I’ve followed and been a fan of Frank Chimero ever since first joining Twitter waaaaaaay back in 2009. It’s been a blast to watch his career as a designer/illustrator/writer evolve and I always look forward to what’s next. The latest is Frank’s Colorfield series, available as prints. And if you’re a designer I highly recommended picking up a copy of his book, The Shape of Design.
Last week I dusted off my artist smock (aka opened Illustrator) and teamed up with Alamy, one of the world’s largest online photo libraries, to launch a super fun design contest – Redesignyl. Designers are being asked to reimagine 1 of 16 iconic album covers using Alamy images as the basis for their design, you get to choose up to three Alamy images to use for free. Once submitted your design will be displayed on Redesignyl‘s page where you can go right now to get started. Get your masterpiece submitted by December 18th so that I, along with the other three judges, can choose yours as the best. There will be eight prizes, including an incredible new turntable for the winner!
PS: Can you tell which album cover I reimagined?
Posted In behind the scenes, create, graphics, music, my design, sponsored post
This week on Design Crush:
Fifteen fresh pieces of art for your walls in this month’s Print Edition: November.
A shop full of fantastic handmade and vintage goods over at Lostine.
Maggie Chiang‘s art is inspired by real and imaginative places.
Loving these Takenaka Bento Boxes.
Mirador has created the most beautiful collection of scarves.
I’d happily fill my kitchen cupboards with Hasami Porcelain.
Annie O’Dorisio takes mixed media pen and embroidery art to another level.
A Design Crush x fashionABLE table linens collection was released yesterday – enter for a chance to win a set of your own!
Design Crush elsewhere:
My latest post pairing rugs and rooms is up over on Rugs Direct.
Check out how to be a tailgating superstar.
Lucky Five by Barbara Dziadosz // You’re So Lovely by The Adventures Of // Ferns by Shannon Kirsten // Blueberry Scones by Yuliya // Now Or Never by The Adventures Of
Other People’s Favorite Books by Kate Bingaman-Burt // Pasta by Fickle Hill Letterpress // Pine Cones Field Guide by Kate Dolamore Art // Sidecar Cocktail by Nan Lawson // Stay Awhile by Visual Pixie
Sun & Moons by Rob Hodgson // Vintage Televisions by Jodi Lynn’s Emporium of Doodles // Winterfell by Sekonik // The Something Hand & Nothing Hand by Native Bear // You’re a Sky Full of Stars by Seven Swans Stationery
Posted In create, graphics, illustration, paper goods, prints
Married to the Sea by Clare Elsaesser // Cheeses of the World by Nane Press //
Vintage Cream Hydrangeas by Flora & Fauna-ist // Feather Study #9 by Barloga Studios //
Women by Modern Women
Fern by Brettisagirl // Flower Girl by Mouni Feddag // Last Bite by Violet Tinder //
Little Owl by Amy Hamilton // Mushroom & Fungus Classification by Idlewild Co.
Royal Tenenbaums 111 Archer Ave. by Familytree // Winter Feast by People I’ve Loved //
Santorini, Greece by Essi Kimpimäki Illustration // The Entire Universe Is Inside You
by Oh Mamma Mia // Tree Leaf & Gold Leaf by Anna Tovar
This week on Design Crush:
I’d love to crawl right inside one of Jotaká‘s paper family portraits.
Crushing on Martone Cycling Co.‘s monotone beautiful bicycles.
Step out on an airplane’s wings through Claire Harvey’s Postcards.
Dreaming of filling my home with Haus Candle‘s ten scents.
Large scale installations bursting with shape and color by Crystal Wagner.
Hanahzo soaps are like art for your bathroom.
I love the illustrative and graphic words of Jesús Perea.
Design Crush elsewhere:
5 tips for super smooth travel that I’ve come to rely on.
It’s the perfect weather for a cup of tea right now, and here’s how I make the best cup.
My bar cart is always in rotation, here are 5 ways I keep it ready for entertaining at a moment’s notice.
Let’s go autumn camping!
This week on Design Crush:
Raw, honest illustrations from the hand of Kero.
Dying (heh) to try out one of these Shabd Magic Jar Dye Kits!
I absolutely love the collage-like paintings of Paul Wackers.
Thinking of stocking up on Leccare Lollipops to hand out this Halloween.
Check out the bold, unapologetic art of Sara Andreasson.
If you don’t already play the guitar the Sol Guitar Stand will make you want to.
Marco Rea‘s mixed media magazine and spray paint portraits are stunning.
Try out the traditional lassi twelve new ways.
Stoked to share this month’s PGH Maker Profile: TROIKA Skateboards!
Design Crush elsewhere:
It’s the weekend, perfect timing to try these 5 hangover remedies.
Prep your bar for entertaining with these pieces.
Tips and tricks for pulling together a successful dinner party.
I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair of fall boots – here are 20 options.
I’ve been researching stress relief lately, here are my top 5 tips for easing it.
Sharing the stories behind the most talented creatives in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.
Dave Kaule and Dan Rugh are known movers and shakers around Pittsburgh, it’s just a fact. From Dave’s Monster Trike Night to Dan’s CWP Beer Barge (and many more in between), some of the raddest events in town are from the minds of these two standup guys. They’re both creative minds with outgoing personalities, so it only made sense when the two good friends teamed up to form something new, and that something turned out to be TROIKA Skateboards.
Three of Troika’s current line of eight deck designs.
Tell us a little bit about how you got your start with TROIKA Skateboards.
Dave: About 10 years ago I had a skateboard company called Triad Skateboards. It was growing really fast, but some unfortunate things happened in my life which caused me to derail a bit. That ultimately brought an end to Triad Skateboards. Three or four years ago Dan Rugh and I were trying to work together. He had asked me if I would want to start Triad back up, but that was a time in my life I wanted to leave in the past. He suggested a completely new company and at first I wasn’t sure about it. I realized it was all I was thinking about though so it only made sense. We knew the vibe and feel we both wanted for the company and just needed a name and artwork. That was something that came to us over a few beers and tacos.
Dan: I honestly dont know – I guess me and Dave had been back and forth with a billion projects we wanted to do together and TROIKA just seemed so dead on perfect for the way we interact with each other. Pretty vague but dead on true.
Dave showing off some well-earned skills. Photo: Casey Kovach
What’s your favorite part of the process? Your least favorite?
Dave: I would have to say working with Dan is my favorite part. We both are hyperactive thinkers and come up with some off the wall stuff. I think in terms of partnership dynamics there might be some talking down from some stupid goofy idea and instead we encourage each other to even go further with said idea. As far as the least favorite part I really don’t have one. I really enjoy all of it.
Dan: I love the art end of it. Designing the decks, working with illustrators on their ideas for decks, planning out the line, merch ideas. My least favorite is trying to pay attention to what needs done production-wise. This whole thing is a really fun side project so we both treat it like that – a lot of things get ignored until they are on fire or screaming or bleeding.
Dave and Dan talking shop while Dave’s pup, Chloe, takes notes.
What other makers inspire you most?
Dave: I have a number of local makers that stoke me out. To name a few: I love illustrations from Mike Budai, everyday balloons, and Joe Mruk. Jeff Justus of Penn Soul makes art both visually and musically, and he has been experimenting with some custom handmade sidewalk surfer skateboards that are incredible. Lastly Wendy Downs of Moop, her bags are beautifuly designed and manufactured by her here in Pittsburgh.
Dan: I get super stoked on strawberry luna. I think Kim Fox is killing it regularly. Sapling Press is always on top of this list, too. Matt Dayak can make anything out of anything. I think Moop is a local treasure.
Hell, theres this lady up in Benezette, PA that carves egg shells all crazy and puts hinges on them with little moving doors and windows – my grandpa knew her and took me there when I was about 9 and I’ve never forgotten it. This could go on forever.
Decks stacked up in Commonwealth Press for sale.
Where do you see TROIKA in 5 years?
Dave: I think I speak for Dan and myself when I say we just want to see TROIKA keepin’ skateboarding movin’ in a positive direction. Getting the younger generation hyped and involved with skateboarding in Pittsburgh.
Dan: Pittsburgh.
TROIKA shirts up for grabs at Commonwealth Press.
What makes having a small business in Pittsburgh so great?
Dave: Pittsburgh has a great community of doers. People doing cool shit for the love of what it is they are doing. I love skateboarding and I am stoked to be a part of the Pittsburgh small business community.
Dan: I don’t want to talk about it because everyone will want to move here and screw it all up.
Dave during a session. Photo: Matt Dayak
Posted In create, graphics, illustration, pittsburgh
An Empty Belly by Allana Cavanagh // Arctic Night by Stellaire Studios // Austin Leaf Map by Holstee // Hello, Yellow by Easy, Tiger // Make It Handmade by Schafer Design
Motorcycle Patent Print by Patent Prints // Owl’s Snowy Flight by Natalie Wargin // Plaid Flag by Nick Nelson // Watermelon by Lu West Studio // Foxes of the World Field Guide by Kate Dolamore Art
Posted In create, graphics, illustration, painting, paper goods, prints
Bear by Georgiana Paraschiv // Face by Tuesday Mourning // Doxie Dog by Corrie Wessman // Howdy Lasercut by Ben Barry // Piano Chords Canvas by The Arminho Creative Studio
Moon Icon by Sycamore Street Press // Safety Pin by Jennifer Ament // Sign Language by Hammerpress // Some Things Take Time by Anna Tovar // Watermelon Paradise by Anek
Posted In create, graphics, illustration, painting, paper goods, prints