ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Michael Byers

Michael Byers actually blew my mind this morning, with pure talent. The illustration 

that led me to him was the father and son fishing. I was immediately drawn to his 

use of color and space. And the further I looked into his work the more impressed I got. 

He is a master of movement and perspective. Look at that bike wheel {!} The perspective 

on that is not only extremely creative but difficult. And that splash of hot pink is 

perfect. What a dramatic image. He is an Ontario based illustrator whose client list

 includes; Runners World, Family Circle, and The New York Times. 

For more on Michael Byers Illustration Check out his website

Kid's adorable Wall Paper Designs

I am a HUGE fan of wall paper. I think its bold and spicy. So when I came across 

Ferm Living's wallpaper collection on Pinterest and I had to investigate. And I fell in 

love with this fantastically modern kid's wall paper. Wouldn't it look wonderful on an

 accent wall in kiddie bedroom? I am a couple years away from needing it... but would 

paste those robot on my wall in an instant.

Happy Memorial Day

I saw a poster the other day that pictured a woman lying beside a soldier's grave. Underneath

 the caption read; "Memorial Day. In case you thought it was National BBQ Day." Goose

 bumps rose on my skin, even as I typed it. It had a profound impact on me. I thought about 

both of my grandfather's who have seen unspeakable things in war and (thank goodness) 

survived. And my mind traveled to those who don't survive. Than to the ones that are left 

behind. And than I thought about beer and hamburgers, and it didn't make any sense. So as 

we celebrate in the sun, with our burgers and beer ... remember to remember. 

Today, I thank all of the soldiers who have served our country. And remember those 

who lost their lives in the process. Thank you. 

Typography Friday: Waaitt Design

Typography Friday is upon us once again so here is an Inspired Typography 

Poster by Waaitt Design. I Love the balance of the type and presentation. xo

Happy Friday.

Have a Cup of Coffee...

What is it about coffee that is so good? Coffee reminds me of Christmas... its nostalgic, 

you can smell it, taste it, and feel it. And no matter how good or bad the last cup you 

had was, you always look forward to the next. I am a loyal coffee drinker. I brew a hot

 cup of coffee whether its 32 degrees outside or 98. And the ULTIMATE is a blanket,

 a book and some coffee. And its very important to me to have a good bulbous mug to 

drink it out of... How do you drink your coffee?

photo credit: matt matches

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Nan Lawson

I have admired Nan Lawson's illustrations for some years now so I am extra pleased to 

feature her on todays, Illustration Inspiration post. What I like most about this LA Based 

illustrator is the sweetness captured in the demeanor and face of each character she creates. 

According to her bio, these characters are often inspired by hipsters and flea markets. Can't 

you imagine bumping into one of the sweet faces at a thrift store? Nan's vintage look has 

created a quirky, nerdy and wonderful following {myself included} 

For more from Nan, Check out her Website.

My Mission...

On my list for this summer is: Organize my Studio. I have found that every time I head 

into my work space, I find work to do and that always trumps the need for tidying and 

organization. And it kind of stresses me out to work in a cluttered space. {I am sure you 

can agree} So my mission is, by the end of the summer, to have a beautiful, sparkling 

Studio that I can work in calmly and without distraction. 

I am feeling greatly inspired by the images above, 

found here on Everything Etsy's organization tutorial 

TYPOGRAPHY FRIDAY: Tattoo Typography

I have always wanted a tattoo with something fiercely moving written in beautify script. 

But a tattoo is forever and I knew there weren't any words that could be that fierce forever, 

so I never got one. But I think these tattoos are beautiful and I love their design and 

placement. What about you? Do you have a tattoo? What would yours say?

Photo Credits: photo 1, photo 2&3, photo 4

Just Sayin...

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Sandra Dieckmann

This week's Illustration Inspiration comes from the talented, Sandra Dieckmann of 

East London. Sandra says her inspiration comes straight from nature... this is clearly 

shown in all of her work. Her beautiful work looks as if it has been collaged, 

but upon closer inspection, you can see layers of painted in texture. The texture that 

she adds to all of her work creates a beautiful marriage between the natural lines

 of nature, and repetitive geometric lines. These lines lend to a Native American feel, 

reinforcing again her strong tie to nature. I adore her work. What do you think?

For more illustrations from Sandra visit her site: Sandra Dieckmann Illustration

PROJECT PROGRESS: Ada Chewed Some Gum

My favorite part of my Job is when I am commissioned to illustrate a children's book.

 So when Thomas Knight approached me with his adorable book, 'Ada Chewed Some 

Gum' I was thrilled to par-take. This is just a snippet of what I have created for the

 book, to get everyone amped up for its release.

My Process is simple but it happens in a three stages. First I illustrate/sketch the 

characters and scene (sometimes together, sometimes separate). Than I ink the sketch 

over and scan the inked image. After its scanned, I touch up the inked lines and 

color it all in photoshop. It is a lengthy process but I have found this works best for me.

I can't wait to see it completed and formatted. How about you?

Ada Chewed Some Gum will be available soon here.

And don't forget about My Dad is My Hero Illustrated by me 

and written by Lauren Wade

'Obviously', Audrey Corregan

I was drawn to Audrey Corregan's photographic series titled 'Obviously' specifically

because of that brown bird at the bottom left. I couldn't quite place it until I saw the 

other bird portraits. It almost looks furry... Birds are interesting creatures aren't they? 

The fact that they can fly puts them pretty high on the coolness scale as well. And 

in this series, it almost seems like they are angry with us. Its like they have nothing to say 

to us and are deep in thought about how we have shamed them. Its interesting the 'wise' 

persona that some birds have been given, isn't it? Like all of them are 1000 years old and 

know so many more years of knowledge then we do... 

Happy Mother's Day {Mom} xox

TYPOGRAPHY FRIDAY: Victor Bregante

Not only is this Typography design absolutely genius. I totally love it. Victor Bregante, 

a designer, used his medium of choice as the subject to create this text about loving his 

job. He perfectly joins the words and subject together to express his sentiment perfectly.

 I couldn't agree more Victor. {xox}

Aerial Yoga, looks amazing

Desperate to try this. Have anyone out there done this before, I would love to hear 

about it? It looks amazing for my back. I just spent the morning searching for a place 

in Baltimore or Annapolis that offers it but have not had any luck. If anyone has a place 

to recommend it would be greatly appreciated. 

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Aileen Leijten

Lets talk about the talented Aileen Leijten, because I have a lot to say and most of it 

involves swooning. Aileen is an Illustrator with a very impressive resume and client 

list (Including Hanna Barbera and Walt Disney Imagineering, wowsers) But what I love 

most about her are her characters. They are absolutely tangebly adorable. I appreciate 

their big puffy clothes and spindly legs and arms and really love their super big heads. 

Although these may seem like silly things to say, this is what makes her characters 

(and her style choice) stand out. She paints her illustrations and her blog offers a bit of 

insight into her process. (I am always fascinated by how other illustrators create). And Let 

us not forget her palette. Do you notice all of the nice warm hues, my eye could swim 

in the soft color palette that she uses.   

Check out a list of her illustrated books here... my favorite is The Hugging Hour

A Mother's Day Commission

Just slipping in a recent Meant for a Moment Mother's Day Commission.

This one was really cute, commissioned by a musician for his mom. {xox}

Beet and Potato Chips = Beautiful

Here is a great idea to add to your Mother's Day Lunch Menu, aren't the beet chips 

beautiful? Head over to Sips and Spoonful for more details, but for now, 

here is the recipe:

Beet and Potato Chips with Thyme Rock SaltIngredients:Beets
Potatoes
Himalayan sea salt
Fresh thyme leaves
Oil for deep frying (canola or sunflower oil)

Directions:Wash and dry the beets and potatoes. Finely slice with a mandolin. Make sure the 
slices are dry. Heat oil in a frying pan on high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beet 
and potato slices one at a time so they don't stick to one another. Don't overcrowd the oil. 
Fry, stirring every so often until they are crispy. Drain on a paper towel and immediately 
sprinkle with thyme salt. Serve when it cools down.
To make thyme salt, grind Himalayan sea salt with thyme leaves in
on beets and potatoes but that is personal preference. a pestle and mortar.
Notes: Beets will shrink when fried so you are better off using
 larger beets. I left the skin 

Come with a Story Campaign

"Come with a story, Leave with Another" is a brilliant ad campaign for the 

Colsubsidio Book Exchange that will have you double taking. These clever paper-cut 

silhouettes, by the Lowe/SSP3 ad agency, feature a mash-up of two literary icons. 

The First one: Little Red Riding Hood and Moby Dick. The Second one: Harry Potter 

and Troy and the last one: Snow White and Sherlock Holmes. I really like the minimalist 

approach and the brilliant attention to each detail. This campaign caught my attention 

and has me looking for more, job well done!

TYPOGRAPHY Friday: Gem Goode

Sending along some more type love for your Friday. I love the length these design 

have from Gem Goode at Deviant Art. Creating Type Art that is easy to read is a 

difficult task but I think the balance between flourishes and fancy typography here balance 

well and my eye flows across the page. I love that the entire design in both uses only one 

color. And once again, Great Quotes!

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Featuring John Rocco

Are you taking notes here? Because John Rocco is seriously talented and it is blowing 

my mind. Every image I could find of his work had amazing perspective. And was so 

creative he had me thinking, "Damn I've gotta remember that." The choices he makes 

are divine. Sometimes he fills the page with color, other times he uses the white space 

to set a mood. And if you check out his color palette, he stays in a certain spot on the 

color wheel each time, utilizing hues and complimentary colors in a very strategic way, 

and he nails it.

The really cool thing about John Rocco is how he creates his illustrations. Check out the 

pencil drawing up there. Thats how he captures all of his tones, than he scans the image 

in and colors it in photoshop.

I am taking lesson now, and promise you will see this beautiful forced perspective pop 

up in some of my work. Thanks for the illustration inspiration. 

P.S. John Rocco was also the pre-production art director in the movie Shrek {too cool} 

Love

Since we are in the process of writing our vows, I have been thinking about LOVE a 

lot lately. Its a funny thing isn't it? Finding one person that you want to spend the rest of 

your life with. Knowing that you will love them for as long as you live. And believing in 

them, {all the way to your soul} that their promise of love is worth giving your life to. 

Sometimes when Dave and I are on the couch with Cricket curled up in our lap, it feels 

like we are swimming in love. Some say love is like floating, but I'd say swimming. 

Because love is heavy and weightless at the same time. Just like swimming in water. 

Marriage is a big deal, if it doesn't have any weight to it its not time to marry. I feel 

no pressure or stress, but its a big deal when I look at Dave and I realize that he loves 

me enough to commit a lifetime to me. 

That feeling, when you realize we are both making the same plans is a strong and powerful 

emotion, and its nothing to be taken lightly. 

Like being surrounded by water, swimming forward and being able to breath. 

Yes, to me, Love is like swimming... And I feel so blessed. So blessed.

photo credit Braedon Photography

The Sketchbook Project

I am so excited to have just signed up for the 2013 Sketchbook Project. 

Here is how it works: 

I will receive a Sketchbook in the mail. My task is to fill it. Once its filled, I send it 

back to the creative folks at the Brooklyn Art Library. Than in January of 2013 it goes 

on tour along with all of the other sketchbooks from other participating artists. And at the 

end of its tour, it will be archived at the Brooklyn Art Library.  {xox} I am totally 

looking forward to committing to filling that book! 

PS. The best part...Anyone can join, check out the site for more information.

Happy Birthday to my FUTURE Husband {!}

Happy Birthday today to one of the most Amazing Men I know. Not only is he incredibly 

handsome but he is thoughtful, funny, majorly skilled, creative and incredibly spirited. 

When I met Dave four and half years ago, I knew as we played the game of LIFE 

{literally} that he was the one. 

Let me set the scene for you...We had just come in from a swim at the beach and 

finished our first dinner together. Neither of us wanted to call it a night so we settled 

in for a board game. In the middle of the game I found a pink $50 floating around on the 

game board. I asked him if it was his and he said no. I knew it wasn't mine so I said so.

 So, he took the pink $50 and placed it in the middle of the board and said, "Ok, well I will 

put this $50 here and if its gone at the end of the game... Than I guess we will learn a little 

bit about each other." And I am telling you folks, thats when I KNEW I had stumbled 

into something totally amazing. I laughed... and the game got ridiculously silly. As you 

can imagine being on a first date and playing the game of LIFE, its either going to 

get really awkward or really silly as you fill your game peice with children and 

secure your job as a rockstar.  

And yes, the pink $50 remained in its spot for the remainder of the game. 

Happy Birthday Dave,  you are my best friend, I love you with my whole 

heart and I can't wait to marry you. 

TYPOGRAPHY FRIDAY: Kavan & Co

When I think about Typography Design two things are important to me:

A: Creativity and Layout and B: What it actually says. 

So I double love Kavan & Co's brilliant typography skills. Not only are the designs 

colorful and cheery, they say really wonderful things, and my heart just jumps at 

any well-put combination of words and images. I really appreciate the layers of 

'doodles' and shapes. It makes each design completely unique and absolutely cool. 

Wouldn't the pencil design be great in a Studio? I mean, could it be more perfect? 

It says it all. 

Satchel and Sage { xox }

Satchel and Sage caught my eye with their adorable collaged Animal Prints. Wouldn't 

these be cute in a little boys nursery collaged on the wall? Satchel and Sage has tons 

of adorable prints like this one about a terrarium, and some super cool venn-diagrams.

Check 'em out...

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION Featuring: Pietari Posti

I am totally enamored with Pietari Posti's amazing illustrations. The movement and line 

use are addicting, I can't pull my eyes off of them. I really admire his limited palette as well. 

I think I have nail polish in all of those colors :).  Limiting yourself is often a tough thing 

todo, but I think this palette is beautiful. Pietari also does a great job keeping the 

composition moving and allowing the focal pieces to pop. Can you feel your eye moving 

across the illustration in each of these?

And... Im back!

After five days in Sunny California with the cutest little face in the world, returning to 

work is proving to be a bit more difficult than usual. Let's talk about California for a 

minute. SO, I live in Maryland, and I consider it to be a pretty hip state with lots of 

coolness to offer... But have you been to California? There is so much coolness there. 

I am talking, smoothies with spinach, fresh markets everywhere, surfers and barrels of 

candy! Vintage, Retro, Contemporary... California was filled with all of it. 

And that cutie new nephew of mine! Oddly enough, we arrived during a cloudy spell 

(apparently the marine layer was out of control) so we didn't get too much sun while we 

were out there. BUT that just gave us the opportunity to swoon over the newest, 

most awesome member of our family. 

We became best friends pretty quick. My sister is a natural mother and Cole is totally 

in love with his mom and dad. Can you blame him?

Family Time.

I am so excited to spend the next 6 days in sunny California with my new beautiful

wrinkly nephew Cole. He was born on Saturday. My Younger sister and I are flying

out early in the morning to give that cutie little baby a hug and a squeeze. 

So please forgive my absence. I will return next Wednesday with great photos and 

updates of his beautiful fresh new life.  Until then, take good care of yourselves. 

And remember just how beautiful this life really is. {xox}

Happy Birthday to My Sister

An Important Day in history today. Happy Birthday to my sister, Kelsey. 

I love you so incredibly much.

For those of you not lucky enough have a Kelsey to love, let me give you some 

reasons to find one. 

• The Kelsey I love is so big hearted she would walk 

into a bee hive if you told her you needed honey. 

• She is both painfully and adorably gullible, so our 

storytelling family has always had her second 

guessing reality. 

• She has a guinea pig. Love those little guys {!}

• But best of all, she would befriend you, and 

care for you... no matter who you are. Her 

heart is open WIDE. Of all the people in the 

world she is the last person to ever pass a 

judgement. 

And thats why, I'm glad to have a Kelsey in my life...

Happy Birthday Kels {xox}

ILLUSTRATION INSPIRATION: Julie Morstad

For this week's Illustration Inspiration feature I chose someone whose style is very 

different than my own. Actual it would almost be impossible for me to try to mimic 

this style. Thats why I LOVE it so much! It is so unique. Each of Julie Morstad's 

illustrations provide her own signature and every time you see one you can pick it 

out as one of her own. 

She uses colored pencil, ink, gouache and pencil and sometimes even collage to 

create her beautiful drawings. I really admire the mixture of rough pencil that she allows to 

shine through. Each of my pieces end up having to look very clean and smooth when 

they are finished (OCD?) But I always like them best at there sketch phase. Sounds 

kind of like an identity crisis right? She keeps her drawings looking very 'hip' this way.

And to balance the gray of the ink and pencil she throws in those brilliant punches 

of bright color. Its just makes my eyes swim across the page, I just adore her style! 

Hope you do too.

Books are Art...

I am a little behind the times on this ad (Anagram books has since closed) but look at 

their beautiful advertisements promoting their store. That octopus is out of this world.

I could look at it for hours and try to figure out how it was created. 

I became an Aunt and my heart bursted

In the wee small hours of Sunday Morning, I became an Aunt, for the very first time. 

My Sister had her first baby, in California while I  a.n.x.i.o.u.s.l.y waited in Maryland for

word of his arrival.  He is Beautiful and tiny and so wrinkly he actually looks wise; like he 

has years of knowledge on me and I need to hit the books before I go out there so I am 

not out smarted by this adorable tiny wrinkly little face that looks so peaceful and perfect. 

My heart keeps welling up inside with sheer love. I bounce back and forth between 

feeling excitement for my sister and her husband who are over the moon for their 

new baby boy, I know their hearts grew a hundred times when they saw his face.  

And I'm gushing over the idea that there is a new little man in our lives that we are 

all going to laugh with and love and watch grow. And he is going to get hair cuts and

 build blocks and loose teeth and have adorable innocent moments that will make me melt. 

I am flying out to join my sister and her husband and meet Cole for the first time on 

Thursday. I can not wait to see that tiny face. Congratulations to my sister and her 

husband ~ xox you guys are going to be wonderful parents. 

Thanks Bippity Boppity Boo for the adorable photo

INTRODUCING: Typography Friday

New Deal Folks. Every Friday = Typography Friday. 

Since I find myself drooling over all of the type art out there and dying to share but 

without any proper avenue or platform for it, I have created one. So here we go. 

Todays feature proves my recent journey into type love. The top image is the ever 

talented type genius John Passafiume's save the date design {its like a maze of words 

and art, love it} compared with my simple whimsical illustrated type save the date 

for Dave and I. Just getting my feet wet... more to come. Happy Friday {xox}

Katie Rodgers = Amazing Right?

SO Madly in Love with Katie Rodgers' beautiful watercolors. 

Check out more at Paperfashion. Oh Its SO good isn't it?!

Illustration Inspiration featuring: Lia Marcoux

Happy Wednesday and welcome back to our Illustration Inspiration Feature. 

This week, my drawing hands are totally jealous of Lia Marcoux's unique style and amazing 

ability to pick the most perfect color palette. Looking at her work you can't help but notice 

her brilliant choice of color to separate foreground from background, and to set the 

mood in the illustration. Her light and shadow are fantastic. Do you kind of get a a folk art 

feel from her work? And do you notice the noses of her characters? They are all red...

I really adore any artist with a signature that sticks out like that. 

Embroidery... {xox}

Wouldn't it be adorable to use these custom embroidered numbers from Merriweather Council 

as table numbers at your adorable wedding and than gift those cute little initial necklaces to your bridesmaids. I love the color, texture and vintage look that the embroidery adds. Oh its so clever!

Great Alarm Clock Idea

Oh My Gosh! Have you seen these silent alarm clocks yet? Its a touch screen wrist 

band that vibrates when you need to wake up, sum it up or get out of dodge. I LOVE 

this idea. Because Dave and I are always popping out of bed at different times, these 

private little alarms would add a lot less groaning to the morning routine. 

What do you think? 

People Freaking out in a Haunted House: Hysterical

I know this is so random but I can't stop laughing at this. I stumbled upon it looking for 

references, and it gave me a good laugh. Its people freaking out in a Haunted House.

 Look at that guy running away from his wife as she pulls him back, true colors right. 

Haha. I like that top picture of the guy protecting all three girls, way to go Dude!

More Here

To Love a new Life

My sister is having a baby. Have I told you that? Its pretty wild, it will be the first 

baby of our immediate family and my brain and heart are gushing with the idea of a new 

person to love. When I realized she was bringing another person into our family, it hit 

me in a strange way. If you don't know me by now, you should know that I worry a lot, 

especially about the people I love. 

Well, I was driving alone listening to a terribly sad song. Thats when I realized, as I was 

hoping that my new little nephew, would never have to feel the sad ache that that slow 

song sang of, that I loved him already. Because I was already worrying about him. 

Its a strange thing, to worry so much, but it all comes from this giant place in my heart

 where I hold all of my favorite people. Love manifests in funny ways sometimes doesn't it? 

Paige is due this weekend {!}. Her ankles are swollen and uncomfortable and she is 

anxious to meet her new son. Its mere days before I will be an Aunt and my parents will be Grandparents for the first time. The family has halted in wait of this new little baby boy.

 I wonder when his birthday will be!?

 1st image via {great maternity shoot} 2nd image via

Dan Kendrick's Baltimore Book Launch: TONIGHT

Hi friends, I am really excited to announce the Baltimore launch of Dan Kendrick's new 

book, Sex Sells but I'm Ugly, a real time guide to sales, marketing and life.

 I know this event will be a great time, and I wanted to let all my local Baltimore readers

 know to come join the fun! Its a Chic, Black, White and Red party {!} 

And everyone who attends gets a copy of the book!