Category Archives: Posts

spring semester and a trip to the bar

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As you have most likely noticed, I have been super excited to talk about graphic design lately. This week began the spring semester for me at the Academy of Art and it my second semester studying graphic design there. When I began this journey I was undecided about which part of the design world I wanted to be a part of. Last spring it occurred to me that graphic design was where it was at for me so I switched majors from computer arts & new media. I realized that I love print design and packaging and am much more passionate about them. It was a wonderful moment and I have never looked back. This semester I am taking History of Graphic Design, Typography 1 and Digital Photography. I am really excited and inspired by my new professors.

Last weekend maiki and I visited the Magnolia Brewery on Haight St. in San Francisco. It was a surprising place and I was enamored with the designed typographic elements (seen in the menu, etc.). It was modern and cool, but older elements of the architecture remained. The print identity, designed by NY’s Nothing Something, was sophisticated and reflected this place beautifully. It was quite a moment for me. I worked at a restaurant for a long time so I am picky to say the least. People tease me that I will never get good service but its not always true (and I am always very grateful when I do). Magnolia’s had it all for me: good beer, good music, curry nuts, and a lovely atmosphere. I will be sure to return!

new inspiration book

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I picked up a new book at Kinokuniya early in the week. Its a nice collection of work by Swedish graphic designer, Olle Eksell. Olle was an influential figure for Swedish graphic design in the 1950s. He worked as an illustrator, a writer, a branding expert, an editorial designer, a fabric and textile designer. I chuckle that the text is in Swedish and Japanese and not English, but it is just fine with me. _

alexander girard

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I am a big fan of the design work of Alexander Girad and used his LOVE print in my embossed gift bag last semester. I am attracted to his work because it is simple, whimsical and full of color. I stumbled upon the site maXimo the other day and found that they have partnered with his family to showcases his work and sell items donning his prints. I really want this bicycle!

Alexander “Sandro” Girard was one of the most innovative modern designers of the 20th century. Of all the great designers at Herman Miller in the 1950s and 1960s, Girard is the least well known. From 1952 to 1973, Girard led that company’s textile division, where he brought color and life to the furniture creations of George Nelson and Charles & Ray Eames. Widely considered the greatest colorist and textile designer of modern time, Girard used traditional folk art to infuse color, whimsy, and humor into vibrant modern design. He was able to capture the essence of Latin America while still creating designs that were fresh and contemporary, finding the perfect balance of high and low art forms. In 2000 Girard was the subject of a major retrospective at the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum, confirming his place in the pantheon of great mid-century designers.

sweet memories

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I have been an aunt since I was three-years-old and I have a lot of nieces and nephews (18!). Some of my fondest memories have been times that we have spent together. One memory was when I was taking care of my nieces Hannah and Kelly because they were out of school before their Mom was done with work so she asked if I could help out. I was so excited and planned out all of the things that we could do. One of the days we we went to see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in theaters and one we made a gingerbread house and watched a Pipi Longstocking movie. I remember how happy I was to be doing something new (making a gingerbread house) and sharing in some of my favorite things (Pippi Longstocking!). It was such a fun time for me and I miss them so much. Now when I visit I don’t have a lot of time to hang out. I told them we should have a tea party and I can bring them a box of my new favorite tea, Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride. I am really looking forward to it. <3

afternoon at the zoo

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Justin and I went to the San Francisco Zoo today. We traveled from the East Bay on Bart, then took the Muni straight to the zoo. It is right on the coast and was a quite a chilly day. We ended up getting yearly passes to the zoo so that we could all come back and visit. The zoo itself is a beautiful place and it was not crowded. We saw flamingos, peacocks, an eagle, a brown bear, polar bears, kangaroos, penguins and giraffes. I took lots of pictures of the animals, some at the beach nearby and even got one of a rainbow! It was a good photo day. Afterward we headed back to Market St. and went to the Camper shoe store where I bought myself a Christmas present (from my Mom and Dad).