http://drawger.com/danorama/ Mon, 11 Sep 2017 16:58:44 EDT FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://drawger.com/_images/drawger_leo_logo.gif http://drawger.com/danorama http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15888
It began with an email query about designing a gift card for Macy’s men’s store. I responded promptly including links to my work. When the answer came back that we were good to go, they included an image of mine that they liked. Thus began my hopeful adventure to create something that would not only receive wide exposure but, also facilitate the admirable practice of gift-giving. I proceeded on the journey by spending a pleasant afternoon on 34th Street in the World’s Largest Department Store going from register to register scoping out the variety of colorful and festive gift cards. Although I was sent the sample of my previous work as inspiration, I dilligently sketched out a variety of other options. It’s nice to have choices and, you never know... Their pick from my b/w roughs, made it clear I should not veer too far from the sample. Since it was a piece that I had always likeed, I proceeded happily to appropriate my own work. Art Director Alexis was a pleasure to work with. She helped me stay in focus and showed the encouragement and trust that allowed me to do my best work. She asked for a few moderate adjustments but, they were minor and made good sense. I can only imagine the torturous meetings from which she shielded me. Illustrators who complain about changes need only attend one meeting with the “powers that be” to be forever grateful for the interference frequently run on their behalf.











]]> Mon, 11 Sep 2017 20:58:38 EDT http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15877 I make letterforms that are as much illustration as they are typography but, sometimes the characters are simply a shape that the illustration sits within. In the longstanding tradition of large letter postcards, here are a couple recent and a few more well-aged examples. Left: A gently flowing river is framed in the letters of a travel decal.

















]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2017 00:51:35 EDT http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15847 Decades ago, I sat in the chilly offices of International Typeface Corporation and, in the glow of a space heater, listened to Director of Typeface Development, Ilene Strizver suggest that I could make fonts. Today, more than a score of years and fonts later, Ilene has honored me with a lovely article about my work and process. Not too shabby from the premiere maven of typography for designers. Learn more about Ilene at The Type Studio. Also, check out the 4th edition of her incredible book Type Rules! The Designer's Guide to Professional Typography.

]]> Sat, 01 Apr 2017 19:01:54 EDT http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15835 During the past few months, I've illustrated a weekly piece for the NY Times Real Estate section. It's a Q and A about the trials of apartment living, with reponses from real estate and legal professionals. I love nothing more than getting a manscript, panicking, and forging through to beat the deadline. Add the challenge of an awkwardly narrow horizontal space, and you get an idea of why I love my job so much. A gracious tip-of-the-hat to the most wonderful Carol Dietz for keeping me on my toes. Oh yeah, and I've been doing my sketches on the iPad Pro in ProCreate. So, check out these sketch videos for blocked window and home office.























]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:45:25 EDT http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15755 "In mythological legend, Chloris, the goddess of Spring flowers transformed the body of a nymph into the first Rose. Aphrodite gave her beauty. Dionysus, the god of wine gave her, a sweet fragrance and the three Graces, charm, joy and radiance. Crowned queen of flowers by Apollo, she is now the jewel of every garden."   From time to time I'm asked where I get the inspiration to design fonts. More often than not, I just complete the alphabet of characters I have created for an assignment. My latest font, Rosa, actually has a very sweet story.    Its genesis is in the elegant graphics and sweet fragrances of the age of Art Deco. Based very loosely on a snippet from an old cold cream label, I developed a suite of packaging for luxury soaps, candles, cologne, balms, powders and hand creams. I became more fond of the 4 letters as time went by and decided to finish the alphabet (and the additional 100 or so glyphs required).











]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:47:53 EDT http://drawger.com/danorama/index.php?section=articles&article_id=15752 I've had the privilege of designing a great line of products for La Société Parisienne de Savons. There are 20 different fragrances, each with a unique design motif including soaps, creams, powders, candles, fragrance diffusers, ceramic soap dishes and, a few more items I'm probably forgetting. Here are the new hand creams. Shown are dies for the boxes which conveniently, also display the tubes themselves. Above each image, you will find a description of the fragrance. The one for Eau de Cologne is quite poetic. Do you think the imagery fits the fragrances?

Carmin Discover the excitement of a scent full of memories. Carmin combines spicy and sweet fragrances of bitter cardamom and sandalwood. Enter the mysterious paths of an Indian garden, and enjoy a unique sensory experience. The master soapmakers of La Société Parisienne de Savons watch carefully to provide you with the highest quality, offering an experience of well-being ever renewed.



Le Sans Rival “Women are born rival each other.” But who has not wanted to be without equal? Unique, unrivaled... Sans-Rival goes beyond the ordinary, taking you to unexplored landscapes of unique oriental scents. The aromatic subtlety of tonka bean affirmed by the crispness of fig wood escapes from the melancholy heart of jasmine and sandalwood, to an earthy depth of sunny brown cedar and musk.



Fleurs de France “Perfumes are the sentiments of flowers.” Behind each flower and its promise of a unique fragrance lies an emotionally charged affirmation . Their mere presence in the air is enough to complete perfect romantic scrolls. French poetry of flowers engages you in a soaring flight of feathery petals. Fleurs de France illuminates the powdery delicacy of violet and jasmine, revealing a spicy heart, luminous combination of clove and heliotrope warmed by the sweet sensuality of white musk and vanilla .



Cadolia A source of most fabulous myths, Cadolia transports you to the shores of Sicily, Land of Beauty. With its cocktail of citrus with soft Mediterranean features, this fragrance is an invitation to travel. Green top notes exalt crystal freshness of orange and grapefruit. Under this cloud of citrus, fruity and delicious subtle orange blossom combines with the radiant delicacy of jasmine, revealed by the playfulness of tangerine. This fruity floral bouquet rests on a shimmering harmony of musk and sandalwood.



Eau de cologne Originating in Cologne, Germany in 1709, the fragrance which reminded its creator of  “an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain” soon became the preferred scent of nearly all the royal houses of Europe. This is the origin of the frangrance that "set the bar" for all that followed.



Cold Cream  The delicate, aromatic scents of Cold Cream will transport you to the fields of the Mediterranean coast. Subtle notes of lavender enhanced with patchouli and rosemary will revitalize your senses. 



Chypre The island of Cyprus is associated in Greek mythology with the cult of Aphrodite. Its waves  conquered the legendary goddess who would never leave. Bask in its soft woodsy and fruity notes and imagine the rising sun revealing the generous curves of the Island of Love. In it’s heart, discover a crystal cloud of bergamot combined with tangerine, revealing also the fragrance of rose warmed by vanilla, its shimmering summer notes seduced by the sensuality of musk and benzoin.



La reine A royal and flamboyant fragrance, offering your an enigmatic and assertive sensuality. Enhanced by a intoxicating bouquet, let yourself be immersed in its regal elegance.



La Violette de Parme Feel the emotion of a floral scent rich in memories, offering you softness and elegance through a subtle blend of violet, rose and jasmine. Enhanced by its powdered effect, let yourself be captivated by its character and refinement.



Maya Maya captures the mysteries of the Far East and takes us on a journey to lands of wonderful and precious essences. A fresh woody fragrance blending intrigue and timeless desire..



Savonia Be transported by the exquisite wedding of the deliciously fruity and gourmet floral and fresh notes of Savonia. It’s the audacity of a whirlwind with surprising freshness and a refined sensuality. 



Gréco Déco Greco Deco offers an idyllic trip along the shores of the Peloponnese with its fresh and woodsy scents. The ingenious marriage of iris and patchouli invites you on an unpredicatble and sensual journey. 



L’Origan Oregano known for its magical aura as both a love potion and protection from evil, derives its reputation from its supposed creation by Aphrodite, goddess of love. A few leaves in the meal of the chosen and his heart would be yours forever. Be transported to the sunny fields of Provence where the delicate fragrances will immerse you in a dream of fulfillment. 



Thridace A gourmet composition that arouses your senses, awakening the sweet distant memories of childhood. Its enchanting fragrance will take you on an extraordinary aromatic journey. 



Glycéryl Let yourself be carried away by the warm and reassuring opulence of Glycéril. Enriched with moisturizing cream, it will give you a sensation of incomparable sweetness.



Bouquet Velours “The bouquets of summer or fall rarely shine with the newness of spring flowers, but the memory of a beautiful bouquet stays forever.” Experience of the complex facets of Bouquet Velours, and make this moment unforgettable. Feel the exotic delicacy of passion fruit enlivened by a harmony of green leaves. Be moved by the romantic heart of rose and lily of the valley, quickly overtaken by the pleasure of vanilla and musk.



Marjolis The combination of sensual jasmine and ylang-ylang will take you back time to a moment in a lush tropical garden. Its unique formulation will leave you with an unequaled feeling of softness.



Rosa In mythological legend, Chloris, the goddess of Spring flowers transformed the body of a nymph into the first Rose. Aphrodite gave her beauty. Dionysus, the god of wine gave her, a sweet fragrance and the three Graces, charm, joy and radiance. Crowned queen of flowers by Apollo, she is now the jewel of every garden. Take a moment of tenderness beneath the caresses of Rosa’s downy petals and let yourself be intoxicated by the sensual scents of Rose, Iris adorned with the sensuality of White Musk.



Magnolia “O whiteness of all the whiteness, immaculate flower, resplendent love, reconciling me with beauty” In his Ode to Magnolia, Pablo Neruda, inspired by its delicacy and elegance, makes it a symbol of purity. It’s beautiful, ephemeral, comes in the season of love and does not see autumn. Let your senses be touched by the poetry of Magnolia. The soaring, sparkling cherry blossoms mixed with the power of cassis reveal  the romantic heart of rose and jasmine with the shimmer of musk and orchid.



Bouton d’Or “Grandmothers, are like the mimosa: it's soft and it's fresh, but fragile.” With this famous sentence, Marcel Pagnol revives tender childhood memories and feelings associated with the buds of this flower: sensitivity, secret love, and security. Its floral and orange scent awakens a fragrance of Mediterranean accent. The fresh and delicate perfume of the mimosa is enhanced by a sparkle of cyclamen. It is a light and intense fragrance of contrasts, a floral duo awakened by the subtle blend of violet and orange blossom and wrapped in warm swirls of vanilla and heliotrope.



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