Here’s a recent project I did for Austin Opera. They wanted an elegant invitation designed, along with a reply card, benefits insert, and envelopes. I’m really pleased with how they turned out. Originally, a small floral mask icon was placed above the return address on the envelope. However, to keep the printing cost down, we decided to leave it off. I think it still came out looking great keeping it nice and simple!
This is a feature layout I did for The Society Diaries, a high-end glossy magazine. When laying out a feature about a destination, I feel that the pictures should be the focus point and be able to speak for themselves. With this, the opener started with a two-page spread image with just the header and subhead. A few key words were highlighted in a complementary blue to make it a little more interesting than just keeping all the text white. Since the feature was about paradise in Hawaii, I felt it was important to keep the layout clean, simple and breathable. Ideally, I would’ve liked to have another spread just for the island photo shown on the second spread. It’s such a gorgeous photo and it encompasses the beautiful island of Hawaii. Overall, I’m really happy with how the feature turned out!
This is a really cool IKEA poster by design company ifsodoso as a call to support British design. They used the original blueprint of all the furniture pieces that were available at the time. I could probably stare at this all day!
Madewell has a stack of these newsletter promos at the front of their store for shoppers to pick up. I love how they were able to incorporate so many things into it but yet keep the layout nice, clean and interesting. I can’t stop looking at the cool calendar on the back!
Ever wish you could own a modern luxurious house furnished with pieces you’d rather gaze at than sit in? brinca dada, a New York based toy company, has made it possible with their minimalist doll houses with matching contemporary furniture. Here are a few of my favorites! (Now, if only I could get a hold of the “Honey I BLEW up the Kid” machine…)
Bennet House
Bennett House by brinca dada is an oasis in the sea of glitzy toy houses. Heavily influenced by the De Stijl movement of the early 20th century, it emphasizes lines, squares and rectangles in asymmetrical patterns while minimizing color. Fans of Rietveld’s Schröder House will recognize another influence. Architect Tim Boyle explains how Bennett House breaks out of the townhouse genre: “Townhouses are typically a stack of floors with a few windows on each floor, and no inside/outside relationship. I prefer architecture that reveals structure and engineering, hence windows extend past floors to show the weight and thickness of the structure.”
Bennett House is more than just a pretty façade–its clever design and use of space invites play whether open or closed. The townhouse features a two-story living room, elevator, roof top pool and glass rail balconies in both the master bedroom and children’s bedroom. And Bennett House is made of CARB-certified woods and non-toxic, lead-free paints and stains, so it is easy on the environment.
Edward House
Inspired by Neutra’s Kaufmann House and Gary Cooper’s home designed by A. Quincy Jones, brinca dada’s Edward House features many distinguishing architectural features like glass corners, minimalist cut stone and hardwood floors. The Edward House has six rooms including a living room, kitchen, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom and child’s bedroom. With its large, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Edward House enjoys year-round sunlight. Finally, the dollhouse is easy on the environment with only eco-friendly woods and non-toxic and lead-free paints. Assembly required.
Dylan House
Inspired by the minimalist masterpieces of Paul Rudolph and Tadao Ando, Dylan House features a concrete-and-glass feel, but with the breezy openness of a beachfront home. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to allow natural light into the house and play from many angles. The Dylan House has five living spaces on three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio. Furniture is sold separately.
Maison Furniture Collection – Complete Set
Here’s a little hidden treasure of awesome graffiti art tucked away up on a hill in downtown Austin on Baylor St. (between 10th and 11th St.). The place looks like there used to be a building there that’s now been demolished (just a guess — I’m probably completely wrong…). Thanks to some amazingly talented artists, they’ve transformed it into cool urban outdoor art gallery that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely worth checking out in person!
This past weekend, I went to Austin’s 11th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar event. If you love arts and crafts, or are looking for a unique Christmas present, you are bound to found something there! Plus, you’ll be supporting the local artists! They open 7 days a week 10am – 10pm from Nov. 3th0 to Dec. 24th.
Here are some things there that I thought were pretty cool:
ohmyfreakingoodness.com 