Block Letters

In the spirit of Halloween

I present to you.. Skullface

Address Book woes...

I'm designing Address Book covers for a huge client of ours. So far I've gotten- it's too busy, too plain, too modern, too old... no in between! Here's one of the rejects :(

We are the 99%

It can't get any more real than this, folks. The 99% are fed up and are taking a stand!

(excerpt taken from occupywallst.org)

Our Mission

On the 17th of September, we want to see 20,000 people to flood into lower Manhattan, set up beds, kitchens, peaceful barricades and occupy Wall Street for a few months.

Like our brothers and sisters in Egypt, Greece, Spain, and Iceland, we plan to use the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic of mass occupation to restore democracy in America. We also encourage the use of nonviolence to achieve our ends and maximize the safety of all participants.

Who is Occupy Wall Street?

Occupy Wall Street is leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%.

The original call for this occupation was published by Adbusters in July; since then, many individuals across the country have stepped up to organize this event, such as the people of the NYC General Assembly and US Day of Rage. There'll also be similar occupations in the near future such as October2011 in Freedom Plaza, Washington D.C.

We Are The 99% from socially_awkwrd on Vimeo.

Show me where your nomz at?!

New Stuff

Working on two new projects at the moment.. which means I have to come up with EIGHT new designs. Here are the first two roughs that I've come up with. I think I like where they're going.. do you?

Wanna go geode hunting?

I do! I do! Found a list of sites that are in Southern California that are definitely worth taking a mini-trip to. OMG.. if I found a geode.. it would be like striking gold. Looking at geode's leaves me entirely mesmerized.

Hauser Geode Beds:

http://www.desertusa.com/magjan98/stories/hauserbeds.html

Potato Patch Geode Beds:

http://www.desertusa.com/mag06/jul/potato.html

Black Hills Geode beds:

http://www.desertusa.com/mag05/sep/rocks.html

Cinnamon Geode Beds:

http://www.desertusa.com/mag05/nov/cinn.html

Living in a Dream World

Love & Light

Shadowboxer, baby

“I believe that in design, 30 percent dignity, 20 percent beauty and 50 percent absurdity are necessary.” -Shigeo Fukuda

a for pompadour?

Oh I beg you.. can I follow?

Gypsy

Did you know I named my car Gypsy? When I first got her, I went on a spontaneous road trip to San Francisco with my fellow road warrior friend Remie, aka my hairstylist for the last 10 years!

Wait for it...

WIP

Work in Progress still.. but I am loving it already!

Why.. oh, why?!

Most of the time, it's good to be creative.. but after seeing these.. I must ask.. why?

Yeah.. tell me about it, right?! These are called: The Nail Earrings & Necklace in Oil by Cheap Monday. Yuck.

Day of Design & Research

Work work work... find inspiration.. work work work

Look what I came across! Isn't it just lovely? Too bad my company's target demographic aren't goth kids or slightly dark individuals like me.

Iv Orlov: Lov(e)!

Check out his flickr site here & Behance portfolio here. His work is amazing!

The 27 Club

It's sad to say, but I think we all knew Amy Winehouse was on a downward spiral. It's such a tragedy since she really did have true talent.. just like the other members of the "27 Club." In this clip below, she sings about how her lover needs to be "Stronger than Me." If only she knew, she could stand strong by herself.

Do it Like a Dude

Jessie J is my guilty pleasure at work. Good thing I've got headphones so I can listen to this dirrrryty, dirrrrrty, dirrrty sucka! lol

Rainbows

Teardrops

I am in LOVE with this song. I've heard it countless times while practicing yoga.. but never found out who the maker was until.. Pandora. It's an oldie, but a goodie.. Namaste.

Miss Kitty & Fancy Paws

Just a preview of some new designs that yours truly have done that we'll be pitching to a big pet store/supply chain.  >^_^<

New and Old obsessions...

So.. as you all may already know.. I'm a teeny-weeny-itty-a-bitty obsessed with Zooey Deschanel. I mean.. how can you NOT be? She's so darn cute.. and mucho talented! Check out this video she posted on one of my newest obsessions.. a website she co-founded with two other lovely ladies.. HelloGiggles! Oh man.. I'm telling you.. you will not be disappointed with this newfound obsession. It's chock full of cuteness, videos to fill up your otherwise boring days, and more cuteness! So.. now.. let Zooey sing about how "Crazy" I am for her and HelloGiggles! Have a foxy day!

Florence and the Machine...

Live in concert? Yes, please. But since I was not fortunate enough to be there in spirit, NPR has given us yet another reason to love them.. Check out this 80 minute long video of Florence and the Machine Live at the Wiltern. Hurry though.. it's only available until June 28th.. after that, you'll have to purchase the vid on iTunes. Go. Listen. Now.

There's a drumming noise inside my head that starts when you're around

I swear that you could hear it, it makes such an almighty sound....

I swallow the sound and it swallows me whole

'Til there's nothing left inside my soul, as empty as the beating drum

But the sound has just begun.... 

Rave On

What a nice little surprise. "Rave On" is a new tribute/cover album of all the hit songs by music legend Buddy Holly. With it's star studded cast of musicians- Paul McCartney, She & Him, Fiona Apple, My Morning Jacket and more.. how can you NOT love this album? Wish I could buy my copy right now but the album will be released June 28.. which is only six days away!

Thanks to NPR.. you can have a "First Listen" here.

This one's for the birds...

New journal design (it has a 1/2" bleed that I didn't crop out).. can't wait to do one on kitty kats! >^_^< meeeyoooowww!

And we'll all float on, ok..

I just love how whimsical these pictures look! Check out more pics on yowayowa camera woman's diary.

Cut me open

Bloodstream - by Stateless

Joolz

Freelancing while working full-time isn't necessarily an ideal thing to do, especially when you value your free time. My friend Tarin works as a Sales Representative for a company called Violet Del Mar. Being a good friend, when the owner asked if she knew any design professionals, she gave them my name. Voila.. a design relationship was born. Rob at Violet Del Mar wanted a snazzy, bling-y logo for his new company, Joolz. Here's the final logo.. do you think it's bling-ed out enough? LOL

Champion Times

My duty as a loving girlfriend includes.. boasting about my loving boyfriend's success! Back in early April, my boyfriend, Matthew Shelby, participated in the Intercollegiate Business Strategy Competition held in Long Beach. Graduate and undergraduate teams from different school across the nation participated in this event and Team Gaia's Goodness took home 2 out of 2 awards in their respective "worlds." The awards were for: Best Overall Reports and Best Overall Performance.

(You can check out the article here.)

2011 - The Year of Fitness

So in one of my earlier posts this year, I mentioned that I joined a yoga studio, Sol Yoga. I absolutely LOVE this place! Such great vibes and the teachers are just amazing people. Well, since that post, I have also joined a gym to meet my cardio needs. I love North Park, but it's just not the best place for walking, jogging, or running –– which is why I joined Chuze Fitness. Located right in the heart of Mission Valley and for only $9.95 a month for the basic package, this place is a steal. The gym facilities are very clean, friendly staff greet you and bid you adieu, and brand new workout equipment to use all make this place a 5 star facility. True story!

And I must divulge some very important news –– I am going to Mexico at the end of this month. That's also another reason why I'm working extra hard to get my bod in tip-top shape so I can feel (and hopefully also look) sexy for the sandy beaches of Puerto Vallarta. This trip to Mexico is to celebrate my lovely boyfriend getting his Masters degree in Supply Chain Management from San Diego State University... and is also a late graduation trip for yours truly's graduation from Art Institute in June of last year. Only 15 more days..

Moonwalker

I wanna be like this granny when I grow up.. moves and all! She's soo cute!

Fashionista

New design.. hopefully coming soon to a store near you! By.. you're favorite kitty, moi!

Movement

This kid's got some mad skillz on the dance floor!

Geekery

This is funny "ha-ha" –– not funny "ha."

Bombaclot!

Google "dancehall" and what do you get? You get images of voluptuous women with big TNA! hehehhe.. But, I digress.. this is a post to let ya'll know that there is a remix of a TV on the Radio song that you must download and listen to NOW! It's a dancehall remix so that's where the subject of dancehall came from. Bombaclot nosebleed!

Saturday.. the day after Friday

Who doesn't love Stephen Colbert? I don't know a single one of my friends or colleagues that doesn't like the political pundit. Here is the man himself along with the Roots, Jimmy Fallon, and Taylor Hicks doing their take on the viral hit: Friday by Rebecca Black. Made my Saturday for sure!

Awkward Stock Photos

This site is hilarious! If you are a graphic designer, you definitely will appreciate this site since we all have encountered some awkward and down-right ridiculous stock photos. Go to www.awkwardphotos.com for more. Which one is your favorite?

Little Hurricane

I can't believe I'm JUST NOW discovering this local SD band. Shame on me (slaps my own hand.) Little Hurricane reminds me of the White Stripes.. which is a huge compliment. Very bluesy, rock music.. I fricken love them! I can't say how disappointed I am to see how electronic music has taken over music nowadays.. I mean, I love some of the music.. but I'm a rock and roll chick all the way through. Classic rock is what burns my midnight oil.. and what it really boils down to, is the true raw and honest talent- that is what moves me, my soul and makes my heart flutter.


Give Em Hell

little hurricane | Myspace Music Videos

Another thing that I love about this video.. is that it's filmed at Bar Pink which is right around the corner from my house in North Park. As Bill & Ted say... "Excellent!"

The stars, the moon..

they have all been blown out

you left me in the dark

no dawn, no day

i'm always in this twilight

in the shadows of your heart

Out with Aquarius.. In with Neptune!

Found this article.. and I just "love" how positive it is! Here's to love all around the world.. and in the bedroom!

Love is in the Air
Neptune's Move into Pisces Means Enchanting Romance -By YourTango

Have you ever yearned for a more passionate love life? Have you ever wondered why you haven't found your soul mate or, if you have, have you wished she or he was more romantic? This spring you can stop wishing: On April 4 Neptune moves into Pisces, ushering in a new era of enchanting, extravagant romance. Neptune changes signs once every 14 years, so this is a major shift. Here's what it means for you:


Romance.
Neptune is a highly romantic sign, so during this era true love will be your supreme motivating force. We're not talking about practical love, focused on finding the right provider — Neptune's love is the wild, passionate love that so many women fantasize about.
A return to the "real." For the past 14 years Neptune has been in techy, intellectual Aquarius, which helped bring about the digital revolution but had some unfortunate side effects. As the ruler of delusion and illusion, Neptune in Pisces blurred the lines between our true selves and our digital selves. Think reality TV, auto-tuned musical acts and Internet-only friendships. Technology can certainly enhance our relationships, but isn't it better to love in person and get your heart broken than to send text messages to a faceless beau? Neptune loves the pain and passion of true love and true experience; we only live once, so it's best to do so with all our heart.

A cultural renaissance.
Neptune and Pisces are both creative and artistic, so look for a complete renaissance in the arts, especially in the realm of film and photography, which are ruled by Neptune. This is a time for unfettered imagination to take hold of the communal consciousness as we move away from materialism and towards spirituality. Last time Neptune transited Pisces (back in the 1850s) was the heyday of the Pre-Raphaelites and Transcendentalists.

The triumph of the heart over the mind. Neptune in Pisces will be all about making choices and navigating life through intuition. We'll stop seeing feelings as a result of psychology and start viewing them as expressions of and guides to our own unique souls. When searching for a love partner, throw away the checklists and follow your heart.

Life and love without judgment.
Sick of comparing yourself to others? Tired of hearing you have to have it all? Now is your time to shine. This is the era of risktaking, so embrace your passionate side and don't think about what you "should" be doing. There's more to life than a perfectly cooked turkey and 500-thread-count sheets (it's what's happening between the sheets that matters!). Those who are willing to take chances, who live and love with all of their souls—those are the ones who will lead the most fulfilling, passionate lives.

I heart LoveJoy.. Mermaid of the East (Coast!)

Picture the fooooo-ol...

I can't get this song out of my head! So dang catchy! I LOVE the video.. the motown feel, the stylin'.. my oh my!

Fish Tank

I've been more of a homebody usually these days.. and I like it. For now, my life consists of my lovely boyfriend and snuggle-bum kitty, Lux, art & work, yoga goodness for the well-being, catching up with my beautiful friends via text & telephone.. and if I'm lucky, in person! and good 'ol cinema. Mix in a little shopping & yummy food in between and that's my life for you! I am happy, truly HAPPY. It feels good to actually say it and mean it from the bottom of my heart.

So this is a "cinema" post.. I've watched some good things on the tele recently, including: The entire Deadwood series, Spartacus, The Peep Show (so hilarious! a MUST!) which are all televesion series.. and then this movie that I watched yesterday called.. Fish Tank. What a wonderful movie! I loved the character Mia in the film... naive, confused, angry.. reminds me somewhat of myself growing up. The movie takes some unexpected turns and creates such a complex world that it sucks you in.. good since it's a two hour long movie! Here is a trailer of the movie. Go. Watch. It. Then.. tell me about it. I like to talk movies and how different other people can comprehend and understand the same movie. Greatness. Joy.. I'm expecting a call/text/post from you! ;) xoxox.. miss you lovejoy!

Like A Virgin...

This article is insane! Wow..

No Nerts?

Sol Yoga

So.. I buckled down and joined a yoga studio. After trying out a few studios, one of which I absolutely LOVED: Core Power Yoga, I decided to join Sol Yoga in La Jolla. Although I have to credit CPY for sparking my inner yogi, Sol Yoga studio was just more convenient for me. I get off at 4pm M-F from work and they have a class at 4:15 which is perfect since I can just zip down to La Jolla and go from there. No lazy business here.. but pure drive. Sol Yoga studio is great since they also do heated yoga and have the same overall feel/burn as CPY. Not only that.. I am really REALLY going to try to go 4x a week, with the very least 3x a week so I can have a toned body just in time for the summa' time!

For my "Vamp-y" friends

This has got to be one of the funniest movie posters ever made..

I've Got the Love

Someone needs to dare me...

Urban Dare Day for San Diegans is on April 2, 2011. Today is the first time I found out about this event.. and I wish someone would dare me to do it with them! Here is the link with all the necessary information. It's $90 for a team of two.. and it's Amazing Race for all of us folks who don't get to make it to the big screen.. but with the fun included and you don't even have to leave Sunny Diego!

Excerpt taken from the website:

Get ready for the best challenge you ever took. TIt's like a one-day Amazing Race. Get ready for the best challenge you ever took. Take the dare! We will begin check-in at 11:00 and will be taking registration up to the start of the race. Look for us in the light blue t-shirts. You must wear your Urban Dare shirts throughout the race, which we will give you at check-in. You should bring a cell phone and a digital camera to show your pictures at the end of the race. A cell phone camera will work. Maps are also handy and you should have someone to call to help look up clues. I also recommend a pen or pencil to take notes. The Urban Dare start is unique. We will ask multiple choice trivia questions and you will move into A, B, C or D areas depending on your answer. Get a few answers correct and you are on your way. This gives us a staggered start, but we'll be through it quickly. You may not use your phones at this stage of the race. Once you are out of the starting blocks, you will pick up your clue sheets and be on your way. You can call friends as much as you want for help on clues. For the checkpoints that mention a dare, you must check in with the Urban Dare official, accomplish your task, and get your passport stamped before moving on. On checkpoints that mention a photo, you must get a photo with both team members to show you were both there. This is a team race. You must be together throughout the race. You may walk, run or use public transportation to get to checkpoints. At checkpoints with dares, you must accomplish a task and get your passport stamped to move on to the next checkpoint. Dares range from throwing a bulls-eye, doing a climbing wall, completing a puzzle or eating something (things people like, not bugs). We expect the winners will finish the race in about 2 hours and most of you will finish under 4 hours. We are working to provide a fun-filled day for you, while providing some good challenges.ake the dare

Here's a video from YouTube that sucks balls.. but it gives you a (blurry) idea of what to expect:

I Am (in) Love

I fell in love with a band today, and they are called Local Natives. The first video is their official video for Airplanes and the second is the link to their Tiny Desk Concert via NPR. I recently subscribed to their podcast on iTunes and have never been happier. I AM (in) Love... with MUSIC!



Your ears (and heart) will thank you!

I Am Love

Just finished watching the Italian movie, I Am Love by Luca Guadagnino. What a beautifully shot movie, albeit a bit depressing due to the many struggles that Love has to go through in order to live out loud. I AM Love. Some may consider it to be a weakness, but I do move with my heart more often than not.. and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Kitty Love

As I am preparing to head off to Core Power Yoga for a nice sweaty yoga sesh.. Here's a lovely posting from Unhappy Hipsters.

Caption: Phase one of a hostile feline takeover: entice the humans into a stretch-off.

Memory-Schmemory

I am notorious at forgetting things. Not birthdays, anniversaries, or what I wore on a certain day years ago.. but factual things like.. specific details that occurred in a television show, historical facts, and rules to games. I suck very HARD at remembering things of that manner. So when I happened upon this article in the NY Times, I decided that I am going to take a crack at this whole memory bit. Maybe it won't be too late to teach an old kitty new trickety tricks, ey?

Once again...

I MUST make another post about Adele. I'm a HUGE fan and as my previous post stated, she is coming out with a new album called 21. Thank you NPR for letting us fans get a "First Listen" of the new album. Check it out here before it's too late!

Also.. look at Miss Adele with her hair down and sans her signature "doo-wop" look. Fierce!

Cheers!

Happy Fart Day!

Adele is one of my all-time favorite singers.. sharing the title along other female singers like Fiona Apple, Jenny Lewis, and Aretha Franklin. Here's Adele via Tiny Desk Concerts, singing two new songs from her upcoming album, 21, a follow up to the much critically acclaimed 19. Enjoy!



Adele: Tiny Desk Concert

Power to the People

Here's to people of Egypt!

..it's in the air!

This was not inspired by the upcoming holiday but it is quite festive since Valentine's day is just around the corner. Just a design I thought up whilst daydreaming of the one I love at work. What do you think?

Happy Birthday BMF!

Yesterday marked the 31st birthday of my Best Male Friend, Brett Flynn, which is the lengthy version of BMF. He likes to think it means Bad Mutha F*cker.. which I like to humor him into believing that's really what it  means from time to time. Since it was his birthday, we ended up going out for drinks and a small bite at Craft & Commerce located in Little Italy. What a cute little place! The atmosphere is very urban, hipster vibe and I must mention, the bartenders were very passionate about their 'craft'.. engaging in conversations and shaking that shaker like it owed them something! Oh those muscles flexing.. dreamy! Their happy hour special was pretty decent too: Buy one local beer, get the other free. I got the Alesmith Anvil & Ballast Point Sculpin IPA... yum nom rom!

So as of late, I've been obsessed with food. You can probably tell by the extra LB's I've tacked on.. but nonetheless.. OBSESSED! My friend RJ asked me if I Yelp'd since I talk about food and how I like to try out every new restaurant that pops up. He suggested I write a food blog. So.. since I'm oh-so-passionate about food.. it will pop up quite often on this very ol' blog of mine! So.. back to food. I unfortunately only got to taste one appetizer whilst at C&C, but oh  man was it bacony goodness!

Devils on Horseback
BACON WRAPPED:
Dates stuffed with smoked chedder
Green apple & blue cheese
Mushroom, garlic & asparagus

Mmmmm.. bacon wrapped anything would surely get my attention! And I must mention, I bought Bacon Salt the other day and can't resist putting it on everything I eat now!

Don't Look Back

Oh Zooooey!

A video that combines my love for mid-century furniture.. and of course, the very talented Zoey Deschanel!

Well... hello again stranger!

Has it really been that long since I've been on here? Shitze. I believe so. My good friend Joy, and possibly my only dedicated reader reminded me that I need to take this little hobby up again. And since Miss Jama is off to do bigger and better things in the land of lovers (Virginia, that is,) I must, I must, I must increase my bust.. I mean posts! for her viewing pleasure.

I will definitely update you on what's been going on in Kit Kat's world in the upcoming posts.. but I shall now leave you with a little animated gif-