compelling the universality of play is.

Friends With You // RAINBOW CITY from PAPER Magazine on Vimeo.

In my work I'm particularly interested in the specificity of experience and how one's personal experience relates to that of others in a certain space. Rainbow City is a space delegated for interaction with these spectacular, anonymous, beings that intend to inspire 'magic, luck, and friendship.' The physical lightness of each totem contributes immensely to these feelings. If they were heavy, static structures - even with the same stripes and smiles- the totems would convey a completely different mood and sentiment. The isolation of these specific totems into a central location designates a sacred space where one can become more attune to his or her self through these simple actions. The Lot underneath the High Line was a smart choice for the installation, as it became even more surreal nestled away under an elevated park between buildings near the river.

recap.

2011-06-24T01:52:00.013-04:00

The last day of W+K SHOP was on Monday. I met a bunch of really wonderful people and got to hang out with Kerin Rose and event mastermind Phil Chang. When not manning the Fool's Gold booth, I was shopping around at Made and Malin + Goetz. Got some very lovely round tortoise sunnies, a beautiful sheer red silk crop top, and Neroli hand + body lotion. The Malin + Goetz packaging is fantastic. I'm especially into the long shape of the shopping bags. Everything about the brand is so good!

Additionally, I learned a lot about the L train, and what do when the L train decides not to run correctly. Got to explore Williamsburg and some of Greenpoint, and finally went to the fabled Union Pool with some MICA friends! I am so happy we were able to meet up over the weekend. It's so weird not being around friends you'd see nearly everyday for four years. What a welcome reunion! Being in the city for a solid five day stint surrounded by talented, entrepreneurial individuals was incredibly energizing. Feeling so lucky and motivated right now!

Some iPhone Documentation :

SHOP elsewhere on the internetz :

Refinery 29 // PureWow // GQ // StyleCaster // NYTimes // AdWeek // Egotist

THE RUB!

2011-06-20T18:19:00.008-04:00

Flyer I made for awesome Brooklyn-based party, The Rub's 9th Year Anniversary!
So stoked about this. Check it out!

A Change Was Made Uptown

2011-06-19T13:29:00.008-04:00

I am so incredibly saddened by the passing of Clarence Clemons. I feel like I've lost one of my oldest, truest, and dearest friends. While the Boss changed my life, the Big Man made me feel it.

If you haven't read Real Life & Tall Tales, do so immediately. A legend of our own time, Clarence lead such an amazing, fantastic life. I feel blessed to have seen him twice in the past two years with the E Street band, especially at the Meadowlands. It's going to be hard not to sob my way through Jungleland every time I hear it on the radio. This world just wasn't big enough Clarence and his Temple of Soul.

Missing you already Big Man.

SHOP

2011-06-16T10:40:00.008-04:00

I'm going to be repping for Fool's Gold at Wieden + Kennedy's SHOP event today through Monday! The blogger preview was last night, lots of good vibes. Brooklyn Tailors had a really nice set up, as did the dudes from Saturdays NYC and the always fabulous Kerin Rose. There was also a notable amount really well accessorized dogs running round as their people shopped. Highlights include a freewheelin' dachshund followed around by a large scarf wearing boxer with a positive attitude. Didn't get any photos of this, hopefully they'll make another appearance. It's the little things, right? The Fool's Gold guys are going to be DJing all weekend too, don't know the exact schedule of events but they're going consistently rad, I'm sure!

Stars & Stripes Forever

2011-06-14T18:36:00.000-04:00

Highly impractical, incredibly covetable.

Live and Wild

2011-06-13T23:42:00.006-04:00

Finally all of my toiling has come to an end! Check out my thesis project BRDWLK at it's new digital home. I relearned ActionScript to build the site (it had been a while) but feels really nice to finally wrap up my thesis documentation.

moving hiatus

2011-05-19T07:51:00.002-04:00

will be back soon ~*

Thesis Exhibition Weekend

2011-05-15T22:46:00.006-04:00

photo by Sam Culpepper

Tomorrow is the last day to view my thesis project, Boardwalk : An Instance of Summers Past, in the MICA brown center. I really am so proud of my classmates. The amount of thoughtful, well crafted, beautiful work in the exhibition is overwhelming. This experience has been awesome.

Tomorrow is also the day that I actually graduate from college. So exciting, so ready.

More detailed blogging about my thesis to come soon, web component is currently in development.

Hang loose internet *~

Emmanuel Romeuf

2011-05-05T19:05:00.002-04:00

These are so beautiful.

Image via Grain Edit

The Good The Bad and the Zugly

2011-04-26T11:32:00.005-04:00

Bureau Bruneau is constantly churning out awesome work. I really like this recent project Ludvig Bruneau Rossow completed for the Norwegian hardcore band The Good The Bad and the Zugly. He designed a font, GBZ Voodoo Sans, exclusively for the band in addition to the album art. He says his concept is "inspired by the jungle, tribe people and stupid cave men." Awesome.

Emily Pilloton @ MICA

2011-04-19T12:28:00.004-04:00

I wish I could go to this but sadly will be out of town! If you are in Baltimore, this one's definitely going to be worth checking out.
Thursday, April 21, 7pm in BBOX (Gateway Building) Poster Designed by MICA GD MFA student, Aggie Toppins.

Martin Michael Maas

2011-04-17T10:14:00.004-04:00

Been looking at a lot of this guy's work lately. I'm interested in how he defines planes of space on a flat surface and also his use of typography in this environment. His website is also pretty excellent.

Dog Party

2011-04-14T12:40:00.003-04:00

My friend Nick has a piece up for sale in the Power In Numbers Show from Gallery Nucleus. Proceeds go to the WWF!

Tomboy

2011-04-13T21:05:00.006-04:00

I recently purchased Panda Bear's Tomboy. I can't remember the last time I felt so good listening to a new album; all of the tracks feel really earnest and hopeful, also a little melancholy. I think a lot of that has to do with certain Wilsonian symphonic moments. The album reminds me a lot of the bonus instrumental tracks on the deluxe edition of the Beach Boy's Pet Sounds.

I haven't really had a chance to read much about the record but saw Ted McGrath's illustration for Nylon magazine on Tumblr. He has a really nice blog about his process here. Capitol Record's Endless Summer compilation album art is an adventure in itself, my friend Max gave me a copy of it a few years ago. There is something about the line work that is particularly unsettling but inviting in a very weird 70s way. If you can get your hands on a copy, which shouldn't be that hard, it's totally worth investigating.

It's all happening

2011-04-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

Life's a Beach - the Winter Sun Issue

2011-04-10T22:38:00.004-04:00

Things like this make me so excited about art direction.
Nice Work, Atelier Franck Durand.

Saving the Koala

2011-04-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

Shabd

2011-04-09T22:13:00.006-04:00

'Designer Shabd Simon-Alexander creates limited edition collections based on simple shapes with attention to fabric combinations and compositions. Her approach to working with fabrics draws from minimalist art, quiltmaking, and the folk costume tradition of beginning one dress with the remnants from the last.'

Shabd creates really beautiful, hand-crafted pieces. All of the cuts of the blouses and dresses are just right as is their dyeing treatment. The clothes are etherial and earthen without looking too hippie; a very rare combo. I wish I could afford this right now, currently wayyyy beyond my budget. Shabd's website is also well designed and easy to navigate - I suggest you take a look!

No Title (Wave Group)

2011-04-08T13:15:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking about this piece a lot lately.

Raymond Pettibon
No Title (Wave Group)
2004
11 Drawings together as one work; ink and watercolor on paper
120 x 187 inches, 304.8 x 475 cm
PETRA1127

via David Zwirner Gallery

Odd Future

2011-04-05T10:23:00.013-04:00

Lately I've been doing a ton of thinking about possible post-graduation avenues. It's exciting and intimidating all at once, especially when all I want do is focus on my thesis. I finally got the site up www.brdwlk.com which will be coded/updated/something-beyond-a-splash-paged soon! Also, my new and improved portfolio is live and wild.

Luke Williams & Adam Okrasinski (MICA Alumni) came to talk to my senior seminar class last night about working in the advertising industry. They were particularly honest, insightful, and positive. They confirmed whatever notations I had about what the ad world was like. It was nice to hear it from someone on the inside with a sense of humor. Luke and Adam's talk also really made me think critically about where the hell it is that I want to work and live in the next five years.

Anywho, I'll leave you with this awesome photo of Anthony Kiedis and Rick Rubin while I return to my grind.

ttyl internet *~

if these songs were a color it'd be 'dusty rose'

2011-04-03T13:38:00.003-04:00

John Waters on Karlheinz Weinberger

2011-04-02T12:25:00.003-04:00

So the 50’s mentality of looking young and rebellious is no more?

It wouldn’t work. To me, I mean I see people dress with mohawks and it doesn’t look punk, it looks like a Halloween costume, it looks like 20 years ago. But you can go to Berkeley and there are still hippies there, they’re 15 and you think, Didn’t you hear? That was 40 years ago.

Very excellent short interview with John Waters from the always informative Fader magazine.

Spring Break Hiatus

2011-03-17T06:54:00.002-04:00

please notice the type treatments*~

Monstra Nuova

2011-03-10T11:49:00.001-05:00

Leather Legs, Transcending Time and Space, also, a Falcon.

2011-03-09T02:00:00.007-05:00

"I wanted yesterday to express this vision I have of Hermès, that we should all have something different. Hermès is somewhere else. I wanted the show yesterday to be suspended in time and space. You don’t really know where you are or where this woman comes from. It was a way to remind that Hermès is a brand that is open to the world, lively, always evolving, curious of other cultures. I thought about North Africa, Mongolia, the Hermès heritage, colors, the ’20s, etc., etc. What was interesting was to put them in a shaker and to try not to make them literal, but to make them contemporary for today." - Christophe Lemaire

As you may or my not know, I absolutely adore all things Hermès (see this post from two years ago). Christophe Lemaire's inaugural collection with the nearly two hundred year old design house was true perfection. The shapes, the colors, the shoes, everything, was absolutely perfect. I just read this interview NYTimes did with Christophe, which although brief, is incredibly informative. The reader catches a glimpse into the world of a creative mind, being asked to produce an accessible outward reflection of a timeless brand, in a fresh, modern context. I really like what Christophe says in regards to Hermès as a luxury brand. "Hermès is a brand of functionality with extreme quality. At Hermès, we don’t say we do luxury. We do useful objects of an extreme quality. You have to think about the comfort, the functionality, the pockets, the way the clothes will age. The inside is as important as the outside. The extreme quality that you feel, rather than show, is extremely important."

This was by far my favorite out of all the Fall 2011 shows. The spectacle (as I am now learning is a recurring theme in my life and work) was there to behold. In addition to the easy draping and fine fabrics, metallic footwear, leather pants that morphed into shoes, a 21-year old falcon named Josephine completed the event. Here are some of my favorite looks, all photos are from Style.com.

Brandon Grotesque

2011-03-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

Oh My God. Stevie Gee.

2011-03-08T11:23:00.005-05:00

How I am just discovering Stevie Gee and his work now?!
New illustrative obsession *~

House 77

2011-03-08T10:30:00.007-05:00

This is such an awesome project from architect José Cadilhe for dIONSO LAB in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. I saw a photo of the building on FFFFound and immediately had to know more. The article accompanying the image furthered my curiosity as it dispelled more information about the space. Póvoa de Varzim is a city with strong cultural ties to the the fishing and the sea. The house acts as an homage to that community. The symbols cut from the aluminum shutters are actually a proto-writing system that has been used and evolved over generations within the community to identify and denote ownership of personal and fishing items. The house is a living monument to the those who have lived in the city and those who continue to do so. I always think about homes being an outward reflection of those who inhabit them, it's really interesting to approach a home as accolade to the neighborhood in which it exists. It must be really profound and inspiring to be a member of that community and walk past House 77 each day.

Beyond it's social context, I think it would be quite nice to actually take up residence in the the house, as it is so open, fluid and inviting.

Photos by Fernando Guerra

twenty–two skidoo

2011-03-07T20:06:00.012-05:00

Per usual, things have been CRAZY busy lately, but in the best way possible!
In addition the life I've created for myself under a theoretical boardwalk doing thesis work, I've managed to simultaneously produce a very exciting piece for my artist's book midterm (will post after the crit), and learn how to successfully make a lithographic print.

Excellent Signage!

Also, I last week I turned twenty-two! It was probably the most fun birthday I've had while at MICA. My friends and I went out to dinner at the famed Owl Bar inside the Hotel Belvedere. I've been walking up and down Charles Street for the past 4 years, and that was the first time I went in. The building was beautiful with a somewhat sullied yet still opulent grand entrance. I can only imagine what it must have been to be there in it's heyday, now it was particularly surreal. I don't know what I was expecting from the Owl Bar, probably a little bit of that tarnished grandeur from the main entrance with a touch of jazz age flair. It was definitely not that, but more of an elaborate old-timey sports bar. I would not eat there again, but certainly would return for a Baltimore Lemonade, a concoction which seems to consist of bourbon, lemon juice, sugar and water. I went with high hopes of encountering some sort of remnant from the time of F. Scott Fitzgerald who is fabled to have frequented the watering hole, but I most certainly did not. I would still recommend going, if not just for a touristy-I-saw-this-when-I-was-in-Baltimore-type excursion.

Here I am with my goofy business face on in front of an ornate elevator door.

Later that evening, we also went to Friday Night Karaoke downstairs at Aloha Sushi, and it was AWESOME! Such a bizarre experience. Great sushi, good drinks, excellent companions, in comfortable yet slightly peculiar environment; a microcosm of Mt. Vernon. Highly recommend, only to those who like Japanese/Korean cuisine and have a good sense of humor.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.
Thanks so much for a very excellent two days celebrating!

Eddie Opara // Pecha Keetra // Senior Thesis Insight

2011-02-24T20:03:00.005-05:00

Poster by MICA Graphic Design MFA candidate Aviv Lichter

Here's an article I recently contributed to the MICA Graphic Design Blog

So, imagine that you’ve spent the past 4-5 months thinking, ideating, researching, falling in love with whatever it is you’ve been focusing on. Then imagine, developing a project relating to your interest that you will spend the next 3 months designing, building and installing. THEN imagine that 2 weeks into R&D (research and development, get familiar) you have to present the ethos of your project to the newest partner at Pentagram; in the form of a Pecha Kucha, meaning 20 keynote sides, each slide of information lasting a mere 20 seconds long.

That is what happened to myself and number of other seniors in Keetra Dean Dixon’s Advanced Graphic Design 2 class this past Monday! As I am sure you can imagine, anticipating this was far more strenuous than the actual presenting, which was awesome. Some nerve-easing factors were, these presentations were about process, which is what Eddie Opara, said new partner at pentagram, was going to lecture about later in the evening. Also, his audience was going to be a little bit bigger, and filled with people he didn’t know. So we were in similar boats. Eddie was incredibly friendly and insightful. It was such an excellent opportunity to share our projects with someone with a completely different set of references and fresh perspective.

After having shared our Pecha Kucha presentations with him, his lecture became even more meaningful. Eddie shared his tales of perpetual revision, tumultuous review boards and how every discovery can lead to a excellent idea in future projects. An encapsulating quote as tweeted by MICA_GD “A piece is never finished. It’s always going on. You are trying to advance upon what you’ve done beforehand. I love that.”

Jean Pigozzi's Contemporary Collection

2011-02-22T14:56:00.004-05:00

While in the MICA library the other day, I stumbled upon the fantastic exhibition catalog "Arts of Africa: Jean Piogzzi's Contemporary Collection" published by Skira / Grimaldi Forum Monaco. I was first drawn to the book because of its materiality. It is pretty large, heavy and has a beautiful cover. It's got a smooth vellum-y finish, but then the front and back covers are soft and plush as though it may have a foam filling. The book's spine is a beautiful bright gradient, which lead my unknowning eye to pull it off the shelf. Once I opened the book, I was not only impressed by the unique work being cataloged, but also the progessive layout. The final and introductory essays in the catalog are nestled in to nice, tight boxes central on the page with meaty white boarders. Then as the reader progresses to the section of images about the work, the images become full bleed, and the informative text exists in separate inserts through out the book. The artist bios in the back are also quite different and informative. So smart! Really, really, lovely.

According to the book's colophon, The graphic design was completed by Salut Public of Bruxelles. I advise checking out the rest of their work. I don't often get to design many publications, but their work is inspiring, fresh and certainly engaging. The site's not in english- but still navigable.

Absolute Perfection.

2011-02-22T10:58:00.003-05:00

Can't afford these at all right now, but they are so incredibly beautiful.

Love at the Seaside

2011-02-20T16:54:00.002-05:00

From Emil Salvini's book, Jersey Shore: Vintage Images of Bygone Days

Thesis research and development is seriously underway. I'm presenting the ethos of my project to the newest partner from Pentagram, Eddie Opara, tomorrow afternoon. I'm excited but also a little nervous. I'm hoping new shoes will bring me additional confidence and luck

Completely Fascinated - Boardwalk Empire

2011-02-04T19:54:00.003-05:00

The following is a short essay from my thesis blog:

Completely Fascinated - Boardwalk Empire

This video is an amazing look at the creation of the Boardwalk Empire set. Completely built from the ground up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this ‘boardwalk’ is so incredibly detail orientated and completely believable. I’m really interested in how these locations have been altered to convey such a tangible reality.

While the period of time this set is recalling is not one I have first hand memory of, it’s one that my grandparents do. I’ve spent days in Atlantic City in the mid 1990s, early 2000s and as recently as two months ago and there are still recognizable land marks and remnants of an aspiration to be “Time Square on the Seashore”. Culturally now there is still a dichotomy between extreme poverty and intense opulence, just in a more modern context. Both now and then, Atlantic City is a prime destination for adults. If you are under 21, it’s quite boring. You can’t gamble, you can’t eat in casino restaurants, all you can really do is hang out in the luxurious mall at Caesar’s waiting for the hourly ‘Dancing Waters’ fountain spectacular or troll the boardwalk looking at elderly people in interestingly patterned track suits. I turned 21 in 2010, and still the most enjoyable part of spending the day in Atlantic City is observing the passage of time. While there are beautifully designed new boutique hotels like Mucca’s Chelsea and theme restaurants like Buddhakan and The Continental nothing appeals to me more than walking down the planks to Boardwalk Hall. Built in 1929, the facade still manages to inspire that feeling of anticipated entertainment. When visiting places like the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, or The Asbury Park Convention Center (that’s a whoooole nother post) I can’t help imagining what it must have been like to be there in the past. Not just way back (Boardwalk Empire-esque past), but even just the mid 1980s. I can only compare the imagined images I have of this time to things I’ve discerned from family members, google image search, and Bruce Springsteen.

I’m so interested in how the passing of time effects ‘landmark’ places. No matter what, certain destinations remain on countless ‘must see’ lists. Is it because of the unique environment provided by said place? Boardwalks will always have the natural allure of the ocean, which has always held a power over people. The combination of flashing lights, melodic yet cantankerous sounds, salty smells, sweet treats and huge, wondrous man-made structures on the sea is somehow, magic.

twenty_eleven_

2011-01-17T14:12:00.012-05:00

In 2011 -

For everyday image collections of inspiring design, humorous animals and various cultural phenomena please see my tumblr.

I plan on continuing to use this existing blog as a place to discuss current projects, process, and interesting experiences.
Hopefully this will still exist as a place to talk about work/things that inspire me as well.

So for today -

Geneviève Gauckler. I LOVE HER WORK!
I'd seen some of it through Colette but never really but two and two together.

She makes a lot of highly detailed illustrations, but I think her simpler characters are most compelling.
Her little blob creatures are instantly uplifting. There is something about their personification of feeling that is just so perfect.
See her portfolio here and blog here.
Also the stuff she's made for Domestic is really, really excellent.

When I have my own studio, I want to hide these little wall guys in unexpected places

Fool's Gold Recs Site Launch

2011-01-04T17:10:00.002-05:00

Looks rad guys! See it for yourself.

freakin' jasper johns over here

2010-12-15T16:44:00.004-05:00

Will be checking this out over break! So stoked.

Will post more once finals are finally done. Break and sleep are going to be so so nice.
Get ready tri-state area, I'm coming back to you :)

MICA Art Market 2010

2010-12-07T13:50:00.007-05:00

Hi Hi
Here's a quick preview of some of the work I'll be selling at MICA's Art Market this week. The annual sale is happening this Wednesday 12/8 through this Saturday 12/11 in the Brown Center. It's a great opportunity to support up and coming artists as well as find unique holiday gifts. I'll be selling some letterpress notecards, postcards and new jewelry!

I'm super excited about the silver on black 'Have Mercy' cards. They look awesome when you write on them with black pencil. I'm not selling as much jewelry as I would have liked to, but there is more to come. This year's collection is made of laser cut masonite and gold plated chain and posts. Hopefully I'll have time to cultivate more of them over break.

on an unrealated note, have you seen It Might Get Loud? HOLY SHIT. Maybe, I'm kind of late on this, but it's awesome.
I'm such a sucker for rockumentries. Highly Recommend!

full proof gift giving

2010-12-04T15:26:00.005-05:00

Some of my favorite gifts to give/receive are either for the library or the kitchen.
Saw these IRL at the Anthropology in Annapolis today and was immediately smitten!
I love artful utensils and cooking ephemera. Added bonus for this piece- it looks relatively easy to clean.

Annapolis was really nice. I'd like to go back and explore a little more.

finals shminals

2010-12-02T22:30:00.001-05:00

In the thick of it y'all!
I'm still tumbling quite frequently, so you can check that for inspiration + randoms.
Did I mention to you, blog-o-sphere, how stoked I am for thesis and next semester?
It's gonna be great. Looking Forward --->

before tofurky

2010-11-27T16:17:00.011-05:00

I was pretty busy before the holiday

- redesigning my website

- making a set of letterpressed bookplates

- wrapping up a very great internship

- entering the Say Something poster contest (which you can vote for here)

- and starting a tumblr to help with image collecting

Now back to the grind, hopefully I will be whipping up something extra excellent to sell at Art Market.

We didn't have a tofurky, or a turducken for that matter. Just a mellow traditional thanksgiving meal with lots of veggie side dishes and good company. However, I did eat greenbean casserole for the first time in my life and experienced a whole new level of total awareness.

Throw Back

2010-11-21T21:36:00.003-05:00

I'm in the middle of redesigning my website. While sorting through some old work looking for raw photographs to re-edit, I found this bad boy from freshman year! I think this was in the front of my first ever moleskine sketchbook. I used to be so good about keeping sketchbooks, now I'm just sort of a "practice lettering on everything in front of me" kind of girl. This was definitely created while sitting at my Commons dorm kitchen table with Max Guy drinking Malibu Rum and listening to the Black Lips.

Hi Fall 2007!

grad u atin'

2010-11-16T22:29:00.003-05:00

For our most recent letterpress assignment, we needed to create postcards inspired by Globe (see two posts down) promoting an event. So, for my postcards, I created two different linoleum plates, one with pattern and one with typography. I utilized the typographic hierarchy that Globe regularly employed , moving type and bold, short words. The back of the postcard is all woodtype. I printed the woodtype on a Vandercook Universal Press, and the two linocuts...I printed on the etching press. I have a lot of trouble with the Vandercook, and I think right now its just because it's still not that familiar. I've been printing on the small etching presses for nearly four years now, so I have a good handle on regulating pressure and impression. I am pretty pleased with the end result, however Mary suggested I still print on the Vandercook to get a less inky blue/black typographic layer.

honorable mention

2010-11-15T14:29:00.002-05:00

Novemeber 5th came and went. Guess what - my team won an honorable mention! So, that's cool right?
And the winning team was also from MICA - so that's definitely cool, right?
If you're on campus and want to check out the infographic IRL it's located on the third floor of brown!

Globe Poster Printing

2010-11-14T21:11:00.010-05:00

I meant to blog about this earlier, as always, things have been incredibly busy.

When I first moved to Baltimore four years ago, I heard about Globe printing. A mythical press deep in the heart of Charm City which produced showcards for soul, rhythm and blues, hip hop and rock artists since the 1920s. I've collected show posters for as long as I can remember, and was so excited to discover Globe's existence in my new backyard. They are known for their neon colors, bold systems of typographic hierarchy, rainbow rolls (yeah you know the split fountain) and moving type.

A few weeks ago in my letterpress class we took a field trip to the shop. What an awesome opportunity! So much history, so much woodtype, so many GIANT printing presses. Bob Cicero was incredibly knowledgeable, kind and gracious. He took us on a tour of the shop, told us how they used to do things in the old days, and explained a press 20 times bigger than I am. Sadly, Globe is closing it's doors. It is my most sincere hope that the Globe Collection is purchased and utalized by MICA and the letterpress community to preserve such a huge part of music + Baltimore legend. Think of how great that could be!

Read more about Globe in this excellent city paper issue.
Help pay Globe's rent and buy an awesome poster here.

Old School Commercial Press

Just hanging round the shop

Bob and Mary Mashburn describing the joys of rubylith

Printing is some serious Big Boy Shit.

The Ace

2010-10-31T22:53:00.005-04:00

I recently spent the night at The Ace in New York City.

Oh my God, is it possible to be inlove with a Hotel?
It was a warm, smart, simply luxurious, kind of rock and roll place to rest my head.
KEXP's CMJ showcase was also happening in the lobby while I was there, which made it even better.
The shampoo was perfect, the soap was perfect, the exposed closet and hidden minibar were perfect.
An Opening Ceremony and Stumptown Coffee (which is the best coffee in America as far as I'm concerned) were on the premise as well.

I want to be the Eloise of the Ace.

Subsequently I also collected all possible collateral to be found in the room.
Highlights include: blank staff paper to record the song you dreamt of during the night, envelopes with non-traditional side flap closure and finally, small note pad with engraved branding.

Visualization Marathon!

2010-10-31T22:48:00.004-04:00

So, last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in the first annual Visualization Marathon at Eyebeam in NYC.
I was on a team with three other very talented MICA students, Bryan Connor, Ann Lui and Isabel Uria.

The marathon was actually a competition between teams of (mostly graduate) students from various institutions including MICA, Harvard, Columbia, Pratt, SVA, and Parsons. The design marathon was divided into two parts: Friday Night - Welcome and Lectures from Paola Antonelli, Jer Thorp, Lisa Strausfeld, Brooke Singer and Tahir Hempill. Saturday 12pm to Sunday 12pm - Design an infographic from a variety of abstract information in excell spreadsheets that visualized the impact of humanity's footprint on the sustainability of Spaceship Earth (see Buckminster Fuller). I really enjoyed the short lectures at the beginning of the marathon, at first they were slightly intimidating, especially Jer Thorp's, which was super intense. I really appreciated Lisa Strausfeld's talk about process, which made the idea of creating great work more relatable. It was great to share that learning experience with the rest of the competitors, at it provided a base of shared knowledge. For whatever reason I took great comfort in knowing that together we had a shared base of knowledge.

Then came the marathon. The most challenging part was not designing or staying awake for 24 hours straight, but rifling though all of the data and figuring out what exactly to visualize. Data visualization is so important. It makes important, abstract ideas accessible to more people. In 2010, the public has access to a lot of info, but can't really process it because of the means it is presented. I felt like I was fulfilling some kind of civic duty in creating this piece of work. This particular graphic is to be used in an upcoming climate summit in Cancun, Mexico.

Once my team got gathered all of our info (which really, i can't even begin to emphasize how tumultuous that experience was) around 12 am, we started to design through the night. I am so grateful to have been part of a team where we could acknowledge our individual strengths and then divide and conquer . At points it was hard, mostly because it was 4am and we were all trying to create beautiful informative vectors running on far too much caffeine. And then, at 11:52 am, we were finished!

The Infographic

We find out who won the contest (and personally engraved iPads) November 5.

Best Coast - When I'm With You

2010-10-18T15:08:00.001-04:00

Fall break has been incredibly awesome and relaxing.
Will recap soon- promise! Until then, enjoy this song from Best Coast

Professor Peabody

2010-10-09T10:14:00.007-04:00

Went to the Peabody Library yesterday for History of Prints. OH MY GOD.

What an amazing experience. Maybe I'm a total nerd, but it is one of the most beautiful, amazing places I've ever been in Baltimore. I got to touch an original copy of the NUREMBERG CHRONICLE from 1493, peruse original copies of Muybridge's locomotion photographs, and interact with William Morris's Works of Chauser published by his own Kelmscott press in the 1800s. It was so awesome to be able to handle these historical text and images in sort of surreal sanctum that is the Peabody Library. The best part of the trip was the fact that we, the students, were encouraged to handle the books, flip through the pages (gently) and learn from their texts in a library setting. If we were to look at these beautiful books and prints in a museum setting, we would simply have to admire them as objects, not interact with the books as they were intended.

Thanks Paul and Trudi for such an awesome trip!

does everything look better Letterpressed?

2010-10-07T20:53:00.004-04:00

I'm taking Letterpress this semester with Typecast Press's very own Mary Mashburn.
Our first real assignment is to create business cards for a client (a classmate we don't know very well) as well as for ourselves.

I keep a good set of 'inspiration' files going on my computer, and a lot of images in the identity folder are of business cards. I really like these cards from A Friend of Mine, Nikolaus Schmidt, and Markus Moström.

Metallics, vibrant colors, and heavy stock. Please I wanna learn!

pseudo adult practicing designer friday

2010-10-02T11:04:00.003-04:00

In the past 24 hours, I've only spent money on fonts and Lithuanian beer. I can't wait to be a real grown up graphic designer.

Globe by URW

2010-09-29T23:48:00.002-04:00

New Book Thing Highlights

2010-09-24T11:18:00.003-04:00

dolce vita for target

2010-09-09T06:39:00.006-04:00

FINALLY a Target collab that looks fabulous, is totally wearable, and doesn't cost way more than something at "TarJhey" should.

^ my pair of beatleboot/oxford hybrids.

ooby dooby

2010-09-08T20:41:00.001-04:00

hanni el khatib

2010-09-03T23:08:00.003-04:00

how did i not know about this until today!?

99 Lace Up Wedge

2010-08-26T17:43:00.002-04:00

The Man Who Cried

2010-08-25T19:43:00.004-04:00

I recently watched The Man Who Cried after trolling Hulu for new movies. Christina Ricci and Johnny Depp are gypsies in World War II Paris. I love the costuming and environments. Reminded me of my love for silk everything.

funky

2010-08-14T08:34:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates - I was computerless for quite some time, and then once I got my computer back, i got really busy with work plus a ton of other exciting opportunities. There's more on the horizon. Summer's almost over and

then

it's

SENIOR YEAR.

wooooo no more tuition payments!

Please enjoy Lee Dorsey in my absence.

the future is now!

2010-08-03T10:01:00.002-04:00

this is so nuts- kind of like real life paypal? square up i am intrigued!

Let's Groove

2010-07-30T09:26:00.002-04:00

i want a reason to own and actively wear all of these outfits. thanks for reminding me katie hale

el gato

2010-07-30T08:42:00.004-04:00

if i had an extra hundred bucks to blow i'd probably buy this for my parent's cats!

Like Kittysville mod catbeds discovered in Etsy's Mad Men Treasury. I love the creative use of vintage fabrics and wood. I've got a ton of random vintage things purchased on the cheap soley for the awesome color/patterning. I don't wear most of it so I am always looking for new ways to utilize the fabric. It would have never crossed my mind to make pet/home accessories.

100 Jazz & Blues Greats

2010-07-26T10:22:00.003-04:00

This book cover by Andrei D. Robu is excellent via Designers Go To Heaven

I recently started reading the Big Man Clarence Clemons book, and it's awesome. A very pleasant, easy read. I devoured 50+ pages last night, and I have a hard time sitting down with just the intentions of reading. Highly recommend.

KNITTED ALPHABET CARDIGAN

2010-07-21T17:16:00.003-04:00

I'm a type nerd, okay? Feeling this sweater from Top Shop

Pon di river, down di flank, give dem a run

2010-07-20T08:34:00.000-04:00

adding this to my work out

big paper heads

2010-07-15T13:58:00.002-04:00

interesting/awesome ad for converse featuring Kid Cudi, Bethany from Best Coast and Rostam from Vampire Weekend via Fool's Gold Recs

exit through the gift shop

2010-07-14T16:42:00.006-04:00

astro barbz

2010-07-14T16:07:00.003-04:00

In related news, Paul the Octopus could be worth millions!

never in my life has it been this hot

2010-07-06T14:50:00.002-04:00

HEAT WAVE SWEEPS THE EASTERN SEABOARD

2010-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Let's think about how nice the cool fall will be while window shopping for sweaters.

I'm really into this one from Unconditional - not so much the rest of the styling.

wonderwood

2010-07-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

I think I will either truly love or hate this sent. Can't wait to sample *~

Comme des Garçons present his new perfume Wonderwood always in symbolic sound gallet flask.
This new perfume, which seems to stay in the olfactive codes of the brand, would consist of " pepper, bergamot orange, incense, nutmeg, cristalon (a fruity floral note with nuances of rose, apple and plum), cashmeran, gaiac, cumin, javanol (sandalwood), vetiver and oud. "

these predictions from 1930 are pretty accurate

2010-07-04T15:18:00.000-04:00

Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design

2010-07-03T09:54:00.002-04:00

From Amazon :

"Naive documents the return of classical graphic design reminiscent of the 1940s to 1960s in contemporary
graphic design. The naive is a childlikeness, where it is no longer expected. Friedrich von Schiller
A minimalist design vocabulary is currently being reinvented by a troop of young
graphic designers who are rediscovering the stylistic elements reminiscent of
classic graphic design such as silkscreen printing, classical typography, hand
lettering, woodcutting and folk art and integrating them into their work. Naive
documents this extraordinary renaissance of Classic Modernism, from the 1940s
to 1960s, in contemporary graphic design.
Inspired by twentieth century American legends such as Saul Bass, the undisputed
master of film title design and iconic logos as well as modernist graphic artist
Charley Harper and textile designer Alexander Girard, these burgeoning designers
are creating new and striking imagery using palettes of earthy and pastel shades,
reduced strokes, patterns and shapes with a strong folkloristic element.
Naive illustrates this new development in graphic design, assembling a multitude
of vivid and inspiring examples ranging from illustrations, poster art, editorials,
book covers and record sleeves to stationery and textiles."

style hero : jerry hall

2010-07-02T21:43:00.003-04:00

dream house

2010-06-29T21:08:00.005-04:00

Really beautiful and inviting single-family apartment in Amsterdam designed by i29, a Dutch interior architecture firm.
Never have I felt more inclined to live in a modern style home. The materiality, playfulness and amazing use of geometric form are beyond appealing. I wish this apartment was some place in one of the Five Boroughs.

see all of the images at MocoLoco

chapter one, he adored new york city

2010-06-27T16:06:00.001-04:00

Marian Bantjes for TED

2010-06-24T15:51:00.002-04:00

future floral

2010-06-24T14:36:00.003-04:00

hey y'all my bikini design is up and ready for voting soooo if you wanna take a peak/cast your vote that would be great!

thanks in advance :)

design - a - bikini

2010-06-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Now I must wait for approval before I can ask you all to vote!

crookers v yelle - cooler couleur

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

can't get this song out of my head

"a technique called razzle dazzle"

2010-06-20T13:17:00.002-04:00

Watch this Jeff Koons video.

Jeff Koons - BMW Art Car @ Centre Pompidou / Paris from BLAST on Vimeo.

I haven't really formulated my opinion on his "art car" yet, but I've been very interested in his work and thought process ever since I heard him speak at MICA my freshman year.

phil hays

2010-06-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

I really like Phil Hays' early illustrations from the 1950's. They were probably for cosmopolitan magazine.

holiday

2010-06-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

I am constantly looking forward to new music and videos from Vampire Weekend.
They're just cool, talented dudes. I met them a few summers back when they played Summer Stage with Kid Sister.
Do you follow Ezra on twitter? #followfriday

Here are some stills from their newest video Holiday

Richard Pearse

2010-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Interesting multi-dimensional design conscious paintings from Richard Pearse

Sabor!

2010-06-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Absolutely love the work of Buenos Aires design studio Avant.

About Avant:
"avant™ is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Buenos Aires.

A space committed to the praxis of Graphic Design and its connection with consumers.
A focus on typographic exploration, the generation of stimulating images and a comprehensive search of high-quality resolutions -both material and virtual- are procedures that allow us to aesthetically distinguish the unique of each client, to achieve live, inspiring and original products."

Particularly enjoy this proposed design for a Latin Deli store in 2007.

youngsters zine'n w/ mike perry

2010-06-15T22:19:00.004-04:00

I wish my parents had taken me to something like this when I was a kid!

FREE. Please pre-register on-line, space is limited. For more information call the Education department at 212-849-8353.

Session 01 - Sign Up!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
11:00 am
Family Program

Session 02 - Sign Up!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
1:30 pm
Family Program

Work with designer, writer, and author Mike Perry to learn about “fanzines” (self-published written work, a.k.a zines) and how they are made. Families will work with different layouts & possibilities, doodle & draw, and ultimately create their very own family zine together.

via Midwest Is Best

baby i'm yours

2010-06-15T12:38:00.004-04:00

Really awesome music video from Breakbot (sup ed banger) - every frame is hand painted w/ watercolor. Awesome, right?

Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours (feat. Irfane) - HD from Ed Banger Records on Vimeo.

Made by Irina Dakeva for Wizz.fr

via BOOOOOOOM

im PRESS ive

2010-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

i want 2 have dis

From Amazon:

"Today's graphic designers, illustrators, and typographers are rediscovering old
printing techniques and handcrafts. They are inspired by passion for the unique; the feel of different papers, press cuts, and embossing; the brilliance of printing inks; and the originality of book binding techniques. The book Impressive presents the results of this passion.

Today's fascination with old-fashioned printing presses and techniques started with individual designers and smaller collectives that created one-of-a-kind printed material by hand for special occasions, such as weddings or birthdays. Impressive features these artists and their personal work as well as a broad range of business cards, invitations, stationery, and publications that are designed and produced in a way that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Historical styles
from the Victorian grandeur of floral elements and adornments to the aesthetics of classical modernism are used and referenced as well as combined and reinterpreted in unusual ways. Traditional and more exotic techniques such as silk-screen printing, stamping, woodcut, or linocut are used. What counts is doing it yourself.

Impressive investigates the interplay between traditional handiwork and current trends in graphic design. The work collected in this book shows how relevant and exciting the modern use of traditional design forms can be and how much it can inspire the visuality of the future."

Niv Bavarsky doing good!

2010-06-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

Recently, my friend Niv was commissioned to create an illustration for the New York Times Book Review!

Here's the drawing, and a links to his blog + website.

not too shabby for a MICA 2010 grad, keep it up dude!

Seriously, Off Shore Drilling ain't good for nobody

2010-06-10T16:34:00.005-04:00

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASSEEEEEEE

TELL YOUR SENATOR

Vote NO on S.J.RES 26

PROTECT THE CLEAN AIR ACT!!!

it's pretty easy to, if you don't want to take the time to write a truly meaningful and personal piece of correspondence -

Oceana has a pretty awesome templet set up ready for you to use.

What is Oceana?

"Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans."

---
The senators might have already voted, but still let this be a lesson in paying attention.

Not to get all eco-crusader but we have a responsibility take care of our planet, especially in light of recent crisis.
I can't imagine what my life would be like without the ocean. If I have kids, I want them to be able to experience the sea in their own way, and then their kids and then their kids. Your kids too!

So please, pay attention to what is happening in the world around us, the future isn't that far away.

and the heartbreakers

2010-06-02T00:00:00.002-04:00

Interesting system of branding through text and texture applied to various web platforms for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Rutland Weekend Television

2010-05-31T09:46:00.004-04:00

How have I never seen this before!?!

more info on wiki

Jeff Canham

2010-05-28T13:55:00.006-04:00

Jeff Canham is one of my favorite artists/designers.

I first found his work at Mollusk Surf Shop in Williamsberg BK.
Really drawn to the quality of the letterforms and dynamic relationships that occur within them.

He's doing a lot of really rad, beautiful stuff with typography, color and shape.
The variety of media and materials he works with is pretty interesting. I'd really love to see more of his work in person.

HOLD ONNNNN

2010-05-18T11:30:00.003-04:00

Hello Internet!

Sorry I've been neglecting this blog, things have been super busy/crazy/hectic but very productive.
I'm in the process of redesigning this thang and my website, so in the meantime please enjoy this youtube gem.

xoxo

Mel

tomorrow is my 21st birthday

2010-03-02T23:32:00.001-05:00

SMITHSONIAN GEM MINE // MINERAL CAVE

2010-03-01T00:09:00.004-05:00

I went to the Natural History Museum today in Washington DC. I hadn't been since I was in second grade, and proceeded to be blown away by the collection of natural wonders- particularly the gems and minerals. The colors and shapes were incredibly inspiring, and surprising relevant to a lot of the work I've been making lately. Here are some quick photos I took: