The Art of Giving with Megan Herbert

Megan Herbert‘s a force to be reckoned with. Not only is she a fantastically talented artist and writer, she’s a good friend and a discerning creator. Megan’s made Reykjavik her home over the past few years, proving that minimalist surroundings and limited resources can spark tangible creativity.

Her latest commercial endeavor taps our unending human desire to give and I can say first hand that the wrapping paper’s a durable conversation starter that’s without fail, a fun experience on the receiving end. Each design in her latest series explores ways to give love and gratitude beyond the often holiday-induced act.

February 28, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color: Opposites Attract

On this day of love, what could be more fun than pairing two non-related/related pictures side by side? Incorporating red, wine, green, black and cream, both Tori Higa and Daniel Canogar capture the essence of each sex in each of their layouts. Higa’s mixed media greeting card is a combination of feminine line paired with vintage fabric. In an alternate space, Canogar’s digital exhibit, Trace, uses light, color and technology to engage the viewer. Going beyond the tangible, it’s fun to see these styles bounce off one another. They’re more similar and more different with each glance.

February 14, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Tribal Textures

What can we say about tribal that hasn’t been said before? Not much, and to be honest, that’s the beauty of today’s post. Tribal patterns transcend time and reemerge every season on new cuts, fabrics and applications. This category has become a reliable staple in home, fashion, web and graphic design. Keeping within a monotone palette, these plates from the recent gift show don’t overwhelm the eye with their textures and are easily translatable onto pillows or bedding.

Showing similar styles, Ken Carbone, a branding and identity expert recently shared his personal pistachio project with Canon. “For a couple of years I’ve been recycling the shells to create hundreds of tiny primitive looking paintings. The combination of the raw, wood-like shell and burnt umber paint results in an oddly tribal effect. I enjoy the ‘variations on a theme’ drill. It’s good for the mental muscles and is similar to the process I might use when designing a logo.”

For those of you headed to Austin next month, consider stopping by Uncommon Objects on S. Congress Ave. A personal favorite, the entire story is like a living breathing mood board. Inspiration lies in every corner and it’ll be a welcome retreat from the daily grind.

February 8, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Evening Projections

After returning from the Alt Design Summit, it was fairly evident that incorporating ‘surprising’ touches into your party planning is a very big deal. I’m no stranger to this concept, as I’m often hired to design content for branded activities, however the DIY spirit was in full effect, reminding me to keep a few things off the adobe punch list.

Using digital technology, projections and a starry night theme, all of the imagery above overlaps in one way or another. Casting gem-like projections on back-lit silhouettes, this party, from the pages of Elle Decor proves that subtlety can be elegant and luxurious. Keeping with the color scheme of blue and white, Sofitel, the luxury hotel chain evokes a Peter Pan-like mood with floating pillows. Applying this concept to an enormous symphony hall ceiling, Departures Magazine shares a the stunning results of a concert fueled video projection.

February 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Red & White

Red always packs a punch. From the infamous NARS Jungle Red lipstick to the Daily Beast’s signature hex color, FF0000, this hue is best used for urgency or as a decorative accent. In the two cases above, red is woven into each pattern, proving two specific points. For the Fragonard pillow to the left, the floral vine emulates the British flag. The Manuel Canovas advertisement on the right reveals a neutral layout with flat, textured tenacity. Both examples exhibit three things designers should always consider when creating: purpose, intent and a vivid goal.

January 17, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Pointed & Precise

Back in November, we started seeing transitions in studded garments. The ever popular pyramid was morphing into lengthier silver cones. Interestingly, this armor is continuing to surface on all sides of the globe, as the Australian label, Sass & Bide has revealed their summer solution to the blouse: transparent threaded spikes. Lady Gaga inspired and space induced, don’t be surprised if you start seeing experimental embellishments of the same ilk this spring, as Thierry Mugler‘s influence is still going strong.

January 11, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik