Twitter Influencer: Victo Ngai

It’s hard not to be charmed by Victo Ngai’s style of art. A childhood of living around the world drew her to illustration, helping at first to stave off the loneliness of being the new kid in class and eventually aiding in her ability to make friends.

Her lines are reminiscent of those in Japanese wood blocks and her overall aesthetic maintains a sense of modernity and is abundantly unique. Victo’s twitter stream is just as unique as she is, as the friendly artist shares the trials and tribulations of her ever-growing career.

May 19, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Dueling Styles & Collage Techniques

For our readers who relish combining dueling styles, today’s feature is for you. Whether you’re a fine artist, a print and publications designer or simply a reader or creative consumer, it’s hard to ignore the collage-effect that’s been surfacing for a while now.

We’ve all gotten used to seeing Perez Hilton‘s infamous scrawl on celebrity photos. Though it’s easy to discern his mass appeal from the fine art fabrication of Butch Anthony’s curiously eerie skeleton and skull drawings (a few of which are hanging at Stag Men’s store in Austin), it’s important to note the illustrative effect.

or truly literal old meets new product shots, Horacio Salinas and Stellene Volandes recent collaboration for Departures Magazine takes the style to the next level, proving 2D meets 3D can be brilliant when modernized and deconstructed.

March 29, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

The Art of Type

I get chills looking at both of these designs. So literal, playful and communicative. For those living in Manhattan, the latest edition to the downtown landscape is the Mondrian Hotel in SoHo. The typography in this print ad encompasses the personality Morgans Hotel Group has been conveying as of late. On the other side of the pond, this poster for the student illustration show, This Will Kill That reveals the great work is coming out of Camberwell College of Art.

Any type out there that makes you smile?

March 28, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Fingerprint

When we first realized we could use technology to bend design, we all went crazy. After years spent in front of computer screen, a backlash has occurred, as a growing number of designers have been opting out of the digital territory for craftier aspirations.

Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design documents this change, showcasing a variety of designers that possess the versatility, variety and quality that can be acquired from tangible art. Pick up a copy and you may just be inspired to grab your pen, pencil or paintbrush.

March 18, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: D&AD, Advertising & Design

D&AD is a nonprofit educational charity launched in 1962 by a group of London-based designers and art directors. Created to support and nurture creative professionals, D&AD recognizes and awards the best work coming out of the design industry. Over 20,000 works from design studios, advertising agencies, branding consultancies, film production and photographic agencies, digital media pioneers, and other creative firms from all over the globe are sent in to be reviewed by the D&AD panel of judges. Winners receive the legendary D&AD Yellow Pencil Award—or in the case of exceptional and outstanding work, the rare Black Pencil Award. The annual review, which covers the past year’s best creative work is a testament to the constant evolution of the design world, a documentation of what’s hot in field and, of course, a perfect piece for any coffee table.

February 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Twitter Influencer: James Gulliver Hancock

James Gulliver Hancock has been an art devotee since his preschool days, when he daydreamed of complex images and freely drew to his heart’s content. Since then, he’s carried the personal declaration that he “feels horrible when he’s not drawing.”

Hancock’s been filling the world with his illustrations ever since, creating commissioned works for a bevy of impressive publications. His attention to detail and love for New York City has inspired his quest to draw every building in New York. His whimsical perceptions aren’t limited to paper, as they run rampant in his twitter feed. Follow along for a steady stream of interesting works, ideas, events and friendly banter.

December 3, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik