Type project

Hey guys,
I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but I have been keeping myself busy working on lots of various projects. One main project that I'm doing right now it a book of type. The reason I am doing this is because a few months ago I applied for an internship at Chronicle Books in SF. Unfortunately, I was not chosen. I emailed them several times trying to figure out what I need to improve upon in order to have a better shot of being accepted the next time that I apply. Well, they finally got back to me, and their response was really encouraging. To sum it up, they said that they really like my work; I'm a strong drawer and have a good graphic design sense, but they would like to see more type in my book. That right now it looks too much like an illustrator's portfolio (no surprise there) They asked me how would I solve a design problem using only type? What would that look like?

I have been giving what they said a lot of thought. I have always known that type is the most difficult aspect of design for me, but I also know how important it is. I know that you should spend as much time with type as you would with a drawing. I have been reading about type when I can, as well as getting advice from friends who know more about the subject than I do. Chris gave me a good piece of advice, because he too has struggled with type. He said to think about it as an illustration. Draw it out like you would any other illustration. And that has been some very good advice.

I have a list of potential type projects, and the first one that I am working on is a book. (I really enjoy making books) The concept for the book is really simple, and by no means original. I am going to make type for different objects in my house (common house hold items) and then photograph them. Some of the objects I'm thinking about are the stairs, toilet, bathtub, microwave, mirror, etc..

I have begun making 3 of the words so far. I have completed "refrigerator" (although I'm not sure If I'm going to keep it the way it is) and "mantel". I am currently working on "bed" Here are some images...


This is somewhat self explanatory. I am thinking that this one might be a little too cliche'. It was the first one that I finished, which took me all of 10 mins to do. I will probably come back to this one, and do something more interesting inside of the fridge, with food or condiments or something. Also I am totally up for any suggestions.


Here is my 1st go at doing the mantel. I didn't think about taking pictures of the entire process while I was working, but I did manage to take this one. This is about 3 hours of work already. I first went to goodwill and bought a variety of cheap frames, which I then painted white. I then proceeded to Michaels (it was close by) to buy a variety of paper. I figured out what font I wanted to use, and then I traced out the letters onto construction paper, cut them out, and glued them down onto patterned paper. That was the easy part. I spent several hours re-arranging all of the little knick-knacks and the frames. So really this is more like my 5th attempt at putting the mantel together.




I then started adding more to the wall, to make the white frames stand out better. Sorry, these aren't the best photos. For the actual book I am going to borrow some lights and a good camera.

After I completed this, I decided to start working on "Bed" I decided to make the word "bed" out of fabric and fluff, thus simulating pillows. It makes sense... I found some really awesome fabric at a thrift store across the street from my work. I really like vintage looking prints and yellow, so that's the color palette I wanted to use for this one.






I am making the letters all by hand, so first I made a template to work from out of newspaper.







The "B" took Foooooorrreeeeevvvvveeeerrrrr. Okay, maybe not quite that long, but several days at least. Sewing by hand is a very tedious process. Now I have moved onto the "E" and I am almost done with it. (thank god)


Well, that's what I have so far to share with you. I'll keep posting as I progess with this project, as well as whatever else I come up with. And I am always open to suggestions and criticism, because it really does help.

Thanks!

heart,
Karen O

3 Lovely Ladies

heart,
Karen O

Animal Sketches

Here are 2 little drawings I did last night. Im trying to incorporate more animals into my work, as opposed to only people. Actually, the elephant drawing is an idea for a character that my friend Mark Fisher came up with from his story , Cinderellephant. The story is a psuedo Cinderella story, only, way more bizarre in a way that only Mark could come up with. I shall be posting more on that topic soon. But for now, enjoy some pretty pictures.

heart,
Karen O

Starfish Foundation logo ideas

I have been given another project by the same guy who gave me the Atomic School logo design project. This is for another logo for the Starfish Foundation. The Starfish Foundation is a program for young women to help them learn skill sets outside of high school that will help prepare them for the real world (i.e. learn about taxes, how to buy a car, how to buy a house, stocks, credit scores, etc.) This program also acts as a sort of savings account. The women in the program have to volunteer for any number of community services, and for every hour of time donated, the Starfish Foundation will donate a specific amount into a savings account that the said woman can't touch for 20 years. (or something like that)
Anyway, based on this information, I have come up with a few ideas for a logo. I am interested in what you think/what direction you think makes the most sense for this organization.

heart,
Karen O

Packaging Design Blog

I just discovered this pretty sweet blog that is all about packaging design. Packaging design is something I'd like to dabber more with in the future. I'll be sure to check back to this blog regularly to find more excellent designs.

Heart,
K

Prints/Patterns for embossing

Hello all. Today for work, I created a variety of patterns based on two themes, Floral and Grecian-inspired. These patterns are to show a client of ours some potential ways to 'spice-up' an otherwise basic compact mirror. The patterns had to be simple because they will be embossed into a small piece of metal. So today was a good day at work, one where I actually got to be creative instead of just cleaning up photos all day..

Ciao,
k

Prrty Food @ the Soap Factory = AWESOME!

Last night I attended the 24 hour artery fest at the soap factory in order to see a performance by my dear friend, Prrty Food (a.k.a. Joseph Gillette) For those of you not familiar with prrty food, his shows and drawings/comics consist of colorful characters from a made-up world. The show last night starred Walter, pig, Walter's dad, the King and of course, Prrty Food himself. I have taken a few photos from the performance to share with those who couldn't attend. I must say that I am excited to see what adventures Prrty Food comes up with next!

heart,
k


Prrty Food 3


Prrty Food


Walter

worn out

-k

Atomic Schools logo ideas

I recently have been asked to come up with a 2 logos for 2 different up and coming companies. The first, Atomic Schools is another side project for a man I have done previous projects with. Essentially, Atomic Schools is a t-shirt company that will provide custom t-shirts for various schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) The owner is basically leaving the designing in my hands as of yet, only that he wanted lime green, and that the design needs to be fairly simple so that it can be embroidered with ease. Here are my first batch of ideas. Let me know what you think!

heart,
K