Brainstorming Back to Basics: Stationery Project 101

This year I am going to be launching my own stationery line!
Big news right?! I couldn't be more happy to announce this exciting news to the world.
I have assembled my team of friends, supporters, mentors, and my courage.

Even though most of the work is done. In terms of marketing and branding I still feel light years away from completion. I spoke with my dear friend Danielle over at TALLWORKS today and she said beginning at the basics is the best way to start fresh.

Today I am working on a new name and playing around with the feel and look of my personal aesthetic. Here are some mood boards that I worked on today to grasp inspiration.

When I begin any creative process I would say mood boards and bubble graphs are a great way to cultivate new ideas. I also agree with Danielle by trying to be as specific as possible and avoiding words like "good" or "cool" the less specific the more you tend to remain in limbo.

[Support the Artists of the World]

Reference Photo Credit to:

Jon Contino - http://joncontino.com/

 LuvAj - http://www.luvaj.com/

Hello!Lucky - http://www.hellolucky.com/

Max Wagner - http://maxwanger.com/

Christina Winklemann - http://christinawinkelmann.com/

 Mylan Nguyen - http://www.mylanski.blogspot.com/

Ken Garduno - http://www.kengarduno.com/

kristatomic - http://blog.krisatomic.com/

Crooks and Castles - http://crooksncastles.com/

the hill-side - http://www.thehill-side.com/lookbooks/ss-2013 

papersource - http://www.paper-source.com/

Portfolio 2013

I have recently revamped my portfolio for 2013.

Here are some images of my new and improved portfolio.

Portfolio is a 24 pages book printed dual sided binded together using a two valley fold and an inside pamphlet stich. 

LOVE

Threadless Love Submission 

I revamped a design/illustrations of mine to fit the love theme for Threadless' LOVE contest. Threadless Love Submission 

Catch and Release

I had my first solo show ever. On Saturday Nov 27th 2010 was the reception and I entitled the show "Catch and Release" at the Karman Orange Gallery Santa Ana, CA 

***Press Release: http://www.karmanorange.com/2010/11/catch-and-release.html

**Flickr:http://www.flickr.com/photos/49253639@N06/sets/72157625507631312/with/5224199462/

 

True Affection Floats 1 

True Affection Floats 2

Cast Away 1

Cast Away 2

Catch and Release was inspired by the ideas of casual relationships/flings. 
The images evironment take place at a lake. Water is a sense of purity and a lake is one of those rare bodies of water that is placid and just filthy. The images are ment to work together and as seperates. Together each piece has an equal (ying and a yang)  but each character plays on the idea of isolation so with space and placement the meaning changes. 

Special Thanks to John Lai, Phillip Woo and all my friends who either helped to set up or just to enjoy the show. 

Fountain Side Arts

I branded a logo and business card for Fountain Side Arts a small up and coming gallery in Fountain Hills Arizona. Learning how to educate and encourage clients to be more cautious and intentional with their choices is always interesting.

I think teaching in a way always make me a better designer because you have to explain why you choose is successful. Expressing your thoughts out loud always helps me understand my decisions better. Special thanks to Taryn Hiroshima. Thanks for all of your lovely advice.

Final Picks

Some illustrative logo explorations

A worthy exploration
Some logo explorations

Jam Session

I was commissioned to create a piece as a valentine's day gift. My client's husband Christopher Flemming works for FENDER as a guitar craftsman. He created the Tele®/Strat® Hybrid Custom Shop Guitar. I drew the family playing together on stage. With a little research on Fender and help from the great Nathan Ota here is the end result. 

Sunset Get Away

My piece for the "Voyage show" at Lilyan's China Bistro. Thanks for having us Cecil. I will post the final painting soon.