Knock Knock. Who’s there? It’s Jen Bilik, the Head Honcho (founder, creator, owner) of Knock Knock. (Sorry, I couldn’t help it.) She is the one behind all of those funny, well-written, cleanly-designed pads, books, folders, binders, notebooks, and flashcards that you always see in that Kitschy shop on the corner. (Everything is also for sale on-line, and, HINT HINT, the Nifty Notes and Pocket Notes make great stocking stuffers.)
1. Pack This! Pad, $7; 2. Pro Con Pad, $7; 3. Dial an Excuse, $7.50; 4. Thanks a Lot!, $4.50, 5. Daily Mood Tracker Paper Mouse Pad, $11; 6. Things To Do Pocket Notes, $5.50; 7. Accomplish Pad, $7; 8. Random Dawdle Paper Mouse Pad, $11
Due to my various neuroses, which result in an incredible amount of list-making and indecision, Knock Knock pads frequently come in handy. Due to my obsession with clean, functional graphic design and witty writing, I feel a tickle of joy in my heart every time I see them.
Yes, the pads can be considered humorous novelty and joke gifts, but often they are quite functional. I use my “Pack This” pad every time I go on a trip. The “Rate that Wine” pad would have been perfect for the Wine class I took in college. I’ve always thought the “Daily Mood Tracker” should be used in therapy (you might need to ignore the “kill me now” column…) rather than ugly black and white xeroxed sheets (seriously, if you’re already depressed, ugly designed mood tracking sheets aren’t going to help). And, while I hope the entire “Shit List” pad wouldn’t come in handy for anyone very often, I think Steven Colbert might like it if he were renamed it “Dead to Me.”
I wanted to make a Gift Guide featuring all Knock Knock products, but then I could just write a post that says, “Please go to the Knock Knock site for your holiday shopping.” So, instead, I’ve been including them here and there, like in the Neurotic Gift Guide post. Since then, several people have said they wished they could get me The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You. (TIP: For someone as paranoid as me, this would be a cruel joke.)
Anyway, in place of an All Knock Knock Gift Guide, I’m offering you an interview with the founder and owner of the company that puts the “fun in functional.”
INTERVIEW WITH THE RULER OF KNOCK KNOCK
Yesterday, I introduced you to Rhiannon, exposed her tepid feelings towards being compared to Rhianna, and hopefully convinced you why I am currently (always?) obsessed with everything Liebemarlene. We’ve reached the end, and I would now like to share with you some of the things that Rhiannon is currently obsessed with. And because I couldn’t resist, I’ve also included some of my own comments. In the guillemets. Why guillemets? I’ve always wanted an excuse to type “guillemets.” GUILLEMETS, GUILLEMETS, GUILLEMETS!
1. Lillian Gish
2. Reading about the Great Depression «The photo above is by Dorothea Lange, a wonderful photographer who took amazing photographs that encapsulated the consequences of the Great Depression.»
3. Apple Cider
4. 1940s Christmas films
5. Long necklaces
6. Velvet
7. Peter Pan collars «Psst! Esty and eBay are great places to find lacey peter pan collars.»
8. Coupon code sites «Now, more than ever, a lot of newspapers have been publishing many articles on ways to save. They almost always include coupon code sites, like RetailMeNot. If you’re planning to purchase something from a pretty big website, it’s a smart idea to check a website like RetailMeNot first. You could save quite a lot!»
9. 1920s hats now that my hair is short
10. Finding ways to antagonize my brother-in-law, Danny the Antagonizer
11. Finding ways to antagonize the jocks next door
12. 1970s Edwardian style
14. Vintage knitting patterns «A neat resource for vintage knitting patterns is Vintage Pattern House’s Etsy store. Not a knitter? Brighter Fusion’s Etsy store is full of vintage sewing patterns!»
Tricia’s Notes (!) & Picture Credits
The font is “Jane Austen” (swoon), which is downloadable at dafont.com. Except when noted, all images were taken from Liebemarlene Vintage Look Book. Vintage knitting pattern from Vintage Pattern House. Also of note! I didn’t make the fancy frame adorning the picture of Rhiannon! It was her boyfriend, Kumar! I can’t emphasize enough, I hope to one day have photo editing skills as tight as his.
Earlier I introduced you to the illustrious Rhiannon, who runs a lovely store (Liebemarlene Vintage!), blog (Liebemarlene Look Book!), and a central hub for her little internet empire (Liebemarlene!). Just by glancing the images featured on the previous post (I had such a hard time choosing which ones to feature!) and (perhaps) perusing her flickr, you can tell that Rhiannon has a visceral ability to put together flawless ensembles! I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask her a few questions…OKAY, I CAN’T FOOL YOU WITH MY MODESTY. THE SCROLL BAR TELLS ALL! I actually, as you will soon find out, pummeled her with questions regarding her style and feelings on Rhianna. OH, and I set up fictitious scenarios regarding Bill & Ted (& George Carlin) and a fiery building. Wee!
1. If you were to sell the movie rights of your autobiography, whom would you want to play you? Black and White, Sepia, or Technicolor?
I think I’d want it to be a silent movie in the late 1910s, which I suppose doesn’t make any sense chronologically, but oh well! I’d love to have Mabel Normand play me–someone silly for sure. And old silent film blurry black and white with frilly costumes would be good!
2. How would you describe your style? How has your style evolved with time?
Right now my style is very old-fashioned and pretty girly, though a little bit less so at the moment than usual. And I feel like my style is changing all the time. For instance I never, never cared about fashion at all until I was around 18, and when I got into it I dressed pretty weirdly, going through all sorts of faux punk/hipster/’80s hooker phases throughout my college years, and after that regressing and going a little bit cutesy.
3. What/who inspires you?
I’m inspired by old movies, other fashion blogs, street style blogs, magazines like Lula … As far as the people around me are concerned I’m probably the most inspired by my boyfriend since he owns his own business and makes a living out of designing and being creative and strange (in a good way).
4. Do you have a favorite outfit?
No, it probably changes every week. Right now I’m into lace tights and dark colors, but my favorite outfit might have to be one I’m dreaming up–it’s a ’60s Christmas party style outfit with black tights, black shoes, some sort of clutch purse, and a dress from Ebay that’s on its way as I write this.
5. Based on the selection of items in your store, it seems like you always sell your best finds! This theory, however, conflicts with how I imagine your personal closet to look like (ie, an assemblage of the most perfect items/the best place in the world to play dress-up). How do you decide what to sell, and what to keep? Is this decision easy?
Thank you! Oh, it’s really hard. When I buy for the store I try to go with only things I’d wear myself, so it’s really hard having to sell it all. I try to be strict with myself, though; I’ll keep something only if I really, really love it or if it’s something I’ve been looking for. A lot of times even if I do keep something I’ll end up selling it a few months later anyway.
6. What is on your Winter wish list?
I just bought the coat I’ve been wanting to buy, so what I’m really looking for now is a pair of long leather gloves to go with it (and to replace the pair I lost last winter–I’m always losing gloves!). I’d like a few sweaters, maybe a pair of thicker knit tights for the colder months.
Whenever my sister, Ashley, and I go to garage sales together we’ll drive around looking for the ones run by little white-haired ladies. They always have the best things.
7. As a superb scourer and thrifter, do you have any shareable secrets to finding wonderful things?
I don’t know if I’m superb, but thank you!!! I guess the best thing (but probably not the easiest) thing you could do is to go to the best thrift/vintage/antique stores around you as much as you can, just so that you don’t miss out on anything. Other than that I find the most things at thrift stores, but I’ve found lots of funny little accessories and treasures at estate sales and garage sales. It might not be nice to say I guess, but “old lady garage sales” are my favorite ones by far. Whenever my sister, Ashley, and I go to garage sales together we’ll drive around looking for the ones run by little white-haired ladies. They always have the best things.
8. Let’s pretend you have access to a magical phone booth. To be more exact, Bill & Ted’s phone booth (a disguised time machine). You are allowed to pick one year/location to travel to. Which year would you pick, what would you do, and who would you want to meet? (more…)
There are a couple of factors that led me to blogging.
I absolutely adore Rhiannon Leifheit, the mastermind behind the Liebemarlene empire. A vintage dealer based in Atlanta(ish), Rhiannon has a distinctive, romantically whimsical style. She manages a vintage clothes and accessories store, blog (filled with lots of visually exhilarating outfits), and website. My favorite fashion blogger, Rhiannon is an absolute fashion inspiration.
Rhiannon has been featured in quite a few magazines, including Lucky Magazine (Lucky Girl August 2008!!!), Marie Claire, and Bust! For some mysterious reason, issues of Lucky Magazine magically appear in my mailbox, and when I saw Rhiannon, I squealed like a chubby pig. Contrary to other high-traffic fashion sites, Rhiannon focuses on impeccable design, rather than specific brands. Thus, I never find myself questioning, “Well. That’s cool that you got a free Ed Hardy hat. It is, however, hideous and you are a failure.” I may be cruel, but coming across one of these sites reaffirms Liebemarlene’s unquestionable superiority.
The many iterations of the “Rhiannon outfit” (FYI- she has a collection of over 700 outfits on her flickr) exemplify her undying love for vintage. Rhiannon is, undeniably, a vintage princess. She excels at seamlessly integrating new pieces (like Forever 21 cardigans) with dainty dresses of undiminished elegance. Oh! I also love how her pictures are frequently scenic! Her Southern-forests-mansion adventures make me jealous! She brazenly explores a myriad of eras, fabrics, prints and colors.
Red ruffle dress!
eee!
The houndstooth-y sweater is fantastic!
So many colors! I don’t think I have ever seen a coat as colorful as the 1960s plaid coat in the top left hand corner! The kelly green dress is so lovely too!
The thread that weaves through Rhiannon’s style is her penchant for exceptional details. Lace! Pleats! Prints! Rhiannon’s eye for detail is especially visible in her accessories!
YES, I AM CLASSIFYING THAT BIKE AS AN ACCESSORY! (It’s perfect!) Although sometimes subtle, these wee details capture the complexity of Rhiannon’s style, and dose her ensembles with extra grandeur. My complements attest to how much I want to be Rhiannon’s friend! (So I can foray into her closet, of course!) I am delighted to present to you an exclusive interview with Rhiannon, where she discusses her love of old movies, the 1930s, and shares some tips so you can be a super thrifter like her!
LATER TODAY: INTERVIEW WITH RHIANNON TOMORROW: CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH RHIANNON (HURAH!)
Tricia’s Notes (!) & Picture Credits
The font is “Jane Austen” (swoon), which is downloadable at dafont.com. All images were taken from Rhiannon’s flickr or Liebemarlene Vintage. Finally, the framed logos in the introductory picture and magazine captures are from her website, and were frillified by her boyfriend, Kumar. I aspire to one day have photo editing skills as tight as his.
I may be biased, but the most magical section of any craft store is the STICKER SECTION. The most arresting sight? HUGE, GIGANTIC ROLLS OF STICKERS.
Oh, you know what I am talking about. Like the most magnificent quadruple-quadruple-quadruple-quadruple rolls of ultra-soft toilet paper, except they are MADE OUT OF GLOSSY PAPER. WITH LOTS OF STICKERS. AND PERFORATED SECTIONS. If I want EXACTLY 45.5 inches of Chubby Dinosaurs, I can make it happen.
And who grants me the opportunity to make my chubby dinosaur dream a reality? The pioneer of the sticker roll: Mrs. Grossman’s!
Based in Petaluma, California, Mrs. Grossman’s has been manufacturing stickers for nearly thirty years! Founded by Andrea Grossman (yes, “Mrs. Grossman” is an actual person), Andrea created the sticker roll rather cosmically. The website states:
In 1979, a local paper store asked for a red heart sticker to decorate shopping bags for Valentine’s Day. Andrea couldn’t find anybody who made such a thing, so she carefully cut a heart out of black artist’s paper and sent it to a label printer, and forgot about it.
Three weeks later, a big carton arrived from the printer. When Andrea opened the box, she gasped! Instead of being printed on flat sheets like she expected, the hearts had been mistakenly printed on rolls, like ribbon. The visual impact of these beautiful rolls was extraordinary, and suddenly Andrea realized that these hearts had the potential to be way more than a Valentine’s Day novelty - they could be a product!
The sticker empire annually prints 15,000 miles of stickers (which, for me, is equivalent to 18.75 trips to see my NYC friends). Propelled by sticker artists (an actual job!!!) and talented designers, Mrs. Grossman’s has transformed EVERYTHING into a sticker! This is no exaggeration- Mrs. Grossman’s deserves that capital “everything.” Unconventional highlights of Mrs. Grossman’s current sticker collection include: chimpanzees, dog biscuits, chubby sea life, turkeys, woodland animals, ropes & knots, construction equipment, motorcycles, and celebration pets. An unprecedented opportunity to interview Susan Eslick, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MRS. GROSSMAN’S, conjured simultaneous squeals (Maria in Queens, me in Chicago). Which triggered heart palpitations and rapid gasping, a response that only mirrors my reaction to Georgina’s parents sending her to Penance, the boot camp for troubled girls. Conclusion! Maria and I simply adore Mrs. Grossman’s!!!! ONWARD TO THE INTERVIEW!
1. So let’s say I’m Sofia Coppola, and I want to film a biopic on YOU. Discuss what it would contain (filming locations, and a condensed plot summary which chronicles your rise to sticker stardom). Please be as accurate as possible. No castles or dragons. Unless, however, they are legitimately present in your life history.
You’ve probably seen Jonathan Keller because he’s taken a photo of himself every day for TEN YEARS (he started when he was 22!) and, I have an unconfirmed suspicion that he has single-handedly started the “I Take a Photo Of Myself Everyday for X Days” YouTube boom. (If you want to do it yourself, this program might help.)
Anyway, the brilliant part about JK is that the video isn’t his only project. He is a project man. And, as usual, I’m having a hugely hard time selectively picking things to show you. Basically, I want to recreate his web-page on my web-page. Not practical. Or legal. So you should just visit it.
I wanted to ask Jonathan about a billion questions about his photo project, then decided not to, and then ended up asking a few anyway. Luckily, he has (quite humorously) answered photo-project FAQs (er, AQs) on his web-page (seriously, go read it, my interview is very informative, but this is funny!).
According to his web-site, five years ago he was quite the internet star (as interpreted by me based on the number of emails he received never mind his youtube views), so I imagine with about 1000 more photos under his belt he’s quite the star now. Moral of the story: I consider myself lucky that I even got through the massive spam filter I hope he now has installed in his email.
How would you describe your art projects to someone who hasn’t seen them?
Ah, my elevator pitch is a tough sell. Thankfully I can just pull out my iPhone and show people. In the event that I, God forbid, don’t have my mobile portfolio, I begin by saying that most of my projects lie near the intersection of design, code & craft and are dictated by some sort of logical system. But in my systems, logic does not beget sense. In fact, the end result is often an amplification of the simplistic nature of the system’s assumptions and interpretations. Accumulation, iteration and revaluing the mundane also factor in often. When that explanation leaves one befuddled, I say “I’ve taken a photo of myself every day for the past 10 years. There’s a video of it on YouTube.”
When that explanation leaves one befuddled, I say “I’ve taken a photo of myself every day for the past 10 years. There’s a video of it on YouTube.”
What’s with the “c71123″?
When I was 5 years old, my father asked me to remember the numbers of three cows (the ‘c’) that needed to be bred (he was a professional artificial inseminator). The numbers were 7, 11, & 23. Being the math/number dork that I was at that age, I set out to remember those numbers for as long as I possibly could. 27 years later they hold a certain amount of nostalgic appeal. I knew the odd alphanumerics would be available as a URL, while also subtly referencing spam and numbered email addresses like hotgirl69@email.com.
What’s your favorite project you’ve done?
My favorite project is perpetually the one I just finished and put up online. There is nothing more satisfying than getting work out there for others to see. Though, to answer the spirit of question, I’d say the Princess Peach shirt as it encompasses most of the interests I’ve been involved with since I was young while also achieving what I desire for all my projects.
Which is your favorite box bot?
Like most things subjective, it’s hard to choose a single one. Overall, I like the way the beer and cigarette packages turn out. Odd, since I’ve never smoked and drink rarely. If I had to choose one to be my friend, it’d have to be the Dos Equis bug, while my mortal enemy would be the ogre Mr. Guinness. I think I can safely say that my least favorite is Boston Lager. A black mark on the otherwise shining beer genre.
What project has gotten the most reception from the public?
It’s quite humbling to be able to say that millions of people have seen a project I created.
The Adaption to My Generation (a daily photo project) by far. Check out the number comments on my site for proof positive. I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured in some very public spaces online and off and it’s quite humbling to be able to say that millions of people have seen a project I created.
What’s your process for taking photos of yourself? (more…)
An interview to make your Monday brighter!
You guys loved the Mad About MAD MEN post, collecting contemporary Mad-Men-esque products and other Mad-Men-related finds, and since one of those finds was the popular Mad Men desktop wallpaper and prints by Dyna Moe (the prints commemorate scenes, characters, or their drinks!) I thought you might enjoy a closer look. Or, okay, I wanted a closer look, but hopefully you’ll enjoy it, too!
THE AMAZINGLY FABULOUS DYNA MOE INTERVIEW
1. What inspires you about MAD MEN (or at least inspires you enough to create all of your drawings)?
Obviously, it’s a beautiful and meticulously designed show and it just happens to mesh with the style and era of illustration of which I was already a huge fan.
On a more selfish and practical note, I started doing this project because I had the drawings already so I was “making lemons out of lemonade.” Rich (from the show) commissioned me to work on this little illustrated recipe book to get printed and give to the cast and crew as an “end of shoot” present, but through bad communication and a lack of time, it fell through. So I had a stack of drawings and just put them up on the internet.
What inspires me to keep going is getting overly-kind attention from the public in huge numbers and the nice things the cast and crew of the show have said. I feel like I have to do a better job now that so many people are checking them out.
2. What’s your process for creating a drawing? What tools do you use?
They’re all done in Adobe Illustrator with a mouse, carpal tunnel be damned. I take screenshots of the episodes and characters I want to do and have those open as reference. I only trace face shape and mark the distances between eyes nose and mouth — otherwise it starts to look like the “Vector Cliche” portrait. The body and clothes are all made from simple shapes, warped and merged together… like colorforms.
I usually will have some period photos or drawings on hand two for inspiration. For a lot of the women I like to take poses from vintage sewing patterns, for example.
3. Do you have a favorite of all of your MAD MEN drawings? Does the “public” seem to have a favorite?
Sally Draper’s Cocktail Cheat Sheet got 6,000+ views on the first day it was up. It was very heavily twittered and blogged and is currently the one with the most views.
Joan and the Xerox which was the first one in the series does pretty well and I’ve sold the most prints of it.
The one you put in your own blog before might be my favorite — Paul in the neckerchief with the cognac glass.
Of the full-sized ones, I like the Jimmy Barrett one a lot, too — I liked doing the TV equipment and that weird bar shelf as white on black. I’m doing them at an average rate of four illustrations a week so no “favorite” reigns very long. I can’t be sentimental… PRODUCE!
4. Favorite episode. Favorite character. Least favorite character.
The single criterion by which I judge all episodes as good vs. bad: did someone throw up in the episode? “Red in The Face” and “Nixon vs. Kennedy” both top my favorites for last season by this standard — copious vomit in both of them.
This season there’s a slight upchuck at the end of “The Gold Violin,” so I guess that is my favorite this season.
My least favorite character is Betty. My favorite character is Dale, who only appears in one episode this season… he’s largely discussed by the other characters, like Godot.
5. What’s your favorite non-Mad-Men art project you’ve done?
All these questions assume I like my own work, which is difficult for me. I’m a real gloomy gus.
Earlier this year I did the CD packaging for kiddie pop legends The Kung Fu Monkeys which came out really nice and was a huge challenge since I had to fit an 11 page interview into a tiny booklet.
In terms of not-client work, back in 2004 I did a portrait exchange where I’d draw anyone who drew a portrait of me, just for fun. (MARIA’S NOTE: These are so funny. Go take a look!)
What are you currently obsessed with?
The British quiz show “QI” hosted by Stephen Fry
Making new episodes of “Welcome to my Study”
Korean Fried Chicken
TO CONCLUDE - LINKS
Mad Men Wallpapers (desktop & iphone) on Flickr (also, you can get an icon set here!)
Mad Men Prints for Sale on Zazzle
Nobody’s Sweetheart (She does not just design Mad Men wallpaper!)
Give three cheers (or more!) illustrator Ian Dingman is here!
(Okay, so I guess I wouldn’t really want someone saying I wasn’t cryptic & enigmatic anymore, but you know how we writers like to twist words to sell our journalistic tell-all article, er, wait, I don’t work for Vogue. Anyway, my title didn’t come out of nowhere, you can find out what I mean in a tag-team Currently Obsessed post coming to you tomorrow.)
Hopefully by now you’ve perused my favorite Ian Dingman pieces, realized he is the man behind the new cover for Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, and are now ready to enjoy an entertaining interview with the art-star himself.
Just imagine Ian (who looks exactly like Ben Folds) and me sitting down at a nice cafe in Chicago eating chorizo and drinking Coca-Cola. I have a Moleskin reporter-style notebook and a UniBall pen and Ian is obviously carrying Rapidograph pens and some notebook which is actually exuding coolness in visible, describable colors (but I won’t describe them, because you wouldn’t believe me anyway).
I ask incredible, thought-provoking questions that cause Ian to divulge his coolness in such a way that now I can use watercolors with such mastery that, like Ian, I’m asked to create a DVD cover for a Wes Anderson film.
Alright. So that didn’t happen. It was actually an email interview. But he does look a little like Ben Folds. And he does exude coolness, even over email. (PS He reads Stickers & Donuts! My heart melts!)
And now, the interview (there are MORE WONDERFUL IMAGES, so scroll on, my friend!):
1. Your life story. In a paragraph. Location. Education. Family. Crappy jobs.
I grew up in northwestern Illinois (Orion), went to college in the heart of Illinois (Illinois State University), and currently live in northeastern Illinois (Chicago). I have one brother and one sister, neither involved in the art. At one point we all lived about as far away from each other as possible within the United States (Portland, OR, Miami, FL, and New York, NY), but now we’re all relatively close again in the Midwest.
Until I finally got to the point of doing what I’ve always wanted to do, every job has been lame. Of course, the worst of the bunch came during high school. That said, I suppose vacuuming the “greens” at a mini golf course wins out.
I often incorporate the moon into my work as well, always thinking, “I haven’t drawn a moon in awhile,” when in actuality, I probably just did two or three pieces beforehand.
2. How would you describe the visual aspects of your artwork to someone who hasn’t seen it? How would you describe common themes in your work to, say, an English major?
Visually, I think my work tackles simple subjects and presents them in a mix of objectivity and subjectivity. My ink lines are usually precise. My watercolor is a little more on the awkward side. I try and let the medium run its own course (bleeding, striations, etc.) which I think produces a nice semi-controlled effect.
I believe my “stock” biography states my work has themes of humor, melancholy and season. I suppose these are all still valid, but more and more I think my work is centered around nostalgia and romantic ideals. I often incorporate the moon into my work as well, always thinking, “I haven’t drawn a moon in awhile,” when in actuality, I probably just did two or three pieces beforehand.
3. What are your favorite art supplies?
The essentials: Arches hot-pressed watercolor paper. Arches watercolor brushes. Rapidograph pens. Technical pencils. Dr. Ph. Martin’s concentrated water color. The fun stuff: Electric eraser. Cotton balls. Rolled paper. Vintage pencil sharpener. Crayons.
The first piece I ever had in the NY Times is probably my favorite commercial piece. It’s a relatively small drawing of a man floating on a lime in an imperfect block of blue water.
4. What’s your favorite piece of commercial work you’ve done, and your favorite piece of non-commercial work?
The first piece I ever had in the NY Times is probably my favorite commercial piece. It’s a relatively small drawing of a man floating on a lime in an imperfect block of blue water. (Maria’s Note: See first image in collage above.) I like it because I think it set a precedent or benchmark of how I wanted my style to look, so I’m always looking back to it as a reminder.
My favorite non-commercial piece I’ve done is probably a self-portrait that I completed in a day’s time. (Maria’s Note: See top right image above.) Again, it captured what I want my work to look like, so I sometimes find myself studying it. The work I’m always happiest with seem to be the pieces that I crank out without overthinking and overanalyzing.
5. If you were another version of yourself, and you could buy one piece of your own work that’s currently on your “Art for Sale” page, what would it be?
That’s hard… I suppose it would be the small drawing of a vintage medium format camera. (Maria’s Note: See top row, middle image in the collage above.) It’s pretty hard to screw up a drawing of such a pretty little machine.
6. What are you creatively inspired by?
Painters David Hockney and Luc Tuymans, and also photographer Uta Barth. I’ve always felt a connection to Hockney’s work whether it presents itself in my pieces or not. His compositions have always interested me as well as his color palette. Tuymans and Barth are influential in a more subliminal way. The atmospheres they create are genuinely moving, and I try to capture that in my work.
Things to look forward to [in the Criterion Collection release of Bottle Rocket]: on-screen menu pages galore, my awkward hand-drawn version of Futura, and among other things I’m leaving out, a 24-page booklet that might interest even the most casual Wes Anderson fans.
7. How did you get to do the cover art for Bottle Rocket’s Criterion Collection? Will we see your work just on the cover, or is it on the booklet, too? (Also, do you have a favorite Wes Anderson movie?)
I received a message from Criterion outlining the “Bottle Rocket” project and asking if I was interested. Of course I was interested as well as excited. I had seen the movie a long time ago and have always been a fan of Wes’ movies as well as Eric’s artwork. He unfortunately was unavailable for the project.
The assignment turned out to be a massive undertaking that was slowly crafted over eight months. Wes was involved in every aspect of the project and nothing made it to final art without Wes’ approval. Things to look forward to: on-screen menu pages galore, my awkward hand-drawn version of Futura, and among other things I’m leaving out, a 24-page booklet that might interest even the most casual Wes Anderson fans. Favorite Wes Anderson movie? Rushmore, hands down.
8. What do you have on your walls at home?
I’ve got prints by Evah Fan, Justin Gabbard, Luke Ramsey and Amanda McCorkle. A fantastic collage by Rod Homer. A couple of Edgar Allen Poe postcards that are framed. My centerpiece is a print by an unknown artist (thrift store!) of two pink flamingos at night beneath a starry sky.
Above: An an entirely made up image of what is probably not actually on Ian Dingman’s wall. See below for image credits. (more…)
The end! The end! The end is here! Before you take off your party hats (…and start digging into that party fruit) (oh michael scott!) one last exclusive interview with…MIKE LAUGHEAD.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MORE ADORABLE GENE SIMMONS? Fact. Mike Laughead is foremost an illustrator. However, he also designs posters (which is why he is being included in our series) with his friend Tyson under the name…wait for it…wait for it…MIKE TYSON. Har har. Although Mike Tyson Design has not designed an extraordinary number of posters (PS what a strange sentence…Mike Tyson…posters…), it has released some rad-a-ma-tazz prints. Quite (cannibalistic-y) fierce.
Ratatat
2 color screen print
This Ratatat poster was my computer background for four months. The scarfy banner that is tangled up in the beard is great! This poster reminds me of Día de los Muertos (perhaps it’s the cool skeleton?), which is coming up soon. ALSO, THE (semi) KNEE SOCKS ARE SUPER TIGHT. I love stripped knee socks! I even wear my old soccer ones for shit and giggles. Sometimes. When I’m nostalgic for my youth.
One of Mike’s strengths is his ability to integrate halftone effects! For those curious kiddies who dream of one day creating their own photoshop compositions with halftones, Mike has an ultra-helpful halftone tutorial on his website. In ADDITION to that, his website includes a pictoral guide to his illustration process! Wee!
…section four of a particularly CHARMING Mike-comic, Unicorn Girl. Mike is inspired by comics, and has quite a few on his website!
What a lovely way to end! Mike Laughead is a brilliant illustrator, who has impressive credentials. From designing winning shirts for Threadless and La Fraise (like Threadless, but foreign) to book covers for Scholastic (see above!), Mike’s work transcends age demographics and geographic boundaries. His compositions are best described as playful and cute, always full of bold lines and saturated colors. Mike goes into more depth about the Mike Tyson Ratatat poster, and his describes his passion for Meximelts after the jump. (more…)
On this penultimate day of S&D’s poster party, I present to you the great KEVIN MERCER.
Spoon
2 color screen-print
As previous poster party posts suggest, I think overprints are magnificent. One of the most special aspects of screen-printing is the capability to create overprints! I love the layers of color, and the partial opacity of the ink. This exclusive get-to-know-Kevin-Mercer is an extra special treat, because HE IS A MASTER OF OVERPRINTING. The above poster was inspired by the Spoon song, “My Little Japanese Cigarette Case.” The asiany lion is slickity slick! It reminds me of Chinese New Year parades and lion dances.
TV on the Radio
3 color screen-print
THIS POSTER IS OUTRAGEOUSLY AWESOME, and proves his strong command of complementing colors. Hardly afraid of using S&D-bright colors, Kevin creates wonderful compositions full of stellar textures and graphics.
Arcade Fire
4 color screen-print
Kevin’s compositions have an exalted aesthetic, and are characterized by delicate hand-sketches.
(left to right) Fortune Magazine illustration, book jacket design
Those who want further affirmation of his heightened sense of style and unarguable talent should take a peak at his commissioned pieces. Kevin has done work on behalf of large clients, and has demonstrated great versatility. Above are samples, an editorial illustration (for FORTUNE MAGAZINE!) and a book jacket. Wee!
In 2006, I received a CD sampler from Polyvinyl Records (note visual above). I immediately fell in love with the CD sleeve. Not only do I get to listen to a band with “Boris Yeltsin” in its name…I get to own a pretty CD case too? Woah. TOO MANY COOL POINTS TO COUNT. Thus began my obsession with Kevin Mercer. Kevin designs under the alias Largemammal Print, his delightful design company. Although Sydney Bristow may be able to survive a North Korean(<insert any other minority here, because TV shows like playing the racist card..cough cough 24 ..cough>) firing squad, in terms of impeccable art, she has nothing on Kevin. Learning more about Kevin Mercer is only a skip-it count away.
Ever since last week’s introduction teaser, I’m sure you’ve been wondering, “who is that glorious male adjacent to a giant elvis chicken? He must as cool as Skeeter Valentine.” Well worry not, little one. You are about to meet the elvis chicken man. Pete Cardoso.
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
2 color screen-print
…HOW ADORABLE. Three years ago, Maria and I (and another editor of the Public Journal) watched the fourth editor leave our upstate-new-york-cafe-meeting on a moped. With her boyfriend. What followed this event was an echo of “sighs.” This poster reminds me of that panda-precious moment.
Elvis Costello: 3 color screen-print
I love, love, love this. The colors are great and the portrait of Elvis is perfect. Oh and I love Elvis Costello! Triple score! (Confession: I started listening to Elvis Costello when I became a Gilmore Girls watcher. I was a wee young one who had big aspirations to be as cool as Lane Kim.)
(clockwise) The White Stripes: 2 color screen-print, The Living Things: 3 color screen-print, The Hold Steady: 6 color screen-print, Low: 2 color screen-print
What I find especially exhilerating is his female illustrations. They remind me of women on 1950s sewing patterns! In his White Stripes poster, he uses the iconic White Stripe color pallete, but makes it his own! And The Living Things poster is so vivid! Serial Killer Housewife? I think so. The contrast in texture in the ultra glamorous Low poster is great too! On one final note, I really hate the Hold Steady, but I love this poster (and Art Brut). I once saw Art Brut sing Smiths songs in a tiny kitchen! (LEGIT.)
Death Cab for Cutie
3 color screen-print
Ever since reading a very interesting article in Monday’s New York Times about the Babar exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum, I keep thinking about elephants (remember “The Elephant Show”?!). This Death Cab print is so wonderfully illustrated! The golden curly swirls add a great, delicate touch to an otherwise wrinkly animal. (Not that there’s anything wrong with wrinkles).
Roky Erickson
3 color screen-print
Now for something different! Pete does a glorious job capturing the psychadelic-santa-claus that is Roky Erickson, and portraying him as a cracked out Genie. One of my favorite baristas (who will no longer make me my americanos womp womp) first introduced me to Roky. This led to many youtube videos, and my now familiarization with Roky Erickson.
“you tell us. which one has the astigmatism?”
(clockwise) The Flaming Lips: 3 color screen-print, Modest Mouse: 2 color screen-print, Explosions in the Sky (2): 4 color screen-print, Explosions in the Sky: 3 color screen-print
…so I didn’t know what an “astigmatism” was until the acuvue twin commercial. It inspired me to question, “well do *I* have an astigmatism?”…leading to an inevitable google search. Good advertising? I suppose so. Anyways, HAPPY SMALL STAKES DAY!!!!! The Small Stakes (aka Jason Munn)’s elegant work has earned him mad cred in the art and music worlds. As a result of this attention, Jason’s work is easily recognizable and has popped up everywhere. Unlike those pesky Chuck E. Cheese bucktoothed animals, Jason’s cotton-crisp graphics and well-balanced compositions are too beautiful to bop. There are various themes throughout his work, including eyes (above!)…
(clockwise) Broken Social Scene: 2 color screen-print, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: 2 color screen-print, Wilco: 3 color screen-print, The National: 2 color screen-print
…birds (the broken social scene bird: NATURAL SELECTION is a bitch. oh but those poor Wilco birds: :(…they look like peeps that have been smeared on the bottom of a shoe)…
(clockwise) Matt Pond PA: 2 color screen-print (a 2 poster set), Feist: 2 color screen-print, Animal Collective 2 color screen-print
…frilly feathery swirls…
(clockwise) Built to Spill: 2 color screen-print (part of a 2 poster set), Why?: 2 color screen-print (also comes in silver!), Battles: 2 color screen-print, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: 2 color screen-print (part of a 2 sided poster)
…CLEVER TYPOGRAPHY…
(clockwise) Damien Jurado: 2 color screen-print, The Magnetic Fields: 2 color screen-print, Nada Surf: 2 color screen-print, The National: 2 color screen-print.
…and Escherian tessellations/op-art fun! In 9th grade geometry class, the teacher made us write papers that connected a personal hobby to geometry. I was really into op-art at the time (I went to geometry nerd camp and we drew op-art all day)…HOW CONVENIENT. So maybe I was a cheater. At least I was honest. And smart. There was a kid that chose tractors. No comment.
In this fifth installment of S&D’s poster party extravaganza, I am honored to present to you the illustrious Jason Munn. Jason has had the opportunity to work for a diverse set of clients including Against Me! (2005’s album design? That was Jason.), Chronicle Books, Death Cab for Cutie, Feist, Little Otsu (a S&D favorite! remember our post on notebooks and planners?), New York Magazine, Patagonia (nature!), and Random House. Furthermore, his work is on permanent display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. HEAR FROM Jason and LISTEN TO ME RATTLE ON LIKE A PROUD BABY MAMA after the jump. Click Clack. (more…)
Based in Portland, designer Mike Klay seamlessly fuses his passions for drawing and halcyon Pacific Northwest landscapes.
Closing In - art print
2 color screen-print
Beautifully pensive, his latest prints, “Closing In,” capture the satisfying sight of tree-canopy-filtered light. Furthermore, these GLOW-IN-THE-DARK (oh em gee), and thus prove that not all fluorescent posters have to be of psilocybinic mushrooms (Made by sexually-unsatiated Spencer’s gremlins. Which work to the monotonous hums of Family Guy. The more you know. Shooting star!).
The Early Thaw - art print
3 color screen-print (WITH METALLIC BRONZE)
I love how the sun rays are represented in this print.
Mountain Goats
3 color screen-print
…edelweiss!
Simian Mobile Disco
3 color screen-print
This mad baller Simian Mobile Disco poster was chosen as a GigPosters Poster of the Week. The faint background of advertisements looks great behind the ultra-glamorous girl. And I love the movement in her hair! Super hair commercial-worthy.
Minus the Bear
2 color screen-print
…morbidly delightful.
I am delighted to present to you MIKE KLAY MONDAY (tight shit). I love how his work gorgeously reflects his life spent surrounded by West Coast scenery, and his use of clean, strong graphics. He has had the chance to work for a wide range of clients: from Wilco to many local Seattle businesses. Plus, he sent one of a stupendous photo of himself to S&D.
..as one S&D reader commented, “the totally rad mustache middle-picture-man is rocking.”
Well reader, here is what you have been waiting for. Learn more about Mike Klay, his design company Powerslide Design Co., and his desire to sell his condo. ONWARD for the interview!
Pièce de résistance?
Pixies
5 color screen-print
…I think so. This is my ultimate favorite Leia print (and Leia’s!). I love the Pixies, and I would gladly seize up an opportunity to listen to vinyl with a snuggly dog. In my imagination, the girl is a teenage Emily Elizabeth Howard…during her “awkward years” (goodbye pink dress, hello black eyeliner)…and Clifford (bleached) (because teenagers do questionable things… like bleach their dogs).
Sweet Dreams Art Print
5 color screen-print
Leia Bell’s prints are thematically whimsical, and often feature animal interactions, human interactions, OR animals juxtaposed with humans. The animals in Leia’s prints are always really strong characters. Which is great (Hooray for nature!). What I especially enjoy, however, is her prodigious gift for depicting amazing parasitic (humans getting pwned by animals) and mutualistic interactions (Pixies girl and Pixies dog need each other to lean on…aww…).
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
5 color screen-print
HOW CAN PEOPLE CLUB BABY SEALS?!?! Answer me this, Sarah Palin.
Band of Annuals
4 color screen-print
For Leia, selecting great color pallets is incredibly visceral. Her illustrations are impressively colorful (it’s unsurprising to find a 5+color screen-prints in her collection) and she has impeccable taste. I love how in this Band of Annuals print, the girl’s coat and shoes fit in perfectly with the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood theme. 
Kilby Court’s 5th Anniversary
3 color screen-print
“Oh, knife. I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” S&D School supplies post readers know that I find violent things sort of cute (like the nerf gun pen). I THINK THIS PRINT IS GREAT. (teehee).
WELCOME TO DAY THREE. Perhaps you were a tad worried. “Gosh. Two days of the tightest designers. You most certainly are going to disappointment me today, Tricia.” Well my naive grasshoppa. You are in for a wee disappointment, because today is going to be as memorable as the Full House episode where DJ babysits a kid who sticks his head between stair railings. I would like to present (the talented, accomplished, infamous) LEIA BELL! LEIA BELL! LEIA BELL! GASP GASP GASP. Those of you who have read my previous posts know that I love critters. This past Thanksgiving, I nearly died at the Holiday Market at Union Square when I saw an ENTIRE booth full of Nepalese-knitted critter mittens and hats. A truly blissful experience, it reminded me of my first introduction to Leia Bell at a Flatstock. A whole booth of divinely illustrated critter goods? Good grief. Tachycardia.
Learn more about Leia Bell after the jump. Clickity click click.
If I was condemned to a cloistral, cylinder-blocked room…I would be completely content if I had THIS with me:
Explosions In The Sky
4 color screen-print
Every time I look at The Bubble Process’ Explosions In the Sky poster, my eyes widen and I am reminded of why I ABSOLUTELY LOVE The Bubble Process. Their level of detail is so impeccable and alluring. This graphic is completely on point with the band’s epically layered instrumentals… and the name. I mean, when I hear “Explosions In The Sky,” I expect to see something exploding. In the sky. Delivered.
Bon Iver
4 color screen-print
This latest poster for Bon Iver perfectly captures Bon-Iver-melodrama. It makes me think of beer-bellied, plaid-clad, axe-toting burly men. And sylvan-y woodland fairies. Hooray!
Pretty Girls Make Graves
4 color screen-print
Gigposters selected this as a Poster of the Week. I love the color palette, which looks AMAZING overprinted.
…fabulous non-poster things. The “be warmed” holiday cards are screen-printed and will most definitely be MY holiday cards this year (Competition. starts. now. You have from now until December to prove yourself card-worthy, FRIENDS.) The card print is reminiscent of their poster for The Thermals. The Bubble Process has designed shirts for Dave Matthews Band, Jay Reatard, and the Hush Sound. The eye in the Jay Reatard image is super creepy (and very appropriate).
HAPPY HUMP DAY!!@@#@!!! HOORAY FOR DAY 2! WHICH IS JUST AS LOVELY AS DAY 1! Based in Ohio and Brooklyn, the Bubble Process (aka Nicholas REZabek and SEAN..or SEAN AND REZ…let’s be fair) never fails to deliver visually mind popping masterpieces. The Bubble Process prints are always extremely well-designed, and full of magnifying-glass-detail. Rez and Sean graciously agreed to be pummeled with my questions. Read about how they inspire one another (puppies!), their mutual love of Dan Grzeca prints, and DEVO(+Sean) after the JUMP!
