yummy eyecandy

copy cat!

2011-01-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

I remember in elementary school, we used to hate when people copied each other, yelling at them, "COPY CAT!!!"

Now? If you use something similar - whether it's a hook in a song, a line in a book or speech, or an image - is it inspiration or plagiarism? Do we still yell out, "COPY CAT!!" - maybe not so blatantly anymore.

There are many things out there that people draw inspiration from, but where does the line get crossed, or where does it get blurred and fuzzy?

The latest controversy about plagiarism vs. inspiration is making headlines with the upcoming Olympics.

Personally, I see the inspiration, but plagiarism? I'm inclined to agree with the article, I expect something a little more if the intent is to convey energy and exuberance. The feeling I get from it is more of calmness and warmth. If it's supposed to represent nations coming together as well, why are there only 3 figures represented?

What do you think?

breath taking

2010-12-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

We already know about my font fetish and how much I just love typography.

Came across a video demonstrating calligraphy and I was simply blown away. I've always had a love for hand calligraphy. Growing up, I loved watching my mom work on diplomas for schools or even writing a note because she had such great penmanship. And that is probably how my love for typography came about.

Check out this guy and the amazing work he does. There are some videos that you can view and you'll be amazed. I wish I could do that as effortlessly as he!

Happy Anniversary

2010-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

The month of November is typically when everyone looks at their calendars and says, "asldkf$@#!! It's November?!?" realizing the holidays are around the corner, not to mention the close of another year that seems to have just zoomed by. We start to think of what we're thankful for, the frenzy of holidays, the shopping stress, etc.

For me, November is another sigh of relief that I can still see. 8 years and counting and we're still holding strong, I hope and pray it continues to do so. It doesn't seem like 8 years ago; I still distinctly remember feeling them sew up my eye when I woke up in the OR. The exhaustion of unrestful sleep because I had to sleep sitting up for 3 days straight. Then having to sleep with my head lower than the rest of my body for 3 days straight because I wasn't healing properly. And worst of all, the feeling that I might never ever see again.

November isn't 'just-another-Thanksgiving' month for me. It's a reminder of what could have been, what should have been, and what I really have right now.

So long, farewell?

2010-10-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone get tired of using Lorem Ipsum as placement text? I'm not necessarily tired of it, I just glaze over the letters and words at this point. I used to wonder what it all meant, but now, I just copy/paste/copy/paste.

This designer got tired of it and decided to create a cure. He decided he had enough of all that Latin mumbo-jumbo and created this website. He even allows you to select how many paragraphs you'd like, how it would look as a < p >, < h1 >, < li >, or text.

Check it out and use if you start getting bored of Lorem Ipsum and say Hello to Fillerati.

Tis the season...

2010-10-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

I know, Christmas on the mind already? You know it! I generally start to incorporate Christmas music into my everyday listening around the end of August. Yeah, I'm crazy. Hahaha!

But I also start thinking about what gifts to get people, Holiday parties, snow, cozy fireplaces...I love winter.

I always have a harder time trying to figure out what to get designer friends since it has to be aesthetically pleasing, obviously! But I think I found a few things on-line that any of them would really like.

Of course you'd want something practical, functional, and like I said, nice to look at. What designer doesn't like Pantone? Make a statement with a splash of color!

And who doesn't want to settle in for a movie night at home occasionally? The most popular Sans Serif and the most recent, Art&Copy.

I'm sure they'll be a hit this Christmas!

Colors and Bubbles!

2010-10-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love bubbles? I remember when I was a kid, one of my cousins had this huge birthday party and there were these huge bubble wands. The bubbles were as big as me, seriously! Everyone tries to make rings or other shapes out of bubbles. Someone created LETTERS. Ok, so it's not really the bubbles you first imagined, but still....I wouldn't mind having one of these!

Everyone's heard of numerology [based on your date of birth]. But have you heard of COLORstrology? It's pretty interesting; your birth color and favorite color may or may not be one in the same [it's not for me], but I must say, my color describes me pretty accurately. Of course, this is sponsored by the wonderful, almighty Pantone.

Game Night!

2010-10-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

So by now, everyone pretty much knows that I love anything to do with typography. I get teased endlessly about it, but I don't care.

Look what I came across today! It made me so excited and I broke out in a huge smile, yes, you can laugh at me, I don't care.

I don't like change

2010-10-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, that's not entirely true. I don't mind change, I just have a hard time adjusting to change; it takes me awhile to get used to, I'm a creature of habit, I can't help it.

The Oatmeal has some pretty funny stuff that's not just for designers but today's funny is definitely about designers and sometimes how I feel about change to my designs. Hahhaa, enjoy a good laugh - well, I did anyway.

Avoid!

2010-10-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

So Designers, do you agree?

How to Create a S#itty Brand.

book worm

2010-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Summer's over so it's a little late for me to start a summer reading list.

I guess this is my Fall/Winter Reading list so is this one. Now if only I'd actually could carve out some time to read all of them...

beautiful

2010-09-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

"I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares."

"Design is thinking made visual."

- Saul Bass

scrabble

2010-09-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

I like Scrabble.
I love typography.

I like wallpapers.
I love this wallpaper.

mixed drinks with friends are best

2010-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

and design does not equal client work.

Good advice!

That's a Wrap!

2010-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Was asked to dust off the camera and do a photoshoot with 1Achord for some of their promotional stuff.

Downtown Niles has restored some of the buildings while keeping the old town look and feel. Famous for Charlie Chaplin and the silent movie era as well as the train station, there were a lot of great spots for some shots.

pitter patter

2010-05-11T12:04:00.001-07:00

There are many things that make my heart go crazy. One of the things that tops that list are fonts. Crazy, weird, I know. I get called a nerd but I don't care.

The latest ones that I happen to love at the moment.

Print is dying!

2010-05-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

I hate that print design is dying. As much as I can appreciate digital media, I just LOVE print.

A few people have been asking lately about how to get print done, the process, etc.

Read on:

http://blog.echoenduring.com/2010/05/04/is-your-artwork-ready-for-print/

Eye Candy indeed

2010-01-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

I LOVE type. I get called a nerd for liking typography so much. I can't help it.

Art based on typography.

A new blog to follow.

EYE CANDY

2009-11-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what little things one can take for granted. Even something such as sight; while not so little, it's something I do take for granted, I hardly give it a thought sometimes and I of all people shouldn't. Seven years ago, I had a scare that any person, much less, a designer like myself, should never have to go through. I almost lost my eyesight.

I discovered I had a retinal detachment and it would have been easily fixed with laser surgery [not like lasik], however, the detachment was so severe, no simple surgery would do. I had to have a major operation in which a silicon buckle was to be placed around my eyeball. During the healing process, all did not go well and I had to have another procedure. I will spare all the details because it does get quite lengthy. I will say that for 3 months, I was an invalid. Pretty much under house arrest and stuck to the couch; I couldn't watch TV, draw, go on the computer, much less get up, and I had a patch over one eye. Looking out of the other eye just threw my depth perception off and made me queasy, leaving me to just keep my eyes closed.

Even though it's been 7 years, I've had a few setbacks, a few follow up laser procedures but overall, I STILL have my eyesight. The other day, I had my annual checkup and came out A-OK. Relieved? You bet. I can still continue to try and pursue this design passion I have and enjoy all the eye candy out there.

What are you thankful for this time of year? I hope it's not just during this time either.

summer camp fun

2009-11-24T13:52:00.001-08:00

For the past 11 years, I've been attending my church's youth summer camp as part of the staff. This year, I was once again part of the Rec Staff and the theme for Rec was Top Model. We even had a runway show for all the teams and made them do crazy games.

I made a billboard for the Rec Staff:

I took a picture of each staff person and then drew them in AI to create their silhouettes.

I also made nametags for everyone and created 'flags' for 1st - 8th place for games using each silhouette:

Logos are just so E A S Y

2009-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

I often cringe when I hear people say they don't understand why designers get paid money to make up a logo - "it's so easy! Just make a simple picture!" I beg to differ and when I try to explain, people just scoff and turn an ear.

I found an article on a website I love that explains the process. Too bad more people aren't aware of the tediousness designers go through to create such "simple" looking images.

Christmas Already?!

2009-08-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

It seems every year stores start putting out the holiday products earlier and earlier; everyone starts commenting that it's way too early to be thinking about the holidays. But I must confess I think about the holidays about this time and I also start listening to Christmas music. Yup, that's right, I do!

I start thinking about Christmas time because instead of buying some of my friends presents, I host a Christmas dinner. Complete with invitations and favors and yummy food. Last year's favors were magnets, I'm trying to think of ideas for this year.

party party!

2009-07-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

The other weekend, we celebrated my uncle's 59th [60th] birthday. According to my aunt, we should celebrate his 60th birthday THIS year because that's his age according to the Chinese calendar. Any reason to celebrate is reason for me!

We had a relatively good sized party with some of his friends from church, Lion's Club, ToastMasters, and family at East Ocean in Emeryville. A delicious dinner with a slide show, speeches, laughs, and tears.

I got commissioned to make the party favors. Mom bought a bunch of Ghirardelli chocolate bars and the rest was up to me.

Call me a nerd, crazy, stupid, or weird, but I love logos and fonts. Anything having to do with either one of those. I recreated the Ghirardelli logo and wrapper and made it specific for my uncle. I love the tediousness of figuring out logos, as well as cutting everything out with my X-acto knife.

I think it turned out pretty well - as always there are a lot of things I'd like to fix on and what not.

V was the resident photographer of the night, but I happened to catch a picture of her w/ my baby [Nikon D70].

Sometimes I wish I were more serious about photography and really be knowledgeable about the field. It'd be fun to retake all my photography classes again.

Happy Birthday, Uncle!