Frank Lucas was the first African American illustrator and photographer in Boston's advertising industry. He graduated from the Vesper George School of Art, after being an illustrator and photographer for the Army during the Korean War. He also made a career as a Graphic Designer and Art Director during the 1960s. Read more about the interesting career of Frank Lucas at The HistoryMakers' website.
I've been waiting for a contemporary show about what it's like working at a design firm, but advertising seems to be as close as I'm going to get for now. So, I thought I'd check out Trust Me, a new show on TNT that showcases the swanky professional and personal lives of a Copywriter and an Art Director (turned Creative Director) set right here in Chicago.
You know, it's interesting that Advertising has been getting more TV press lately. It will be interesting to see the effects of increasing interest in a field that is already very competitive.
Calling all Chicago area High School students! Show your creative talent at the annual Project Osmosis All High School Design Competition. To participate, you must be a high school student. No submissions will be accepted after December 5, 2008. Winners will be notified by mail no later than January 5, 2009. For more information, entry forms, and contest rules, visit projectosmosis.org.
Click image to view larger or visit www.paper-source.com.
One of my favorite areas in design is handlettering. I did a lot of it when I was younger and dabble in it every now and then now. When I worked at Hallmark, I absolutely loved watching the lettering artists create their beautiful handwriting, and it was interesting matching their lettering styles to their personalities. When I discovered lettering artist and designer Crystal Kluge online, I had to find out more about her own hand lettering experiences. Check out some of her lettering and illustrations below and her fonts on MyFonts.com.
Hand lettering doesn't get the recognition it should. Why do you think this is so?
Like most handcrafted work, I think it’s gaining more recognition. August’s issue of HOW magazine is all about handmade design, and how’s it’s influencing modern trends. That said, with the range of fonts available now, many people just don’t think of letters being created by hand. Every month or so, I receive a inquiry about which font I used for my logo & website, a number are surprised to find out it is handlettered – not a font.
Why do you think hand lettering is important?
I think for the same reasons drawing by hand is important.
How did you learn to create such beautiful lettering?
I discovered a calligraphy pen at Grandma’s house when I was a 11. It was a Sheaffer cartridge pen, I still have it.
What type of writing instruments do you use?
Simple dip pen w/ steel nibs
How would you describe the personality of your hand lettering?
Whimsical, romantic, modern
Is your natural penmanship very similar to your hand lettering?
I’m often asked this question. When I was younger it was. Currently, it’s not even close. The stronger I develop my calligraphic skills, the further my regular penmanship declines. It’s barely legible.
What inspires your lettering?
When I’m working with a client, I’m inspired by their personality, the context and special details of the project or event. The more I know about it, the more my work will assume that spirit.
I’m drawn to expression types of lettering, kanji, arabic, vintage fashion advertising headlines & logos. But I also respect the skill of traditional broadpen calligraphy, from old medieval texts to the amazing St. John’s Bible currently being scribed.
Any advice for those who have the gift of beautiful hand lettering?
Enjoy your gifts!
I discovered Krave magazine—a lifestyle magazine for men of color—on Clutch. Read Clutch's inspirational interview with William Thomas Young, Jr., and learn about his path from Graphic Designer to Publisher of what could be one of the most successful magazines for men.
Help promote self-esteem in youth as well as giving them a hope for a future in design and the arts. Check out this wonderful volunteer opportunity below.
Project Osmosis Education Mentoring Initiative presents
Express YourSelf-Portrait
The Express YourSelf-Portrait program creates self-esteem by having kids paint a portrait of themselves with the assistance of a professional designer or artist. OSMOSiS volunteers work one-on-one with children to help each of them use the basic principles of design, such as color, line, and shape, to create a large-scale self-portrait.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Chicago Public Library
West Pullman Branch
830 W. 119th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
(click image to view larger)
Volunteers needed! If interested, please contact Lisa at lisam@projectosmosis.org. Must be available from 9:00am until 2pm, Saturday, February 2.
Designers are essentially problem solvers and communicators, but to explain that to most people would incur twisted facial expressions or an "understanding" with a nod of agreement, yet with confused thoughts. That's because many people really don't know what designers do. Sometimes a term so loaded with confusion can deter true knowledge of its purpose, but if its in demand, it may be reinvented.
For many people, design is synonymous with only making beautiful things and has been defined by its end product—logos, books, posters, and packages, for example. However, the process to creating such an incredible product that is recognizable by thousands to even millions of people each day, is rarely, if ever explored. How does a product evolve from a single sheet of paper, plastic, or wood to become one of the most important drivers of a company's bottom line? Why? Stanford's D-school is one of a group of new design schools—called D-Schools—that are redefining design. The school explores a multi-disciplinary approach to solving problems by combining human values, business, and technology which can transform a thought, a product, a business, and ultimately, the economy.
Meet Felicity Hall, an artist from the U.K. who is the creator of Butterflies Made of Paper. Felicity is not only passionate about her painting skills, but also has pursued a career in music. She is one of three songstress' from the group Songbirds, who recently signed on with EMI Records. You can also learn about Songbirds at their myspace page www.myspace.com/songbirdsmusic. Check out their first single Wake Up Call. Felicity is following her passions. Congratulations Felicity!
Treat: What's your canvas?
Felicity: I work with all different mediums, but for my jewellery I mainly work with resin that I colour with pigments and gold/silver leaf, as this is the basis for most of my painted jewellery pendants, I also include some ceramic pieces in my collection. I've also just started sourcing Venetian glass beads and semi-precious stones that I also use in my designs. I paint with enamels as they're hard-wearing and water resistant once varnished, using enamel paints took a bit of getting used to initially as I've always used oils in the past to paint with, enamels are not as fluid and as easily manipulated, so I had to create some net techniques.
Treat: What or who inspired you to design the art pieces you make, and how did that transpire?
Felicity: I have been creative for as long as I can remember, and I‘ve always had no trouble sourcing inspiration, I think it‘s inherent from the start. When I was little every Christmas I would get one of those jumbo packs of coloured felt-tip pens in my stocking, as my parents knew they would keep me quiet and occupied for hours, until they eventually ran out! One of my favourite things to do, would be to copy out an existing short story and illustrate it in my own way. I lived quite far away from my school friends in the middle of the countryside so I had to occupy myself in other ways, I was always making things from cross-stitch samples to origami animals! I was very lucky as I had a fantastic lady that used to come to my Primary School and do different creative projects with us kids – so I was inspired and encouraged artistically from a very early age.
I find inspiration everywhere! new designs come to me all the time, with the band I’m constantly travelling from one place to another so I always try and take the opportunity to jot down all the ideas I have rattling around in my head. I’m going to end up with back problems when I’m older as my hand-bag is so heavy from being full-up with pens and note-pads for that sudden inspirational moment that needs to be recorded. I take inspiration from anything and everything, a lot of my designs are based on Chinese / Japanese decorative ornamentation, so I love going to the V&A and other museums that hold oriental collections.
Treat: What makes your creations unique?
Felicity: The pieces I make are unique because I only create one of each design, it’s very important to me to do this as it enables the wearer/owner to obtain complete individuality and makes each piece that extra bit special.
How did you come up with the name Butterflies Made of Paper?
Felicity: The name originated from my butterfly resin pendants, a jewellery range I started with, consisting of a paper painted butterfly complete with stitched wings and wire antennae entrapped in clear casting resin. I used to sell these on market stalls and I was forever being asked if they were real butterflies, which resulted in producing labels quoting 'Butterflies Made Of Paper'...it just seemed right to call my label it!
Treat: In the U.S., more and more schools are taking away art education. Is that also true in the U.K.? If not, why do you think the U.K. values art more?
Felicity: I’m very shocked and surprised to learn this, fortunately I don’t think this is true of the U.K, it’s my understanding that the arts are still very important to our school curriculum. Our schools still believe that art and design stimulates creativity and imagination and provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences that are valuable to a growing person, encouraging a unique way of understanding and response to the world. Through art and design based activities young people can learn to make informed value judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions helping them develop as well-rounded individuals. An understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts has the power to enrich our personal and public lives, any form of expression, whether its 'creative' or not, I believe is beneficial to young people be it through art, drama, languages, sport etc. Self-expression breeds confidence, which is what every person needs to achieve their goals.
Treat: What are some other ways the U.K. supports the arts?
Felicity: We are very lucky to have a wide range of arts and crafts councils spread across the U.K, these provide an invaluable support network and invest public money from the government and the national lottery in U.K arts/crafts. They support artists/crafts people and arts/craft organisations to take creative risks and follow new opportunities.
Treat: How has the arts helped you personally?
Felicity: Art is extremely important to me, practising art frees-up my brain space and enables me to function as a human being. Without creative expression I think I’d explode! My need to create is so inherent that if I haven’t created something for a couple of days I feel extremely irritable and frustrated.
Without the arts I would loose my individuality and confidence, I think if you're a creative person any form of expression is beneficial and serves as an outlet for a lot of emotion.
Treat: What can we expect in the future from Butterflies Made of Paper?
Felicity: My main aim for the future is to keep making as much as possible, and keep developing ideas. I’ve just started creating small framed paintings in a similar style to my book covers to add to my collection. Eventually I would like to expand my online shop/outlets and possibly in the future have a shop of my own. I’m currently also preparing to create a little book of counted thread-work patterns (another of my passions) based on some of my jewellery designs, so that should also keep me busy for a while!…Basically I just want to keep enjoying what I do and keep exercising my need to create, whether it’s in the form of painting, jewellery, designing, or singing! as ultimately that’s what makes me happy.
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If you know a Designer, Writer, Business owner, or any supporter of design/art whose work inspires you, please send me a short explanation with their e-mail address, web-site, or blog by submitting to treatblog@gmail.com.
Meet Khia Jackson, a Designer, and fellow Portfolio Center grad, who designs for the fashion industry.
Treat: What's your canvas?
Khia: I've worked on T-shirts, C.D.'s, Posters, Brochures, Acrylic Walls, Packaging, Silk Fabric and (Putting artwork on) high heels. I'll design on whatever is in front of me I feel like change in medium makes things exciting. Currently I eat off of doing graphic design for apparel, My new company StarRock Media* has me moving away from that and back into print, branding and packaging.
Treat: What or who inspired you to go into Design, and how did that transpire?
Khia: I think that most artists will tell you that they didn't have a choice eventually you just pick it up-same thing with me, but I remember clearly when i was like three -really young.-my favorite teacher Mr. Johnson ran an after school program. He was an artist so most of the projects he gave us were art based. One afternoon taught us how to make a palm tree with two humps at the bottom for the sand (We were living in St. Thomas at the time). I loved it! I kept drawing that damn tree with it's sand humps and over and over again, that's where it started...I didn't stop re-drawing it until he finally taught me how to draw something else.
Treat: How would you describe your current style, and what do you believe inspired it?
Khia: I don't know how to describe my style really. I like a lot of thick texture, unusual color combo's and broken fonts, and i'm really attracted to close ups of faces. I think human beings are really interesting. If I travel I take a lot of shots of the people, what they're doing and what they've built. while my dad takes pics of the land and architecture. I don't know what makes us different in that way, but I know that as I've moved a lot a I carry well the memories of the people that I've met, while I can't find my way around a corner because the landscape doesn't hold the same interest.
Treat: What are some of the skills one should have to be a Designer in Fashion?
Khia: A high tolerance for BS. Just kidding (sort of). Fashion is an industry that is run on a lot of ego's and with a lot of insecure but influential people. That can make it dangerous. And because so many people want to get involved, companies take full advantage. When you first start out they will pay you peanuts. You have to take the peanuts, but after a certain point your salary will explode upwards. Be sure to get jobs in lines that have a good name within the industry. Impress your peers with your work and dedication and treat them well. Every last one of my job's in fashion came through word of mouth.
Treat: You started your own design business. What is your specialty, and what kind of experience do you want your clients to gain from it?
Khia: My specialty to date is brand development, and doing design that matches the look of my client but with my style. I would like my clients to feel as though they have gotten a designed product that uniquely but perfectly represents their brand or personal image.
Treat: Were there ever times when you had limited resources? How did you overcome those design challenges to move ahead with your goals?
Khia: "Limited" as in "no funds"? Oh yeah! ha ha. I've taken ( and will still take) a project for little or no money, even during times of hardship, if it will give me an opportunity to do something different or flex my design muscles. I've had at least two or three huge, life-changing opportunities that have come my way because I first did a project at a loss. If you love what you do, you'll always do it even when you're broke or not being recognized. If you are focused it will come to you, I firmly believe that. It may not come in the way you expect it to come, but it will come.
Treat: Did you have a mentor? If so, what did they do, and how did you meet?
Khia: My mom is my mentor. Not in art, but in drive and life. This is a woman who can fit the contents of an entire apartment into a four door Honda, who will figure out a way to buy a house with a dollar if need be. She's always encouraged me to find opportunity in any way shape or form and in whatever packaging, plus look good doing it!
Treat: More and more schools are taking away art education. What are some of the benefits of art or design in the education of today's youth?
Khia: I've heard that art and music makes the average person more well-rounded and that may be true. I can only speak for those of us who were born to do art and nothing but. The art programs help you find your calling and develop your potential. Art is how cultures communicate and develop ideas and store the feeling of a culture or social climate. When an archaeologists digs, the most pure things they look for to tell them what a culture or community is about is the art: the music, the novels, painting, designs on the swords. If we want better cars, better architecture, better communication even more efficient footwear the govt. and school systems need to develop their designers. Societies don't progress without their artists pulling them into progression. it's just not possible.
Treat: How has art/design education helped you personally?
Khia: Design education helped me to develop into a lot of who I am today. Almost all of my friends when introducing me usually slip the word, "designer" or "graphic designer" into the intro somehow. Art is very important to me
Treat: What advice do you have for youth interested in art or design, but are not getting that encouragement?
Khia: Don't let your parents believe the hype. Let them know that you can make a lot of money in art. I have a good number of friends who look, talk, dress and smell just like you do that are earning six figure salaries or somewhere near. And take ALL the opportunities that come to you. I know it's hard when your family and friends discourage you. I know a lot of people who gave up on their dreams as a kid because their parents said "hell no", but when you look around you at all of the art, music and ideas that were founded by the artists of the 80's who can't stop won't stop. Today a lot of those guys are running to japan to do work, speaking on panels in Amsterdam and lecture at some of the nations top colleges...And yes, they do eat well!
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If you know a Designer, Writer, Business owner, or any supporter of design/art whose work inspires you, please send me their e-mail and a short explanation, web-site or blog by submitting to treatblog@gmail.com.
I don't usually post on the weekends, but I wanted to share this with you. There's a great article in Communication Arts' May/June 2007 issue by Carolyn McCarron Sienicki. The name of the article is Inch by Inch: Making Sustainable Changes in Design (page 14). I thought that this part was particularly inspiring.
...it is truly our job to provide creative insight and sustainable solutions to bring about change. Designers everywhere choose to answer this call differently, each in their own way. Some choose to make a difference through AIGA. Some choose to work within a big corporation. Some choose to start their own agency. Some choose to start a program to help schools and nonprofit organizations in developing countries. Some choose to teach and mentor the next generation of Designers. Some choose to inspire others through writing. Diversity in thinking is needed. Designers have to take their skill sets and passions and figure out where they can make the most difference.
Meet Andrea Pippins, a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. I worked with Andrea when we were Designers at Hallmark. She has since moved on to work at TVLand and has recently decided to pursue a Master's degree in Graphic Design. She also runs a fabulous blog called Fly.
1. What inspired you to become a Designer, and how did that transpire?
Honestly, there were three things: Halle Berry's character in Boomerang where she was the designer for the advertising agency. When I was about 13 I saw a PSA on TV that featured different jobs and one of them was an art director at a magazine, she started as a designer and I thought, "wow I could do that." Finally, I thought it was my only option as an artist. Somehow I got it into my head that I wanted to go to Temple University's Art School where I studied graphic design and fell in love with what I could do with my creative talent.
2. You started a blog called Fly, which has been recognized in several magazines. What is your blog about and what inspired you to start Fly?
Fly is about inspiring other young women to be creative and exposing them to elements of fashion, art, and design that they may not have seen before. I started Fly because I had all these pieces of inspiration (i.e. art, magazine clippings, ephemera, etc.) that inspired me but felt others could benefit from seeing them as well. I wanted to share what I thought was beautiful.
3. More and more schools are taking art education away. What are some of the benefits of art or design in the education of today's youth?
Wow, where do I even begin. I think it's so unfortunate that creative outlets like art and music are being stripped away from schools because some kids are put on this earth to do those very things. They can excel in those areas which will give them the confidence to do the same in other areas of study. When I was in school our creative departments were very limited, sometimes I wonder what kind of artist I might have blossomed into if I was exposed to more. Thankfully my mom encouraged the drawing and painting...I think I got off on a tangent. Benefits...it's another way of seeing the world, math and science are wonderful but in a lot of ways very black and white. Art allows you to examine the gray and forces you to think beyond what you see. One plus one will always be two—there's no argument in that, but your interpretation of a painting can be totally different from mine and that's okay because there's not right or wrong answer. That kind of dialogue will expand your mind.
4. How has art/design education helped you personally?
In design school you have to be able to stand by your creation because in critiques people will sh*t on your work. So you have to be able to explain why you did what you did and accept it when people just don't like it. So school helped me develop those skills and feel confident about the creative decisions I make, and it forced me to be able to speak about my body of work (which is totally necessary in interviews and in the work place, execs always want to know why and if that reason is worth the money they are spending to support a project). Outside of the career realm, art school definitely gave me a better appreciation for art and artists altogether and how important it is in our world.
5. What are some things you do to treat yourself?
When I lived in New York I loved walking over to the Little Pie Company after work for a slice of carrot cake. That was always a treat. Other things I do is take the time to cook a really good meal, splurge on something I've always wanted, or talk on the phone for hours with a friend I haven't spoken to in a while.
6. What can we expect from the Flygirl herself in the near future?
More webisodes and other contributers to Fly. Also, I want the blog to be more interactive for the readers to share more of themselves, and Fly will be a brand that spans across fashion, art, music, beauty, design, televsion, ect. It's gonna be really fly :).
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If you know a Designer, Writer, Business owner, or any supporter of design/art whose work inspires you, please send me their e-mail and a short explanation, web-site or blog by submitting to treatblog@gmail.com.
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