loving typography!

When you see things like these you can't help but LOVE typography and leave feeling like "man I really need to think about how I place text".

Images found on the following links...
http://www.noupe.com/design/45-creative-typography-and-mosaic-portraits.html

http://www.graphiics.com/download-free-psd-of-creative-typography-by-deviants/

http://seb098.blogspot.com/2011/01/45-creative-typography-and-mosaic.html

 

HAPPY HAPPY

Here's wishing you ALL a very Merry Christmas
and a happy New Year! 

May the year ahead be filled with excitement
and may you all "ROCK OUT" to your own beat!

Love from me

XxX

SUPER COOLNESS!

If you don't agree that this is just super cool then you seriously need a talking to ha ha ha! This is such an awesome way to wrap up some presents - I think I'd wrap up some empty boxes and keep them stacked just so i can keep smiling every time I see it! Click on the link below to find the wrapping paper. Unfortunately for us South African locals it is obviously international!

On their website they have the following to say "About This Project":

We created this project to launch Gift Couture, a creative and innovative wrapping paper company. Gift Couture will offer high-quality wrapping paper sets that feature original photography and design. Our main goal is to produce unique papers that coordinate together into conceptualized themes and sets. This is exemplified in the Cheeseburger set that we chose to use as this initial project. This includes 5 different wrapping paper designs; a bun, hamburger, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, all of the components of a Cheeseburger!

http://cargocollective.com/giftcouture

On my christmas wish list!

These umbrellas are just oozing AWESOMENESS - seriously santa, bring it on!! Guy de Jean deserves some respect for these. He specializes in designing one of a kind umbrellas! The umbrella on top was done for lingerie brand Chantal Thomass and the one on the bottom, the corset for luxury fashion brand Jean Paul Gaultier. Check out his website: http://www.guydejean.com/

AWESOME advertising

The text on the advert reads:

(Left Brain)

“I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.”

(Right Brain)

“I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.”

http://www.lonocreative.com

I'm BACK!!!

Being on holiday is bitter sweet... Bitter as you know you've got to go back to work and back to reality... Sweet because there is definitely no place like home!!

Personal Photography #3

Animal photography is always fun and tricky at the same time. You end up snapping away liking a crazy person and pray that you got that "aaahhhh" shot you dream about. The best advise I can give anyone trying to photograph an animal is (if possible) get down on your knees (and pray) to get eye-level with the animal. This makes a huge difference and allows the viewer to see the animal up close, almost as if they were as big as the animal it self. I know this isn't always possible but from the photos I've uploaded I'm sure you can see that it really makes the difference. Also, never forget that it's vital to try and capture the personality of the animal you're photographing. There's no point in trying to take a photo of your dog (who is naturally lazy and spends all day on the coutch) running around like mad outside. He won't want to do it and you'll just leave feeling frustrated. Most of all KEEP IT SIMPLE! These are just a few tips I can give you but there are loads of tips on the internet so go ahead and google it if you're still a little unsure! HAVE FUN!!!!

Incy Wincy Spider - ©LeciaAmaral2011

War - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Sneaky - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Birds Of A Feather - ©LeciaAmaral2011

I See You - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Bottoms Up - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Tough Life - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Highlight - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Frog Prince - ©LeciaAmaral2011

Granny Ziggi - ©LeciaAmaral2011

 

Bed Topping Anyone?

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the range of bedding from "Bed Toppings"!

On their site they say that... "Bed toppings are designed to make the wonderful world of sleep as fun as possible. When kids go to bed happy they are more likely to have sweet dreams and sleep through the night!"

I'm sure you'll agree that this is SUPER COOL - wish I was a kid again!
Make sure to check out their range!

http://www.bedtoppings.com.au/

SUPERB packaging!

I love it when you come across design work that just makes you stop and marvel! When I first saw this on (http://design-fetish.blogspot.com/)
I couldn't help but think "I WISH WE HAD THESE HERE IN SA"!
The packaging is awesome so well done to the designers.

AWESOMENESS!!!!

Kohberg (the largest manufacturer of bread in Denmark) for Danish Cancer Society’s annual event to fight breast cancer | Design by Envision.

Personal Photography #2

Today I'm uploading some more of my personal photography. The theme for all of these is "art" and the idea behind it is that the approach to the style would from an artistic background. You will see that some may be blurred, on some the main object captured off to the side as apposed to dead center and on all of them I make use of an interesting crop. These are all elements I've used to try and capture a more creative shot and I think it has paid off! Let me know what you think...

title: Frozen (©LeciaAmaral2011)

title: Summer (©LeciaAmaral2011)

title: Stars (©LeciaAmaral2011)

title: Abstract Green (©LeciaAmaral2011)

33 Ways to stay creative

Not too sure where I found this article but where ever it's from, THANKS!
Ps. I love how number 24 breaks the rules ha ha ha!

Thought for today...

At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well and talk well but not too wisely - W. Somerset Maughan

Think I might make one of these at home!

image from www.awwwards.com

I SERIOUSLY LOVE this!!! It's super creative and a fun way to get the whole family involved in keeping one another up to date with what's happening. I think I might just paint me one of these over the weekend... watch this space ha ha ha!

For more cool ideas visit the website below!
http://www.awwwards.com/design-products/chalkboard-wall-calendar-with-memo

SERIOUSLY FUN - if you're a designer!

The above is a screen shot of the site - cool design & layout!

If you're a designer then you simply to have to visit this site and take the "kerning test"! I really enjoyed it - does it make me a nerd??? Ha ha ha!

http://type.method.ac/

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

copyright © 2008-2011 Fair Cake, Ltd.

If there's one thing I can appreciate, it's a beautifully decorated cupcake! You can imagine how impressed I was by these beauties that I found on http://www.faircake.co.uk/

They have some lovely FREE RECIPES on their website and if you're lucky enough to be in London, then you should most definitely sign up for a one of their classes!!!! I so wish I could...

Thought for today...

Tomatoes and Oregano makes it Italian; Wine and Tarragon make it French. Sour Cream makes it Russian; Lemon and Cinnamon makes it Greek.
Soy Sauce makes it Chinese; Garlic makes it good!

- Alice May Brock

AWESOME photography

Image by Hai Zhen

I stumbled upon photos taken by Hai Zhen, a fashion photographer based in Beijing China. I think her images are AWESOME. I just love the one featured above. The minimalist approach, perfect lighting, brilliant make-up and use of last extensions just make this image something special - I'm sure you'll agree!

To view more of her work, visit her website!
http://www.moko.cc/

Beatiful Sculptures!

Wire sculptures by Gavin Worth

Wire sculptures by Gavin Worth

Wire sculptures by Gavin Worth

 

It always amazes me when stumbling accros something totally different and unique. Artists always find the most interesting mediums and turn what seems to be a general household item into something of worth and value - something special!

This is certainly the case with Gavin Worth's wire sculptures. They are absolutely gorgeous! Do pop past his website to see more of his work - it's worth the visit and may leave you inspired!

Don't forget to pay the site a visit!

http://www.gavinworth.com/

Steve Jobs - a GREAT man!

A portrait by Greek designer Charis Tevis

Thought it appropriate to dedicate some space to a GREAT MAN who changed the world! My life as a graphic designer would not be the same were it not for his work - or should I say passion seeing as Apple was more than just a job to him. I am proud to be able to say he was around "in my time"!

Steve Jobs will be terribly missed! 

May you rest in peace.

To view more designs click on the link below...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3NhY2r/www.good.is/post/good-design-daily-a-fitting-homage-to-steve-jobs/

Thought for today...

You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So get on your way!

- Dr Seus

10 Personality types of Graphic Designers!

I always find personality types fascinating! As designers we tend to conform to our own set of rules and generally in some way or another we are different to the masses. Each industry has probably got the same to say and I do believe within each industry people can be classified to personalities that suit their environment.

 

Graphic Design Blog’s post, 10 Personality Types of Graphic Designers list some personality types specific to Graphic Designers. It's fun and interesting! It is definitely well worth reading the full article. Below I list a brief summary of each personality but for a full break down DO VISIT their site!

Here are the 10 they listed:

1. The Perfectionist “Monk”
They want every project to be done with perfection and precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is good, it can also be stressful for designers to achieve absolute flawlessness.

 

2. The Ingenious “Sherlock”
Designers with this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When face with the toughest of design projects, they execute it Sherlock style with astuteness and inventiveness.

 

3. The Brainy “Dexter”
Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and as a result, have a vast in-depth knowledge of graphic designing. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with.

 

4. The Friendly “Casper”
Designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes, but for personal use as well. They love to make new friends and connections and just cannot live without a social circle.

 

5. The Experienced “Papa Smurf”
Designers of this personality type are the experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation.

 

6. The Show-off “Johnny Bravo”
They like to brag about their work and skills.

 

7. The Speedy “Flash”
Designers of this personality type are very fast and prompt. They like to finish off their assignments in as less time as possible. They meet their deadlines with ease, sometimes complete the assignment way before the due date. Although rapid speed is a very good attribute, in some circumstances haste can make waste.

 

8. The Lazy “Garfield”
Graphic designers of this category are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. They mostly don’t meet the project deadlines and are liable for procrastination.

 

9. The Enduring “Ironman”
They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off a design job within the deadline.

 

10. The Hyper “Hulk”
They are hyper, intolerant and can be angry at the slightest of things. 

 

Don't forget to pop onto "Graphic Designs Blog" to read the full article!

http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/graphic-designers-personality-types/

Stylised gradient effects using Photoshop's channels!

Image by Ben Secret

This tutorial is really awesome! It takes something which we often deem to be Kitsch or "Nasty" and turns it into something beautiful! I am so trying this one when i get a chance!!!!! Let me know if anyone else will be doing one too, would love to see it!

Follow the link below to read the tutorial on the Computer Arts Website.

Article provided by Ben Secret.

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/stylised-gradient-effects-using-photoshops-channels

Has Thinking Small Got You Stalled?

If you're a freelance graphic designer then this article is for you!

Has Thinking Small Got You Stalled? (ARTICLE BY Janis Pettit)

http://www.designtaxi.com/article/101715/Has-Thinking-Small-Got-You-Stalled/

The article looks at how you think and how it affects your business.
It challenges you to answer the following questions...

• What do I truly believe I can achieve?


• What would my ideal business and income look like?


• Where am I keeping myself small?


• What do I believe that keeps me stuck?


• Who do I admire that has achieved what I want to achieve and do I believe I can do the same?

I hope this article makes you stand still and just think for a few minutes!

Natural vs Available Light for Kid Photography

Photo by: Rachel Devine

If you are passionate about taking photos of your children and would like some tips on playing with your lighting, then you simply must ready this article by Rachel Devine (author of kids photography eBook Click):
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/natural-vs-available-light-for-kid-photography-what-i-learned-from-shooting-with-film-2

Thought for today...

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with you left.
- Dr. Seuss

Awesome site to learn something!

Really awesome site so if you're interested in graphic design, photography or web design and marketing then CHECK IT OUT!!!
http://leabotha.wordpress.com/

Metalic Beauties!

- Respect -

When photographing any object I always try to capture what the object makes you feel like - the emotions they evoke deep within you somewhere. So, I decided to do just that when taking photos of some cars. This series is titled "feel" and each photo has been given a title representative of the way they make me feel. I have always believed that taking photos of cars or motorbikes can be tricky as you either get it right or horribly wrong.

My advise on the matter would be to always shoot using interesting angles and to find one focal point of interest. No use in shooting the whole thing without trying to emphasize something as it will end up looking like a "happy-snappy"!

I hope you enjoy the pics I've taken and any criticism is welcome! 

- Lust -

- Desire -

- Anticipation -

- Envy -

Taking sCarY photos...

Image: © Shutterstock/Fer Gregory

As a designer, I sure you'll agree that photography and design often walk side by side! It is important for designers to know what makes a good photograph even though you yourself might not be the taking the photo. I was surfing the net and found this interesting feature on taking "scary" photos and thought I'd share it! It's fun and worth a read so I hope you enjoy!

http://shutr.bz/hr

Thought for today...

Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only try!
- Dr. Seuss

The Apple Of My Eye

Tired from running around like a crazy fool on the beach!

Today I thought I'd introduce the apple of my eye (okay, other than my husband ha ha).
This is Dory and she is a Great Dane pup ages 10 months. He colour is classified as "blue"
in she clocks in at 55kg! Her name comes from the little blue fish on "Finding Nemo" and trust
me, if you've seen the movie then you've met Dory! She is exactly like that little fish.

Dory is an only dog so she gets all the love and attention to herself. She went to puppy school
and passed the entry level class (okay I think they just put her through cause she was so much
bigger than all of the other puppies) as well as basic obedience training (which I'm proud to say
she passed with flying colours!).

Her favourite spot in the house is either on your lap (she still believes she is a small little dog) or
catching a snooze on our 3 seater couch! In the mornings she wakes up a little earlier and begs
(with her best big puppy eyes) to get onto the bed and enjoys cuddling right up against me for the
last hour before the house wakes up and gets ready for work.

If you have a dog then you'll know they give you the greatest pleasure! When I drive down my driveway and see her waiting excitedly at the gate, when I laugh at her snoring so loud the house seems to shake, when she falls over her own big feet, when she looks at me with her BIG eyes, when she walks past and decides to sit herself down on my lap.... THESE are the moments that make my heart skip a beat and lets me know that all is not bad in the world!

So now you've met our pup... welcome to the Amaral-World ha ha ha!

Thought for today...

You have brains in your head. 

You have feet in your shoes. 

You can steer yourself any direction you choose. 

You're on your own. And you know what you know. 

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go!
- Dr. Seuss

Thought for today...

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit,
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad!

Need a smile?

This site always makes me start my day with a giggle!

If you're a fellow designer and your clients tend to drive you crazy sometimes then you seriously need to visit the site so that you know...
you are not alone!

http://clientsfromhell.net/

Thought for today...

"Today you are You,
that is truer than true,
there is no one alive
who is Youer than You!"
- Dr. Seuss