Pattern Pulp

Book Review: Wandering Off Into Space




Chuck Anderson is a role model and self-made man. The renowned artist and designer got his professional start with his decision to forgo college. Over a decade later, Anderson’s built a flourishing career through dedicated self-promotion and stellar art work. Anderson’s website, No Pattern, has evolved into a library of photoshop wonderment with clients ranging from Google and Nike to ESPN and Absolut. Anderson’s first book, No Pattern, showcases his signature style of vivid lights with surreal glow. His second (and most recent) book, Wandering Off Into Space, shares a similar vibe with an up-t0-date evolution of his signature style. Check it out for an inspiring dose of color and light!

Book Review: Pattern by Orla Kiely




Orla Kiely is globally renowned for her patterns. Having graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1993, Kiely lives by one philosophy about repetition:

“Pattern is not a trend for me, to be taken up one minute and abandoned the next when the winds of fashion change. Pattern is in me. Pattern is my life.”

We live and die by this notion, as strong design is timeless. Kiely made her debut at Harrod’s with a commissioned line of hats that soon grew to include accessories. Handbags followed and soon flourished into a career that’s spanned multiple mediums including fashion, design, textiles and interiors. Her first book, “Pattern,” delves into her design process, what inspires her, the impact of scale and proportion, rhythm and texture and the all-important dimension of color. A true gift to her fans, Orla Kiely’s book let’s you delve into the mind of a great artist and a worldwide brand.

Book Review: Creative, Inc.




When the end of August looms and September heads into sight, you can’t help but get that “back to school feeling,” no matter how old you are. It seems like just the right time to think about starting new projects and learning new things, maybe even setting out on your own.

As more and more people embrace (or dream of embracing) the freelance life, the little details can feel illusive and innumerable. You may know your craft, but how to make a career out of it can feel like heading into an overwhelming and uncharted territory. Fortunately, designer and writer Meg Mateo Ilasco of Modern Economy has been down that path and has collaborated with fellow design maven, Joy Deangdeelert Cho of OhJoy! to help others who hold similar aspirations. With their latest book, Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business, the duo offers creative individuals solid direction, advice, and guidelines on becoming successful creative entrepreneurs. After all, we were told as children that we could do anything we wanted to when we grew up; why not snap up this book and seize the opportunity to do just that.

Book Review: Vera




Vera Neumann believed that fine art should be accessible to everyone – a radical idea for her time. The legendary artist and designer launched her scarf company in 1946 using excess parachute silk from World War II, setting into motion a lifetime career. Her bright and whimsical prints covered not just scarves but a litany of objects including slipcovers and plates. Up until her death in 1993, Vera did it all, never compromising her career for motherhood, family, or her art for business. While today’s Vera lovers have been forced to comb the internet and rummage through bins at thrift shops, Vera’s work has recently been given new life.

After having been rediscovered by Anthropologie, Vera’s patterns and art have been incorporated into a variety of wares for a handful of seasons. A book entitled, “Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon,” was compiled to honor the artist and the collaboration. In it, you can learn more about the iconic woman behind the beautiful art as well as feast your eyes on a bounty of her sumptuous and timeless pieces. While the book was previously only available at Anthropologie for $40, we’ve found it for $23.10 on Amazon. And voila, a needle in the haystack just for you, without all of the relentless searching.

Diagnol Thinking with MWM




This past weekend a wonderful little package arrived in the mail: Matt W. Moore‘s most recent foray in publishing: Diagnol Thinking, an 88-page softcover book filled with black and white images. As I flipped through Moore’s illustrations, murals and graffiti patterns, it was easy to see the immediate translation of what inspires him. Everything from cloud patterns to concrete structures to spray paint and ragged brushes round out the mix, mirroring polished vector drawings. Beyond being a beautifully-bound compilation, this first volume is an interesting window into an artist’s mind. With a limited run of 500, make sure to get yours before they’re gone!

Innovative Solutions we can all Digest




Whether you’re an academic statistician or a commercial designer, no one can avoid the data dilemma when starting a new project.  Thankfully, the field of Information Design is getting a real boost.  Last month, President Obama appointed “Master Information Designer” Edward Tufte to help explain recovery spending.  Showcasing some of the most creative examples on the market, Jessica Glaser and Carolyn Knight recently co-authored the book Diagrams: Innovative Solutions for Graphic Designers. Whether you’re comparing bankrupt nations, making a personalized annual report or just want to know how much water you consume, there are fun and quirky ways to navigate the clutter.

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
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