etsy roundup » typography

As a graphic designer, I deal with type every day. I love exploring the different feelings that different typefaces can evoke but I must admit, in the midst of working on a 40-page newsletter, fonts can become a bit mundane so I try to step back and look with fresh eyes at the beauty of typography.

Inspiration can be found all around us, from magazines to TV commercials, magazines and leaflets, even the credit cards in your wallet. But for a quick fix, I head to my true blue: Etsy.com.

Here's just a sampling of type-inspired designs (hint: they'd all make great gifts for everyone from type fanatics to the type challenged!):


Love this line of jewelry by Plastique. Simple, modern and mysterious at the same time – at least to those who don't speak type. "FPO" means "for placement only," something we designers put on top of images that are not the final image, and "kern" is the act of adjusting the space between letters to make the type appear even (so clever, these two rings worn on two fingers!)

Great visual texture on this block-printed, 100% linen pillow from 1Girl1Boy.

I'm a total night-light girl, I'll admit it: I do get a bit freaked out in the dark! This silk-screened version from Bloomin Lumen is the perfect blend of illumination and style.

This wonderful quilted-cover notebook by Daily Threads is perfect for journaling. The hand-stenciled letters stand in strong contrast to the fabric pattern, yet the overall result is soft and comfy – perfect to curl up with on the couch or in your favorite outdoor hangout.

This fun screen-print by Slide Sideways pretty much says it all: yes, maybe, no way! On a sidenote (no pun intended), I like this actual photo of the print as well; nice colored wall and interesting composition!

This just might be the coolest tie ever: filled with layers of Lorem Ipsum ("greeked" placeholder type, although it actually resembles Latin more than anything), this tone-on-tone tie by Toybreaker is so classy!

Punky Jane makes a variety of customized jewelry, including necklaces with monthly calendars (great way to commemorate an anniversary or birthday!) but this simple "dream" necklace remains one of my faves.

Overlapping layers of letterpressed type and graphics create a colorful collage in this mini poster by Lot 9 Press.

This series of alphabet cards would be perfect to send out this holiday season (letterpressed by Hijirik.)

Another alphabet series, this one by Jenn Ski, that would be perfect in a nursery (although I would totally hang this in any room of my child-less home – maybe in the B for Bedroom?).

And while this last one doesn't involve letters per se, these graphic symbols and iconography by Michelle Christina are very cool. Fun to display as a grouping like this but also great to use individually throughout the house.

(not so) junk mail

I collect all kinds of things, from antique ironstone pitchers to chunks of moss picked up during a walk, even junk mail! I know, I know – a lot of direct mail can be distinctly lacking in visual impact but during the last few weeks, I received some direct mail that I most definitely found worthy of saving.

First up is Target. Okay, so it's no surprise that they are über-savvy when it comes to design. However, I had never received any targeted mailings from them until a new store opened near us.

This coupon booklet contains the best-designed, mass-distributed coupons I've seen in a long time (love how the graphics completely tie in with signage at the store!):

And this simple, double-sided mailer had a fun, interactive coupon that you had to physically pull off. Admittedly, I did expect a bigger surprise to be revealed than the somewhat boring tagline – opportunity missed, if you ask me!


Qwest has been bombarding my mail box with junk for years but this one actually caught my attention. No return address, no logo on the outside – a mystery mailer! The headline was catchy – of course, I had to rip right in and find out what's "the next best thing" and how I can make it mine:

Not until the very end do you find out who sent you this mysterious piece – that's right, the friendly folks at Qwest!

Another company that makes regular deposits into my mailbox is Office Max. I've signed up for their membership card so I constantly receive coupons. I must say, though, that this one finally enticed me to open up the mailer: it was so pretty!

And look, this one actually does have a surprise: pop-up coupons! Love it, great job!

Lastly, while this one doesn't fall into the category of direct mail, I am excited to see what goodies will arrive in the future. During my last visit at Anthropologie (the epitome of visual merchandising!), I was asked during checkout if I was an Anthro member. No, I'm not – but I'd like to be! So now I am an official Anthro member, complete with membership card that came in its very own, very "anthro" cloth string bag along with a fun little booklet.

Alright, Corporate America: I don't by any means condone wasteful, useless junk mail but if you make it interesting, interactive and intriguing like these examples, I say keep 'em coming!

etsy fave

Just came across these fun letterpress cards – perfect for a type geek like me:

Find more in their Etsy shop here (via Poppytalk).

2010 calendar roundup

I should be working but instead I find myself staring at my brand new 2010 calendar from SusyJack* that I picked up last week at Ecru.

For the last two years, I've designed my own desk calendar for Cecily Ink but since I've closed it down, I was able to shop around for a new favorite calendar. The choice was tough – just take a look at this small sampling of favorites:

INK + WIT:
I love the whimsical illustration and sparing use of color. Also a vertical format, which I seem to be drawn to this year. The calendar should be making its debut in their shop today – click here to find out more.


MERRY BLUES ART:
I love the upcycled use of an old wooden clothes hanger, not to mention the awesome illustration style! So loose and expressive... You can find out more here.


MISSING Q PRESS:
I sure do love letterpress... and this calendar from Missing Q Press is right up my alley, with gorgeous colors, exquisite letterpress and fun illustrations. Check out the shop here.


SEESAW LETTERPRESS:
Another wonderful letterpress option, this one much larger and a gorgeous option for a wall calendar. Love the modern color palette mixed with retro design flair. Check it out here.


VAN HOOSE DESIGN:
This one I could stare at all day for color inspiration: a huge, poster-sized calendar with fun color dots for each day of the year. Reminds me of color charts at digital print shops. Melissa has several designs to choose from and you can see them all here.


SUSYJACK*:
Last but not least, here is the online shop for SusyJack*. She also has a great desktop version of this calendar. Can't wait to start using mine!

the big book of green design is here!

Yesterday I received my Big Book of Green Design and I couldn't wait to thumb through it.

Naturally, first stop was to see my own work that was included (last year's client gift, a set of three notebooks printed on FSC-certified paper by Brown Printing, an FSC-certified printer):

After going through the book cover to cover, I was truly inspired to see so much great – and green! – design out there. Here are a few of the projects that caught my eye:

What an unusual shape for a calendar – love it! Plus it's a great self-promotion piece, and eco-friendly to boot (by D4 Creative Group out of Philadelphia, PA)

Always a sucker for good packaging, these tea towels and wooden trays totally caught my eye. Clean design, clever packaging, and screen-printing on kraft paper is always gorgeous! (by Aloof Design, East Sussex, UK for Twentytwentyone)

We all know sex sells, and I thought this was a clever play on words. (by University of Illinois and Renourish, Champaign, IL for AIGA)

Paper art at its best! This 3D paper cutout illustration style is amazing! (by Sally Vitsky, Richmond, VA for the American Forest & Paper Association)

Talk about upcycling! This amazing chandelier is made out of 50,000 paper clips! (by JAM, London, UK for Sothebys).

2010 calendar sneak peek

Every year, I create a special holiday gift for my Defteling Design clients. It's my way of thanking them for their business and giving something back that hopefully will make them smile in appreciation.

You may remember last year's gift (it's actually been selected to appear in the upcoming release of The Big Book of Green Design, yippie!):


I usually start thinking up ideas in June and this year has been no exception. For months now I've been noodling ideas and I'm so excited with how it's taking shape! Here's a sneak peek of some illustrations I've been working on:

For all you calendar fans, check back in the next few weeks – I haven't decided yet, but I might create a limited-edition CD calendar using these illustrations. If so, you'll be able to purchase them via my Cecily Ink Etsy shop.