Design Life

My First Quilt

2011-12-21T14:42:00.003-07:00

I recently finished my first quilt with help from my mom, Marian Gallian of Pink Hippo Quilts. I gave it to my friend who is expecting a baby girl in a couple of weeks. I have to say it was a very fun project and I think it turned out super cute!

XOXO...With love I wish you a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

2011 Quilt Market Recap: Part Four

2011-11-01T16:55:00.000-06:00

More of my favorite booths and designers from the International Quilt Market to inspire you. Since I'm a graphic designer, I'm going to kick this post off with some beautiful typography I found in Tina Given's booth:

I loved Tina's warm, autumnal color palette set off against the chocolate colored walls of her booth.

These two ladies below were such a delight to talk to and their fabric had such a refreshing vibrancy.

The line below is "Ooh la la" designed by Val Pillow and Anne Maxfield of Pillow & Maxfield.

Lila Tueller, of Lila Tueller Designs, is as sweet and engaging as she is talented.

She is one of Riley Blake's fabric designers and also has her own line of patterns and

kits for clothing and purses. The line featured in her booth is Fiona's Fancy.

The Basic Grey booth was full of fabulous ideas and inspiration.

Everywhere I looked they had something unique, wonderful, playful and fun.

The Dear Stella booth and line of fabrics were the talk of the floor.

This picture doesn't do it justice because their booth was so bright, graphic and fresh it just drew you in.

So sweet and girly set off by a hand painted backdrop, Ellie Mae Design's booth was just too cute!

The Birch booth was featuring their Circa 52 fabric.

I love the hand drawn feel and the bright colors set against the warm gray.

The signage for Betz White's booth was fabulous! Such a great way to display the fabric and incorporate the

name of her new fabric line Stitch. You'll have to check out the fabric more closely on her blog, because she

had a lot of fun playing around with visual concept of stitches in very unique and geometric ways.

That's it for me from Quilt Market. I loved every minute of wandering the aisles and soaking up the creative vibes and I hope you enjoyed seeing it from my perspective.

2011 Quilt Market Recap: Part Three

2011-11-01T09:21:00.001-06:00

Let's start off with a bang: Art Gallery Fabrics! I just visited their website this morning and I was greeted with this amazing inspirational reel for their new line titled "Hyperreal Garden" by Pat Bravo. So rich and inspirational, I highly recommend watching it:

Rhapsodia Brochure. From a graphic designer's perspective,

I was blown away by all of their exquisite brochures at Art Gallery Fabrics.

Modernology booth. Fabric designed by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics.

Bespoken booth. Fabric by AGF In-House Studio for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Next up is the amazingly talented design duo of David and Amy Butler. I got the opportunity to talk briefly with both of them and they were so friendly. Such great people! David Butler of Parson Gray was debuting his first line of fabric called "Curious Nature" which he describes as "richly muted." One of the few lines designed for men at the show and it was very urban and chic (and masculine!). I also got to hear Amy Butler speak earlier in the week at the schoolhouse series about her new Blossom Club, a free project based eZine. Brilliant idea from a marketing perspective. It will launch early next year. Her booth featured her new fabric line "Lark."

Parson Gray Booth. Featuring "Curious Nature" by David Butler.

Quilters have a good sense of humor too! Check out David's booth award:

Me (Yvette Jones) with Amy Butler at her booth.

More amazing booths to come, check back soon for Part 4!

2011 Quilt Market Recap: Part Two

2011-10-31T23:18:00.001-06:00

The focus of part two was going to be all the designers and booths I loved, but one stood out to me above the rest so this post will be all about my new (design) love affair with Kellie Wulfsohn of Don't Look Now! from Melbourne, Australia. (Part three will be highlights of all the other amazing designers and booths I loved.) Kellie's quilts and pillows had such intricate detail, beautifully balanced layouts and delightful color schemes. Each one was so sweet and whimsical. She also has a new line coming out for Riley Blake in March 2012 called Peak Hour. I didn't find this out until after we visited her booth and then I recognized her name in their catalog. She's a relative newcomer to the quilting industry and I expect we'll be seeing a lot more from her!

So without further ado, here's some eye candy for you:

Adored the chandeliers hanging in her booth! The quilt Love Birds is in the background.

Pretty 'n Pink pillow patterns by Kellie Wulfsohn

Meg's Garden Quilt Pattern by Kellie Wulfsohn

Animal Alphabet Quilt Pattern by Kellie Wulfsohn

Little Monsters Pillow and Quilt Patterns by Kellie Wulfsohn

2011 Quilt Market Recap: Part One

2011-10-31T13:45:00.000-06:00

You may be wondering what quilts have to do with graphic design, but there is actually quite a large overlap! I had the wonderful opportunity to go with my talented mom to Quilt Market in Houston, Texas, to see her quilt designs displayed at the Riley Blake booth and be inspired by the wonderful talent found there. I was personally inspired for my own designs by the gorgeous color palettes, beautiful patterns found in the fabrics, whimsical logo designs and the vast array of layouts in the quilts. The booths themselves are also great examples of design, branding, marketing and merchandising in and of themselves. There was so much to see and take in, it was a visual feast!

In part one I'm going to feature the Riley Blake booth and the quilt patterns designed by my mother, Marian Gallian of Pink Hippo Quilts:

Marian Gallian of Pink Hippo Quilts showing her published quilt in front of the Riley Blake booth.

Marian in front of the Decadence line by Samantha Walker. Her quilt "Fall Frenzy" is just to her right.

"L'Amour est Trouvé" quilt pattern by Pink Hippo Quilts is in the lower right corner. This quilt was made with Lost & Found fabric designed by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake.

Marian next to her "American HIstory" quilt design (lower quilt). The fabric line, Grandma's House, was designed by The Paper Loft for Riley Blake Designs.

"Garden Squares" quilt pattern made with Fiona's Fancy fabric designed by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs.

One of the highlights of the booth was the "Sophie's Pinwheel" quilt designed and made by Marian Gallian of Pink Hippo Quilts. The fabric is called So Sophie and was designed by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake.

What I do...and what I really do.

2011-10-21T13:56:00.005-06:00

It's the age old question that goes something like this, "So, what do you do?" My response used to be graphic designer...then graphic and web designer...then graphic/web/user interface/user experience designer and coder. Or perhaps I design everything from logos, lettersets and brochures to websites, annual reports and billboards. While true, I feel these titles only encompass the technical side of what I do.

What I really do is communicate and solve problems. I am the liaison between my client and the world. I take the piles of information given to me by my clients and distill it down to a clear message. I blend form with function to ensure each piece is as effective as it is visually striking. Much like a musical conductor, I bring all the different pieces into a harmonious final product which directly connects with an individual's emotions.

So what do you think my title should be and what do you do...and what do you really do? Leave me a comment, I would love to know!

Yeah...New Studio Y Website!

2009-08-01T10:40:00.002-06:00

I'm just completing my first term at the Academy of Art University towards my MFA in Web Design and I'm really enjoying everything I'm learning. The final for our web technology class was to design a portfolio and this newly updated website for Studio Y Design is my end result. You can also see some of my other student work from this summer term by viewing the student section of my work.

Please take a look and drop me a line to tell me what you think.

Eye Candy for your Walls

2008-07-25T09:27:00.006-06:00

These beautiful decoupage plates by John Derian are my new favorite eye candy. He is an avid collector of antique fruit, flower and animal prints. He hand-paints borders over centuries-old ledgers and letters and combines all these elements into charmingly eccentric collages, which are reprinted and pieced together in layers under glass accessories. His ever- expanding collection includes plates, platters, paperweights, coasters, lamps, bowls, bell jars, urns and vases. John Derian’s designs are handmade in his studio in New York, where he employs a small staff of artists to assist with production. You can purchase his plate here.

I think you should surround yourself with things that make you smile, whatever they may be. If something in your house doesn't make you happy every time you look at it, get rid of it. Design is more than just making something pretty, it should evoke emotion and make a statement about yourself.

A few questions to ask yourself...

2008-06-25T11:47:00.002-06:00

I was reading the book "The Big Moo" edited by Seth Godin and came across a passage with interesting questions to ask yourself about your business and its products. I have listed some of the questions below. It's interesting food for thought, so go ahead and try answering some of them!

What if paper was free?

What if packaging cost ten times what it costs now?

What if we had to pay to dispose of anything our customers threw away?

What if the instructions couldn't include illustrations?

Is it generous?

If the CEO (or boss) loved this, how fast could we get it done?

Couldn't we do it just a little faster than that?

A different approach to air purification

2008-05-27T15:27:00.005-06:00

I came across these vertical wall gardens by Patrick Blanc and was amazed by their form and beauty. Blanc engineered a lightweight wall that can grow plants without soil. The product can be mounted indoors or out for a natural plant mural that also purifies the air. What an amazing idea, I love it!

My name is Yvette, and I'm an Idea Addict.

2008-04-24T19:50:00.003-06:00

I recently came across an article by Scott Belsky of the Behance Team that helped me realize and admit that I am an idea addict. I love to get lost in my thoughts, constantly churning up new creative ideas and endeavors. Doesn't sound too bad on the surface, but in practice it gets in the way of progress and productivity. Belsky states:

"Idea generation is an addiction…an engaging, brain-spinning indulgence that must be practiced in moderation."

Moderation in all things. I think I've heard that mantra before. Their team spends only 1% of their time generating new ideas and the remaining 99% bringing their idea to life. Although he says you should enjoy your creative sessions, you must:

"Recognize that such occasions have the tendency to be intoxicating. New ideas have the potential to transform your life in wonderful ways, but they are also the most notorious source of distraction. Frustrated entrepreneurs and struggling creatives often trace back their problems to a moment when they decided to pursue too many things at once.

The steps for making ideas happen are interrupted by impaired judgment. And, as we all know, our judgment is impaired when we get intoxicated. When rampant, new ideas will get you off track …strive to make ideas happen, rather than just generate more ideas."

Designer Yves Béhar

2008-03-06T16:53:00.003-07:00

I just read a very interesting interview with Yves Béhar on the DWR site (Design Within Reach). He is an industrial designer who started his own design company, fuseproject, and teaches at California College of Arts (CCA). He was talking about how exciting it is to be studying and practicing design in this digital age and the wonderful challenges it presents by allowing designers to be more multifaceted and become "problem solvers" and not just "stylists." I completely agree that it is an exciting time to be a designer, and I think I have one of the best jobs in the world. I love the challenges it presents, the opportunities I have to learn about different industries, and the ability to make a difference through my work. Below is his ending statement:

"I consider myself a futurist. I consider myself a humanist. And I consider myself an environmentalist. For me, technology is an incredible enabler, but it means nothing if it doesn't consider the human being, the human touch. In the end, all of what we create has to have the world and the environment in mind as it gets produced."

Yeah! Webpick of the Day

2008-02-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am very excited that the website I designed for Choose Renewables was chosen as "Web Pick of the Day" today on the Communication Arts newly redesigned site! Choose Renewables is a great company who is leading the way as both an excellent information source and online retailer for renewable energy. I am very honored and they are certainly a deserving company. Please check out the feature today by visiting http://www.commarts.com/. You can visit my design studio, Studio Y Design, at http://www.studioydesign.com/.

Recycled Plastic Bag

2008-02-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have recently started to learn how to knit, so I was checking out some of the products on Etsy (a handmade marketplace) and came across these fun bags. The artist collects bags from recycle bins, friends and families and turns them into these colorful reusable bags. What a great way to recycle old bags! I usually try to find at least one more use for my plastic bags before I throw them out, but this way you can use those bags again and again (and take it to the grocery store so you don't collect more).

I don't know if I'll ever attempt knitting with plastic–yarn is challenge enough for me right now. But you can check out the whole line of bags here.

I also just found directions on how to make your own bags on the DIY Network. View the instructions.

Heels that don't Hurt

2008-01-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Finally a high heel that's not just eye candy, but is comfortable to wear. I caught Oprah while I was working out yesterday and they were featuring a new line of shoes that were both stylish and comfortable. Cole Haan teamed up with Nike Air to create a whole line of heels, boots, flats, and casual shoes. You can see all the styles and read more about them here.

Feel Good Design: Chie Mihara Shoes

2008-01-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so not all design can change the world. However I think if something makes your life better, even just by making you happier to look at it, it's worth noting. I love design that has a little vintage mixed in modern sensibilities. These shoes by Chie Mihara are divine and if I had a few extra hundred dollars lying around, I would definitely be tempted. You can find the shoes at Gravity Pope, Saks and other fine retailers.She also has a line of handbags. I especially like her design philosophy:

"She likes to create things that have something to communicate, a feeling or a state of mind. She greatly admires the work of artisans who create to give life. That’s what she wants to do… give a little happiness with her creations."

Take The Pledge

2008-01-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

I just came across a great resource for educating graphic designers on sustainable practices and encouraging our design community to come together to make a positive change in our world. The website is called Design Can Change and includes an area where you can make a pledge and join their member directory, where people looking for designers who are committed to the environment can find you. I took the pledge and encourage other designers to read through the information on their site and take the pledge as well.

Creative Recycling

2008-01-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

What a great way to turn trash into a treasure! Dominic Wilcox has created a series of "War Bowls" made from melted down toy soldiers. They still retain some of their shape, which makes for a great conversation piece, but the bowl is functional as well as sculptural.

You can purchase the war bowls here.

Portable Pillboxes

2008-01-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love the concept of these elegantly designed pillboxes by Elana Dweck, which can be found her website Meqet. Meqet began as a MFA thesis project at the School of Visual Arts. The name "Meqet" is derived from the Ancient Egyptian term "meket," meaning "protector," and possibly from the Arabic "hamilet," or something worn.

These boxes beautifully mask the pills inside and can be left out on your desk, coffee table or counter or worn as a necklace or ring.

Yearly Reflections

2008-01-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be a new year if we didn't take the time to reflect on the past and set new goals for our future. Not long ago I made a list of what I wanted out of my design career to make it as fulfilling as possible. I noticed the items fell into four different themes and I rewrote the list as follows:

I want to create, innovate and experiment
I want to inspire, teach and give back
I want to challenge myself, continually learn new things and rise to the next level
I want to increase my self-confidence, work with good clients and receive recognition for my work

What I like about this is it is not only a list of goals to work toward in 2008, but a mantra that will ring true for the rest of my career. Happy new year and good luck to all of you in accomplishing your own goals.

Expert or Pseudo-expert?

2007-09-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

I was recently reading a financial book and read an excerpt describing the expert vs. pseudo-expert. Although it was a book about trading stocks, it rang very true for graphic designers and I would think most professions as well. The book is titled "Way of the Turtle" by Curtis M. Faith, and I want to quote the following section:

"For every true expert, there are scores of pseudo-experts who are able to perform in the field, have assembled loads of knowledge, and in the eyes of those who are not experts are indistinguishable from the true experts. These pseudo-experts can function but do not really understand the area in which they claim expertise.

True experts don't have rigid rules; they understand what's going, and so they do not need rigid rules.

Pseudo-experts, however, don't understand, and so they tend to look at what the experts are doing and copy it. They know what to do but not why it should be done...they know how to apply complex processes and techniques and have been well trained but do not understand the limits of those techniques.

Don't confuse experience with expertise or knowledge with wisdom."

It was a very interesting passage and made me think of the scores of people who have been trained to use the suite of design applications, but not how to design. True designers, and true experts in any field, just "get it." They are innovators, problem solvers and leaders in their field. I would like to think I am a true expert. I hope I am and will always strive to be. It's a good thing to always challenge yourself and your limits. Push yourself a little harder and hold yourself to a higher standard. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.

There is No Bad Type

2007-07-01T23:52:00.000-06:00

There is no bad type, just bad uses of type. I have seen cooper black used as brilliantly as garamond and I have even used a blackletter face that turned out fantastic. On the other hand, any font can look horrible when improperly set.

I would highly recommend everyone, not just graphic designers, read the book Stop Stealing Sheep. It is a manual of how to properly choose, use and set type for all different professions. I have been re-reading it the past few days and found it very helpful to remind myself of a few of the finer points of typography. I truly believe God is in the details and taking the extra time and attention to fine tune your typography is what puts your design at the next level. Not to mention it will improve the readabilitiy and legibility of your piece.

If you really want to delve into the finer points and culture of typography, I would recommend visiting www.typophile.com. It is a forum for typography discussion created by a fellow classmate of mine, Jared Benson.

Designer as Author

2007-06-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

Designer as Author is the theme and mission of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) program in New York City. Below is a pull quote from their mission statement:

"Since its inception as a profession, graphic design has been primarily service-oriented, with a few original creators emerging in every generation who guide the way and set standards (as well as styles).

In recent years, new media have changed the role of graphic design in various ways. Graphic designers are more in demand to develop a client's branding, identity, and packaging programs. But with the means of production on their desktops, designers are also becoming glorified production "artists." The danger, of course, is that graphic designers will be edged out of the creation process, relegated to only the mechanical follow-through."

I have found that it is incredibly easy as a graphic designer to get caught up in servicing and pleasing your clients and you become as the designers at SVA say "cogs in the process" instead of creators. It's good to remind ourselves from time to time that we are experts in our field and it is part of our job to inform, educate and direct our clients down the best path. It is also our job to create, innovate and push design forward. We need to continue to create original pieces and products, if only for ourselves, to keep our imagination alive and kicking.

You can read the entire mission statement by following the link below:
School of Visual Arts MFA Designer as Author: Mission

Simplicity

2007-06-23T22:32:00.000-06:00

Apple's new iPhone, as well as the iPod and other products, has brought the theme of simplicity to the forefront of my mind.

Simplicity of design as well as simplicity of user interaction is in my mind the key to great design. The ability to think differently, take in vast amounts of information and boil it down to it's simplest and purest form is a phenomenal skill and much easier said than done. I like the quote by Albert Einstein:

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler."

One of the most fascinating things to me about graphic design, and all fields of design, is the process of molding an environment—whether it be a sheet of paper or a physical space—to marry beautiful form with user-friendly function. Simplifying the complex to deliver a clear message. Design is definitely more than just pretty pictures. Well, good design anyway.