I spent part of the week in Reno and I’m so glad that I did! Previously, I’d only been to Reno for layovers on my way to Vegas but after staying there for four days and soaking up more of the atmosphere, I love it! We stayed at the Peppermill which is the coolest hotel that I’ve ever been to; the casino looks like it’s a disco out of 2050. It is completely surreal and disorienting since almost all of the surfaces are mirrored or covered in neon lights. And, the room I stayed in was fit for Liberace. Gilted surfaces, mirrors, metallic curtains, stacks of pillows on the bed…I’ve never seen anything like it.

I was in was in town for my grandpa & grandma’s 60th wedding anniversary and by the end of the trip, I’d mastered video poker! We also visited Virginia City, which is a super steep drive up a mountainside but totally worth it. It’s an authentic mining town frozen in the 1800s complete with saloons that still have massive chandeliers dripping in crystals. The typography on the vintage signs was cool as well.

I spent some time in downtown Reno at a dive casino watching an Elvis impersonator, ate tons of fried food and spent my nights going to bed while my grandma & grandpa stayed up gambling!

I never knew how awesome Reno was. Most of my dad’s side of the family has gotten married there over the years and now I can see why. It’s more charming and inviting than the over-glammed alternative of Vegas.

Glitzed out to the max! How was your week?

Credits: photographed by Willy Vanderperre / Styling by Olivier Rizzo / Model is Iris Strubegger

• I absolutely love Gotham Chopra’s article Writing Songs With My Good Friend Mike where he recalls their decades of friendship with many funny moments including this: “He’d visit our house in Massachusetts where he’d sleep in the guest room. My mom got a great kick out of the fact that every morning Michael stayed, he’d try to make the bed (very badly) and offer to cook breakfast (very badly).”

• Lisa Marie Presley writes candidly about her time with Michael Jackson and his unsettling prediction about how his life would end.

• Betesy Johnson talks about her upcoming retirement.

• More brands than ever are fighting against counterfeit versions of their products because not only are they becoming better made and fetching higher prices, they’re also cutting into profit margins.

• The bar code turns 35.

• When I’m visiting New York, you can bet that Gala and I will stop by Coney Island just to take a spin on this ride from Neverland Ranch. Soooo awesome! (thanks, bianca)

• Believe it or not, there are certain high-skilled workers that are insulated from the recession.

• Freelance Switch has some great advice on how to survive any economic downturn.

• I really hope Pepsi sees this Michael Jackson tribute design and puts it into production. It’s a simple and classy way to commemorate him.

• Ahhh, Jane of Sea of Shoes has totally outdone herself again with more stunning photos from Tokyo. My favorite post of the week documented her hilarious adventures with a toy cat named Nao. For real.

• 6 steps to get your company to pay you to blog.

P.S. My posting is still a bit slow due to moving but things are coming together amazingly well and I can’t wait to show you my finished office (hint: I’ve organized my shoes on a bookcase by color!) next Friday. There are so many good things in the works including cool freelance projects so stay tuned!

How does someone that sells out 50 upcoming concerts in an matter of minutes, who is still very much on the pulse of what’s current in fashion ( rocking THE Balmain jacket just a few weeks ago) and who is prepping for a massive comeback suddenly die? When someone on the level of Michael Jackson dies, it feels like a cruel joke. To many, Michael Jackson appeared larger than life and completely untouchable. To me, he seemed vulnerable and sensitive, someone I could see myself befriending. He had eternal Peter Pan syndrome and never seemed 50 years old, let alone 40 or 30.

Michael had a gift of injecting optimism into even the most mundane situations. During my early college years, I worked at a shoe store at the mall. Late at night, my manager and I would blast Thriller. We were next door to Zumiez and they would do the same. And then, I’d walk down to the ice skating rink and the deejay would also be playing Michael Jackson. It put a smile on everyone’s faces and best of all, made them want to dance.

I took a tai chi class for gym credits in college. I couldn’t remember the moves so I would pretend to do the moonwalk instead and the teacher would shoot me dirty looks. I secretly imagined that if Michael was there, he’d be cracking up at the absurdity of it all. He had that childlike sense of humor that’s best represented in this home video.

As weird as this sounds, I sort of felt like the female version of Michael Jackson. Looks-wise, I identified with him in his later years, being a Virgo with black hair and pale skin. Certain outfits I wore would evoke a near-immediate response of “you look like Michael Jackson.” It always made me smile when people would say that; his style was my absolute favorite. I loved the sequins, military embellishments, the skinny black pants. Though I wasn’t into everything he did stylistically including the surgical masks and frequent outings in pajamas, I didn’t judge him for it. Nobody has walked in his shoes. They haven’t lived his life. It’s not fair to judge someone unless you’ve lived through the same exact experiences that they have.

When Michael Jackson was accused of child molestation, I remember Elizabeth Taylor telling all the naysayers to “go eat crow.” She always stuck up for him. I remember seeing Liz in a tabloid years ago with a huge smile on her face. She was wearing a gold monkey necklace encrusted with diamonds that Michael had just bought her for an estimated $100,000.00. It definitely wasn’t her normal style but she was beaming with pride.

My middle name is Marie and I used to always joke with Lee that I would one day be plastered across the tabloids as “The new Lisa Marie.” And, he’d give me a look, knowing that nothing got between me and my love for Michael.

To be honest, I haven’t been that upset because it doesn’t seem real that he’s gone. I’ve been walking through dark casinos for days, avoiding the news reports flashing across the big screen TVs. I always believed in him, even when things got bad and had such high hopes for his comeback. Though life has to go on, the world won’t be the same without him.

My friends have been texting and emailing me constantly, sending their condolences. It’s been really awesome to realize that people know how much I adored him. My favorite text thus far has been “I know you are probably holding a candlelight vigil with your Michael Jackson jacket on. I’m so sorry for your loss.” It’s not just my loss though…it is everyones’ loss, whether they realize it or not. It’s not every day that an original, off-the-charts talented, ground breaking, eccentric visionary comes along. And now that the man Gala and I dubbed our favorite Virgo is gone, it truly is the end of an era. Thanks for listening.

I am very saddened by the death of MJ. A commenter on my blog said “I am in utter disbelief that this is happening. It doesn’t even seem real, but more surreal and not true. I am hoping it’s some promo stunt to promote some secret new album but realistically, he’s gone.” That’s exactly how I’m feeling. I’ll have more to say on Monday. Until then, here’s The Week in Pictures.

…

This week has definitely kept me on my toes. I spent the first half putting in 12 hour days moving and painting and the second half going to meetings, designing more blogs and catching up on client work. And now, I am sitting in Reno!

New Office. The first room in the house that I’ve been working on is my office. It’s the one area that I need to be completely functional by July 1st so I can carry on with business! I did the walls all matte white and there’s a thin strip of black trim along the upper half that I’ll photograph soon. The room is very empty at the moment, but the second I am able to lug in the rest of the furniture up the stairs, you’ll get a tour of the outcome!

Albina Press. One of my favorite places to have meetings is at is Albina Press and surely, you can see why. Isn’t this the most beautiful cup of hot cocoa that you’ve ever seen?! I was in awe watching them painstakingly craft this masterpiece on Wednesday.

Black Walls. I’m completely consumed with finishing the bedroom for Lee & I which is going to be matte black with white trim. Auntie Nubs spent an entire day helping me get the first two coats finished and soon we’ll be moving onto the all white trim. I’ve never had a black room before, but this was all the inspiration that I needed.

Friendly Skies. I found out about MJ passing right as I was finishing up packing for Reno. I didn’t have time to grasp that he was really, truly gone. Being on the plane up in the clouds gave me a chance to think about him. How can someone that always seemed so much bigger than life die so suddenly?

Hello, Reno. This is my reality for the next four days. It feels good to get away. I am here for my Grandma & Grandpa’s 60th wedding anniversary!!! Pretty amazing, huh? I love them to death. They don’t age. Both are 80+ years old, neither use a walker and they have more energy than us! I’ll take the secret elixir that they must be drinking and bottle it for us mere mortals.

I apologize for the lack of updates this week. It’s bound to be a bit quiet around here next week as well while I continue traveling and then finish my move. Thanks for understanding.

How was your week?

• Thanks to M.I.S.S. for interviewing me for their Women Making History series! Included is a handwritten survey that I filled out and an amazingly crafted introduction that the girls came up with.

• In New York Treaures, Gala Darling lists a few of her newest favorite places to frequent.

• According to the NY Times, male models also have to diet.

• I rarely drink coffee, but this packaging for Rewind Coffee is making me reconsider.

• Doe Deere shares her experiences on running her own makeup business.

• Freelance Switch wants to teach you how to find your perfect client!

• A Typical Atypical tries to figure out why we’re so obsessed with shoes.

• Texture Lovers is a new site that is filled with free textures, inspiration and tutorials.

• Jane from Sea of Shoes has been kindly sharing her snapshots of street style, visits to hair salons and more during her extended stay in Tokyo. Pretty amazing stuff!

• Coach is designing a new line of luxury purses and accessories called Poppy with the recession in mind. Personally, I’m not a fan of Coach but what do you think?

What are your favorite links of the week?

I have a small collection of old paper sample books and the Mohawk line of Via paper is by far my favorite with its retro pop stylings.

You can view all of The Typofiles scans on Flickr here.

Keys. On Monday, I finally got the keys to the house that my brother and I just bought! Okay, so the key hanging from the knob is actually from Star but you get the point. The house is in S.E. Portland and is from the 1920s with a Bavarian vibe. We’ve been painting nonstop and I can’t wait to show you the results! By early next week, I’ll have an all black bedroom and an all white office.

Favorite Room. My favorite room in the house is this little area off the kitchen that has a mirrored wall (!!!) and a vintage chandelier.

Tribute. I’m still loving my The Sidewalk Never Ends tee from Tribute. So much so that I have a white version also.

Packing. I’ve been carefully packing my stash of Chloe and Dries shoes in their cute little dust bags. I leave all the moving of the heavy furniture and un-fun stuff to Lee and the boys. Heehee.

New Jeans. I never thought I’d say this, but I finally caved and bought a pair of high waisted jeans. I normally stick with the lowest of the low rises, but this 40s era blouse from Monster Vintage wouldn’t allow for anything else. I love the rows of tiny brass buttons and the exaggerated back. It’s one of those perfect pieces of clothing that can never be duplicated. It made sense to pair the blouse with my 40s style Miu Miu heels.

How was your week?

Art by Stina Persson

• I really like the limited edition retro packaging of Ritz and Oreo products that will be featured in Target locations this summer. What do you think?

• Could you wear the same style of dress for an entire year? The Uniform Project is one girl’s exercise in sustainability. She has seven identical dresses, one for each day of the week and takes photos of how she styles them (thanks kirsten).

• Motel America: A collection of vintage motel signs.

• The Fallen Princesses Project shows us what would happen if the characters from Disney fairy tales didn’t end up living happily ever after (via swiss miss).

• The Alexander Girard Collection for Urban Outfitters has a lot of well designed household items and textiles but my favorite is the heart pillow.

• Plastic Flashback: A visual history of the credit card.

• SHOELUST is a blog all about….shoes. Really really good shoes.

• Escape From Cubicle Nation has penned an open letter to recent college graduates.

• In his new book, Alain de Botton wonders why are you working so hard?

• Book Covers Anonymous is worth a look for great type and image inspiration.

What are your favorite links of the week?

I want to say thank you to the crew at Forever 21 for being so open minded and an absolute dream to work with. I’d estimate that about half of my wardrobe is comprised of items from their stores and it’s been an amazing experience working with a company whose products I regularly purchase. What are you waiting for? Visit The Skinny and show F21 some love!

I have always wanted to be a graphic designer and everyone tells me that I would be good at it but I live in a smallish town and wouldn’t know where to get started. Any advice?

If you’re passionate about design and are determined to be a graphic designer, you’ll find a way to carve out a path and to make it happen. There’s always a way to overcome the obstacles that you may have; sometimes it just takes a little bit of planning coupled with a creative strategy.

If you live in a small town, you might have to work harder to find the resources, but I can assure you that they are there if you’re willing to dig. I was once in the same position as you. I grew up in the suburbs outside of Portland and my high school was surrounded by farms and nurseries. Inside, the sixties-era library was literally frozen in time. I was lucky because we had a great art program but beyond that, in 1999 graphic design wasn’t nearly as digitized as it is today. The graphic design class (which is ironically the only art class I never took) was still using rub-on letters for layouts and little time was spent on the two Macs in the back of the classroom.

I didn’t have any mentors and the only bits of design-related knowledge I could find were hidden in dusty library books. I had to dig to find these small glimmers of design, but once I did, they inspired new visions of what was possible outside of my small town.

If you plan on attending school for design, keep your options open. Design is very subjective and the programs vary widely. It’s possible to go to school for two, four and even six years on the subject and your needs and goals will help you determine what is right for you.

After some research, I chose a two year, limited-entry program at a local community college. Though big schools are great and can offer you a totally different experience, I chose this option because it met my specific needs in a number of areas:

The expense. Community college is so much more affordable. My brother went to the premier art school in Portland and my entire two years of schooling cost less than half of one year of his.

Previous experience. I didn’t want (or need) another four year degree. I already had a degree in business and didn’t find it necessary to have two. I was determined to get the skills that I needed in the least amount of time possible and in my experience so far, most design jobs judge you on the quality of your portfolio anyway.

Scheduling. What I like about community colleges is that they’re set up for the real world. I had to work full time during my schooling and the university schedules that I looked at weren’t geared for that mentality.

Small class size. The program I attended had less than 25 students. We spent both years together and developed really strong bonds while receiving a lot of one-on-one attention that I don’t think would be as easy to gain in a larger program.

A community college turned out to be the right decision for me but your needs might warrant a different option. To find a school that is right for you, make a list of your top choices. It’s okay to dream big since this is still the research stage. Think about how much debt you’re realistically willing to incur, if you’re okay with relocation, if you’re going to need a schedule that is flexible for working and if the curriculum of the program fits your focus (print, web design, video, etc.)

Once you’ve developed a list of desirable schools, visit their websites and request program information. If it interests you, set up a meeting with an advisor or the head of the program. I strongly feel that this initial interaction will give you valuable insight if the school is right for you.

To avoid wasting time and money on a program that might not be a good fit, ask yourself some key questions. Are you being treated respectfully by the school’s staff? Are they open and willing to answer your questions? Are there examples of student work from the program that you can view? Do you feel comfortable with the time commitment that the program requires?

One fateful day in 2006, I met with the head of a design program at a well-known university and was scolded for showing up early(!) and told that many of my credits wouldn’t fully transfer, even though they were for very basic courses. It was obvious by his demeanor that he felt that he had better things to do with his time than to meet with a potential student. I left feeling that I wouldn’t be comfortable handing over a huge sum of money to spend up to four years in this guy’s presence and immediately contacted the head of the community college program that I later attended. The interaction was the exact opposite; informative, warm and encouraging. I was so impressed with the conversation that I immediately applied.

Once you’ve been accepted into a school, there are some key things that you can do to prepare yourself before the first day arrives.

Subscribe to some design blogs. Design is becoming more democratic every day thanks to blogs. Some of my personal favorites include Design Observer, the archives of Speak Up, Brand New, Swiss Miss, I Love Typography and Grain Edit.

Budget for a few key design books. The assortment of books that you choose will depend on your focus but some of the titles that I have found to be the most valuable include The Elements of Typographic Style, Helvetica: Homage to a Typeface and Graphic Idea Notebook: A Treasury of Solutions to Visual Problems. When crunch time for a school or work project hits, it’s always nice to have your own trusted little library of design books tucked away!

Subscribe to Lynda.com or try new tutorials. Lynda.com is an affordable online library of thousands of video tutorials that can assist you with keeping your skills current. I’ve subscribed in the past and have had fantastic results.

Online tutorials are a dime a dozen and it’s going to be a process of trial and error to find the really good ones. If you have the time though, it’s worth the search to pick up new skills for free.

If your dreams of school are still in the distant future, it’s never too early to get started on your career path. To learn more about design and to decide if it’s right for you, find a mentor or a club. Part of the reason it took me so long to finally go to school for design is that I didn’t have anyone to look up to or to encourage me to do so. If I’d had a mentor, I feel that I would have been on the path much earlier. If you have an art teacher, friend or maybe a contact at a local agency that can answer your questions and help you navigate the profession, it will make a world of difference. If that’s not an option, make AIGA your new best friend. It has an overwhelming amount of useful information related to design and is constantly being updated with fresh content.

With a little bit of research, a dash of talent and a lot of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to a hugely rewarding career in design.

I found this page in this month’s Marie Claire and I like the simple and effective combination of the cross on the fence paired with the chunky type. You can view all of The Typofiles scans on Flickr here.

As I’ve been doing a major office cleaning, I discovered that I have a small crate of Bodoni shirts in both black and white left. And, the less I have to move, the better! So, this week I will be running a special with all Bodoni shirts marked down from $22.00 to $16.00. SHOP HERE!

Mouse ears, Disneyland
Glasses, Oscar + Fitch
Zipper dress and tee, H&M
Leggings and bow belt, Forever 21
Helvetica necklace, Star
Wedges, Michael Kors
Bag, Miu Miu

Packing Up. My office is looking more empty by the day. I’ve been slowly but surely packing it up because I am moving very, very soon! My brother, Lee and I will soon all be under one roof. I’ve lived with all guys for the last 15 years so I think I can handle it!

Those Glasses. They’re just so good. Basic, solid and stylish. Oscar + Fitch really delivered!

Shoes. I never realized how many light colored shoes I own. Grays, whites and silvers are a great way to lighten up for summer.

To Do. It’s the obsessive Virgo in me that makes a to-do list every day and crosses off each task as it gets finished. It’s the only way I can keep track of what to blog and where to be at any given time.

Inspiring Meetings. Earlier today I had a meeting at Stumptown (on Belmont) about the possibility of doing my own workshop around the topics of marketing yourself as a designer and the role of blogging & social networking in a designer’s life. I’ve been wanting to do this for so long and now that the opportunity is presenting itself, I’m so excited!

How was your week?

Perhaps the cutest tattoos ever.

• A vintage collection of Coke cans with pop-inspired designs. Why oh why don’t they still look like this?!

• As a freelancer, you often have to figure out what a client’s feedback really means and Five Common Client Phrases Decoded can be a tremendous help.

• The 3/50 Project: Pick three local businesses that you’d hate to see close and spend $50.00 at each.

• The Old Coupons Set on Flickr is a trip down memory lane!

• Dieter Rams’ 80s-era a list of Good Design in 10 Commandments still holds true.

• A look back at some of the classic covers of THE FACE magazine.

• How to make the web work for your business in 5 steps.

• I adore these Lolita-esque photos.

• Alphabet Keychains…I’ll take one of each, please.

• Find out who’s responsible for the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history.

• Checking out the Guardian’s Changing Face of Everyday Design chart is an absolute must. It covers everything from changes in telephone designs to The Queen’s hat choices!

What are your favorite links of the week?

Media kits are are often used by magazines and other similar businesses because they contain the information that’s necessary for advertisers and sponsors including a quick introduction to the company, stats, frequently asked questions, ad rates and more.

It’s not very common for an individual to make a media kit, but I decided to do so as a marketing experiment. I wanted to create a media kit to give prospective clients and advertisers some insight into what Nubbytwiglet.com is and to explain the ways that they can benefit from my services.

As a designer, you are in charge of not only design-related tasks but also marketing yourself. How are you going to convince potential clients that you are up for the challenge and can assist them with their needs?

I’ve met many amazing designers with work that was totally mind-blowing. But more times than I can remember when I’ve asked those same designers where I could get more information about their work and if they had a website, I’d be met with a vacant look. The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter how brilliant your work is, how great your client list is or how polished your portfolio is if people don’t know how to find you!

As a designer that mainly works with clients remotely via email and phone contact, it is important to build a personal connection, to show them that there is a face and soul behind the facade of a website. By providing them with details about your background including a client list and a brief overview of your history as a designer, you’re giving them that human link that reaches beyond the cold confines of a digital existence.

Though my media kit is still a work in progress, here are some of the things that I’ve decided to include:

Introduction
Blog-related information including stats
Advertising rates
Design services, client list and FAQ
A few examples of my designs
Contact information

Though a media kit isn’t for everyone and a resumé along with a peek at your portfolio will usually suffice, sometimes it’s fun to step outside of the box and to experiment with different formats. It’s exciting to develop new ideas of reaching out to potential clients. It’s okay to be bold, bright and original. Show the world that you’re willing to take a unique approach as a designer.

The U.S. edition of Elle never disappoints. Their art direction is probably the best that I’ve ever seen in a mainstream fashion magazine and this month’s Megan Fox spread was perfectly executed. The opening page with the stark and repetitive type treatment is downright amazing.

As always, you can view all of The Typofiles scans on Flickr here.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Amy, a stylist at Oscar + Fitch, a hip & fashionable eyeglasses boutique in Edinburgh, Scotland. She wanted to know if I would like to try a pair of their glasses and I excitedly agreed.

Though I have perfect vision, I enjoy wearing non-prescription glasses for some added style. After discussing options with Amy, I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want the frames I chose to be too normal in style; I wanted something a bit funkier so that it didn’t look like I was wearing reading glasses around town!

This girl knows what she’s doing. After viewing a few of my photos, she recommended a style (mod 2087) that turned out to fit my face perfectly upon arrival. I’ve always liked the geek chic frames, but on my small features, they sometimes look like big old safety glasses!

The style I chose comes in multiple colors, but I stuck with a very basic scheme which is black on the front and tortoise shell on the sides (you can see close-ups of them here and here). It goes without saying that the craftsmanship is amazing. After having so many pairs of cheap chain store glasses, I immediately could tell the difference in the quality of the frames, the smoothness of the heavy duty hinges and overall fit.

Sometimes when a company offers you a trial of their products, the results are less than extraordinary (over the years, there have been a lot of items that I’ve refused to review based on lackluster quality and service). In this case, I can 100% back not only the quality, style and selection of Oscar + Fitch, but also their impeccable customer service. Amy and I did all of our correspondence through email with frame numbers flying back and forth and I got exactly what I’d hoped for. I almost forgot to mention…not only did I get the glasses that I’d originally requested but also another unexpected surprise; a custom pair of super mod sunglasses which I will be sharing with you soon!

Oh and dear readers, conveniently enough, Oscar + Fitch is running a special this month over at eye heart glasses so that you can get your very own O+F frames at a reduced price!

P.S. The 40s-era blouse that I’m wearing in the above photos was a gift from online vintage mecca and client Monster Vintage. I love it so much!

I’ve worn all of these pieces a ton of times on their own but somehow never together. I figured that it was time to put my own twist on the infamous Balmain look.

Vest, Target Go International
Tank top, Forever 21
Jeans, Kill City
Headband, belt and bracelet, Forever 21
Heels, Diana Broussard
Bag, Miu Miu

More photobooths! This week, I met my friend & fellow designer Pam at a bar in my neighborhood and discovered that they had a photobooth in back. Excitement! These things are so hard to come by…

Gnome sweet home. My brother thrifts some strange things. He showed up at my house a few days back with two 80s–era freaky gnomes with chipped eyes. Cute or not so cute?

Red phone booths. While on an epic walk through super cute Portland neighborhoods a few nights back, I discovered this phone booth near 39th & Holgate. They’re so increasingly rare that I wonder if the only use they get is from the occasional collect call.

No more Missbehave. I can’t believe that Missbehave is officially done. Sadness! They had recently interviewed me and I’d grown to be a huge fan of the mag (and their amazing choices in typography). You can still keep up with Samantha, the founder of Missbehave over at her other blog, The Hipster Mom.

What’s Nubby? The 2009 media kit project continues! It’s still a huge work in progress but also so much fun to do something self-initiated. I’m still working out the details including the overall visual direction, but it’s slowly coming together.


Small update: I’ve been taking less photos lately because I’ve been preoccupied with a roster of new clients including an adorable PR company in Australia, Portland’s own Monster Vintage (they just gave me the most amazing 40’s era blouse that I can’t wait to share!) and Coilhouse Magazine. The Coilhouse girls have been so awesome to work with and we just completed an advertising solution for small businesses which you should definitely check out. Though this format has been done before online, taking it to print is such a great idea. Thank you all very much for your support of Nubbytwiglet.com!

How was your week?

• Best rollerskates ever. No explanation needed.

• On what would have been her 83rd birthday, LIFE Magazine has just released 18 never-before published photos of Marilyn Monroe. (via fashionista)

• A collection of really cool contemporary signs in San Francisco.

• On the Street and On Facebook details how the homeless are staying connected to the internet, even through stays in shelters and underneath bridges.

• The art of Penguin science fiction covers is full of clean & classic design at its best.

• Wallpaper from the 70s has the best patterns that I’ve ever seen. So many damask prints and colorful shapes make it impossible to pick a favorite!

• 21 blogging mistakes made by new bloggers over at Problogger.

• Warmer, Fuzzier: The Refreshed Logo details how massive corporations are softening up their logos to seem more friendly and approchable. All caps is a thing of the past! (thanks, danielle)

What are your favorite links of the week?

Last week, I posted One Year Out of Design School: 10 Valuable Lessons. This week I am following up with a list of indispensable insight that I’ve gathered over the last few years from a combination of sources including clients, designers, school, agencies and freelance work.

If a client immediately loves everything that you’ve done, there’s still room for improvement. It does occasionally happen and it’s the best feeling in the world when you recieve positive affirmations based on something that you created. Though it is a huge ego boost, you’re not perfect. Get feedback from a few peers and then take it a step further.

If you work for yourself, find a surrogate art director. It’s awesome working at an agency because you usually have an art director at your disposal that can provide immediate feedback. But if you work at home and are left to your own devices, the outcome can be dangerous! Find someone that you can trust to give you brutally honest feedback. I am blessed that my boyfriend and my brother are both designers so I try to have them review my work before I send it out. Nine times out of ten, they have a suggestion that takes the piece from good to great.

Don’t take negative feedback too personally. If a client isn’t excited about what you’re presenting, ask for some honest, constructive feedback and build off of it. Clear up any misunderstandings, but don’t get defensive. After all, if they’re paying you, they’re entitled to an opinion. Stand your ground if you think that something’s not right but also listen.Take some time to process the information and then present a revision. If you’ve given it your best shot and are confident with the output but they still don’t like it, at least you have some peace of mind knowing that you did your personal best.

Winning new work is hard work. I’ve been incredibly lucky (my biggest clients including Forever 21 and Virgin contacted me directly) but this is not always the case. There will be times when you have to pitch against a handful of other designers and convince the client that you’re the best option. It may be tedious and lacking in compensation, but if you win the work, you’ll know that you’ve got something that the client wants. You’re officially the teacher’s pet for a fleeting moment!

Clean and simple does not equal boring. When I was first starting out, I felt that I needed to prove that I could design. This meant adding in extra flourishes, brushes and layers of things that, looking back, were totally unnecessary. As you get more comfortable with your style and receive more training through school, internships and jobs you’ll realize that there’s no need to shout from the mountaintops, “Look what I did!” The work will speak for itself.

Design that looks effortless is usually an illusion. You see something that looks so simple and think, “I could do that!” Then you get started and realize that it isn’t so easy. It takes some serious skills to get that effortless look! The colors, the kerning, the negative space and the type choices all contribute to the outcome.

Accept the fact that not everyone will like your work. Design is subjective and so are people’s opinions. I’ve had times where on the very same day, one viewer of my portfolio offered me work on the spot while another had a laundry list of changes that I should make. As long as you’re content with your output, that’s all that matters at the end of the day. Remember that if you’re making everyone happy, then you’re doing something wrong.

Everything should have a purpose. More, more, more isn’t always better. Don’t add more elements just because. By adding, ask yourself what you’re you taking away.

Learn from those that came before you. Technology has dramatically changed the landscape of graphic design and the ‘old schoolers’ have so much to teach us! I’ve never had to use french curves or rub-on letters by choice. By watching established designers from previous generations use unique their skill sets and tools, it opens us up to a new way of thinking.

If you want to break the rules, you need to learn them first. This advice from a fellow designer is what made me decide to go to school for design in the first place.

Do you have a list of items from past seasons that are no longer available but still haunt you? I know I do. Here are a few standout pieces that still occasionally cross my mind and that I hope to own someday.

House Industries consistently puts out some of the best type catalogs and this one from 2008 is no exception. It’s super retro cool with with an overabundance of neon pink and orange layering the pages. Did I mention that House Industries will send you its latest catalog for free?!

View all of The Typofiles scans on Flickr here.

I just got this thin cotton scarf that’s covered with cool geometric patterns at Forever 21 this weekend and am totally obsessed. Accessorizing with it makes all of my old clothes feel new again! Get yours here.

Scarf, Forever 21
Dress, H&M
Lace-up heels, Jeffrey Campbell
Watch, Nixon
Bag, Miu Miu

1. 10 logo design tips from the field is timeless advice.

2. If you’re looking for a laugh, visit the Cynical-C Blog for delights such as Question of the Day: What Would Your Last Meal Be?, the very important Goths in Hot Weather and Amazon one star reviews of classic movies, music and literature.

3. Learn how to prepare and talk about your portfolio.

4. According to the LA Times, designer jeans are recession-proof.

5. Portland’s very own Draplin of DDC just cataloged his entire body of work since 1993 onto one poster. I am in awe.

6. Thank you to dirtyflaws for locating my dream wardrobe.

7. Proof that you really are what you eat (thanks bianca).

8. The recesssion hits rap: Rappers are finding it difficult to afford new bling and some are resorting to (gasp!) cubic zirconia-encrusted jewelry or renting it instead.

9. Wolff Olins delivers with the amazing Living Proof No Frizz line of packaging. I love the containers, the type and the colors.

What are your favorite links of the week?

I graduated with my graphic design degree last June and since it’s been almost one year, I thought I’d share the 10 most valuable lessons that I’ve learned so far.

In the beginning, it’s okay to take on low paying jobs. During school, I did a ton of freelance. I took on nearly every job that was offered to me including work from Virgin Records and followed that up with some small logo comissions. If you feel that there’s some valuable portfolio pieces and knowledge to be gained from a lower paying job, by all means take it. I wouldn’t recommend working for free though. Your schooling and talent should be worth at least some compensation!

The connections that you make early in your career will take you far. I still keep in touch with former classmates, teachers and even people who’ve reviewed my portfolio. Every person that you meet in the design industry knows someone else and you never know when an opportunity will arise.

Never feel like you’re too good to take on smaller jobs. There’s always something to be gained, even in the most minute task. Even if you’ve had a high powered job and end up at another employer later on in an entry-level position, use that time to demonstrate your work ethic. Set up some time to bring your portfolio by the art director’s / owner’s desk after you’ve been there awhile to show them what you’re really made of. Perseverance pays off.

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you can’t figure out how to perform a design task or how to work the printer, it’s always better to ask for help than to screw up. Most designers were in your shoes once and they are usually more than willing to give you a hand.

Work on something design-related every day. Whether you have a design job or not, make the time and put in the effort. I wake up before 7 a.m. every day and read design blogs, work with type, do freelance and blog. It keeps me fresh and up on current happenings.

Do design because you can’t imagine doing anything else. Don’t do it for the money.

Turn negatives into positives. If you can’t find a design-related job right away, do the research and start your own business. If you get terrible feedback on a project, redo it and prove the nay-sayers wrong. You are in control of your output. Make it the absolute best that you can.

Don’t burn your bridges. If you have a bad experience with a client or a job, never share it publicly. Everyone gets burned during their careers but it always pays to take the high road. The design community is way smaller than you think. Get the negativity out of your system privately with someone you trust and move on.

Unpaid internships can be valuable. If you get an amazing internship opportunity but it’s unpaid, consider the trade-off. Is the experience that you gain worth your time? Can you afford it? In the case of my internship, I was also working full-time and living on my own, so I was upfront about my situation. In this economy, it’s going to be much harder to find paid internships, but it never hurts to ask if monetary compensation is available.

There’s no way that you can possibly know everything right out of school. You’ll make mistakes. Sometimes, they’ll be big ones. You’ll get embarrassed. It’s okay. Apologize, learn from them and move on. It’s not the end of the world.

Jacket, Urban Outfitters
Burnout tank, Forever 21
Linen shorts, Forever 21
Socks, gift
Studded belt, Forever 21
Customized wedges, Chloe
Bag, Miu Miu

Here’s another scan of one of my favorite pages from my Typography Notebook. View The Typofiles set on Flickr here.

Suspender skirt, Insight
Shirt, Target
Key necklace, Star
Leggings, Forever 21
Wedges, Dries Van Noten
Watch, Nixon

How was your week?

One of the self-initiated projects that I’m currently working on is a PDF document that’s an introduction to my brand, blog and design services that I’ll be sending to potential clients and advertisers. My personal style is usually pretty minimal so it’s fun to push the boundaries sometimes! I wanted to skip the typical About page and to instead create a graphic that represents who I am with a handful of stats, quotes and a photo all set inside of my favorite shape. If you look closely, I made sure to sneak in my shoe size, birthday and a list of my favorite things!

Key: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

I was recently checking out the amazing selection of shoes on the Browns Fashion website and thought I’d share a few of my current favorites.

Other sites with really great shoe selections include Shopbop, Yoox, Halo Shoes, Net-a-Porter, eLuxury and Gimme Shoes.

Are there any shoes that you’re currently lusting after? Show me!

This is a scan from my Typography Notebook which features collages of found type images. View The Typofiles set on Flickr here.

Key: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

According to Wikipedia, “A corporate identity comes into being when there is a common ownership of an organizational philosophy that is manifest in a distinct corporate culture. At its most profound, the public feel that they have ownership of the philosophy. In general, this amounts to a corporate title, logo and supporting devices commonly assembled within a set of guidelines.”

Today, I am breaking my 2009 Corporate Identity down to the core elements to demonstrate how the visual language is used to reach across multiple platforms including my blog, stationery and 2009 portfolio.

When building a corporate identity, keep it simple, memorable and make sure that it projects an image that’s in line with your values. Though the colors and typefaces throughout my identity are consistent, the outcomes don’t need to be boring. To create visual interest, consider using varying scales of type and reversing out color schemes.

Give some consideration to the colors that will best represent your brand. For me, black and white were necessities because of my love of classic & stark graphic design and along the way, I picked a combination of three grays as accent colors.

If you need some help deciphering what the meanings are behind various colors, Color Wheel Pro and and Color Meanings can provide insight.

Sum up your brand in a logo. The logo should be simple, unique, legible, easy to read no matter the size and reversible, all while standing for your vision. Wikipedia has a fantastic page of information dedicated to logos and Logo Design Love is a must-read blog on the subject.

A logotype is a uniquely set and arranged typeface. The logotype for Nubbytwiglet.com is set in two different weights of Helvetica Neue and is consistent with the type that is used in the rest of my branding. Since ‘Nubby Twiglet’ is a made up entity, it is purposely kept clean and readable to make memorization easier.

The two typefaces that are used in all of my branding are Helvetica Neue and Poster Bodoni. Helvetica is used in varying weights on everything from titles to body text while Bodoni is only used for numbers (the year, page numbers, addresses, etc). Pick typefaces that you really love because you’ll be using them a lot!

When establishing your identity, web presence is a must-have. Pull your chosen typefaces, colors and imagery through your online presentation so that it’s consistent with its offline counterpart. The image of the shoes on my web header has been used on the backside of my business cards for the last three years.

When I was focused on fine art, I used a press kit to promote my work and sent off artist cards featuring my new series. Now that I’m focused on freelance graphic design, I use a portfolio that features some of my best work. Usually, for a teaser that you’re sending through email, I’d recommend including no more than 10 to 15 of your best pieces. If you’re called in for a meeting or interview, then use that opportunity to bring along your print portfolio to show a larger selection.

The above examples consist of the cover, an introductory page and an example of the page layout for the projects. You may notice that on my newly branded pieces (portfolio and web header) I am using much more leading in the caps. I’ll be slowly changing everything over for next year so that it’s more legible.

Keep the portfolio interface as uncluttered as possible so that it doesn’t interfere with the work that you’re presenting. The focus should be on the amazing pieces that you’ve crafted, not on how cool the look of your portfolio is!

In closing, remember that no matter what your business is like behind the scenes, a corporate identity is a chance to present a cohesive vision to the world and most importantly, prospective clients. Have fun but always remember the core principles of your visual language and how they relate to new implementations.

P.S. I’m wearing MAC eyeshadows in Scene (dark gray) and Fineshine (sparkly silver) over Crystal Avalanche (shimmery white).

White and gray burnout tanks, Forever 21
Rayon scarf (new!), Forever 21
Jeans, Kill City
Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters
Wedges, Dries Van Noten
Watch, Nixon
Purse, Miu Miu

This dress is my favorite thing to wear at the moment. In the last 3 weeks, I’ve probably worn in 10 times because it’s perfectly utilitarian. I throw it on over my black Kill City jeans, wear it with leggings and Dries wedges or over long sleeves to completely change the look. And, I love that it has a hood. And, it doesn’t wrinkle. Pretty awesome. I’m wearing MAC Electric Eel eyeshadow in these photos, which is an intense neon blue.

Hooded dress, Cheap Monday
Ampersand pin, H&M
Yellow slip, Forever 21
Tights, DKNY
Heels, Dries Van Noten

How was your week?

1. A massive THANK YOU goes out to Missbehave Magazine for featuring me in their Internet Stalking column where I discuss my life as a designer, living in Portland and more!

2. Get the full-on Balmain look via a step-by-step DIY tutorial at Refinery 29.

3. Freelance Switch explains what you should do if someone steals your work. Good to know!

4. Lady Gaga is truly fearless when it comes to her personal style. Check out the insane headgear she wore while being interviewed by Ellen.

5. 25 logos with hidden messages.

6. Stunning design: A collection of classic records reinterpreted as Penguin book covers. My favorite is this Joy Division version.

7. Fashion over function: This Diesel watch is completely blank on the face, but features a total of four micro clocks along the sides. So impractical (yet so awesome)!

8. I love the fashion blog The Other You because it shows off tons of eye-catching photos from collections that I’ve never seen before.

9. The NY Times reviews Portland and talks about why it’s so cool in its Frugal Portland article.

10. As Storefronts Become Vacant, Ads Arrive is an interesting article about how advertisers are taking advantage of the huge amount of abandoned retail spaces in urban areas.

11. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld’s apartment is stunning. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the New York-based creative director / graphic designer!

12. In A Designer’s Resolution: Do it Your Way, Gilda talks about her experience as a design student at Parsons and how she stays strong, refusing to conform to a more commercial aesthetic. She deserves major props for both her style and work ethic!

What are your favorite links of the week?

Media kits are important for publications to have on hand because they contain the information that’s necessary for advertisers and sponsors including stats, frequently asked questions, ad rates and more.

My goal for this project was to keep it timeless and clean, letting the information speak for itself. The type throughout the entire kit is done in varying weights of DIN and the color scheme is limited to a handful of grays. The pictures are very vibrant on their own, so I avoided the use of any pop colors. Here are a few more details:

This book is particularly notable because it shows Helvetica in use around the world on the streets, in logos, on signs, in the subways, on clothing and more. The mix of images demonstrates the reach of Helvetica with both representations from unknown amateurs and celebrated designers.

Müller cheekily notes that Helvetica is the perfume of the city and he’s right. Here are a few examples of the type-packed book:

View more Helvetica scans in The Typofiles set on Flickr here.

I am definitely feeling more optimistic than ever now that I’m walking around with the equivalent of psychedelic rainbows on my feet. When the Dries Van Noten Fall 2008 RTW collection came out, I was immediately drawn to the bright, slightly futuristic marbled patterns on some of the clothing. I saw some of the pieces in person twice, but they were woefully out of reach. And, the shoes didn’t appeal to me because they’d lost the chunkiness of seasons past.

Fast forward to last week when I was perusing the selection at Halo and realized that they had some pumps from that collection marked down to less than half price in my odd size (36.5) which is extremely hard to find. I slipped them on, took a few steps and they actually stayed on my feet. A miracle. And, the curvy pin-up girl shape suddenly made sense, balancing out the blindingly bright pattern.

When I originally saw the Fall 2008 collection, it had a strange familiarity. Back in 2006, I had made an art piece called Psychedelia with a similar bright mix of colors that later influenced the work I did for Virgin Records.

And, that’s partially why I make no differentiation between fashion, graphic design and fine art. They are all triggered in some manner by one another with influences that constantly circle back around. One inspiration leads to another and they form a path like little stepping stones to an even bigger vision. But, enough of the philosophical meanderings. All I know is that from now on, each one of my brightly colored steps will be filled with rainbows and smiles!

P.S. Jane of Sea of Shoes wears the marbled dress from the same collection here and you can get a much better idea of how intense the pattern really is!

This week felt like a total roller coaster (can we just blame everything on Mercury Retrograde?) but I’ve learned to embrace change much better this year; it’s what makes you feel alive!

David Bowie mugshot, circa 1976

1. Get a sneak peak into The Met’s Costume Institute The Model As Muse exhibit.

2. Coca Cola is releasing limited edition summer-themed can designs and I think that they did an amazing job. Does anyone know if these are also by Turner Duckworth?

3. 40 places where freelancers can learn more about business.

4. Michelle Obama sports $540 Lanvin sneakers.

5. Guy Kawasaki just posted a brilliant interview with Pamela Slim who explains how to escape from Cubicle Nation (a.k.a. corporate hell) and the steps it takes to be a full-time entrepreneur. You can also follow her blog for even more timeless advice.

6. See what can be made out of some spare fabric. Zana has major skillz.

7. Nevermind What it Costs. Can I Get 70% Off? is an interesting look into the psychological impact of sales on consumers.

8. I really like this collection of logos featuring red crosses.

9. Since Oprah mentioned Twitter on her show in mid-April, it has grown at a rate of 40% a week (!!) and Apple may be looking to buy it.

What are your favorite links of the week?

In The Beginning: Nubbytwiglet.com, Fall 2007

Blogging isn’t easy. Though the internet is overflowing with how-to articles and more advice than anyone needs, the truth is that there’s not a proven formula to gaining notoriety. Rather, here are some concepts to consider, whether you’re new to blogging or have been at it for years:

If you’re seeking a massive readership, you’ve got a long road ahead of you, considering that there are over 100 million blogs out there.

With many niches already at saturation point, the one thing that you can do to stand out from your competition is to offer a unique perspective. How? Start by simply asking yourself “What makes my perspective unique and interesting?” You should be able to easily rattle off a list of ways that your blog differs from its nearest competitors. This cannot be stressed enough. If you’re presenting a carbon copy of someone else’s theme, personal style, voice and aesthetics, it can be a huge turn-off and readers will usually default back to the originator.

When making a list of what encapsulates your unique perspective, it can be super simple or totally outlandish. It may be as straightforward as finding your unique voice. Do you have an uncanny knack for ‘keeping it real’ that people admire? Or, maybe you have an awe-inspiring job (International Playgirl, anyone?). What about an amazing collection of shoes? Or, perhaps you possess a treasure trove of thousands of MP3s and an inside look at the music business. Play up your uniqueness and make the most of what you’ve got.

Blog because you’re passionate about your subject matter and about sharing what you know. Blogging for the sole purpose of gains (monetary and otherwise) won’t get you very far. To receive whatever it is that you’re after, it’s only fair that you’re willing to give something in return. Being completely self-absorbed and not offering your readers anything of genuine value will get old fast.

What can you give? Consider sharing advice about your profession or how to earn an education in a similar field as your own. Maybe you’re skilled at painting, drawing, knitting or another hobby and can share the outcomes of your projects along with tutorials. Do you possess a unique fashion sense? Share it with the world and inspire people as they’re getting dressed in the morning! Are you a brilliant writer? Share your experiences and offer your readers advice.

Besides offering content that no one else has, unique columns also add structure to your blog. If you keep a regular schedule, it helps readers to know what to expect on certain days. I’ve developed quite a few including The Typofiles (Tuesdays), Ask Nubby (occasional Wednesdays), What I Wore (twice a week), Link Love (Thursdays), The Week In Pictures (Fridays) and more that are all listed here.

Post content at regular intervals (but don’t post just because). Figure out a schedule that works for you and your lifestyle. Personally, I am happy with posting five to six days a week, but if three times a week works for you, that is fine. Be relentless with the schedule that you set for yourself. Posting a week straight and then disappearing for a month without a mention of why comes across as flaky and makes you seem undependable. We all get busy and we all have lives to live. The bottom line is this: don’t set yourself up for an unrealistic schedule that you can’t keep. Set your expectations while keeping time constraints and other commitments in mind.

Share what you love and always remember to link to it. Giving link love is one of the best ways to support those you admire while gaining authority from other blogs that share your links.

I know so many people that want to blog, but are holding out until their theme is perfect, until their prewritten articles have reached a certain number and until they’ve gotten their niche and elevator pitch perfectly crafted. While preparation is great, perfection is impossible. Waiting isn’t doing you any favors. Think of the content and amount of readers that you would have now if your blog had gone live in its imperfect state six months ago. Two years into Nubbytwiglet.com, I’m still making tiny changes on weekly basis. And, there’s still so much to do. Embrace the imperfect nature of digital content. It’s constantly shifting and growing and that’s what makes it fun to watch.

Two years into blogging five times a week, some days are still a struggle. There will be days where a post that you spent hours meticulously crafting barely receives any comments. There will be instances when you wonder if the time and energy you’ve committed is even worth it. Sometimes, you will feel as if your inspiration has been sapped dry. Then one day, when you least expect it, things will just click. It took me a year of regular blogging before my stats spiked and freelance and advertising offers began rolling in. It’s all about perseverance and dedication.

One of the coolest parts about blogging is to see a blog grow and change with a person. When I first started blogging, I was a full-time design student sharing my projects and vacation photos. The blog has continued on through multiple jobs, internships, business endeavors and freelance gigs. And, it is still a constant reminder of not only where I’ve been but where I’m going. Follow through with your blogging plan and refuse to give up, even when things get tough. People will notice. And, you’ll eventually be rewarded in ways that you cannot even imagine right now.

Stallinga: This is Our Logo is a book that I picked up on a trip to New York in 2002. Though I’ll admit that my purchase was based on the amazing cover which is an actual stencil, the work by renowned Dutch designer Henk Stallinga is just as captivating.

I love the typography that’s laced throughout this book. The stenciled text mimics that of the cover and if you choose, you can use it to make your own. A book about design that encourages reader interaction is a beautiful thing.

All of the little icons actually have a corresponding key in the front of the book and some are pretty funny. The human form below stands for ‘Approximate Size Compared to Man.’

View The Typofiles set on Flickr here.

If you’re a regular reader, you’ve probably noticed that I don’t make the most practical choices when it comes to footwear. Though I do own a few pair of flats, I was sorely lacking a pair of lace-up sneakers. Turning down certain invites because I didn’t have the appropriate footwear (playing basketball in Dries wedges seemed way too dangerous!) was getting old, so I had Lee take me by the Nike Outlet last week. Lo and behold, I found the most ridiculous shoes in the entire store. Don’t they resemble space-age marshmallows?

P.S. The style is called the ‘Women’s High Vandal Premium.’

Dress, random Buffalo Exchange find
Leggings, Forever 21
Nameplate necklace, Helpless Romantic
Watch, Nixon
Belt, belonged to my Grandma
Heels, Dries Van Noten
Bag, Miu Miu

1. Skelliewag explains that if we find our flow, the money will follow.

2. The New York City Transit Authority Graphic Standard Manual is so well designed! Of course, you can’t go wrong with a red binder stuffed with pages covered in Helvetica. (via draplin)

3. Tricia of bits and bobbins always gets us thinking! This week she wonders, Would you wear garbage?

4. See actual photos of all of the amazing finds that were up for sale in Michael Jackson’s Neverland Estate auction. Word is that at the last minute, he negotiated to have everything returned to him. I don’t blame him; this stuff is way too awesome to sell off! (via hannah)

5. Sally of Already Pretty discusses the importance of investing in quality shoes and how they can elevate any outfit. I’m honored that she chose to feature me alongside fellow shoe lover Jane Aldridge in the article!

6. Jazzi answers many intern-related questions and she should know since she’s done seven internships to date!

7. Learn more about the ampersand than you ever thought possible.

8. Exciting news! In the digital age, vinyl is making a comeback! According to the article, LP sales were up 89% in 2008. I’ve been collecting records since high school; don’t get me started on my WHAM! picture discs and the entire catalog of Journey albums.

9. Creative barcodes, anyone?

What are your favorite links of the week?

I’m totally in love with this super basic Forever 21 tank dress. For some reason, I didn’t buy it when I saw it while vacationing in Honolulu and it’s been on my mind for the last two months. I finally tracked it down again at a random Portland mall and am digging the multiple ways it can be worn and mixed with layers.

Dress, Forever 21
Circle scarf, American Apparel
Studded belt, Forever 21
Tights, Hue
Boots, Mini Market
Bag, Miu Miu

I adore vintage typography books. This type reference book from 1973 is by David Gates. Besides containing a glossary of basic type terms and examples, it also has samples of over 850 typefaces to peruse. Instead of being grouped by name, they are grouped by style category (serif, sans serif, old style, etc). This was especially helpful before the age of computers and font-based programs!

♥View The Typofiles set on Flickr here.