Mister Retro

My plan is to eventually have a housewarming party and I would love for it to have a retro theme. Of course as a graphic designer, this is the perfect opportunity to design something adorable for my invitations! Some of my favorite illustrations come from Mister Retro. He still has a very characteristic 60's look, and I love the way that he uses color fields and outlines. The perspective is usually insanely inaccurate, which makes everything look so funky and playful too. After looking at a lot of his work, I was able to come up with this design for the front of the invite. I used a sharpie to create all the outlines, and then went back and added the colors in the computer. I wasn't sure how it was going to all come together, but I think it turned out pretty cute! :)

Also, I'm still coming up with ideas for games to play / food to serve at the party. Does anyone have any suggestions??

The Classic Makeover

This is an absolutely fantastic animation created for Penguin Books' new collection of classics. I love the play of positive and negative space—especially when the penguin disappears/appears at the beginning and end. The engraving images and limited color palette are very traditional, but the style of animation and the colors give it a modern feel too. Basically, I would classify it as "Vintage Modern" which is really trendy in the design world right now. Anyway, watch this video—it's totally brilliant!

Room for Living

Yesterday as I was driving home from work, my eye caught this couch in the window of the store across the street. So I ran over to inspect. It turns out to be an IKEA couch, in really great condition (with the exception of a few minor stains—but nothing a slipcover can't fix). They had just pulled it off the truck when I drove by too—what a great find!

Chicken Curry Stew

This is a deliciously flavorful recipe that I often make when I am in the mood for something hearty. The curry spice I use really gives it the flavor that I like so much about it, but I'm sure you can substitute whatever type of curry that you like best. Mine comes in a box called "Golden Curry" with foiled gold lettering. It gives it flavor and a little spice, but nothing that will destroy your sinuses! Also, I recommend when you store it in the fridge to mix in any leftover rice that you have and it will soak up the flavors—it makes really great seconds. Anyway, without further ado:

You will need:

• 1 lb. chicken
• 1 packet "Golden Curry"
• celery
• carrots
• onion 
• russet potatoes
• vegetable oil

Cut celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken into bite sized pieces (in equal amounts). Place veggies and potatoes in pot, cover with water, and begin to boil. Cook chicken and diced onions in pan with vegetable oil. Once chicken and onions are cooked, add to pot. Stir in curry. Cook until vegetables are soft. Serve with rice.