Jimmy Liao & The Sound of Colors

If you have children, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across and enjoyed one of Jimmy Liao‘s storybooks. His illustrations are remarkably intricate, filled with dizzying patterns and are as fantasy-based as they are literal. Born in Taiwan, Liao’s work has earned him awards in both the eastern and western hemispheres, proving his global reach.

I was at Barnes and Noble last weekend doing a little research and came across The Sound of Colors. It’s an exquisite story of a blind girl and the power of imagination, as she journeys the New York City subway. I highly recommend picking up a copy, as Liao masters a delicate topic with grace, ease and honesty.

November 4, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Illustrations, Note Cards & Mara-Mi

Abstract watercolors have been in the illustration spotlight since geometrics took a back seat. Proving their weight in gold in the female homegoods market, the notion of luxury, individuality and beautiful imperfection has been a refreshing turn from the preppy rigidness of gridded patterns. Mara-Mi is a line of stationary, table decor and desk accessories that gets this. Their surface patterns are made in-house and speak to the creative, high-spending, free-spirit (hello ABC Carpet, Rifle Paper Co, and Ampersand Design Studio). Their foil-stamped envelope inserts add an interesting accent of luxury to mirror the time investment of writing a note. We’re big fans.

September 30, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Artist Profile: Laura Callaghan

Have you seen Laura Callaghan’s illustrations? They’re unique and interesting and filled with texture, gesture and attitude. I stumbled across her work by way of Gems, one of my favorite creative newsletters, and did an immediate deep dive into her site.

Check it out for yourself (and buy a print if you’re so inclined), as you’ll find intricate mixed media scenarios that test the limits of felt tip pens. Callaghan’s also the Illustration Editor of Oh Comely magazine and currently based in South East London. She’s a member of Illustrators Ireland and is currently taking on contract work both locally and abroad. Hit her up if you’ve got a good collaboration in mind!

September 26, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textiles from Raquel Allegra

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Here’s a snapshot of Raquel Allegra‘s Spring line. I stumbled across it on a visit to Barneys earlier this week and lingered much longer than I’d like to admit. I snapped the tag, then promised myself I’d find my way back to try on the slacks after a trip to the kids floor. The collection’s polished and emotive with a sophisticated fusion of urban nature. It actually reminds me a lot of city and beach culture around the world (ie. Rio, Barcelona, Sydney and Tel Aviv).

The video compliments the line in the way moving art should. It’s mood enhancing and dramatic yet peculiarly calming.

May 2, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

DIY: The Art of Doodling

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During our time on the west coast last week, my husband and I met up with old friends for dinner in Silverlake. These particularly amazing Australians jumped ship from New York for LA. One of the many stories we rolled over laughing about was our collective childhoods and how each of us were better or worse than we one day hope our children will be. One of the best memories had us reviewing a letter that was written to Elizabeth’s mother, from her teacher, telling her parents how disrespectful she was for drawing all over her school desk…

Which made me think about kids today having to sit still and focus for hours on end without any ongoing creative outlet, it’s surprising that classrooms haven’t really evolved to accommodate for obvious behavior. Hell, I still doodle in meetings (sometimes).

Anyway, this brings me to today’s feature- a great capture of artists Ananya Tanttu and Eetuelmeri Sihvonen creating meticulous pen illustrations at the art gallery and homegoods store, Lokal in Helsinki. I was lucky enough to visit this wonderfully curated space earlier this year and have a lot of admiration for the owner. She’s continuous refreshing the store and filling it with original treasures for observation and commerce. If you’re ever in that neck of the woods, check it out.

April 25, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trials in Illustration

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Lately, I’ve been experimenting with brush tip markers. My all time favorites are from Japan- unsurprisingly- from 7-Eleven, where you can also buy floss and green tea donuts. Today, I spent some time at Utrecht testing out a rainbow variety. While the results are stiffer, the translucent effects are nice. Here are some shoe illustrations I whipped together for the Role Modolls project. I made them with the intention of a photoshop facelift, but after aligning the set on Diptic, I don’t mind the quirkiness and imperfection in the lines. Which shoe are you wearing today?

March 29, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik