Creatively Speaking

     As a member of the creative community (or at least I'd like to think so), we're always looking for ways to hone down on our skills and new projects to work on that provide an outlet to do just that. This past week I've had the privilege to work with one of my dear friends on branding her new jewelry collection.

     Let's just say that this young individual has some mad skills when it comes to beading, weaving, and designing. Her creations are a fusion of Egypt's traditionalism and America's progressively edgy approaches to fashion. In other words, as I've described it in one of her ads, its "where boho meets chic". If you'd like to have a chance to purchase or maybe just have a glance, you can find her page here: S Collection

     She's only ventured as far as utilizing requests and business transactions through Facebook, though an Etsy page is in the making. All items do ship nationwide (Dallas based) and special requests are also available with certain items. Now for the ads you ask? Check out the three promotional pieces I created through Photoshop for her collection below. 

     As a designer, one of the things that really makes the ads is the picture that you're working with. All of these were taken by the talented Ali Mahmoud and really made working on these ads that much easier. It was a bit of touch and go at first, when the collection was first shot inside and the final photos came out sub par (i.e. yellow/un-natural light is something I absolutely hate and is a nightmare to edit). But when advised to go outside and take advantage of the natural light, thats when all the magic really happened. Some spectacular shots were taken and when I was sent the final edits to work on, it was like opening a nicely wrapped gift on your birthday. I could not wait to play around with them and add my flair of creativity. 

     All in all, its important to work with images that can inspire you and really motivate you to want to do your best work. I had a lot of fun working on these designs and hope you took a moment to check out her beautiful collection. 

STYLE/ QUEEN OF CHIC

This style post is in honor of the Diamond Jubilee coming up in England next week. Yes, I know, I know. I don't live in the mother country - or anywhere close to it, for that matter - but it was one of the first places I ever traveled to, and I love it. Completely and totally. In case someone doesn't know, the Diamond Jubilee is an event in London that honors Queen Elizabeth II's 60 year coronation anniversary. People have parties and picnics, and lots of boats go out in the Thames. It's a big deal...or so I've heard. Because, you know, I'm not British (I just like to pretend I am).

Some suggestions for your own Jubilee celebration: 

Pleated Skater Dress / Aubin and Wells Scarf / King and Queen Cotton Bracelets / Carriera Necklace / Hunter British Boots / Dubleton Jumper / Clueton Shorts / British Cupcake Set

ADS/ NO, THAT'S NOT A TEAR IN MY EYE

This ad is perfect. I watched it, then rushed to show it to my mom - and we pretended like we weren't crying together. It was defiantly a moment. But really - It's great. Probably one of the best commercials I've seen in a long time. To me, this is what advertising is really all about. Not the shock factor or who can be the raciest, but tapping into the little things that make us human - the things that everybody can relate to.  

FILM FANTASIES

This year Film on the Rocks Yao Noi, a new film festival, took its name a touch too literally...and the effect was a little more than dazzling. Designed by Architect Ole Scheeren, the temporary theater was built with entirely recycled material. But it's most impressive feature? The fact that you have to take a boat to get there. Take a look.

LIFE/ BORED VS. BUSY

So true. 

by: Ultimat3Shi3ld

INSTAWEEKEND

This weekend was all about procrastinations...unfortunately, that came to bite me in the butt when Monday finally rolled around, as well as the pile of midterms that came with it. So what did I do instead of burn the midnight oil?

1. Ate out at McCormick & Schmicks. It was delicious. My plate was the Stuffed Atlantic Salmon - blue crab, bay shrimp, mashed potatoes and a whole lot of yummy. 

2. Went shopping for the cruise we're going on for (the much needed) Spring Break! I found those shorts at Urban Outfitters. Aren't they adorable? 

3. And finally, we visited the Dallas Arboretum because even though we really didn't have a winter this year, it didn't mean we couldn't appreciate the good weather when it came. The place was stunning - stay tuned, it's probably going to earn its own post soon. 

Welcome to the 84th Annual Academy Awards

 

What if movie titles told you the whole picture? I love editing and playing around with an image, so what better way than to show you my interpretation of some of this year's top films. Seen any of them? Personally, I'm excited to see whats going to steal the show this Oscar Sunday. Some of my favorites have featured Ryan Gosling and the Silver fox aka George Clooney in The Ides of March, The Descendents, and Drive. What I really hope to see win big is The Artist -  the movie that brought us back to the days of silent films and won our hearts without the need of a single word. 

ADS/ A THIN VERMEER

Its true - I'm jealous...I will probably never be able to draw like this. But let me tell you, seeing this commercial sure makes me want to grab a few Faber Castell markers and give it a try anyway.

DESIGN/ A TALLY OF TWO CITIES

Paris and New York. New York and Paris. Can you really choose between them? I think not. But that doesn't stop Graphic Designer Vahram Muratyan from trying. In his blog, Paris vs New York: A Tally of Two Cities, he creates these wonderful little prints that show the contrast between these iconic cities.

As someone who's been to both, it's interesting to see how the eclectic persona of New York comes alive against the Parisian's chic. Yet, in a way, they both stem from a root of similarity. Muratyan brings to life the little things we may take for granted and amplifies them by bringing it to our attention through these vibrant prints.

What about you guys? Can you choose between the two?

MARFA, MARFA, MARFA

As it is, I have lived in Texas all my life and in all that time I have never been to Marfa. For those of you who don't know where or what that is, allow me to explain. This lovely place is where they filmed movies like Giant, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood. It is the darkest place in the continental U.S, where you can get the clearest view of the night sky. And best of all...it's the home of the Prada Statue. 

That's right. Right here in the middle of Nowhere, Texas there is a little store called Prada sitting on the desert. Again, I've never been but I find something eerily fascinating about the big-name designer store looking run down on a plot of sand - oh, the fact that it only holds shoes for your right foot. 

If you get the chance, check out Midland Texas. You'll either thank me or think I'm a lunatic. Either way, It'll be an adventure. 

Photographs by Allison V Smith

DETAILS

When it comes down to it - its all in the details. Whether you're presenting for a client, designing a graphic, or dressing for an event, the little things can make a big difference.  One of my favorite blogs does just that. Jak & Jil revolves around the world of street fashion. I love getting lost in this unique and eclectic series of photos. 

STYLE/ WINTER IN RED

Hello lovlies! This update has been long overdue. The star of this post would have to be my new red pants. I'm offically obsessed. I had to take a week to think about buying these when I initially first saw them but over time, I knew I had to go back and buy them. Don't be afraid to wear loud pants! Its all the rage.