Inspiring Notes from Juanita Cardenas

Back in September we interviewed Juanita Cardenas on her Polychromatico! line of clothing. This time around, we’re taking note of her chameleon-like sketchbook. Brought to our attention by Lauren Epstein, a good friend and avid PP supporter, it’s hard not to be glued to every page once you start scrolling through. The vibrant textures and raw experiments are evidence of a creative deep dive and prove our point that mood boards are the way to go when you’re in the concept-phase of a project. Take a look and tell us how you concept. What’s your favorite way to tackle a brief?

June 22, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Louis Reith

A few months ago, Amsterdam-based artist, Louis Reith spun a web of admirers with his typographically inspired works on paper. His masterful merging of geometric shapes, abstract typography, vintage maps and old book pages is a reminder to all designers to take a step back from the computer every once in a while. In today’s world where so much art is digitally composed and intricately dense, the hand-rendered simplicity and obvious restraint makes Reith’s work immensely beautiful and refreshing. Little Paper Planes is presently offering four exclusive limited edition prints from the artist at a delightfully affordable price of $35 per print, with the whole set offered at $120. A lovely opportunity to get your hands on the work of a talented up and comer- take advantage!

June 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Body Augmentations

Our society is collectively obsessed with augmentation- from tattoos to plastic surgery to just about anything that individualizes us or makes us a “better version” of the status quo. It’s only natural that creative types would react to this phenomena, and today we present two paralleling projects that provide social commentary on the trend. Lucy McRae and Bart Hess of LucyandBart have been taking ordinary objects and manipulating their bodies for years now. The photographs are stunning and a reminder that the human body’s been a canvas for the human mind since the beginning of time. Translating this concept into wearable fashion, Sandra Backlund, of Sweden also uses the body as a starting point. Her knitwear is surreal, polished and a realistic interpretation of this fascination.

June 9, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Black & White Splatter Patterns

Black and White Splatter Patterns

Black and white is as timeless as it gets. Regardless of the medium, message or style, it’s hard not to be attracted to this colorless pairing. It appears as though designers of every variety are letting loose and using expressionistic strokes to achieve textured results. Be it accidental or on purpose, the patterns are both stark and stunning. This water induced photograph by Luke Gilford was recently featured in Another Magazine and reveals the beauty that can come from unexpected chemical reactions. These splattered shorts styled for Marie Claire prove this trend is tapping the 80’s in addition to modern times, as these polished plates from Dinosaur Designs, are as modern as they are green.

June 4, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color: Homemade Hues

There’s a freshness to gouache that Adobe Illustrator just can’t compete with. Whether it’s the unique spontaneity in the color transitions or the subtleties in each expressive stroke, watercolor designs are unmatched – and quite popular these days. Be it Hugo Guinness, Robin Cameron or The Selby, each of these New York artists continue to interpret the medium in fun, playful, inspiring ways. Guinness recently released a new series of works that are currently selling at the John Derian store, expanding his collection beyond black and white prints. Cameron’s mixed media explores materials, color and layout with an energy that compliments her other drawings. The Selby’s recent update to his banner image provides a creative and commercial solution for self branding, proving that watercolor can be chaotic, corporate or custom, so long as the results are free-spirited.

June 1, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Mid Century Patterns + Palettes

I had the pleasure of tuning into Stylesight‘s Fall/Winter 2010 trend webinar earlier this week, presented by industry insiders, Sharon Graubard and Nina Stotler. Unsurprisingly, Graubard and Stotler labeled Marni’s overlapping color fields a print to watch for Fall. Some other mid century style setters to note are Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Erotokristos and Balenciaga.

Tapping other creative print and pattern worlds, Anna Bondoc‘s recent paper cut masterpieces are a reminder that paper continues to be a material of choice for designers and artists alike. Using just a knife and steady handwork, Bondoc combines color, shape and asymmetry to execute her wall friendly pieces. Her inspiration ranges from coffee beans to Scandinavian pitchers and the results are both organized and abstract.

May 27, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik