design pandemonium

*Champagne, Wine and a Merry Good Time

2007-12-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

The last two Christmas's have been absolutely miserable. Around Thanksgiving I was feeling the same misery. Something in me snapped. I vowed to make this holiday season different and embrace it. At the time, I was unsure how I was going lift my sprits. I realized if I sat around being grumpy, then I deserved to be grumpy. Instead, I would look back on past Christmas's with found memories, rather than longing to have just one more with my entire family. I started to plan a holiday party - my first. Everyone loves a party. In Savannah, the month of December is filled with one holiday party after another. It's what we do best here in Savannah - party! I knew lots of people would show up and drink, eat and DRINK! But when the party was over what would be left? Instead, I asked everyone to bring a toy to benefit Toys For Tots! Nothing makes a person feel better about themselves like helping other people. Plus, most of us do not have children and going toy shopping is a blast. A week prior to the party, a few good friends came over for a pajama tree decorating party. It was a blast a few of us in our pajamas eating pizza, drinking egg nog and trying to figure out how to get the lights on the tree. It was that night that I realized I had a "new" family. Closer than ever with my "real" family, I was lucky to find myself with an extended family. Savannah seems to be the land of orphans and misfits. We find ourselves here and search for something or someone to make it home. For me it's my friends. Thanks to everyone for making this a great Toys For Tots party. It was an amazing turnout!

Savannah family!

Gunner alway wants to fight me! ;-)

Lot's of toys for the kids!

The best PJ party....ever!

* quote of the day

2007-10-24T20:32:00.001-04:00

Hang out with people of good quality, if you respect yourself, for it's better to be alone than in bad company.

- George Washington

* This just in *

2007-10-01T18:18:00.000-04:00

If the information on Alcohol : Problems and Solutions is correct Savannah is the healthiest city in the country. The website states: The bottom line is that abstaining from alcohol is a risk factor associated with poor health and early death. Looks like I'm going to live a long, long, time. Today is a good day!

Attention Savannah

2007-09-30T18:15:00.000-04:00

I have a very important announcement to make. Read carefully, as the words written on this page may come to a huge shock to those of you that know me. I, SP, on this day declare myself a lifelong Spinster. I would like to think I have chosen this path myself and it was not given to me. Frankly, I enjoy not having to clean up after anyone else, other than my cat. Really, what kind of Spinster would I be if I didn't have a cat? I gush at the thought of not having to share my bottle of wine with another human being. Why should I have to go through all the trouble of getting those trick corks out, just to have someone else drink my wine? As a Spinster, I get to choose what I want to eat every night and then choose which reality show goes best with my meal. Watch out Savannah it's curry every night from here on out. So, if you see me walking down Congress Street looking particularly hot, don't bother stopping me. As of today, I'M DONE!

the GREAT va

2007-09-04T18:20:00.000-04:00

I'm in Great Falls visiting my sister and taking care of some business! It is so pretty here. The temp gets down around 50 at night. A break from the blistering Savannah weather was much needed. I have taken a ton of pics with my "brilliant" iphone but the phone will not allow me to email myself. If anyone knows a way around this, please fill me in. It's driving me nuts!! Also, I think it's pretty lame that I can't send or receive picture text. Apple please, OH please work on this!

* Mirror, Mirror on the Wall*

2007-08-27T12:06:00.000-04:00

I can't stop looking at this mirror on the brocade HOME website. Something about it screams "I'm SO ugly, you must have me"!! I can't justify spending $499 on a mirror, when I'm having to put in a whole new AC unit in my house.

* Paint or Die *

2007-08-14T13:27:00.000-04:00

(image found on The Giant Peach News)

Oh, maybe the phrase was "Skate or DIe"? I have always been in lust with the skate/ surf culture. I love the design, I love the passion and most of all I love attitude. I recently broke down and bought a few blank skateboard decks to see what I could come up with. I think I want to design them with type but not sure yet. I kind of stare at them, hoping some sort of design will just pop on to them? Any chance that will happen? So, I was googling "painted boards" today and I came across this amazing artist named Jeremy Fish. I think he designs boards for element too? They were amazingly inspirational! Check it!

*long day

2007-07-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

I woke up late this morning. Last night, Michele came over for our weekly Army Wives night. I know, it gets worse, we then stayed up late to watch Scott Baio is 45 and Single It must be hard to be Scott Baio. <insert sarcasm> Then we watched a bunch of catty tramps try to win over hair band rocker Bret Michaels in Rock of Love. I can't believe I admitting to this. I have made up for it tonight by going back and fourth between MSNBC and Fox News. Speaking of which, CNN.com just reported that the FBI and IRS raided Senator Ted Stevens house. The cause is still unknown. Wow, this should really help the party's morale.
Ok it's nearly 8:30 and I still need to finish up a logo. Back to my life...for now!

long time no see

2007-07-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

I know, I know....it's been a while.
I'm not sure people will even check in after a year but I'm back!

So, I have been reading The Reagan Diaries and have been jotting down a few quotes I will be sharing over the weeks to come. I must say it's fascinating!

My sister spent the day at my parents house and found this amazing pic. This picture was taken of my mother (center) and her college roommates. Looks like college has changed a bit! Check out the stuff on the walls! I spotted a really cool poster and on the right a picture of James Dean! haha!

* ONElastTIME*

2006-05-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

2006-04-29T21:53:00.000-04:00

No gray hairs streak my soul,
no grandfatherly fondness there!
I shake the world with the might of my voice,
and walk—handsome,
twentytwoyearold.

Vladimir Mayakovsky (1893–1930), Russian poet, dramatist. The cloud in trousers, trans. by George Reavey.

3 Emails, in 1 Day

2006-04-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

2 - Saying it's ready to be picked up at anytime.

1- Saying it should be ready by mid-week.

IS THIS GOING TO GET DONE THIS WEEK??
I think it is.. woohoo!!

LINKS*

2006-04-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

48 Posters on view by Josef Muller Brockmann

Creation Of A Printing Type Watch the process of Frederic Goudy creating a 'new' typeface. This is pretty cool. Thanks for the link Bruce!

Watch how the Ludlow Type Machine works

This is just plain funny!!! Watch Erik Speiekermann talk about type. HA!! Too funny!

DONE! DONE! DONE!

2006-04-17T14:32:00.000-04:00

**WAIT! Mayakovsky had a DAUGHTER??*

2006-04-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

Could this be true? If anyone knows the details PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL? Has anyone read her book: [em]Mayakovsky in Manhattan:A Love Story[/em]

[em]Mayakovsky seems not to have sent letters from America. He did, however, send a number of telegrams to Lili Brik, protesting loneliness and his love. There have been personal reminiscences relating to his American visit, and newspaper reports. One account speaks of a rather wild party, organised by the communist journal New Masses, with vigorous dancing and (presumably illegal) gin swilling, during which Mayakovsky admitted: ‘Yes, I am a bohemian. That is my great problem: to burn out all my bohemian past, to rise to the heights of the Revolution’. There were, however, some stages of his American sojourn unaccounted for. Mayakovsky’s ‘Bohemianism’ stretched in fact to a two-month love affair, from which an ‘American daughter’ was the result. Although rumours and coy references had been rife for two thirds of a century, the seriousness of this relationship, and the identities of mother and daughter, remained almost a total secret until the early 1990s. In 1993, marking the Mayakovsky centennial, the daughter herself (who even remembers her father from meeting him in Nice, at the age of two!) brought out a book. Patricia J. Thompson [aka Yelena Mayakovskaya]’s volume Mayakovsky in Manhattan: A Love Story, with Excerpts from the Memoir of Elly Jones [her mother] was published in a limited edition (by West End Productions, New York).[/em]

-Mayakovsky in America, Meeting chaired by Peter Rex Valentine

ALMOSTdone

2006-04-16T13:17:00.000-04:00

****NOT SURE WHY THE POSTER IS TAKING OVER MY BLOG****

Today is Easter!!! WooHOO and I’m stuck in Savannah. Well, not really stuck but here without a single friend or family member. I would have liked to watch Ryan, Chase and Caden search for their Easter baskets this morning. I have a good feeling the Easter Bunny was very good to them.

Below is my 2nd to last poster before I am done with my thesis. I should only have one more round of corrections on paper. I feel like I should be more excited about it – but I’m not. It seems like I should be rushing to finish because I will be moving on to something else. This is the one great thing I have going on right now and it doesn’t feel so great. I guess I’m missing my mother today and wish she were going to be here to congratulate me. Since my mothers passing, I have been concentrated on keeping my father happy. After almost six months, I decided I need to concentrate on myself – so I came to Savannah. It’s been great, but I still feel like I’m searching for something better. I guess you never really stop! Well, must get back to my LAST poster.

Missing the South!

2006-03-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

Rebecca was with me in Savannah when I got the phone call from my family telling me to come home. It was towards the end of September, the weather reporters were calling for hurricanes up and down the east coast. Rebecca had just been evacuated from New Orleans and was a wreck. Despite her not knowing if her home was still standing, she continued working very hard and took on a ton of freelance. When I got the call, she almost demanded that she drive home with me. I kept saying, "no, no, you have enough to worry about" but I really wanted her to go. I did not want to face my sad family alone. For some reason Rebecca was the only one I could ever talk about my mom’s illness with. She is a quality friend and every chick should have a friend just like her. She is going to die if she see this. Anyway, the 9 hour drive home SUCKED. We went through the craziest rainstorms. But we did stop at South of the Border. Here are some pics I took with my Lomo!!

Our 2nd Amendment Right?

2006-02-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a poster I designed after finding out D.C. Residents are not allowed to own guns. I have a lot to write about this but I need to go to bed!!!

NYC

2006-02-20T18:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I am going back to NYC for the first time since last winter. People keep asking me if I worried it will bring back bad feelings of my mother being ill. Maybe in all the sadness I never talked about how wonderful that time was in NYC. I was able to spend so much time with my mother and father. Most of all, I was part of her amazing fight. I can't think of a better place to have been. I could walk the streets of NYC and the crazys would help me forget for a sec how bad things were. The people were great and very helpful. In all I can't wait to go back!

District Being 'Manhattanized'?

2006-02-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

D.C.'s Chinatown development is in full force

Berckes, from The DCist writes: "With the redevelopment of certain parts of the city such as the U Street corridor and Gallery Place/Chinatown (which some call our own Times Square) alongside the falling crime numbers in the past few years, the District most certainly has come a long way. We're pretty proud to call this spiffed-up place home, and anxious to see in which direction it will head in the years to come."

Bloomberg even writes: The Manhattanization of the nation's capital, where until 1999 the subway quit at midnight, hasn't stopped at bars and restaurants. Real estate prices are soaring, driving the cost of office space beyond New York levels, and department stores and hotels better identified with Manhattan are adding glitz to a city once described by columnist Russell Baker as ``a marble graveyard after dark.'' D.C., Once `Graveyard After Dark,' Adds Manhattan Glitz, Pricest

Boycotting Google?

2006-02-14T19:32:00.000-05:00

It says it all in the title. I’m sure your first reaction is to gasp. How could we go through are daily lives without Google. For the past few years I have used Google to investigate all of my curiosities. Hell, I have even been known to use it as means to check my repulsive spelling. My main source for email is through Google’s Gmail.
So by boycotting Google I would have to restructure my entire existence.

By now I’m sure you are thinking I am nuts and if you are still reading this I applaud you.
Today I was going through Fox News – I know, I know, don’t want to hear it from you lefties. Fox reported that Google has created a censored version of their search engine to cater to China’s Communistic nation. How could this be? The article goes on to say:

“Google Inc. launched a search engine in China last month that censors material about human rights, Tibet and other topics sensitive to Beijing. Google defends the move as a trade-off granting Chinese greater access to other information.”

China being responsible for the Dali Llamas exile in the mid 1950’s, while seizing Tibet and persecution of those who spoke out against them. Even going as far as torturing those Practiced the native religion of Buddhism. There have been stories of Tibetan nuns having cattle rods shoved up area of their bodies that have never even experienced pleasure and shocking them with waves of electricity. Not in a delightful or enjoying act.
That was my attemtept to shock you. Did it work?

Thanks for letting me rant!
I urge you to go out and do some of your own research just don’t use Google to do it.

Tibetan Exiles Protest Google Censorship

Phayul.com

Friends of Tibet!

Students For A Free Tibet

Tibet Online

awwww!

2006-02-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to brag about how cute my niece is. This is us getting ready to bring the new year in. Steph and Terry had a fab. little party.

* I'm Back *

2006-01-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a long time. My first thought was to tell you all everything that has been going on since Nov.
Then I thought, why in the world would I put you all through that? I am still in the DC area with plans to travel back to Savannah for a bit. When I left in Sept. all I brought with me was a suitcase and my laptop!! I have been working non stop on my thesis and freelance. For now I must get back to work!!

* a designed achievement *

2005-11-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Walking into my father’s office, you are immediately confronted with certificates of achievements. Most are intimidated by his excellence and some are inspired. The certificates are diverse in their design and contents. Most are written in Latin making their contents only known to him and others who were forced to learn the forgotten language. By their design, I am sure they were not received for excellence in 'track in field' or 'archery extraordinaire'. Rather you get a sense of true academic achievements. This never misunderstood for him trying to "show off", rather a true sense of accomplishment.

As far back as I can remember I was always intrigued by the intricate ornamental design implicated in each certificate. There is a major difference if you take any of his 20 or so certificates and place it next to my college degree. Some modernists are anti ornamental – with good reason. But even a modern education deserves a diploma resembling the looks of a Morris & Company Catalogue Are designers still capable of designing with their hands? What would it be like to pick up a pen with exchangeable nibs prior to sitting down and opening? Maybe computers are designers biggest handicap. Rather than enhancing our design abilities, it could be ruining our profession. I miss the flow of the pen and the imperfections of each letter. Who cares if there is a smear here and there?

A couple of week ago, I scanned some of the certificates in. Here ya go!

and another

2005-11-02T13:53:00.000-05:00

Quotes Of The Day

2005-11-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

"In the middle of thinking about the fame that my works were bringing me I would say to myself, 'Very well, you will be more famous than Gogol, Pushkin, Shakespeare, Moliere, more famous than all the other authors in the world - so what?' And I would find absolutely no reply."

- Leo Tolstoy
"Confessions," November 1879

"There is no subject so old that something new cannot be said about it."

- Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky

"Never let school interfere with your education."

- Mark Twain

THREE ZoshenkoS

2005-11-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

"I was born in 1895. In the last century! This distresses me terribly.

I was born in the 19th century! Probably because of this I lack sufficient courtesy and a romantic view of our days -- I'm a humorist.

I know very little about myself.

I don't even know where I was born. Either in Poltava or in Petersburg. One document says one thing, another document says the other, Apparently, one of the documents is a forgery. It's hard to figure out which is the forgery, because they were both made so poorly.

There's even confusion with the years. One document says 1895, the other says 1896. Definitely a forgery.

I have had a lot of professions. I always speak of this without irony. Even with some surprise at myself.

The most interesting professions--besides the most varied military ones--were:

1. Student at Petrograd University.
2. Commandant of Post Office and Telegraph (under Kerensky).
3. Agent of Criminal Investigation. (Leningrad-Oranienbaum district).
4. Instructor of Rabbit- and Chicken-breeding. (Smolensk guberniya, city of Krasny, "Mankovo" Sovkhoz.)
5. Sentry militia-man. (In Ligovo).
6. Border Guard Telephone Operator.
7. Shoemaker.
8. Clerk for the Petrograd Military Port.

There were many other professions. I can't remember them all."

-ZOSHCHENKO NO. 2 "About Myself" (September 1927)

sovlit

{Spaceeba, KEVIN!!!!}

* On Eagleton *

2005-10-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

I swear Terry Eagleton will never be gone from my life. Just when I thought I was free of him, I was in a book store and jumping at me was Marxist Literary Theory. How could I not pick it up. Even better, how can a book on Marxism be $39.95? What about us common people? I leave you this to think about:

"[A]ny Marxist criticism worth the name must thus adopt a wellnigh impossible double optic; seeking on the one hand to take the full pressure of a cultural artefact while striving at the same time to displace it into its enabling material conditions and set it within a complex field of social power. What this means in effect is that one will find oneself bending the stick too far towards formalism and then too far towards contextualism, in search of that ever-receding discourse which would in allegorical manner speak simultaneously of an artistic device and a whole material history, of a turn of narrative and a style of social consciousness."

-- Terry Eagleton, "Introduction" to Marxist Literary Theory (1996)

* a redo of sorts *

2005-10-27T14:41:00.000-04:00

grrrrrr!!! What am I doing?

* One Line *

2005-10-20T20:19:00.000-04:00

ROSALIE PAVLOVNA: Comrades and Messieurs! Please eat! Where would you find pigs like these nowadays? I bought this ham three years ago in case of a war with Greece or Poland. . . . But there's still no war and the ham is getting moldy. . . . Eat, gentlemen!

-The Bedbug by: Mayakovsky

How smart! I love this!

* new TITLE *

2005-10-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

ACT ONE::PosterTHREE

2005-10-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

In two days it will be a month since my mothers passing. I am just started to get back to work. It's been really hard to get back into the swing of things!

I think this still needs some worrk but I have to step away from it for a while! Click for a larger view!!

* If I could talk to Mayakovsky, I would say.....*

2005-10-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

Talking to Vladimir Mayakovsky

All right, I admit it:
It was just a dream I had last night.
I was trudging along a muddy path
in a column of downcast men
on the blackened outskirts of New York,
the twilight dingy and ruined,
the future without hope
as we marched along
in our soiled, proletariat rags.
To my left was Mayakovsky, head shaved,
and next to him his friend
with gray beard and dark cap.
You've got to admit," Mayakovsky
was saying, "that this is a pretty good
way to write a poem."
"Yes," I said, "the momentum
is sustained by our walking forward,
the desolate landscape seeps into every word,
and you're free to say anything you want."
"That's because we're inside the poem,"
he said, "not outside." Puddles
of oily water gleamed dully beneath the low clouds.
"That's why my poems were so big:
there's more room inside."
The hard line of his jaw flexed and
the men dispersed. I followed
his friend behind a wall
to hear the poem go on
in the lecture the friend was giving on history,
but no, the real poem had finished.
I went back to the spot
where the poem had finished.
Vladimir had left the poem.

By:RON PADGETT

2005-09-21T11:05:00.000-04:00

On Sept. 20th 2005, my mother passed away at 4:50am. What a heart break!

* TITLE POSTER *

2005-09-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

Maybe, I should run these by my thesis advisors before I spend any more time on them.
Donna P. Smith - what do you think??? How many chicklets would give them?? You better come into town soon!

SCENE 2

2005-09-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

Just about done with scene two! What do you guys think? CLICK TO MAKE BIGGER!

again?

2005-09-11T02:37:00.000-04:00

2005-09-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

THIS IS NOT WORKING!!! WHAT AM I DOING??? Click for better view of type.

* Scene ONE part TWO *

2005-09-09T21:59:00.000-04:00

Ok, I now know I will have 9 or 10 posters at 36"x36"! I don't think I have ever created posters this large b4. I can't wait to see how they turn out! I will keep posting my thoughts and sketches. Here is another go round!

* The Bedbug *

2005-09-06T01:48:00.000-04:00

Here is my first typographic experiment using Mayakovsky's The Bedbug! It has a way to go but I am having so much fun!

* LogoWorks or NoLogoWorks *

2005-08-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

I am in my last round of FINALS FOREVER! I am so sleepy and think I may be seeing things. So, this post is going to be a bit shorter than I would like it to be.

I have an issue that needs immediate action, for the sake of graphic design. My major concern is with LogoWorks.

LogoWorks is a 'factory' of so called graphic designers, who freelance
from their homes in order to provide cheep fast logo's. Cheep and fast are the key words here. For approximately $265.00 Logoworks will design a logo for your company's needs. While paying their graphic designers $50.00 a logo.

Three things concern me the most:

First, sure they are cheep and fast, but should they be considered a brilliant option for successful a mark? What happens to the research method that should go into each mark? We all know that creating a logo is more than simply designing a pretty icon. Most of the time, I find that the process tends to take longer than the actual creation of a logo. This is lost in 'LogoWorks' cheep and fast guarantee.

Second, Von R. Glitschka - graphic designer and founder of Bad Design Kills, has brought to my attention that LogoWorks is actively ripping off logos from the 'better known'. Here are a few examples:

Mark Fox Original Logo

Mark Fox Rip off as seen on LogoWorks

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Gazelle Bike Original Logo
Source:http://www.gazelle.nl

Gazelle Bike Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

OSU Beaver Original Logo:
Source: http://oregonstate.edu

OSU Beaver Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

FirstWorld Original Logo:
Source: 'Big Book of Logos' - Pg. 150

FirstWorld Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Urban Market Original Logo:
Source: 'Logo Lounge I' - Pg. 177

Urban Market Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Edison Original Logo:
Source: http://www.edison.com

Edison Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hangers Original Logo:
Source: www.hangersdrycleaners.com

Hangers Rip:
As seen on LogoWorks.com

Hardly, successful!

My third concern, is the accolades LogoWorks has been receiving, with little criticism. The Wall Street Journaldid a piece praising LogoWorks for their inventive logo solutions.

Even marketing guru,Laura Ries , who has written books such as, The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, writes "Thanks to LogoWorks, no longer is there an excuse for an ugly logo."

If you feel I have a valid point, please do something about. LogoWorks has not had a direct effect on me yet, but hell if I am going to sit around and wait till it dose. Write your local papers or any design writers you may know and help spread the word.

We're the first to admit that our service lacks sophisticated brand strategy provided by good local and national agencies. I just don't believe the dry cleaner, the local restaurant owner or a roofer needs a sophisticated brand strategy. jeff@logoworks.com t. 801-805-3702.

The New Manifesto

2005-08-21T04:44:00.000-04:00

Graphic Designer Manifesto

I am a graphic designer: distiller of ideas, creator of concepts, clergy of communication, archbishop of aesthetics.

Expect nothing less than the miraculous from me. Expect order from chaos. Expect meaning from the mundane. Expect me to take the water of your raw materials, and turn it into wine of visually intoxicating solutions.

Let's get a few things straight. I am not a software tool operator, a layout technician or a pimp for consumerism. I am not the hired gun who makes your logo bigger, who conjures up starbursts and lens flares, who orchestrates that illusive quality, "pop." If you're looking for the vinyl, blow-up doll of cheap, inferior, quickie design...you've come to the wrong place.

I am committed to excellence in my craft. I dedicate myself to researching, strategizing and structuring my concepts. Illustration, photography, typefaces and grids are my ingredients, and I am a master chef--not a burger joint short-order cook. My work takes time, passion, skill...I don't reheat leftovers.

Clichés, conventions and tired trends are my enemies...clarity, wit and originality are my friends. I build the foundations of my work on multitudes of sketches and thumbnails, because mine is a refining art, a distilling process. It's a sifting...to reveal the conceptual gold.

I pledge to fight against the infection of bad design. I have inoculated myself against this scourge. I'll work to educate the masses. I guard against all known symptoms of bad design, including:
- Lack of Concept
- Uninspiring Ideas
- Tool-Driven Art
- Loose Kerning
- Use of Clip-Art
- Plug-In Dependent Work
- Unoriginal Design
- Pull-Down Menu Effects
- Poor Execution

There's no place here for laziness or stinginess, for under-pricing or over-designing, for conventionality or mere fad. Instead, I must be courageous, radical and adept. After all, I create the overwhelming majority of this world's communications. Bad design is an oxymoron and an affront. Creativity and beauty compel me to a higher standard. Compromise is not in my dictionary. I won't be satisfied with grape juice...I make champagne.

I am a graphic designer.

Written by: Maria Chong
Concept by: Von Glitschka

Vist Bad Design Kills

* Who Knew *

2005-08-19T03:03:00.000-04:00

Is your bathroom breeding bolsheviks? Employees lose respect for a company that fails to providedecent facilities for their comfort. AD for Scot Tissue towels that first appeared in the 1930's.

* Oh Savannah *

2005-08-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Today, I took a short break from work and walked around Savannah. I have been here for nearly three years and I still enjoy walking the streets. On my street, all the buildings are connected to one another - per block. Sometimes you come to where one has been knocked down. This spot is my fav. There is something very erie about a exposed elevator shaft. Esp. one with large black crows living in it. It reminds me of a early Stephen King novel, erie but draws you in little by little.

To Volodya

2005-08-08T13:22:00.000-04:00

Who?

The guy
with the elephant neck
and enormous easy honest ears,
with his lip curled down on the words "That's that!"
sticks out the iron chin
of a leader of men,
pushes his way out, breaks out, flies out!
A pilot who laughs
as his plane cracks up in midair
and the gloom of the universe glitters
like an iron bird exploding with laughter.
A soft tender lip, a pouting lip,
a hulk, a hero with five-foot shoulders--
Who is he?
What he does is, over and over,
with a voice that sounds like a smile,
he strikes the blazing match of his wit
on the sole of stupidity's shoe.

V. Khlebnikov,1922

Mayakovsky.com

2005-08-07T19:31:00.000-04:00

Bo-beh-oh-bee is the lipsong
Veh-eh-oh-mee is the eyesong
Pee-eh-eh-oh is the eyebrowsong
Lee-eh-eh-ay is the looksong
Gzee-gzee-gzeh-oh is the chainsong
On the canvas of such correspondences
somewhere beyond all dimensions
the face has a life of its own.

-Khlebnikov

2005-08-05T17:15:00.000-04:00

I don’t have a ton of pictures of my mother. Her modesty always shyed her away from any camera. My grandmother had tons of pictures of her as a child and young adult. We have no clue what happened to those pictures after her passing. My sister recently went to my aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary and they had a board of pictures up. This one was taken at their wedding. My sister got a shot of it and I will treasure this FOREVER. (My mother is in the snazzy blue dress)

* Meet The Gang *

2005-07-30T12:27:00.000-04:00

Not many people can say they have had the same friends their entire life. I am proud to say, I have. Two are missing from this photo. We have really been through everything together. We can go a month w/o talking and still know we are there for each other.

Left to right: Catie (baby on the way), Mel (just had her baby), ME (never going to have a baby) and Sarah (just got married)

missing from photo: Alice and Nerissa!

2005-07-27T16:53:00.000-04:00

Let me tell you about week thus far:

My satellite box was hit by lighting.

My air condition broke down.

The glasses I was forced to buy have been killing me so I had to take them back.

I am up to my nose in Marxist Theory.

I just got home and my electric is out.

Just when you think things can’t get any worse. Try living in Savannah with out air condition and now I can’t even hook up a fan!!!

2005-07-27T01:19:00.000-04:00

1913 at Luna Park in St Petersburg

Man With One Eye and One Leg
Stop!
On the street -
where everyone wears,
like a burden,
the same face -
Old Lady TIme just now gave birth
to a huge
revolt wearing a grimace!
What a laugh!
Old-timers went numb when they saw the snouts
of the years that came crawling out;
on the foreheads of cities
anger swelled up into the rivers
of thousand-mile-long veins.
Slowly,
in terror,
arrows of hair rose up on the bald pate of Time.
Suddenly,
all things went rushing off, ripping
their voices,
and casting off tatters of outworn names.
Wineshop windows, all on their own,
splashed in the bottoms of bottles,
as through stirred by the finger of Satan.
From the shop of a tailor who’d fainted,
trousers escaped
and went walking along -
alone,
without human buttocks!!!
Out of a bedroom,
a drunken commode -
its black maw agape -
case stumbling.
Corsets wept, afraid of tumbling
down from signs reading “ROBES ET MODES.”
Every galosh was stern and straitlaced.
Stockings, like sluts,
winked flirty eyes.
I flew along like a violent curse.
My other leg is still trying to catch up -
it’s a block behind.
What do you mean,
you people,
proclaiming that I’m Cripple?
You old,
fat,
paunchy
enemies?
Today,
in the whole, you won’t find
one person
with two
identical knees!!!

CURTAIN

- Mayakovsky, A Tragedy

* A Few Words *

2005-07-23T17:09:00.000-04:00

.......The graphic arts arouse emotions in us by playing upon what one may call the overtones of some of primary physical needs. They have, indeed, this great advantage over poetry, that can appeal more directly and immediatelyto the emotional accompaniments of our bare physical existence. -Roger Fry

* Why Do You Care *

2005-07-21T22:15:00.000-04:00

I don't know when I will be moving!
I do NOT know where I will be working!
I don't know where I will be living!
I do NOT know who is going to help me move!
I don't know how I am going to pack all this up!
I do not know if I want to teach or work in a studio!

STOP ASKING!

I DO know I am 28 years old!

You should be asking me when will I be done with this thesis of mine!

I should look into PhD programs!

* Today's Forecast *

2005-07-20T19:16:00.000-04:00

Today's forecast in Iraq is a high of 124!! I can't even belive it!

2005-07-19T16:13:00.000-04:00

Last week, I received a copy of Aleksandr Rodchenko:Experiments For The Future It a series of Rodchenko's diaries, essays, letters and other writings. It is fabulous! I have not put it down since the FedEx guy buzzed my door. For some reason, I started in the back and I am working my way towards the front of the book. I do this with magazines too. I find that I get annoyed with myself when I do this, but I can’t stop. He had a closer relationship with Mayakovsky than I realized. His death was a huge shock to Rodchenko and even questions if he could have prevented it.

He wrote on April 14, 1930

I went to the planetarium in the morning, where I was putting on an antireligion exhibition; Varvara had me summoned to the phone, and said:

“Volodya (Mayakovsky) shot himself.”
What, completely?
Yes. To Death.
Things became strange and bizarre; could we, too, really be to blame for this?
Perhaps we too were partly to blame.
But he’s so strong.
And he collapsed immediately, as if from a bolt of lightning.
But, how can this be?
All the way home I thought of VAPP with hatred.
And I cursed Averbakh and the likes of him
I dropped by home, loaded the Leica, and went to Taganka.
I kept Thinking that maybe, perhaps, not completely......Maybe there’s still some hope.....
But when I entered the dining room and saw the people and the faces,
and that strange quiet......

Hey!
Gentlemen!
Lovers of
sacrilege,
crime,
carnage -
have you seen
the most chilling thing -
my face,
when
I am
absolutely serene?

With this said, they found RIck Tharps body a week ago and have just identified him. Today, the design community mourns the death of one of our best. His work shall live on,like that of Mayakovsky.

* 4th of July *

2005-07-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

Last night, the fireworks were going off as I was sitting at my desk working. Rather, than being envious of the partying spectators, I was happy not to be surrounded my the drunken madness. I was thinking of my father and how he was sitting at home in the living room all alone, while my mother was sleeping in their bedroom. I was trying to imagine what going on in his head, as he was hearing the sounds of the fireworks at the near by University. I made myself sad knowing that he was thinking of all the things we use to do on the 4th. I called him and was almost happy to hear he had just gone to bed too.

After I hung up, there was a knock on my door and then the door opened. I jumped up not expecting anyone and there he was. He was back. I swear he has been put on this earth to see how miserable I can actually get. I cursed myself for not locking the front door when I came in and then made a mental note to get back the key to the secure front door. He can no longer make me miserable. I now take great satisfaction in controlling the situation. This may sound unhealthy, but secretly brings me great pleasure. As he brought me years of uncertinty and now I have the control. When he walked in, he waved a movie in the air and said, ‘You will never believe what I found’. I was thinking, “great I am going to have to spend the next 2.5 hours with you.”

* PLEASE HELP ME *

2005-06-30T23:39:00.000-04:00

I still do not own ipod. I know can you belive it? I must be the only person left in the world with out this simple pleasure. Being a student I need to spend my money on other things. Like frozen pizza and such. The only thing you need to do is
CLICK HERE. Ok well it's a little more than that and it really is a pain in the ass. But pretty, pretty please! It will not take long and they do not ask for any credit card info. Oh please! Please! PLEASE! Ok I am making myself sick.

* I guess I should mention - once you sign up, you too can get an ipod. What do ya think now?

* The Slurpee Factor *

2005-06-29T22:56:00.000-04:00

It has been pouring the last few days. Only during the day and then in the evening it clears up. It is driving me insane and makes me think more than I would like to. I went to the gym today and I feel great now that I am back on my fitness track. I think my hamstring has completely healed and I am growing more and more confident that I shall not pull it again. OH THE PAIN!

A few day ago, Shawn stopped by. Yup, just out of the blue. I hate how he thinks he can just stop by my place and think I am ok with it. He was very tan and his hair has gotten longer. He looks as if he has spent the summer catching waves. He would never be that cool. Rather, I can imagine him running from the tide coming in. As he sat on my sofa, crazy thoughts were going through my head. He would look at me strangely and I would think to myself, ' did I say that out load'. I was thinking how happy I was to be rid of him, but sadly as long as I lived in this small town he would always be around. I started to picture all of his friends and I was trying to pick one I could make out with just to upset him. Sadly, I could not come up with one, even if it would bring me great satisfaction. I then started to criticizie myself for not questioning his disgusting friends he hung out with. Surly that should have been a sign. All of this is going through my head as he is talking to me about some Russian Cold War book he is reading. Don't ask me what it is about I have no clue. Out of the blue I asked him if there were any 7-11's near by that I may of over looked. I had an incrediblie craving for a Slurpee. He look at me like I was crazy. He said ,"I was talking about Russia". I said "Oh sorry, I just really want a Slurpee right now.' This really took him for a spin, as he had no clue what a Slurpee was. To top it off he had never been to a 7-11. Not that 7-11 is some spectactular supper store, but it is home of the Slurpee. When I was dating Shawn I always blamed his abnormal personalty on his fucked up parents. Now I know it's because of his lack of Slurpee intake. It's every child's right in life to have a nice cold one during the summer months. Every time he pops in, there is a new validation to my happiness with out him. This time it was the Slurpee factor.

FInd out more about The Slurpee!

* Rick Tharp Update *

2005-06-28T10:42:00.000-04:00

Rick Tharp Remembered
A Memorial in Los Gatos
July 14, 2005

Opera House, in Los Gatos, CA. The program will run from 5:00 through 8:00 p.m. The planning committee will host a retrospect of Rick's work, while offering a time to reflect with other designers, clients, and community leaders.

The Opera House is located at 140 West Main Street, Los Gatos. For directions and more information log onto: www.operahouseeventsite.com.

Any further details regarding Rick has not been released at this time. As with previous updates, we are asking for your continued support by holding your ideas, energy, and phone calls until the investigation has been completed out of respect to Rick, his close friends, and family. We will do our very best to keep you informed with clear, factual information as it develops. -WADC

This whole thing is so strange to me. They still have not found a body. There must be more info. that is not being shared with the public.

* blah blah blah *

2005-06-25T21:56:00.000-04:00

I arrived back to sweaty Savannah last Sunday. During the 10 hour drive I only got fished with 11 of the Anna Karenina CDs. Not even half way through the book. I keep wanting to ask someone to just tell me the rest. But I am enjoying it so much, I don’t want to ruin it. In my twisted mind, I am expecting Ana to die - some crazy death.

I swear it has been 100% humidity here everyday. If you are curious to how 100% humidity feels, just turn up your heat as high as it will go and put a plastic bag over your head. All of the sudden, you are aware that breathing is no longer voluntary. But by July your body adjusts and the humidity is part of your everyday life. It’s the only thing I hate about living in the south.

While I was home I came to terms with a lot of things. Like, my mother is going to die and I am not the only person in the world that has gone through this. People loose parents everyday, some much younger than me. Hell, some people don’t even have parents. I am no longer pissed that my mother and father decided to have me 10 years after my sisters. It could have been worse, they could have never had me at all. It’s ok that since the age of 10 I have been taking care of sick people and they always die. I could have never had that time with them at all. Even when I went away to College, I somehow started taking care of this older gentleman in my building. His only living relative was an 80 year old sister. As depressing as this sounds, I really do feel better. For the first time, I talked about this all with my sister. She looked at me and said wow that’s not how I look back on my life at all. At first, I was selfishly mad. Thinking ‘that’s because you left me here with our old parents when I was seven’. But the truth is, she did what all normal 17 year old do, she went away to college. As we were talking, I realized that I had a different relationship with my parents than they experienced. While my sisters were younger my parents worked non stop to provide for us. By the time I came around they were tired from working so much and spent more time with me. I am sure that no one cares to read about this. But, by hearing other stories I have been able to get to this point. Maybe someone out there needs to hear this. I know now, just because I am accepting this, by no way means I am giving up the fight.

So, I have been working on my thesis and it is really coming along a lot better than I expected. I actually have found evidence of EL Lissitzky and Shklovsky were attending a few of the same meetings. This is what I needed. Up until now, I felt like I was making it up as I went. Also, I have been working on a logo for a Law School. I am not very good when it comes to logos. I almost feel guilty for even attempting to create a logo. Because I know it is not going to be the best logo. But damn do I need the money.

* Update *

2005-06-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Rick’s BMW was found parked in the San Francisco Presideo. The contents of the car did not produce any further leads into his whereabouts. The S.F. Police investigation continues today, Rick is still classified as a missing person.

As stated in yesterday’s update, the plans for a memorial are moving forward. The date, time, and place will be posted on this website in the next few days, pending further confirmation for the event site, program, and approval of his family.

We are asking the continued support of Rick’s friends and the community to hold their ideas, energy and phone calls until the investigation has been completed out of respect to Rick, his close friends, and family. We will do our very best to keep you informed with the clear, factual information as it develops.

Register your e-mail if you wish to be notified about ongoing news, updates, contributions, or any club responses to this tragic circumstance. - WADC

* Let it burn *

2005-06-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

You know that feeling when you have a sun burn and then a couple days later it starts to itch. Not the kind of itch you can just scratch and it goes away, the kind that gets worse once you have scratched it. The itch seems to be under my skin and by scratching it I am just teasing it. Thank god it’s only my shoulders and not my entire body. I am sitting here in my fathers library, trying to work on my thesis and my shoulders are burning. My brain is burning too. Is it possible it too was burnt during my one hour in the sun? Never a golden tan for me, just RED RED RED!
awwww... back to Stepanova

* Where is Rick *

2005-06-13T00:04:00.000-04:00

This is news to me. I just read this on theWADC website.

Rick Tharp was last seen Saturday evening in San Francisco. Many people in Los Gatos, in the Bay Area and in the Design Community across the world know Rick Tharp, renowned graphic designer and Los Gatos personality. His disappearance has generated an outpouring of shock, concern and speculation by those who know him and fear for his safety. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him, his sister and extended family and loved ones. The police are conducting an official missing person investigation at this time, and have not released any more details.

Friends and the community are asked to hold their ideas, energy and phone calls until the investigation has had a chance to sort rumor from fact and bring some closure to close friends and family.

To go to Tharps website go here

* It's dry *

2005-06-12T23:35:00.000-04:00

Fred just sent me more pictures from Iraq. I feel the need to share these pictures with everyone. We have been in Iraq for a while and people are forgetting about these men and women. Look at this face. This is someone's son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend....... Someone that comes from a decent family and loves his country. He is not a evil person (on most days), he is kind and generous. He is so generous that he is willing to risk his life for us and the future of our children. I am just asking people to take a minute from their day and think about these people. I am not asking you to change your political views - whatever they may be.

Temps reach over 100 degrees on most days. To keep cool Fred shaved his head.

Giving in

2005-06-10T13:50:00.000-04:00

A couple days ago, I picked up Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy. It even made it on Oprahs book list before I got a chance to read it. I still will not be reading it. I got the whole book on CDs. It is 30 CDs worth of Tolstoy. The guy at the check out counter asked me if I was driving cross country. I chuckled and said "yes". Not Sure why "yes" came out of my mouth. It suddenly occurred to me, at that point I would have to drive back and forth from DC to Savannah about 10 times to listen to the whole book. I should have picked up the cliff notes instead.

* Craft Wickedly Effective Prose *

2005-06-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

With all the reading I have been doing for my thesis, I was delighted when I came across Sin and Syntax, by Constance Hale. I am only able to read a couple pages every night before I go to bed. She describes the rules of writing very much like we do in graphic design. It has almost become cliche within design education to hear,“Go ahead and break the rules, but first you must know them”. In the beginning of this book, she describes writing in the same way. It is defintily a hummrous approarch to a writing guide. Which makes it so much fun to read. I hope to feel the same way about this book when I am done.

* No Pictures Please *

2005-06-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

My morning started out swell. I got my mother up this morning at 7:30 and we sat down and had a some what normal breakfast. Other than her not looking the same as she did six months ago and being in a wheelchair - things seemed like they always did prior to the brain tumor. When finished with breakfast, she was eager to get on the sofa. So, I wheeled her in the living room, where I had to lift her up and put her on the sofa. My back has been killing me from all this lifting, but some sort of survival adrenaline kicks in every time. After getting her on the sofa, she stares at me blankly and says, “Did you just toss my teddy bear on the floor?”. It is now about 8:30am and I am already bawling. She then realizes what she has said and says, “never mind”.

Early this morning, I had decided against going to the National Gallery of Art in D.C.
The weather was horrid and my mood was grim. At some point after the “teddy bear incident” I kicked myself in the arse and decided to go downtown after all. Plus, I have been dying to go to the Toulouse-Lautrec show and it is closing on the 12th.

There is something about being a tourist in your own city that tends to be a bit overwhelming. You tend to think you have a different set of rights and the rules don’t necessarily apply to you. My first mistake was driving into South West, D.C. thinking I would have no problem finding a place to park. After all, I live here, I have the RIGHT to park here. I wish that was the case. It seems that tour buses are the only ones with parking rights. After some time, I found a place to park and had to walk about a mile in the rain, but at least I was not barefoot.

When I finally got to the show, I was told no pictures could be taken of the exhibit. Even after promising not use my flash the angry security guard would not change his mind. I guess the rules apply to all! The area in which they were holding the exhibit was packed. With the show opening in March, I expected less people. It must of been the day for Sunnyside Nursing home to take their field trip. Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot in my heart for older people. After all, I hope to be one - one day. With all the people, I could not take the time with the work that I had wanted. My viewing experience was not what I had expected. I was constantly stuck behind people, looking over their heads. I overheard one conversation that went sometime like this:

Older lady #1 leans over to Older lady #2 and says:”I heard that most of the women in these paintings are prostitutes."

Older Lady #2 :(gasp) NO WAY! These women are to beautiful to be hookers.

With that, I left and headed for a less populated part of the museum.

Now, that I am done venting, I must get back to Shklovsky. Who I am sure had some hookers of his own!

More Wet Paint

2005-05-31T17:06:00.000-04:00

I just got an email from Fred today. It is always nice to hear from him. I am always wondering where he is and if he's ok. He let me know that he has been busy finishing up the signage in Iraq. He has done such a good job, I had to share it with all of you. I feel like I should have more sentimental words to put down. But I will allow the images do the talking.

Too Cute!!

* A Few Words *

2005-05-30T17:16:00.000-04:00

He who is busy today with the morrow is busy doing nothing.
And he who tomorrow will bring us nothing of what he has done today
is of no use for the future.
Today is the deed.
We will account for it tomorrow.
The past we are leaving behind as carrion.
The future we leave to the fortune-tellers.
We take the present day.

excerpt-The Realistic Manifesto, 1920 By, Naum Gabo and Anton Pevsner

You are fired

2005-04-27T20:02:00.000-04:00

The last week has been hell. I have been stressed out with school. On top of that, I have been feeling guilty for stressing out with school, while my Mom is at home with bigger worries. She is not doing very well. She has been sleeping a lot more and not eating. My father called New York and told the doctor what was going on. His response was, "Well, what do you want me to do about it"? WTF? Are you kidding me? This doctor has treated my father like crap since day one. My father called today and told me all this and I was shocked! He and Stacy(my sis) went to see a new Doctor in Maryland and was very pleased with what the doctor had to say. The doctor is even COMING TO THE HOUSE on thursday! Can you believe that?? Even better, the P's will no longer have to travel back and forth to NYC.

I am going home this weekend to spend some QT with my mom. This whole thing breaks my heart. She has been 'superwomen' her whole life. Finally, her and my father were doing what ever they wanted without having to worry about us.
It just sucks! Sorry, I had to release some of this.

Graphic Author[ity]

2005-04-24T00:33:00.000-04:00

Who has the authority to call themselves an author? Who has the authority to be the one to determine if one is or is not an author? As graphic designers could we consider ourselves to be the author of our work?As designers can we claim to be the author of a particular style?

If you look back to the mid to late 90’s and examine the works of the current deconstrucivst David Carson, you can easily identify his style. The first thing that comes to mind is Carson's approach to publication design. If you were to look thru a 100 Raygun or Surfer Magazines it would not be difficult to identify which ones were touched by his graphic flair.

It was common in Carson's work to have line lengths stretch across an entire spread, he would cross out words, turn bodies of text upside down and even went as far to tear apart beautiful photography. One could argue that Carson was indeed the the Author of this ‘style’. While others say, “But, I am the one who wrote the article.” Which brings yet another question to the table. In order to consider David Carson an author, would he have had to actually written the text he so carefully layed out?

In my opinion, the poster designer is the only true author. No, I am not taking about movie posters or posters advertising a new weight loss pill. I am referring to the propaganda poster designer. This type of designer uses his/her skills to voice their thoughts of the world we our living in today. They are informing us of a situation close to their heart, while writing their own copy, creating their own images and most of all - using their own thoughts. I think this is the reason for the sudden influx of poster designers signing their posters. Which was common on most design, pre stock images and illustrations.

My most rewarding class, was a poster design class. Where we were the true authors of our posters. We were forced to write our copy and create our images. When we finished our posters it truly contained all of our emotions.

*just more random thoughts*

* mail order education *

2005-03-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

I loved used book stores. Even the lingering smell signals my serotonin level and it gushes out my pores. I can never quickly pop in and out. It’s one of my favorite places to linger when I am procrastinating. All this because I once found a great set of books a few years ago. Since that day, I have not found anything to gush over. I still have hope, one day I will find the rest of the Modern Illustrating, my great find.

Federal Schools Inc., out of Minneapolis Minn, had a series of mail order classes you could take during the early part of the 20th century. The student would read this magazine - type booklet and then complete a series of projects on bristol board, then submit for a crit. In return, an instructor would review the work and send the student a typed response. I guess it’s similar to our modern day online courses.

What about peer involvement? In any type of correspondence class that involvement is lost. I signed up for a online class SCAD had to offer and realized it was not for me. It had a forum type setup via what seem to be 100’s of emails flying back in forth. I quickly realized the importance of sitting in a class room with a teacher and other students.

While trying to find a bit of information on my great find, I found that one of our greatest pulp artist, Norman Saunders, was a student of the Federal Schools. The skilled Saunders perfected the art of half naked chicks and graphic skulls. His comic book cover art was a little more family appropriate, showing the popular themed cowboys and indians. Saunders also work on a series of trading cards that had images of aliens attacking various cities. All of Saunders art was very detailed and imaginative to say the least. I can’t even think of a single artist to compare his style to.

I have so much more to share, but once again my eyes hurt!!

* paint drips in Iraq *

2005-03-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

Even in time of war and turmoil, typography and communication plays an important role in daily living. My special friend Fred, sent me pictures of his recent creation. He has been painting the walls of the post office in Iraq. I can imagine the post office is crucial to the soldiers well being. It’s here were they receive letters from their loved ones. Fred, we are thinking of you. Please keep the pictures coming. We can’t wait to see the final.

* crossed eye *

2005-03-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

Vladimir Mayakovsky
Pro Eto. Ei i Mne
About This. To Her and to Me, 1923
Book design:
Aleksandr Rodchenko

Have you ever noticed, the only time you find yourself crossed eye is when you are reading because you have to? Is it just me? When I am reading for pleasure I never think, “my eyes are going to pop out of my head any minute now”.

Today, I sent my parents to my sisters house for the afternoon. I am sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop and a stack of books. When I was in High School, I had to sit here and do my homework every night. Many nights with my mother using ‘old math’ to teach me ‘new math’. No wonder I never picked up on Algebra. I am having bad flashbacks of those vocab. flash cards my english teacher made me make. Just me, no one else. Even with the new red kitchen and although I am better equipped with a laptop, I feel the same way sitting here - some 14 years ago.

Of course, I am not memorizing vocab words at the moment even though, it would do me some good. I am sitting here trying to figure out the difference between Formalism, Structuralism and Constructivism. One seems to flow into the other, but all three seem similar. The same people involved in Russian Formalism are the same as the people involved in Russian Constructivism. Even with my book obsession, I am finding it hard to distinguish one from the other. It is even impossible for me to find anything online that helps me distinguish the three. Is there a lack of interest in these important movements? Is this telling me it is a worthless cause to write about such differences. I think not! It is telling me there is a true need to see why these movements played such a large role in graphic design and the society they were portraying. This may be my call for help. HELP! Anyone?

So far, I am enjoying the works of Aleksandr Rodchenko. Before many he saw the usefulness of photographs in his layouts. He knew how to grab ones eye with the use of unusual Photographic perspectives. The best part was most of his work was calling for social change.

ahhhh, just some random uncomplete thoughts for the day!

* the future of graphic design *

2005-02-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

Every week, I spend a little time going thru the pages of Design Observer.
I enjoy most articles and always learn something! I just finished reading Designing Under the Influence, by Michael Bierut He starts out the article recalling an interview he had with a designer fresh out of college. While looking thru her portfolio he noticed one of her pieces resembled that of Barbara Kruger. It had a similar graphic style. When he asked if Kruger was of any influence, the young designer said "who". She had no clue who Kruger was! How can one attain a graphic design degree and have no clue who Barbara Kruger is? This not being the point of his article, but it was all I could think while getting thru the rest of it. Where is graphic design heading? If this is an example ladies and gents we are in BIG trouble! What is even scarier is their are people who think this is ok! One persons comment was,

" OMG. I'm a beginning design student myself and all I can say is "you arrogant snob". WTF Do you know how many million artists and designers exist in the world today? The population explosion has attained such unprecedented levels that there really is no longer any room for pretentious snobbery. You must be over 40 is all I can say."

Can you imagine calling Bierut a "arrogant snob" - not that I putting a halo around his head, but come on! My guess is she did not know Kruger, but she also was not familiar with the writing of Bierut. What is more amazing is someone that had no clue about Kruger, actually got to interview at Pentagram.

Sorry, I had to have a little rant!

* southbound *

2005-02-26T17:26:00.000-05:00

Just like the Allman Brothers song!
uhhh, it has been so long since I have blasted the Allman Brothers while screaming at the top of my lungs. It's quite a sight. I rather go to the Bayou in Savannah on River Street and hear Chief whale the lyrics. His voice always puts me to ease.

I arrived in Savannah on Thursday. I ended up heading to the airport around 6am for a 10am flight. The snow was coming down and not expected to stop until later that night. When I finally got on to the plane we had to sit in line to be deiced, which took about 45 minutes. I must admit it was my 1st deicing experience. When I arrived to Savannah I walked off the plane and it was 70 degrees. WOW! I was in heaven! I took a deep breath of the Savannah air and it sent a warm sensation all over my body. It was great to be back, at least for now!

That night all the girls got together and had dinner at Moon RIver. Rebecca reminded me, I should show them my branding concept. Regardless, of what others think, I really think my concept would work great in there. Then Rebecca and Donna went home to work like the good students they are and Holly and I went out. We just went to B&B, to play a little pool. It was the first time I have ever been out and felt too old to be there. Everyone seemed so young! All the guys looked like little boys. The selection of men in Savannah is little to none. All the better for me, I don't need that in my life right now. I just want to help the fam and finish school with a bang.

Tonight everyone is getting together and heading to Stogies! It will be nice to see some of my classmates that I have not hung out with in a while. I am heading back to Maryland on Tuesday and will return to Savannah by march 21st to start school again. (sigh)

* Mother Update- today I got a call from my sisters. My mother walked down the stairs, out the door and all the way to the car that is taking them to NYC. This was great news! I hope to get even better news on Monday after the doctors appointment.

* yummy *

2005-02-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

Well we made it home in one piece. If funny how much stuff you can accumulate in less than two months. The car was completely packed. We even have to go back for more.

As I have mentioned before, NYC has always been one of my parents favorite cities. I wanted to make sure that it remained that way. They were both stuck inside most days, except our daily trek to the hospital. The both of them eventually began to feel claustrophobic. One of things they love is trying out all the great restaurants NYC has to offer. On this trip they did not have that opportunity. I decided that on the day of my mothers last treatment, a celebration was in order. I called Aureole on 61st street, and asked if they would create a special dinner for my parents. I told the GM I knew they did not ordinarily do carry-out, but this was special situation. It did not take any convincing they were more than happy to make a fabulous dinner. I told my parents, I was going out to find something for them to eat and I came home with Aureole. They were ectatic, this being their favorite NY restaurant. The smile on their faces will always stay with me.

I have learned it is the small things you do for people that they will remember most. Telling them you love them everyday or remembering their favorite restaurant. It’s not the big present under the tree, it’s how you live your life everyday.

* Cheetos *

2005-02-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

I know, I know! I don’t know what’s going on with the blogg. There seems to be some tech. difficulties.

I have been craving Cheetos for over a week now! Gross! I don’t know what sparked such a disgusting craving. What are Cheetos made of anyway? They are just these puffy things covered in fake cheese. I guess I will have to blame it on stress, it has to be. If the craving is still lingering tomorrow, I may have to give in. I guess I could be craving worse things. At least Cheetos are legal.

We are leaving NYC on Friday. I am sorta sad about this. At the same time my mother and father can’t wait! Seeing them so happy about it makes it all worth it. It is nice to think my mother is not going to have to go through radiation and chemo any longer. I don’t know what they will do if the cancer is still there. It’s a scarry thought. She knows that it will return and I hope she can get past that worry.

Here are some of my daily pictures!

* Christo & Jeanne Claude *

2005-02-14T00:20:00.000-05:00

What a great day. My mother started walking again this weekend. Just out of the blue she has more energy and movement. It is only 7 or 8 steps to and from the wheelchair, but it is so much more than in the last month. My sister Steph came in this weekend with my nephews. It was great to have them around and I think my parents really enjoyed it. My father stayed in the apt. almost the entire weekend. On Sunday I talked him into going to Central Park with me to see Christo’s new creation. It was amazing to be part of such a huge moment in history. He too enjoyed it more than he thought he would.
Christo has been working on this project for 26 years and spent $20 million of his own money to produce this work of art. Each gate is 16 feet high but vary in width from 6 to 18 feet. The Gate stretches for 23 miles along the sidewalks of the park. There are more than 7,500 saffron colored panels made of vinyl. All material will be recycled.

thanks boys for making me smile when it seems impossible

* PosterRama *

2005-02-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

Walking the streets of New York, you are constantly having Ads forced down your throat. This is one of the many things I love about being in New York. I guess I am quite opposite of most AdBuster readers. The Ads come in all forms. Some of the subway have huge screens advertising with commercials playing constantly. But, my fav. is the array of posters plastered all over the city. For the most part they are just randomly placed, not centered or straight. Many times repeated over and over again. Also, very interesting is the remainder of old hand painted signs that remain, but faded.
This is a lost craft that I would love to see brought back. Rebecca is doing her thesis on Savannah hand painted signs. Watch out she may be responsible for bringing back the old trade.

This MTV2 poster is part of a series that is posted all over the city. Trying to figure out the message drives me crazy every time. They act as some kind of teaser. You will notice it says nothing about MTV2. Someone, please take these down!

I would say this is a good example of “Impact and then Inform”.

Look closer!

Here is a great row of posters!

These are looking a little Paul Rand, but not as great - Of course!

Very cool hand painted sign!

Had to toss this in! I ran in to this the other day. It’s not a train, it’s not the bus, it’s the Tram. This huge thing transfers people back and forth from Roosevelt Island.

* just another poster *

2005-02-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this poster for breast cancer awareness. I put it aside for a while because I am not in tune with it. Maybe it’s because my heart is really in Brain cancer awareness. If I had a scanner available I would post my sketches but I don't. I don't know if I should just trash this and start over or continue to work it out.

* Stroll down 5th Ave. *

2005-02-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

I try to get out everyday and walk around NYC. It helps me organize my thoughts. On Tuesday I walked down 5th Ave. The street is filled with over priced shops, tons of people and The New York Public Library. It stands out from all the other buildings. Maybe it's because it sit back off the sidewalk or maybe because it's beauty. You read all about it's history here

* womb talk *

2005-02-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

I sleep most nights with my mother. My father would never hear in the middle of the night. Last night we spooned. As a child,
if I was sick she would sleep with me and we always slept like this. Always with one arm over my torso. It always made me feel warm and protected knowing she was there. Last night, I had that same feeling. This may sound strange to some of you to hear a 28 year old girl is still spooning with her mother. But to me it’s her way of saying ‘don’t be scared, I am right here’.
I was talking to Holly about it and she remarked how special it was and how she never had this closeness with her own
mother.Even though they have a great relationship and her mother is very supportive - she still couldn't imagine cuddling with her mother. She compared it to being in the womb. Even if a little strange, I can see where she is coming from. I just
feel so lucky to have this time right NOW with my mother at a time when her life feels like it’s upside down.

* It seems I have no contol over the look of this text *

* wheels and undies *

2005-01-31T21:56:00.000-05:00

What a day, what a day! The morning started out rough. I did not get my three cups of coffee today. We went for treatment and met with one of the doctors. The doctor said my mother is responding well to the treatment, but we are scared to ask in what way. It made her smile and that was nice. Then on the way home we were almost to the apt. and I f*cked up. I was pushing her down the sidewalk and hit a bump and she went flying. It was so sad. She landed right on the front of her head. I even heard the crack! The image of this has been playing in my mind all day. She was fine and I can't find any marks on her anywhere. She is so tough.
Then we came home and I thought I would get the washing out of the way for the week. When I pulled the stuff out of the washer, I was surprised to find my fathers underwear had turnned pink!!! I have never ever done this before. Of course it happens when I am doing his underwear.

* chick a dees *

2005-01-30T21:56:00.000-05:00

WOW! Two posts in one day. It must be the the vodka. I just wanted to recap my fabulous weekend and take the time to thank Holly and Rebecca for bring me back to life.
Holly and Rebecca got into town Thursday night. They flew into NJ and found their way right to the house by figuring out the train. WOW! I was impressed. Thursday night we ate Patsy's Pizza (the best pizza) and had a few drinks. We woke up on Friday and went into Soho and walked for hours in the cold. We had a great lunch. I wish I would have taken a picture of our waiter or had a way to record our conversation. It started by "he's kinda cute" and that led to "he gross and thinks he's some kind of rock star" It was hilarious. To say the least the service sucked! I also found the Kid Robot store. It was very small, but had cool bits. My Dad had gone out and gotten a cake for my "B" day. It was so sweet. This is something that he has never done before. My mother is always the one that took care of these things and it's cute to see him trying to make up for her. It was sad at the same time. I was not interested in celebrating my birthday this year. Esp. since my mother could not stay awake long enough to see me blow out my candles and make my wish. Speaking of which, thank you Holly and Rebecca for the candles. Later that night we went down to the Lower East Side for drinks. We made it a early night, knowing that we had to save our energy for Saturday night. We woke up Saturday and had Dim Sum with Dan-the-man's cool Aunt. We walked around all day again and did a little shopping. Then came home and rushed to get ready for Rebecca's friends surprise Birthday party. We were late and surprised ourselves to have missed the surprise.;-) The party was crazy and tons of fun. I met a ton of very interesting people and enjoyed people watching. We drank way too much, even Rebecca. But had so much fun doing it! WHen we came out of the party it was snowing and sooo pretty. But it did make getting a cab a little harder. Sorry for the quick recap! Just wanted to get this all down quick!!
Thanks again chickadees! You are the best!

Holly taking a quick smoke break, knowing that her perfect jeans are somewhere in NYC!

Holly and Rachel holding each other up!

So cute! Holly, Rebecca and Rachel

The end of night in the cab. I thought it was in focus? ;-)

* thesis talk *

2005-01-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

I have been sitting here hung over from a great weekend. The sun is starting to go down and I have accomplished nothing today. I swore by this day I would have a more concise definition of my thesis. I just stare at the words in these books and they become fuzzy. It may have something to do with not understanding a single thing I read. It is all so interesting but in a fuzzy kinda of way. I know there is a place for theory and criticism in graphic design. The problem is I am not sure where it should be pulled from. Literary Theory, has had it's place in history for many years prior to this thing called Graphic Design Theory. So, it would make since to study and understand the formation of Lit. Theory. Right? I am lacking drive in that direction and need to find other connections. I should just title my thesis "Everything I Should have learned in Graduate School, But Did Not. Should I Start All Over?" These were just some thoughts as I lay around wishing I had one less vodka tonic last night. More to come I swear.........

* girlz weekend *

2005-01-27T19:27:00.000-05:00

The girls are coming all the way from Savannah to see me today. I can hardly wait! My sister and her husband are also coming in to stay with my mother and father. This way I can have a smashing birthday and no worries.
Rebecca is right in the middle of her thesis and Holly is trying to get into the fashion show - they are the greatest. It is nice of them to take this time away from their work, just for me. I will post pics of our wild weekend. The cold will not stop us!

just another day

2005-01-26T14:49:00.001-05:00

OK! I have been spending the last few days changing the colors to this template. When I preview the changes I see them. But they are not showing up on the blog. Bluh! I am done messing around with it.

NYC has been very cold! We lived through 15 inches of snow. There is something about NYC that is magical in the winter time. The snow only enhances this magic. I having been sitting in the hospital every day for that week and a half with my mom. Her red blood cell count has been down and her oxygen level very low. As a result they have kept her in the hospital but is still getting her radiation and chemo everyday. They should be letting her come back to the Apt. today. They found 3 small blood clots in her lugs and are trying to dissolve them. Also, they gave her a blood transfusion to up her red count. Which was very successful. The doctors have been great. I have less to say about the nurses assistants.

My research has been going great. I am learning so much about the start of Literary criticism and theory. I am actually seeing how this could tie in into Graphic Design. In the next couple days I would like to post some of my findings and maybe get some input from the rest of you.

Here are some pics of NYC in the snow

Here are the streets the day after!

love this type! It reminds me of 50's lettering

I thought this was cute, for a public school!

new stuff

2005-01-11T21:56:00.000-05:00

Ok not sure what I am doing here. I am new to the blog community. I am trying to gain some control of the design here, but having little luck. So right now 'rounders' it shall be. I hoping to use this space as a way to record my daily thoughts on design and life. At times it may get a little scarey - if that is the case just keep scrolling.

*design pandemonium*

*Champagne, Wine and a Merry Good Time

* quote of the day

* This just in *

**Attention Savannah**

*the GREAT va*

* Mirror, Mirror on the Wall*

* Paint or Die *

*long day

*long time no see*

* ONElastTIME*

*3 Emails, in 1 Day *

LINKS*

*DONE! DONE! DONE!*

****WAIT! Mayakovsky had a DAUGHTER??***

*ALMOSTdone*

Missing the South!

*Our 2nd Amendment Right?*

*NYC*

*District Being 'Manhattanized'?*

Boycotting Google?

awwww!

* I'm Back *

* a designed achievement *

*and another*

*Quotes Of The Day*

*THREE ZoshenkoS*

* On Eagleton *

* a redo of sorts *

* One Line *

* new TITLE *

*ACT ONE::PosterTHREE*

* If I could talk to Mayakovsky, I would say.....*

* TITLE POSTER *

*SCENE 2*

again?

* Scene ONE part TWO *

* The Bedbug *

* LogoWorks or NoLogoWorks *

*The New Manifesto*

* Who Knew *

* Oh Savannah *

*To Volodya*

* Meet The Gang *

1913 at Luna Park in St Petersburg

* A Few Words *

* Why Do You Care *

* Today's Forecast *

* 4th of July *

* PLEASE HELP ME *

* The Slurpee Factor *

* Rick Tharp Update *

* blah blah blah *

* Update *

* Let it burn *

* Where is Rick *

* It's dry *

*Giving in*

* Craft Wickedly Effective Prose *

* No Pictures Please *

*More Wet Paint*

* A Few Words *

*You are fired*

*Graphic Author[ity]*

* mail order education *

* paint drips in Iraq *

* crossed eye *

* the future of graphic design *

* southbound *

* yummy *

* Cheetos *

* Christo & Jeanne Claude *

* PosterRama *

* just another poster *

* Stroll down 5th Ave. *

* womb talk *

* wheels and undies *

* chick a dees *

* thesis talk *

* girlz weekend *

design pandemonium

Attention Savannah

the GREAT va

long time no see

3 Emails, in 1 Day

DONE! DONE! DONE!

**WAIT! Mayakovsky had a DAUGHTER??*

ALMOSTdone

Our 2nd Amendment Right?

NYC

District Being 'Manhattanized'?

and another

Quotes Of The Day

THREE ZoshenkoS

ACT ONE::PosterTHREE

SCENE 2

The New Manifesto

To Volodya

Giving in

More Wet Paint

You are fired

Graphic Author[ity]

new stuff