Jessica Hische in KC!
I have long admired Jessica Hische's beautiful lettering, and the moment AIGA KC announced she would be speaking I immediately bought a ticket. Here are a few quick takeaways from her talk, I can't wait to read her new book In Progress, which I was lucky enough to get signed! Thanks, AIGA, for bringing such a wonderful speaker to KC.
- Jessica talked about how she was most motivated when she could picture someone using/enjoying the end result of the project.
- She has found that it's best to do the heavy lifting of a project through sketching (more work in analog=less work in vector).
- Her process order includes researching, brainstorming, thumbnail sketches, real sketches, and vector drawing, and she has found that a consistent process matters a lot.
- She recommended visiting the Letterform Archive in SF
- Something I found really relatable was when she talked about how it is necessary to start to vary the skeleton of your letterforms in order to create more unique lettering. I have seen in my own work that I have often changed the "dress" of the lettering, rather that starting with a different and unique skeleton. This is something I hope to continue to develop in my future lettering work.
- In her final remarks she listed some practical (life) tips, which included a remark about how designers are like indoor cats. Of course I couldn't resist including that in my notes. But seriously, I truly appreciated her humor and willingness to be open about how she works and also how she interacts with clients. Thanks again, Jessica and AIGA KC!
March Around The Web
I hope you all have had a wonderful March! I couldn't think of a better representation of my favorite things on the internet this past month than Libby VanderPloeg's "Lift Each Other Up" illustration for International Women's Day (which was March 8th). I am very proud to work with and have so many talented & driven women friends who inspire me daily. Take a look at Libby's website to see more of her wonderful illustrations!
Other tidbits from this month include:
I NEED to try this ombre glassware DIY (from Studio DIY, of course)
While I rarely spend a great amount of time on my hair, I love the idea of this pull-through braid
Take a peek at this beautiful Bridesmaids Party from The House that Lars Built
Technically these downloadable wallpapers were created for April, but I can't help sharing! (Created by my friend Lila)
Beautiful paper lettering by Charlotte Smith
I am still trying to decide which one of these pins by Hello! Lucky I want to purchase...
Over the past few months I have been slowly shifting to more natural products, and I really appreciated this nail polish guide!
I loved learning more about The Social Type through Oh So Beautiful Paper's Behind the Stationary series.
Personally, my favorite moments from March were spent in Portland with my family, and outside enjoying the warmer Spring weather. I can't wait to see what April will bring!
Mint, Gold, and Neutrals for Spring
I've rounded up a few items on my wish list this Spring. I included a few local KC artists, as well as some other items I would love to purchase. Enjoy!
Ring Dish in Mint—Suite One Studio
Open Hearted T-Shirt—Jess Lively for Spirit+Style
Marbled Canvas Cross Body—Maker Goods
60 MM Sequins—Oh Happy Day!
Praise Hands Pin—Pintrill
Celestial Coaster Set—Anthropologie
Create Pillow—Hibrid for 5 Points
Productivity Planner—Intelligent Change
Hello Spring
Welcome, Spring! I created this fun lettering/illustration for Think.Make.Share. Head on over to their Instagram for more wonderful artwork and glimpses into what it is like to work at Hallmark!
Portland, Oregon
Hello from Portland! I spur of the moment bought a plane ticket to join my family on their Spring Break trip. My first trip to the city has been wonderful, here is a recap from some of my favorite places we visited over a long weekend:
CARIOCA BOWLS — I've been wanting to try one of these bowls forever, and it definitely lived up to the hype. So delicious! I would love to make one at home.
Drive to MOUNT HOOD — Beautiful views & lots of snow!)
Dinner at HUBERS CAFE with family friends
VooDoo DOUGHNUTS — Also worth visiting, quirky and delicious.
The PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN — Stunning! We got very lucky with our weather, and I can imagine it would be even more spectacular when everything is in full bloom.
The PITTOCK MANSION — Great view of the city.
DIVISION ST. FOOD TRUCKS // MENAGERIE SHOP — There are so many different food truck locations in the city it was hard to decide where to sop, but the ones at Division St. were wonderful. I tried Smakken Waffles. Lots of options, and a very cute seating area in the middle. Also visit Menagerie, it's a lovely little shop.
Drivee to CANNON BEACH — One of my favorite parts of the trip. You could easily spend more time in the park around the beach.
MULTNOMAH FALLS — Breathtaking waterfall, only about 30 minutes from the city.
PAADEE — Lunch stop for some Thai Food
ARTEMISIA COLLAGE WITH NATURE — Lovely store filled with plants and terrariums.
INK & PEAT — Home and lifestyle shop we stopped by.
WITCHES CASTLE — Forest Park is beautiful for hiking.
For our last meal we enjoyed French food at PETITE PROVENCE and we couldn't help but brave the one for SALT & STRAW for dessert. Worth it! (I tried the Salted Caramel Cupcake, Honey Lavender, Lemon Amaretto Sour Sherbet & Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. I choose the last two in a waffle cone!)