HAVE A SWEET XMAS

This year I decided to create a specially designed Christmas card to post to friends, family, clients and twitter followers. I think "corporate" cards can sometimes come across quite cold (no pun intended) and although it was important that people knew who it was designed by I wanted to spread a little festive cheer and what is more christmassy than candy canes?

One bulk order of mini candy canes and I was on my way.

This also gave me the idea for the message "Have a Sweet Christmas" because lets face it thats what we love most about xmas.
I tried to create a christmas card that was basically a 3 in 1 gift with the actual card, the candy cane which could be used for; Hanging on the tree, Decorating a gift, Serving with Hot chocolate or just to eat! and also a pack of 2 Gift tags designed and printed in the style of the Card.
I decided to package them in a purple foil envelope to incorporate Deesigngeek's brand colour and stick a snowball shaped sticker with the xmas message on it and a circular address label to make sure even the outside looked


It was hard work putting it together but totally worth! 

EBONY AND IVORY

Sometimes I forget how beautiful and emotive black and white photography can be, the images below took my breath away and I had to share them.

FANTASY PHOTOGRAPHY

I recently stumbled across some gorgeous photography by a Canadian photographer Lissy Laricchia aka Lissy Elle. The way she has managed to create an imaginative and “other worldly” theme and idea is inspiring!
 She creates magical, paused in motion surreal photos. She plays with the subject, changes the rules of gravity and uses smart props, location and digital manipulation to get the perfect shot. Her fantasy dreamlike photographs take you off somewhere for a moment but the world within these images has also an air of mystery. My favourite images are the ones where she includes a cloud prop but there are more to be found at http://www.lissyelle.com/

Definitely one that will be going on my list of fave photographers!

MY HERO - TANK GIRL

When I was little I remember staying up late one night and finding a film set in post apocalyptic Australia with a kick ass heroine as the main character and who the film took its title from. Ever since, Tank Girl has had a special place in my heart (so much so I ended up paying an obscene amount for a batch of the comics to make a Tank Girl montage canvas) It was created by Jamie Hewlett (of Gorillaz fame) and Alan Martin . 

The character, funny enough drives a tank, which is also her home. She undertakes a series of missions for a nebulous organization before making a serious mistake and being declared an outlaw for her sexual inclinations and her substance abuse. The comic centres on her misadventures with her boyfriend, Booga, a mutant kangaroo. The comic's style was heavily influenced by punk visual art, and strips were frequently deeply disorganised, anarchic and psychedelic. The strip features various elements with origins in surrealist techniques, collage and cut up technique which makes it a stand out and makes me love it even more!

EVER GOOGLED YOURSELF?

So here’s a question, “ever Googled yourself?”

Don’t judge me but I did and found a new artist to add to my top fave’s; Stacey Wilson, Philadelphia CA: Artist/Designer/Promoter and Creative Ambassador for Philly 360.

Not much to live up to eh?

The epitome of the quintessential multi tasker and creative juggler from Philadelphia who has created a number of successful projects in categories such as visual arts and graphic design, promotions and events planning. All created in her instantly recognisable graffiti style.

When asked how she finds time to fit all this in her answer was simply “I love what I’m doing so it doesn’t feel like work” When you put it like that!

To find out more about this fabulous multi-tasker check her out on Twitter @FLYGIRRL or read this full interview

http://www.urblife.com/the-edge/in-my-business-stacey-wilson/

INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK # 1

Inspiration; Something or someone that gives you new ideas and the enthusiasm to create something with them. Inspiration is a big part of my life and work. To mix things up a  bit I thought I would start an "Inspiration of the Week"  They are NOT example of my work, simply images that made me laugh, think or love and when possible I will credit the creator of the image.
We are currently working on xmas designs for Cards, Packaging and Gift Tags in the studio so you can expect more festive themed inspirational images as the month goes on!

http://piccsy.com/2011/11/pages-hx02pa9rz/

DEESIGNGEEK.COM BABY!

Anyone who has created their own website will tell you it is definitely a labour of love!
I have been working on DeesignGeeks website and its been a lot of hard work but my design portfolio is finally uploaded which means it will be launching soon! I thought I would give you a sneaky peek of how the Homepage. To say I am excited is an understatement!

LILYLOVELOCK A/W TSHIRT RANGE

I love it when work doesn't feel like work and collaborating on LilyLoveLock's A/W TShirt range was the most fun ever. She is ever the professional but definitely doesn't take herself too seriously and this shows through her fashion that she feels should instill the confidence in her customer to "stand out, be original, be noticed".
This coupled with the backing of her creative team ensured that the designs look AMAZING! It was a brave move to organise a photoshoot at night but one that paid off! Check them out for yourself

TLG MAGAZINE

I have been collaborating with Alice Muir the editor of TLG, an underground music and arts magazine for the past 4 months on the design and layout and we have just finalised the cover for issue 3. Our cover girl is none other than THE Mary Anne Hobbs! to say I am excited is an understatment! With quotes like "don't tell me you can't do it beacuse I don't believe you!" if you didn't already think she was a legend you will after you read her feature. I have a feeling this is going to be the most interesting edition yet but you will be able to see for yourself when it hits the selected distibutors venues in the NY watch this space

SHOW US SOME LOVE

As you can see I am super new to Bloggin but if you like what you have seen so far
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
we'll love you forever!

CHARITY WORK

Back in August I took part in FreakDem clothing's "Freak Out" competition to design a TShirt design who's profits would be donated to a charity of my choice. It is now now available to order online for only £9.99 at www.freakdem.com, profits going to to the "Action For Children" charity! Why not buy one? it'll make you 
feel and look good!