Remember those awesomely hypnotizing automated and extremely overcomplicated machines on movies like The Goonies, Edward Scissorhands or Back to the Future? You know, the type of machines built by combining dominoes, bowling balls, wires and balloons? Well, in case you were not familiar, these inventions are called Rube Goldberg machines (deliberately over-engineered or overdone machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction). Melvin The Machine is a beautiful portable and traveling machine with a mission, travel the world to meet new friends. And lovely stamped postcards to document it…
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Art
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May 12
Melvin the Machine
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May 12
Panic Room
I love hotels that go the extra mile to set themselves apart and please guests. And no, I’m not talkign about Continental breakfast… I’m talking about hotels that understand the importance of art and aesthetics. We’ve seen (and love) collaborations between the Ace Hotel and artists like the great Dana Tanamachi or Timothy Goodman, my hometown’s Icon Brickell and Philippe Starck, and many more. Today, I want to share another lovely collaboration between graffiti artist TILT and French hotel Au Vieux Panier called Panic Room. The concept? Simple, divide an impeccably white room in two by decorating one half full of graffiti and color. The result? Badass!
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1
May 12
Silent World
We’ve all had a crazy dream at least once. But how many of us have dreamt about being the last human on earth walking desolated streets or cities ala I am Legend or Vanilla Sky. French and German Photographers Lucy & Simon certainly did, or thought of this when creating their series “Silent World” which features a lovely collection of empty -and eerie iconic landmarks including Times Square, Place de l’Opera, Wall Street, Place de la Concorde and Tian’anmen Square. Enjoy them after the jump!
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Apr 12
The impressive work of Sarah Esteje
I love to draw and waste office pens or markers. In fact, many of us do… but there are some folks like French Illustrator Sarah Esteje whose wondrous work, full of detail and exquisite technique can turn a simple ink pen into a magic wand. Check out some samples of her illustrations after the jump, and although she does not have a site yet, you can also check her tumblr page for more…
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Mar 12
Real Life Disney
We’ve all watched at least one - or a few Disney movies over the years and probably have a favorite character that we can identify with or that we simply find hot. Don’t judge me, you know you always had a crush on Prince Eric, Aladdin, Ariel or Jasmine. All judging aside, have you ever thought what these characters would look like in real life? Well, Finnish Design student Jirka Väätäinen did and created a great series of ‘Real Life’ Disney Characters featuring Ariel, Snow White, Jasmin (who always ends up looking like that Kardashian girl), Mulan, Belle and many more. Check them out!
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Mar 12
Underwater Colors by Alberto Seveso
It is obvious that whoever said Ink (or paint in this case) and Water don’t mix never saw the beautiful work of Italian Digital Artist Alberto Seveso. You might remember Alberto’s work from a previous post HERE. This new series of paint (varnish) and water is one of his latest projects and as always, it is stunning. His ability to seamlessly combine bright with muted colors and compose intriguing shapes and textures is remarkable. Check them out after the jump!
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8
Mar 12
Chalk Sweetness for United Adworkers
United Adworkers launched a contest recently inviting people to design their 2012 Membership Card. Although I have not seen many entries yet, I can honestly say this lovely video entry by BVK is (and probably will be) my favorite. Why you ask? Because it is brilliant! I’ve been in LOVE with Dana Tanamachi’s work since I first saw it and I am a firm believer that she inspired and perfected a new (I know it’s not new, but it has definitely made a strong comeback to the limelight) style of design using chalk. So, anything inspired or similar to Dana’s will always be on top of my lists :)
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2
Mar 12
Luz Nas Vielas
It’s Friday! And what better way to close this week than enjoying an inspiring project full of bright bold colors and positive messages. Luz Nas Vielas (Light in the Alleys) is a beautiful and inspiring participative Urban Art project created by Spain based collaborative Boa Mistura in the heart and streets of São Paulo’s favelas. The project combines a great perspective/lettering technique, vibrant colors, positive values and the most important element, the involvement and participation of the community! Bravo!
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Feb 12
Behind Photographs
Most of us can spot or even name specific photographs we love or that we have seen at least once and that have created a lasting impression. After all, that is the power of good Photography. But, do we know who shot these iconic images? Are we familiar with the sometimes anonymous talented Photographers behind the lens who happen to be at the right place, at the right time? Luckily, there’s a new book by San Diego based Editorial Photographer Tim Mantoani called Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends which features over one hundred different Photographers (some a bit more recognizable and famous than others) and their iconic photos. Check out some of these photos after the jump and see of you can name a few…
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15
Feb 12
Pop Bottles
We all know the power and influence packaging has over society and the products we religiously buy every week. Admit it, you can spot your favorite brand of cereal at the supermarket isle simply by glancing at its package. But what would happen if we combine our familiar brands and packages with totally opposite ones? Italian artist Anna Utopia Giordano decided to find out, and combined some of the most iconic alcohol bottles with brands like Disney, Marvel, Barbie, etc. Check out her lovely collection after the jump!
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31
Jan 12
Type Truck Miami
You might remember my post last week about Kyle Durrie’s Type Truck visiting Miami (HERE) I had the pleasure of stopping by and meeting the very nice and sweet Kyle, play with some type, create my own MIAMI print and chat about her inspiring idea, her tour and the beautiful art of print. Thank you again Kyle and hope to have you back in Miami soon. Check out some photos after the jump…
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Jan 12
National Handwriting Day
In case you didn’t know, today is National Handwriting Day. I’ll give you a minute to update your calendar… ready? OK. As most of you know (specially those following on Facebook) I am a full-on lettering, calligraphy, handwriting geek so I felt obligated to do my part and take 5 minutes away from the computer and write something out. Let’s admit it, we’re not even close to be as good as Hische, Bantjes or Tanamachi but it’s all about going back to basics, playing with ink & paper and having some fun…
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23
Jan 12
Type Truck is coming to town!
I’m sure most of you know or have heard about Kyle Durrie’s Type Truck and her inspiring idea of touring the country teaching workshops, doing demos, and generally spreading the good word about printing the old fashioned way. Well, the Type Truck is finally coming to Miami this week and I am excited to share this with you not only because it is an excellent opportunity to network and meet creative people, but also because it is time we get together and work as a Design community to bring home more fun and inspiring events like this one. So, if you are in Miami, like Letterpress and design and want to get involved, mark your calendar and come by! Would love to meet some of you in person :)
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Jan 12
The impressive work of Frank Magnotta
I love finding talented and inspiring artists during my constant online crusades. And today, I want to share one that I discover recently and got me hooked. Let me introduce you to the impressive work of Brooklyn based Illustrator and Artist Frank Magnotta. His intricate and detailed drawings combine hundreds of cool elements and some pretty epic typography (I can spend hours going through all his pieces) and has been featured in numerous galleries across the country. Check out some samples of his work after the jump!
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Jan 12
Tactile Typography by Dominique Falla
As designers, we appreciate the beauty of good Typography, but in case you were wondering what could make it even better, here’s your answer… Tactile Typography! Australian based artists Dominique Falla has explored different techniques and media over the years, creating typographic pieces for exhibition, using different tactile media. Check out some of her intricate and playful work after the jump!
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Jan 12
PressPausePlay
The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent in an unprecedented way, with unlimited opportunities. There are millions of artists out there perfecting their craft and sharing it with the world thanks to the many advances in technology. As many industries seem to slowly die, many have successfully emerged, generating and unleashing a new wave of creativity and inspiration. PressPausePlay is a documentary featuring pioneers and the many changes and improvements to mainstream industries.
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Jan 12
The Obliteration Room
What would happen if you hand hundreds of kids tiny colorful stickers and let them loose in a clean white room? As a father of two boys, I can think of 127 different things, but hey, that’s just me… Artists Yayoi Kusama decided to find out and created a unique and fun installation combining these three elements. She provided a blank canvas (room) and thousands of colorful stickers to every kid that visited the installation. Check out the results after the jump…
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15
Dec 11
Impressive Stippling
Remember back in Art class when your teacher introduced you to ‘pointillism’ and taught you how to illustrate objects using numerous dots? Well, Miguel Endara has taken this technique to an entire new level! His latest piece, Hero, is a unique portrait of his dad made out of approximately 3.2 million ink dots and it reflects the amount of talent, effort and technique Miguel possess. Check out some photos and a video after the jump!
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8
Dec 11
Touch of Evil
Remember those great video essays featuring Hollywood actors ‘acting’ The New York Times released earlier this year? (HERE) Well, they did it again! Touch of Evil is a video gallery of cinematic villainy, inspired by nefarious icons and featuring the best performers from the year in film. Performers including Ryan Goslin, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara, Glenn Close and more. Yes, that good. Check out some screenshots and a link to all the videos after the jump.
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Dec 11
The Beautiful work of Andrea Joseph
Are you the type of person that empties out all your pens or markers and sometimes even ‘borrows’ some of your coworkers’ to doodle or sketch during meetings? I am. But hey, don’t be ashamed, this is a very good thing! Specially when your work looks like the amazingly detailed and realistic work of UK based Andrea Joseph . Her beautiful Moleskine illustrations (mostly on ballpoint pen) are not only overwhelming but also communicate eloquently Andrea’s personality, mood and inspiration. Check out some of her work after the jump and draw something today!
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