5.29.2008

Summer Stamps

Looking forward to purchasing the Flags of our Nation Stamps in a few days!

The USPS will salute the flags of every state, all five territories, and the District of Columbia with the first 10 of the 60 Flags of Our Nation stamps. Starting in July, the USPS will debut the flags of Alabama through Delaware, including the Stars and Stripes. Ten more flag designs will follow, showcasing the District of Columbia through Kansas. The flag issues continue into 2009 and 2010 for a total of sixty stamp designs. Four out of the six coils of 10 will also include a Stars and Stripes definitive stamp. Each group will be arranged alphabetically in strips of 10 and sold as coils of 100 stamps.

The flag art was created by Tom Engeman of Bethany Beach, DE, under the guidance of art director Howard Paine of Delaplane, VA. Each stamp design also includes artwork that provides a snapshot view of the area represented by its flag. In most cases, an everyday scene or activity is shown, but occasionally the view is of something less commonplace — rare wildlife, perhaps, or a stunning vista.

{image from usps.com}

Don't forget about Charles and Ray in July! I'll be stocking up like nobody's business.

5.28.2008

Window Wednesdays: Student Competition

I spotted this Window design competition on the Parson School of Design blog. Looks like you may have to fish around the internet for more technical information.

MAC Cosmetics student competition to design/create a window design for their 2008 holiday collection. Prize money and wonderful high profile exposure.

Starbucks Chalkboard Animation Commercial

I really enjoyed this Starbucks commercial I caught on TV yesterday. I was attracted to the hand drawn type & simple animations. Click here for a link to the Art Director's page, including links to the other people involved with the spot including the ILLUSTRATOR!

5.26.2008

Window Wednesdays: Boston Windows

I know this is a bit belated, but I wanted to wrap-up my findings before this Wednesday approaches. I have great local windows to share. Boston was fun to capture, but nothing compares to New York City windows.

Lord & Taylor, Boylston Street, BOSTON
Pink, BOSTON
Hermes, Boylston St, BOSTON
Longchamp Window, BOSTON
Fun illustrations!
New Apple Store, Boylston St, BOSTON
Gorgeous design, and across from the Hynes Convention Center.
Free People, Prudential Center, BOSTON
AG, Newbury Street, BOSTONAmericanApparel, Newbury Street, BOSTONCamper Store, Newbury Street, BOSTONDiesel, Newbury Street, BOSTONGAP, Newbury Street, BOSTONLUSH, Newbury Street, BOSTONOilily, Newbury Street, BOSTONPeapod, Newbury Street, BOSTONPetite Bateau, Newbury Street, BOSTONRugby, Newbury Street, BOSTONUmbrella Spa Inspiration, Newbury Street, BOSTONPaperchase, Newbury Street, BOSTON
So excited to see that England's Paperchase is here in the States. My 2007 planner was from the England shop & I searched high & low to try and find one I loved as much for 2008. I never did. Next year I'm calling up this Boston shop for my favorite planner.

5.19.2008

Notes from the 2008 HOW Conference

I'm here at the HOW Conference & my head is spinning with all the amazing advice, inspiration, and design sessions I've attended. More to come later this week. For now here's what some of the other conference attendees are saying!

Designers: GIMME the SCOOP, John S. Howard, The Search's Kiss, The How Design Blog, UnderConsideration Day 1, and UnderConsideration Day 2.

5.18.2008

Boston Weekend Wrap-up

Enjoyed the b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l weekend weather here in Boston. Glad the weather reports were inaccurate, (not a drop of rain) so I was able to enjoy the SOWA Market, SOWA Artist Studios, the SOWA Artist Guild 450, and ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) Museum.

Some artists I loved---
SOWA Market
Illustrator: Eric Sturtevant
Handmade Goods: TADWorks
450 Harrison
Jeweler: Amy Casher Designs
Milliner: Galvin-ized Headwear
Painter: Rachel von Roeschlaub
SOWA Art Walk
Illustrator/Painter/Muralist: Bren Bataclan

SOWA Market (great illustration on sign)

SOWA Sign (great type & graphics)

Starbucks had some great magnetic tables to interact with, while enjoying complimentary drinks!

Also got to stop by the NEW & FABULOUS store Grand. I read about it on Daily Candy and in Lucky Magazine. Great products, interiors, and the owners are super-friendly.
The ICA building is an architectural gem. I tried to capture the angles and views the space created.

Amstel on Amsterdam

May 15 - I spotted the Amstel Light mobile on NYC's 'Amsterdam Ave'. Seems they are having some Dutch Takeover Events during the summer months.