Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
1369 coffee house cup
My most recent commission was to redesign a brand-spanking new paper cup for 1369 Coffee House (in Cambridge, Massachusetts). The owner, Josh Gerber, wanted a cup that was distinct and represented the brand, showed the two locations, and incorporated community. Another important aspect would be that the cup is identifiable with a sleeve on it as well.
Both shops, Central Square and Inman Square, are situated in interesting buildings and I found that drawing them was fun, though coloring them in a way that was interesting and used two colors proved to be a bit of a challenge. Once I found the right style it came together quite nicely, using a layered effect which looks like an off-register print. For anyone living in the area, they are very recognizable as the two buildings (I have lived in both squares and worked at 1369 Central for 3 years!)
I added details to the outside of both shops, like the umbrella and chairs and the street sign and bicycle, to represent the people who congregate there. These items are pretty much fixtures outside either location (the table and chairs mostly in New England's not-freezing months!). I remember many-a-time sitting outside under the umbrellas or locking my bike up outside of the Inman store, and my experience is shared by so much of the community that I thought they were the perfect details to include.
Above: The final design! I warped it and was able to print out a version which can be wrapped around a cup for making the prototype. It was very helpful in understand how things will look on a cylindrical object.
Below is a selection of process work. In total I made around 35 versions of the cup! It changed (and improved) quite a lot over time and when I considered the composition more and more. Josh wanted to use the two colors of the brand (purple and beige) plus white. In the beginning I also tried using just purple and black, but it didn't go that well!
Above: Playing with the logo, trying to make it interesting and still using all the elements.
I really like how the coffee cup is peeking out from the bottom of the cup. It's a bit too cut off in this version, but the idea remains in the final version. The cropping makes it more dynamic and interesting, as well as using the space which can be seen when the sleeve is on.
Way too much beige!
These early versions are pretty boring and static. I was trying out blocks of color instead of coloring the whole cup purple, which was one of the original ideas. I still like the use of circles to frame and emphasize certain things. You've got to begin somewhere.
The cups have not been printed professionally yet, but I'll post again when I get one of the real-deals!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
about food
This is my first try at making marmalade, and I think it can fairly be called a success! Making the labels was just as fun as boiling down the organic seville oranges and worring about wether or not the jam would set properly! The flavor is strong and wonderful in the morning with toast and a cup of coffee. The first thing I tried it with was Fig and Aniseed (100% Rye) by the wonderful Handmade Bakery, from which the Unicorn gets bread deliveries twice a week. It was an amazing combination, I must say.
Above: an illustration in support of buying and eating local. I'm learning more and more how important and good it really is! I'm not interested in telling people what to do with slogans, so I added 'please' at the bottom, which is much friendlier!
Even more excitement:
Jennie O'Hara and I have published Easy Dinners for Difficult Dinner Guests online as an ebook and it can now be purchased by following this link!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
easy dinners for difficult dinner guests!
Our book is done!
Jennie O'Hara and I have made an edition of 30 of these beautiful cook books 'Easy Dinners for Difficult Dinner Guests' and we must admit that they have been a success. There are 22 fine recipes which are divided into chapters with specific dietary restrictions. Each chapter has a brief summary of the intolerance, then a complete meal with a starter, main course, and dessert. Wheat-Free is the first chapter and features Beetroot and Orange Salad, Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa, and Best-Ever Brownies (and they are).We are so happy with it that we are thinking of publishing it as an ebook and also doing a second edition!
Here are photos of the finished book:
Sunday, January 23, 2011
drawings for the New Tree
Here are a few illustrations I've been working on for the children's book, The New Tree, written by Kevin Fitton. It's a story about a girl who moves to a new place and learns to adapt and grow, with the support of her family. I really like the easy, loose pencil lines, and the soft watercolor.
The girl is packing to move.
Stay tuned for more illustration of The New Tree.
Monday, January 3, 2011
cafe verde
It is such an honor to have created the logo for one of the most amazing cafes in the world. We just went to Cafe Verde, (on Essex Street in Lawrence) for the first time, to see the space and try the coffee and food. Since I was commissioned to design the logo I've been watching Missy, Pricila, and Austin renovate an old furniture store into a beautiful and eclectic coffee house. They have exceeded our expectations because it is literally one of the best cafes I've ever been to. The food is unbelievable and the coffee is outstanding (roasted in-house so it's always incredibly fresh!). I can't say enough about this place...
Just a few of the many places they have used the logo. I also created a font for them which is being put to good use, such as on the menus and business card.
Jesse and Sherry in front of the cafe.
Jesse trying to make up his mind. Above him is a photograph by the famous David Shannon-Lier, whose work you can find here.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
cook book
The book is almost done! Easy Recipes for Difficult Dinner Guests is a collection of recipes suitable for a variety of food intolerances and allergies. Jennie and I have been working hard and we are excited to have brought our idea into reality (and fully illustrated at that!). I'm particularly proud of these little watercolors because they are light, simple and pretty, adding a bit of charm to the book.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
easy dinners
My good friend Jennie O'Hara and I have been working very hard on a little book of delicious recipes called 'Easy Dinners for Difficult Dinner Guests'. The point of the cookbook is to give people ideas of what to make when they are preparing a meal for someone with certain dietary restrictions. (We aren't saying that people with intolerances are being difficult, but rather that it can seem like a challenge to cook according to their needs.) You can find out more about Jennie (and the interesting things that she does) at her website: www.jennieohara.com
We'll be selling the book, so get in touch if you are interested! Here are a few examples:
Amazing Cheesecake
Suitable for: Wheat-free, Lactose-free, Shellfish-free, Fat-free, Alcohol-free, Sugar-free, Vegetarian and Vegan.
Nepalese Daal-Bhaat Taqari
Suitable for: Wheat-free, Gluten-free, Lactose-free, Shellfish-free, Fat-free, Alcohol-free, Sugar-free, Vegetarian and Vegan.
So....
If you live in the Manchester area, check out the Christmas craft fair where I will be selling the book along with my handmade journals, Christmas cards, ornaments, and screen-printed bags!
11 December, Nip and Tipple Bar, 197 Upper Chorlton Road, Manchester M16 0BH
Friday, November 19, 2010
manchester artists' book fair
It was a great day, I'm glad to have been a part of the Manchester Artists' Book Fair for the second year in a row. This time I had my own table and had no trouble filling up the space! I brought along handmade journals, cards, bookmarks, and screenprinted bags. It was a successful day and I had a good time chatting to people and looking at all the beautiful art in the room.
Jesse brought me lunch and helped with the stall! What a guy.
My stall. The bunting was a hit! Very much worth the time and effort it took to arrange. I'm looking forward to next year!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
café verde
I am extremely proud to post this photo of Café Verde, which has just opened its doors! It was two years ago that the owners commissioned me to design their logo and now it is displayed on the storefront. It looks amazing and I can't wait to go and see it in person this December. The menu is impressive as well as the eclectic decor. They even roast their own coffee beans!
It is located on Essex Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Stop by if you live nearby!
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