jess, as in jessica

Goodbye Blogger

2009-10-10T16:22:00.001-04:00

It took me a while to come to this conclusion, but I think it's time to relocate my personal blog. For a while I have been using tumblr, a fast and no mess blogging site with hundreds (and counting) of custom templates, for a personal project called Statuses. After having a lot of success with the site, I was sold on the idea of making tumblr my new blogging home...soo...

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Dear Blogger,

No hard feelings here, in fact you had a lot of pluses. But in the end I am opting for something a little cleaner / more efficient to update. Can we still be Friends?

Best,

Jess

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facebook statuses

2009-10-05T15:48:00.004-04:00

I launched facebook statuses anonymously in mid-may of this year, to basically test the waters and see what kind of response I would get. Long story short, I started collecting people's facebook statuses and republishing them as typographic illustrations. Over 170 statuses later, I was hooked. This is my new way of sketching and brain storming. Plus it is really fun to document what people are comfortable sharing with a large percent of the internet population. Below is a favorite / popular one:

Leave Behind

2009-09-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

I was working on a few ideas for a little twist on a business card, and this was a custom-made mini promo I pieced together. Three hand-painted patterns on fabric and pressed into one of a kind pins. Extremely bright in the color department, but it was great to sit down and paint tiny patterns again.

Website Make-Over 2009

2009-09-21T13:10:00.006-04:00

Since it's officially the first day of Fall I felt like it was appropriate timing to show off a little bit of my spring cleaning...most importantly was my long overdue website re-design. Pictured below is my new site, and after that is a friendly reminder of what my old website / logo looked like.

Also you can visit my new site HERE!

Blogging Fail

2009-09-18T10:52:00.005-04:00

I have made many attempts to trick myself into blogging regularly, but its just not working out. I have a handful of updates and new projects to share, but I am currently without decent free time.

So, as a place holder here is a mock art flyer I made mainly because I wanted an excuse to use really big highlighted type.

Word it for July: "fly"

2009-07-22T10:10:00.006-04:00

Word It Wednesday! (It really is too easy to make these matchy-matchy theme days...)

Another piece for under consideration's word it blog. This month's word "fly" also tailored to my current love affair with vintage airport totes, so the lettering I ended up using is my little nod to those excellent totes from way back when:

The multicolored Pan Am bag can be found on etsy for $22.20
(but you might have to race me for it!)

T.GIF (week two)

2009-07-17T10:33:00.007-04:00

In honor of the traditional "TGIF" I will post a few .gif of my patterns every Friday:

T.GIF (week one)

2009-07-03T14:00:00.000-04:00

In honor of the traditional "TGIF" I will post a few .gif of my patterns every Friday:

The Hunt for the Perfect "Thing" : Beach Towel

2009-06-25T15:31:00.006-04:00

In the hopes of giving myself a realistic blogging schedule I am going to do a feature every Thursday on my quest for the perfect something...
this week is beach towels!

My close friends all know about my "lazy Sundays" (basically I refuse to move outside of a 5 mile radius of my apartment). I need a day of nothing, it really helps hit the refresh button before the new week. This spring / summer, my lazy Sundays have up-graded (location wise) to be poolside, and I am trying to slowly have all the perfect accessories.

When I think of beach towels I always see BIG strips or really intense tropical scenes. I understand that beach towels need an air of beachy-ness...but can't we be a little more subtle?

After a few days of searching I have found the following towels that make the cut.
(I still haven't picked "the one" yet, but I am leaning towards number 6)

1. Tommy Hilfiger - $19.99
2. Lacoste - $19.99
3. Ralph Lauren - $13.99
4. Martha Stewart - $19.99
5. Vera Bradley (in Bali Gold) - $34
6. Tommy Hilfiger - $19.99

Mac Icon makeovers

2009-06-18T16:43:00.008-04:00

A thing I have been wanting to do since I became more tech-savvy with my mac was to customize my dock icons. If for some reason you are not familiar with this, you can do this with both mac (here is a help link from apple) and PC computers! The thing I ultimately learned is: you don't really have to be tech-savvy at all to do this...oops.

Anyway! It is a longer-term goal of mine to create my own set of icons to share with the world, but until then I have found some pretty great options:

- The yellow and bird icons can be found at Pixelgirl, which also has a ton more icon options.

- The cute Boston Terrier icon was custom made by Jennifer "Bagel" Han (she is presently working on an entire set which should be released soon, so keep checking back at her website!)

pattern + website / updates

2009-06-15T10:00:00.003-04:00

Way back when (about two months ago?) I finally completed the bulk of the redesign for pattern +. I have still been working on additional features (about page, faq and some that are TBA). I have added an "in progress" swatch so that users know that I did indeed get their request and the design is pending. I also have been marking designs as "new" once they are finally up. I have 76 completed designs so far...I think I should do something exciting when I finally reach 100?

So take a look around and feel free to let me know if you think something important is missing from the "faq"!

Urban Forest Project Baltimore 2008

2009-06-11T12:52:00.004-04:00

It has been a little over a year since I participated in Baltimore's Urban Forest Project, but I realized I never posted about being part of such an exciting event!

I heard about UFP when a co-worker showed off an adorable bag constructed from a recycled banner (that was originally up in NYC's central park where they also hosted UFP).

I was so in love with the idea that when I found out that the same event was happening in Baltimore I knew that I wanted participate.

All the final banners were hung throughout Baltimore City and then were recycled into tote bags. All bag purchases went towards maintaining Baltimore's green spaces.

Word it for May: "here"

2009-05-14T13:23:00.003-04:00

I recently completed another piece for under consideration's word it blog. I love how basic the words end up being, which really leaves you open for any solution. I had been meaning to try some clean hand lettering using illustrator for a while, so I used this as a chance to experiment.

Vote for Kid Baltimore

2009-05-11T11:30:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time I posted about my day as an intern with Spur Design (where I now happily work full time!) Well, over the weekend I was pleased to find out that Kid Baltimore, another blog maintained by Spur's co-owners Joyce Hesselberth and David Plunkert (wow...do I have enough links yet?) has been nominated for Nickelodeon's Parents Pick for the Baltimore, Maryland area! So without further explanation, please suppose us and vote!

PS - you can vote once everyday until July 15th! Thanks for the support!

gif 256 color pallets

2009-04-21T10:59:00.005-04:00

When I am dealing with a handful of flat colors, I always opt to save my images as a .gif file. My favorite part is seeing the color pallet on photoshop's "save for web" optimization menu. The image below was originally supposed to be an animation, but I just decided to show you each frame all tiled out. I think I might start documenting these pallets?

Yes, I have a twitter

2009-04-16T13:00:00.001-04:00

Honestly, most of the time I don't think I can ever answer what it is that I am exactly doing...But! I will keep you posted on things I like (L O S T) / hate (nicolas cage) and give you reminders when I have posted new patterns...seriously, what more could you ask for?

You can "follow" me HERE

MICA Illustration Showcase Postcard (2008)

2009-04-06T20:07:00.004-04:00

Cleaning out / glancing around my email and I found this postcard from last year! A design collaboration between myself and fellow mica graduate, Judith Uzcategui (also check out her blog HERE), for MICA's annual Illustration Showcase. Showcase was a great opportunity for soon to be graduating seniors to share their current work and network with local companies that hire or work with illustrators.

This was a great project to work on, and we were so lucky that the negative space allowed us to build in that great "IL"! Also, if you are curious about our graduating class check out our blog HERE (there is also a running list of all of our blogs on the right had side if you want to look at a certain grads work!)

Current Obsession, Boston Terriers

2009-03-31T14:21:00.000-04:00

(image via cute overload, via Sarah Serata)

Really it is dogs in general, but after a lot of research on the perfect apartment-sized dog for me I am officially settling on the Boston. So, now I am on the lookout to adopt sometime soon-ish?

I am also going to take a moment to plug kelly lasserre, who did this illustration above for me in honor of my crazy spring obsession (I named him BLT, "Boston Lasserre Terrier", it's perfect really). Check out her blog HERE or her webiste HERE. She has been taking illustration requests from a few friends so check out her updates!

Pattern Plus 85% Complete!!

2009-03-27T11:31:00.003-04:00

Finally mission is more close to complete than ever! I haven't designed any patterns since the start of the new year, so I am excited to say that with the bulk of the redesign out of the way I can finally get some new patterns done! Be on the lookout this weekend for at least five new designs that will be posted!

You can now follow pattern + progress on my twitter feed (yeah I finally jumped on that bandwagon, and I okay admitting that I like it). Happy Friday / warmish day everyone!

Word It

2009-03-24T12:46:00.005-04:00

One of Under Consideration's many sister / sub-sites "Word It" has entered my radar. It's a very similar set-up to that of the well known "Illustration Friday" site, but the submitters seem to be much broader. Participation is really simple, submit an image that follows the word theme (which changes monthly, currently its "transition") and wait for it to be posted! A great way to jump back into quick sketches and a nice way to self-promote as well (you can include a link to your personal website which will be added along with your submission).

Below is what I submitted last night. I have always loved the periodic table, so this month's word was a great excuse to reference the periodic table's design.

Pattern + : The quest for the perfect navigation

2009-02-02T12:05:00.004-05:00

It was only a few months ago that I spent time redesigning my pattern + site, and even though I was proud of what I had accomplished (since I am a self-taught in the web dept) I felt like the final outcome wasn't right for the work. So for the past month I have been sketching away at different ideas and I am really happy with where things are going. I'll post again once everything is live!

Commencement Leftovers - May 2008

2009-01-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

Being the pro-new year lady that I am, I became compelled to clean out my miscellaneous cell phone pictures and came across a few shots from my commencement exhibition at MICA. It felt so wrong just to delete without a second thought, so I shall share (then delete). Happy '09!

Shown : 3 Lamps (Hand-stitched & cut paper) / 3 Collages (using scraps from Lamp designs) / 1 Hand painted bowl / 1 Hand painted table (pictured below) / 1 Silk-screed fabric piece

2008 - - - - - - - > 2009 mini card

2008-12-19T13:42:00.002-05:00

I am unsure what my posting will be like before the holidays...so just in case, Happy Holidays!

Weekly Pattern Update : December

2008-12-15T10:13:00.002-05:00

From left to right, top to bottom :
Ama + / Berlinda + / Celena+ / Cheryl + / Fred + / Jessica + / Mindy + / Tom + / Tracy +

Check out the fully tiled designs!

Sneak Peek

2008-12-08T11:10:00.005-05:00

I have been working on a few diy decorative projects with paper for my apartment, so keep a look out for better photos and instructions!

Thanksgiving Pattern

2008-11-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

This design was created off of Ana Benaroya's (you can check out her blog here) submission to pattern +. Her food was a turkey sandwich, so what better day than today to feature the final design? I usually don't push for things to be super literal in the pattern dept, but I was really in the mood to make a really geometric turkey. Hope everyone has a happy holiday!

Wedding Congratulations Card

2008-11-20T11:28:00.005-05:00

Wedding congratulations card collage I made. The back of the card became a nice accidental piece, so I scanned that as well. I have a bunch of photo magazines from the 1960's that I used to make this.

Tuesday Pattern Update

2008-11-18T11:18:00.003-05:00

Allan + / Chow + / Alissa +

Check out the fully tiled designs!

This Weeks New Patterns

2008-11-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

From left to right, top to bottom :
Ana + / Bonnie + / Liz + / Derrick + / Adam + / Joe +

Check out the fully tiled designs!

Electoral Map 2008

2008-11-13T10:10:00.003-05:00

I went all 8th grade on myself and colored this map while watching this year's election results!

New Pattern + Designs

2008-11-11T11:28:00.015-05:00

Over the past few weeks I completed a handful of the pending pattern + requests. Again, I am working to arrange the best way to present all the pattern info. I'll keep everyone posted on that, but for now enjoy the small samples below and check out the full patterns here!

Celeste

Rebecca

Kelly Moore

Kate Smith

Brittany

Karee

Dick Wolf 83

Dan Kalfas

Wedding Invitation

2008-11-05T16:00:00.006-05:00

Wedding invitation & RSVP return card design.

Wedding Shower Card

2008-11-04T11:46:00.008-05:00

Here is a card that I made to give to my future sister-in-law! For her wedding shower this weekend. I got her a pizza stone & then included a few pizza related recipes inside my card.

Pixel Pattern : Sabrina +

2008-11-03T16:49:00.005-05:00

Name : Sabrina
Location : New York
Occupation : unknown
Colors : mustard + gray + plum + sea foam green + lime
Favorite Color : mustard
Food : burrito
Shape : triangle
Lines : curved

Visit Sabrina's Blog!

Pixel Pattern : John +

2008-10-30T11:47:00.001-04:00

This is the pixel version of the john + design (which I have always liked, because john picked all reds for his submission). To view original patterns or to become part of this project visit pattern +

Name : John + <----- click to save the design for yourself!
Location : New Jersey
Occupation : unknown
Colors : maroon + red + crimson + brick + burgundy
Favorite Color : crimson
Food : pizza
Shape : triangle
Lines : straight

Visit John's Website!

Pixel Pattern : Dani +

2008-10-29T09:17:00.001-04:00

This is the pixel version of the dani + design, to view original patterns or to become part of this project visit pattern +

Name : Dani + <----- click to save the design for yourself!
Location : California
Occupation : Graphic Designer
Colors : green + teal + magenta + blue + navy
Favorite Color : green
Food : cupcakes
Shape : circle
Lines : straight

Visit Dani's Website & Blog!

Pixel Pattern : Chris +

2008-10-28T14:08:00.004-04:00

This is the pixel version of the chris + design, to view original patterns or to become part of this project visit pattern +

Name : Chris + <----- click to save the design for yourself!
Location : unknown
Occupation : unknown
Colors : green + salmon + white + blue + orange
Favorite Color : orange
Food : edamame
Shape : hexagon
Lines : straight

Pixel Pattern : Tayrn +

2008-10-27T12:08:00.014-04:00

Many people have asked if they would ever get to see the responses that match each design from pattern +, so I am using these pixel patterns as a way to introduce old patterns!

Name : Tayrn + <----- click to save the design for yourself!
Location : Colorado
Occupation : Illustrator / Artist
Colors : celery + turquoise + pink
Favorite Color : celery
Food : Broccoli
Shape : Heart
Lines : Curved

Visit Taryn's Website & Blog!
And of course, you can view Tayrn's original patter and others at the pattern + site. Keep checking back!

Wordle from this blog!

2008-10-22T16:36:00.003-04:00

"Wordle is a toy for generating 'word clouds' from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes." - explanation taken from wordle site

So I decided to take part in this interactive project and here is a sampling taken from this blog 70 most frequently used words. I am pleased to know that I talk about patterns & design most!

Re-design Overhaul

2008-09-25T21:16:00.003-04:00

First blog, then interactive project "pattern +" soon personal website!

A whole summer has gone by, and my mental post-graduation vacation is over! I spent yesterday tweaking the appearance of this blog and the past two days redesigning pattern +, an interactive web project I started back in April. Below are little swatches of the before and after of pattern +. The second version has a faster gallery browsing feature and is more about the design of the patterns.

before:

after:

Finally! I am picking up where I left off.

I am working on displaying the patterns I have already completed (and future patterns to-be) in a small book. My current goal is to have test prints via lulu by late November (we will see how that goes...) I am going to spend more time on this blog featuring different designs I have already completed and share more about the project's total process!

favicon.cc

2008-09-25T11:25:00.006-04:00

Are we seeing a small trend? favicon.cc is by far the most efficient way to test and design a favicon for your website. Even animated ones!

Favicons are one of my favorite website embellishments, and while working on some site updates I came across this site and fell in love with its quick and easy process. It already gives you a transparent background to work with, it saves your most recent color selections AND it allows you to easily animate! Much like the bgMaker (described below) you can watch your favicon being generated as you work (example pictured above).

bgMaker

2008-09-24T19:07:00.006-04:00

Background maker allows you to create a simple web background

All you need to do is design one swatch (seen above), pixel by pixel. You can easily change the dimensions of the square, select web friendly colors and watch your pattern develop as you work. It's been around for a while, but I have been playing with it a lot recently and decided to share. I plan to do more, there is something so nice about small pixel designs.

Xerox Playing Cards

2008-07-15T12:08:00.004-04:00

I have been meaning to take this blog a little more seriously (as in, really writing and updating), so hopefully I am willing to adjust to the change.

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As one of the top sponsors for the Illustration Conference ICON5 Xerox collaborated with four colleges (FIT - Parsons - SVA - MICA) to design an original deck of playing cards. Each school was given a suit and the students could interpret their card using illustration and design (that's mine above!) I also got a chance to be interviewed over the phone, and you can read my response as well as the entire formal press release for the project HERE

new lamps

2008-03-10T21:22:00.004-04:00

Cut paper and hand embroidery (two of three final designs)

promotional idea

2008-03-10T21:11:00.004-04:00

Early self promotion idea

Spring semester left-over brain storming left me with this small promo.
It was more for fun and exploration, than for actual promotion...

business card project

2008-03-10T20:57:00.006-04:00

A little excerpt from a personal project I started last summer.

I took a few boxes of old business cards and did a series of this hand-drawn pattern and taped them into longer strips. They functioned nicely as temporary blinds for my window!

button bundles

2008-03-01T18:03:00.005-05:00

Kid Baltimore

2008-01-18T11:37:00.002-05:00

I currently am working as a design intern for Spur Design. My first project was to design a playful banner for the site Kid Baltimore, a blog devoted to family activities, projects and trips. Feel free the check it out, below is the final design currently in use.

The entire design was built using illustrator, and orange icon is meant to be changed depending on the season.

cut paper lamp shades

2007-12-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Go Bags/ Buttons

2007-11-26T22:17:00.005-05:00

These Bags, along with the shoes, were featured on the MICA ART MARKET website. I'll be selling a few remaining bags as well as new buttons, hand-drawn stickers and a Christmas card I designed. The ART MARKET is a opportunity for MICA students and faculty to sell their work.

hand-painted with love SHOES

2007-11-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

Personal Logo Design Process

2007-10-30T15:15:00.003-04:00

sketches and ideas

Button Designs

2007-08-05T15:30:00.002-04:00

Type Exercise

2007-08-02T12:55:00.002-04:00

Vitamin Packaging

2007-08-02T10:53:00.002-04:00

type book

2007-05-01T17:09:00.001-04:00