At my first job out of college, I worked as a pattern designer for women’s and children’s footwear. I think I must have churned out hundreds of patterns a year, and of that total, a good majority of those were filled with animals and insects . Kids love these little guys, as do parents, so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Wee Gallery’s sample sale on One Kings Lane today. Surya Sajnani’s lino cut style is very trend forward and quite reminiscent of Hugo Guinness and Perla Anne’s illustrations. The cards are half off, and perfect for framing or for just letting someone know they’re special.

We reported diamonds to be a shining motif in pattern design back in June and now the trend has officially crystallized.

We’ve seen the classic diamond shape shift to a crystal-like gem on works ranging from new Matt W. Moore murals to Chase Bank advertisements. The laser cut shapes are bold. Just check out these angular bangle bracelets by Patricia Field and this radiant Helena De Natalio clutch. The sassy accessories are the perfect way to flaunt some flash with a basic black get-up.

But these crystals don’t sparkle like their compressed coal predecessor. Instead, they catch eyes with their geometric shapes and powerful lines. Strong colors further emphasize their graphic feel, as evident in Phillip Low’s sculptures and Jen Kao’s angular FW10 debut. We can’t wait to [...]

It’s hard to believe it’s been nine months since posting Ritwik Dey’s Harmonogram series of Lissajous figures. Each delicate marking was representative of the hypotrochoid illustrations we had been seeing so much of last May. Fast forward and today’s imagery draws similar parallels, though the materials are tangible and the movement unruly. Be it high-end hardware from Peguerin or a male model in Dazed and Confused, the the still chaos of continuous wiring leads our eyes throughout the page, proving yet again, the materials can be simple, so long as the energy is electric.

It’s no secret that Matt W. Moore’s vectorfunk graphics are single-handedly influencing an entire generation of artists. His fusion of graffiti, graphic design and watercolor are upbeat, intricate and extremely brand friendly. His work has appeared in countless magazines and print campaigns, from Nike and Burton to Wired and Mountain Dew. Moore’s Design and Illustration studio, MWM Graphics, is based in Portland, Maine and exhibits in galleries throughout the world, collaborating with clients from all sectors. Moore is also Co-Founder & Designer for Glyph Cue Clothing. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into MWM’s daily routine!

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PP:  What websites and news sources do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?

MWM: I get at least an hour a day of Cyber Surfing in [...]

When it comes to social thought, the number 3 holds mystical powers. Be it positive or negative symbolism, it’s nothing new to watch humans get worked up over this symmetrical digit. Over the past year, many people have been forced to reevaluate their priorities. In doing so, basic principles have been challenged, causing many to revisit their decision making process, not two but three or more times. Unsurprisingly, the creative community has reacted with stark and compelling imagery, representative of this repetitive and sometimes obsessive nature.

From this autumn ‘09 spread in Theme Magazine, highlighting the Perks and Mini cultural movement of the ’80s and ’90s to this retro German ice cream ad conjuring up Playboy imagery, to this illusionary sunglass shot from Justin Blyth’s photo blog, Them Thangs, all of these archival images have [...]

It’s quite a treat having friends that double as industry experts. Not only do I have reliable sources to bounce ideas off of, whenever a email recommendation ends up in my inbox, I know it’s from a trusted source. This morning, my good friend and colleague, Alexandra Machinist, a Manhattan based literary agent, sent a heads up about The Visual Miscellaneum: A Colorful Guide to the World’s Most Consequential Trivia, by David McCadless. McCadless’ new book is a collection of his most recent info graphics, knowledge maps and data visualizations. For any designer handed the task of simplifying data, then this is the book for you.

A few sneak peaks of what you’ll find in McCadless’ book. Enjoy and support!

Today I’m thrilled to feature a graphic jack of all trades. Carrie Ruby, a native Houstonian and current Manhattanite, has been a part of the creative team at Future Brand for the past four years. For anyone who’s familiar with the world of branding, they’ll understand that a brand must represent quality, consistency and a good degree of uniqueness. All of these qualities are evident in Ruby’s pattern work. Be it sharp vector repeats or organic negative space, each and every layout is distinctively fresh. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into Ruby’s daily routine!

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PP:  What websites and news sources do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?

CR: Keeping up with current information is an essential part of my daily routine.  I usually get to my [...]

As 2010 rolls on ahead, artists, writers, designers are all pondering the future, and it seems that burning the past (esp. 2009) might be a way to move forward. Burning, a cathartic ritual for many religions, releases the energy of the past to spark new beginnings.

The New York Times Magazine recently featured a stunning cover with the “T” scorched and engulfed in flames. Pyromaniacs set designer, Gary Card and the photographer, Jacob Sutton, were inspired by the “Wicker Man” 1973 horror movie and commissioned a welder to fabricate a 10-foot-tall steel T. After layering it with sugar cane and soaking it in alcohol, they lit it with a blowtorch and “ran for their lives”. Although the T was intended for an Anglomania themed issue, you couldn’t help but feel it symbolized the current demise [...]