Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Colorful Wood Pallet Vegetable Garden


Why not garden in style?! Using wood pallets you can find anywhere, adding some paint and filling with soil you have an instant raised garden bed with attitude! Why not have a garden that reflects you, all while having the organization of the built in vertical broad. Don't you just love it when form and function coexist so beautifully? I came across this on pinterest and just had to try it! With some elbow grease and dedication you got yourself a garden....now just don't forget to water it!

Monday, May 28, 2012

The Branding of a Vineyard: The Beauty of Croteaux


 Good Design is obvious, but the agony and hard work it took to get there is only known by another designer. While dining at Long Island Restaurant Week this year, my friend and I stumbled upon a real gem of a wine.  Croteaux Vinyards of Southold, NY specialize in Rose' wines. Cool concept in and of itself, but the branding is absolutely brilliant! They are French Rustic Chic with an Artsy Twist added in. With branding consistency is key and they had it covered head to toe!  From the decor to the dogs, this place was the complete package.
Walking in the rustic charm is there. The old barn complete with vintage timber is stunning as the centerpiece of the area. Old worn wooden benches covered in warn cloth seats adorned with Parisian and brightly patterned pillows along with aluminum painted chairs provide beautiful seating to further show the theme and branding.
The decor is not the only way they show off their unique brand. The young and hip staff were dressed in brightly colored spring dresses and they even had a french poodle! While there you can also dine on a cheese basket with french baguette. Best part:the cheese spread is the owner's recipe!
This place was an absolute blast! A very relaxing atmosphere with helpful staff and you can even meet the owner and her daughter (both very nice people).
A special thanks Christie Cotty-Owens for making plans to go!






Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Finding Creative Inspiration in the World Around You

This past weekend I took a trip to Sunken Meadow Beach, not too far from my home and had the pleasant surprise of sudden inspiration. I took a nice walk and hike along the cliffs and the shore. Soaking in the beauty and feeling of serenity that the beach always offers me. As all long island dwellers know, North Shore beaches are quite rocky, to the displeasure of your bare feet! As I normally do I was collecting all the unique rocks i could find and while talking about it with my husband, found my next project! Creating my own beads and charms for jewelry making projects! All I need to do is get me a rock tumbler and I am good to go! I can't wait to get started! Best part is, I got a plethora of free raw materials here on long island! 

Sometimes when you least expect it inspiration smacks you in the head and goes DUH! From what I learned it is mostly when we are relaxed and we are not seeking it.


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Inspiration for Political Propaganda Project



Design is a powerful and useful tool, as is coercion.  By using effective visual communication while appealing to people's emotions you can control people's actions.  This is a prime example of this. Not only are these posters great examples of the graphic art of the time, they also reflect the culture. I love this, makes me realize to use whatever gifts I have for the greater good and not just for myself. The US government needed something of the American public (conservation of resources, materials and purchase of bonds): it was totally self-serving.  Good or bad, they were motivated to get what they needed and these posters, as well as many more, helped them achieve that. 

Like they say in Spiderman- "With great power, comes great responsibility."

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Signs of the Times: Comparing and Contrasting The Vietnam War to The War on Terror Pt.2 Vietnam



Some of the work I am proudest of!  Well researched, political, fun and immediately understood!  As show in these pieces the social response during The Vietnam was greater, the protesters were more dedicated, but sometimes motivated by hedonism.






Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Signs of the Times: Comparing and Contrasting The Vietnam War to The War on Terror Pt.1


The below are examples of the signs I created that illustrated this generation's social response to The War on Terror. The Artist statement above explains it all. This is one of my favorite projects EVER! It combines humor, simplicity of design and packs a political punch, ENJOY!

Next up: the social response to The Vietman War...









Monday, May 14, 2012

Garden Design: Form meets Function and Ease- Wooden Pallot Garden Bed

Seriously the BEST idea for beginner gardeners like myself.  Using a wooden pallet (you can find them almost anywhere) to create a raised garden bed. Form meets function and ease oh so beautifully here.  Add you do is place the pallet on the dirt and fill it with more soil in all the rows, not only do you have a raised garden bed that is already assembled, BUT you also have a perfect vertical grid set up to plant your vegetables! This is my project for the weekend, but I always gotta put my own spin on it! I plan on painting mine to add a vivid splash of color and to contrast to the plants. Be on the lookout for a post this weekend of my own creation!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Jewelry Design: A sample of some of my first pieces

A chunky earthy turquoise necklace I made for a friend.

So graphic design is not my only interest, I have also really enjoyed jewelry making and design. Check out some of these pictures below. I hope to start once again, but now my dwelling has taken priority over that.
Double strand freshwater pearl bridal necklace
Close-up of the clasp for the Bridal necklace
Graduated Snowflake Obsidian necklace, I love!
Bracelet that matches the earthy necklace
Earrings I made for a bride

Thursday, May 10, 2012

I Heart Typography


I made these freshman year at Alfred University: School of Art and Design.  I will never forget Mr. Troller my first design teacher, he insisted we learn to paste things up before we used computers and it was a valuable experience. He also had us create typographic compositions, while at first baffled by the idea of a design using typography alone, I soon realized the beauty of type by itself and as a design element.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Signs of the Times: Wilma as a Feminist


Using a road as a metaphor for the passage of time, I created these signs to signify an important part of history.  These signs explore the feminist era, that also happened to parallel with the time "The Flintstones" aired. By using a cartoon character you add humor and with humor you make the point get straight to the heart. While this takes a serious issue, it is sooooo much fun! Come on, Wilma was one bad-ass chick!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Advertisement: Two takes on one idea

 Sometimes when you have a good idea, you can take it in many different directions. This is just two takes on one idea, but there could be many more. I always opt for humor in advertisement, however being for that it was for a corporate function I also created a version that was along the same lines but more "safe". 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Design Challenge: If you were a superhero, what would your logo be?

A few months ago I started up my own art group, a lot of us creatives frustrated with our lack of creative stimulation at work. This was the first assignment and it was so much fun!

If you really know me you will know I constantly refer to myself as an "!", mostly because I am a very passionate person and well I go from one extreme to another. Mostly I am very excited. This design combines the S for Sophia with the "!" and made it look similar to the S for Superman. I also used my favorite color (Magenta) with a contrasting color (black).  

While it is arduous to brand yourself (your regular self) professionally and for self-promotion, somehow designing a logo for yourself (as a super hero) was almost effortless and fun.  It totally took all that "it needs to be perfect" pressure off.  It was an interesting experiment that showed when you take off the heat, it is just fun!

I challenge you designers out there: create your own superhero logo!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

In time for baby season...some fun onesie designs I did for friends


As a designer I love to use my skills to make presents for my friends, I created these baby onesies for my friends baby showers.  If you ever need any custom onesies feel free to contact me!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

2012 Resolutions: Better Late than Never!

Okay, I know it is late for New Years Resolutions, but I designed this for 2012 a couple months ago. I have finally gotten around to creating a new site to share my work! That is why I included the line, "That I won't let procrastination cheat me." So here's to a fresh start, better late than never!  What are your resolutions?

It is time for a facelift....ummm a digital one anyway!

I have not posted in a REALLY looong time!  Things will be changing from day to day- STAY TUNED! Lots of blog posts coming to do with my MANY interests that all have to do with design.  As the quote says, to me design is a way of life!