the loser's handbook

I'm digging into my childhood archives again... here we have one of my favorite "books". It's something that American Greetings manufactured and was given to my mom by a friend sometime in the late 60's (I think... mom?). It's also one of the items that I seemed to have permanently borrowed... "ooh I really like this, therefore it automatically becomes mine". I blame/thank this little guy for some of my bizarre humor. Weirder still I remember actually using this handbook on some lonely summer days. I was a 10 year old loser apparently.

pulpy breakfast

I am continually astonished by the things that people can do with paper. Really, once the idea is even concieved I can't imagine the patience and skill required to pull this off. Brilliant I tell you. I have never been so hungry for paper. Check out everything by Fanette Guilloud here.

[ via Burstoid ]

john martz

Oh, if I had an iPad I'd be all over this wallpaper... or it'd be all over my iPad? Anyway, if I had an iPad... well I'll stop there and confine the dreaming to my mind. Either way, isn't this a great illustration by John Martz. This isn't a question... it is.

mitch epstein

Mitch Epstein is a photographer that first came to my attention via his series Family Business. Upon further review I realize my admiration goes back further, not realizing some past favorite photos were his as well.

Family Business remains at the top of my list, perhaps because it seems most personal. It chronicles his father's life after the fall of his once thriving career as owner of one of the largest furniture and appliance store's New England. Some photos featured here are from this series. I encourage you to check his site for more.

now here is a pet friend

Last night I took some photos for my friend's super secret new collaborative music project. This is Beatrice, the studio's mascot... or I have proclaimed her as that if she doesn't already hold that title. Don't let this cute face fool you; she's fierce, in a completely adorable way... no-one ever tore my arm apart so sweetly.

Can't wait by the way to share the photos and details of the project. You're in for some outstanding music.

santiago salvador

"Holy cow, I'll take everything", is what comes to mind when I look at Santiago Salvador's work. What comes to your mind is that I take Centrum Silver. No, only my exclamations are only old. Then what comes to your mind is, "yes, I'll have it all too". Then your mind blows up because this series is that awesome.

CHECK OUT HIS:
Flickr

love the one you're with

This is pulled from my childhood archives. Purely ridiculous, I posted it on Flickr forever ago when I went on a scanning spree. I don't think I've ever posted it here. Whenever I need a good chuckle I look at this image from "Pet Friends", a book apparently that is about befriending yourself or the vanity of poodles. Enjoy.

william christenberry

If I've never posted William Christenberry's work before, then shame on me. If I have, it's so good I don't even mind the repetition. I have enjoyed his photography for a while for reasons that are probably pretty evident. Rural southern places that time has forgotten or where it seems to at least follow a slower clock, check. Solitary buildings, check. Beauty in sadness, check. Found objects, check.

I haven't managed to find too many sites that properly showcase his body of work, so if you can get your hands on a copy of this book I highly recommend it. "Kodachromes" is a new book that will be released in October, which will be on my wish list.

Check out this quick interview:

deep bullshit

I think this self-service requires more finesse than I can muster. I look like a 1st grader with a homemade haircut again and again and again.

mia nolting

Mia Nolting is an illustrator that I was lucky enough to meet through the internet. I love her style and color choices, often mixing beautifully drawn text with powerfully simplistic messages. I feel like she is a kindred spirit which was especially clear when I discovered her love for lists and surveys. She even has one that you can download for free from her site, as well as high-res mystery drawing that is changed out each month.

CHECK OUT HER...
Flickr
Website

john kelso

Lately I have seen John Kelso's photography popping up on various sites. Very deservedly, so I don't mind being a big 'ole copy cat and passing it along.

CHECK OUT HIS...
Flick
Website

1 minute photoshop: duel

In the battle of the underwear drawer, bet on ugly.  Pretty ain't built to last.

lazy sunday

Take a load off and relax with your thoughts. Do your laundry some other day.

[ image credit Amanda De Vito ]

horatio baltz

I really like this series of portraits by Horatio Baltz. For starters, who doesn't like wizards... especially of the bold, look-at-me variety. His site is full of all kinds of goodies so be sure to check it out.

the pros and cons of pros and cons

A while back I was sent a link to the site You Need Birdseed. Clearly they knew how much I'd like it as it's right up my alley. Jon (aka Mr. Birdseed), whoever you are, you're awesome.

deep bullshit

A few weeks ago I felt like I had at least had one eyebrow above water. How quickly I go back below, into the depths of debt. Seriously, I'm tired of this. And seriously, I'm a big cry baby.

vintage ad browser

Vintage Ad Browser is my new favorite website. It's pretty crude and many of the images are lo-res, but once you get past that there is a wealth (100,00+) of old print ads to waste time looking at.

burning the midnight oil

Keith Davis Young is a photographer that I have drooled all over myself about many-a-time and continue to be amazed by. He is also a designer. This poster was made over a year ago but it's an image my mind repeatedly comes back to. One, because of the effectiveness of the simplicity, the colors, the feeling. And two, because it's true. I am determined to believe that I am missing a gene that makes me productive in the day time. I stayed up 'til almost dawn last night working on a project. What is wrong with me? Perhaps I should look into getting a nice velvet-lined coffin?

perpetually awesome

Present and Correct has LOTS of things that I would probably give a baby toe up for. This calendar is at the top of the list.

the pictures that will not end

Guess what, more San Fran. And I still have two rolls of film I need to get developed. Once I get on the ball and use the last few exposures I might have something more to share.

I call these, "I sure do like centering things".

summer city

What great timing, as I pine over the season that was. The other day I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Summer City from the always friendly Will "Mr. Fancy Pants" Bryant. The zine is a collaboration between he and Rand Renfrow and an extension of a larger project. From the Flickr page:

In their debut show, Summer City, this radical duo explores the basic struggle between good and evil. The good things being fruits, vegetables, exercise, and making stuff. The bad being dependency on technology, laziness, and negative energy. This isn't a look into something new, but rather a poke at themselves and their daily lives. As technology progresses and every waking second is consumed by social media, Will and Rand comment in their light hearted manner through painting, drawing, printmaking, and zines.

Ideas I can certainly get behind, and expressed so playfully. Check out more images on Flickr or go get yourself a copy of the zine or prints at the Public School shop.

where it's always summer

Wear this and it will be like you're always cruising on calm waters at sunset... maybe sipping on some Riunite listening to Christopher Cross.

see you next year!

Today is officially the last day of summer. Really, it feels like it came and went weeks ago. Thankfully it has been cooler here in Texas; usually fall-like weather doesn't present itself until a cold front putters in around December, so this is a nice change of pace.

As far as summer goes I had many goals I did not meet... far too few popsicles, no tubing, only a handful of BBQ's, and just one movie at the Paramount. Going to San Francisco rebalanced the fun scales thankfully. I did also manage to watch Jaws and Jaws 2 roughly 7 times, collectively. It's sort of a right of passage and my inspiration for this poster. I just love the sails from the 70's and most of these are a rough translation of what was shown in the J2. If you've never watched these films, 1) really?!?!, and 2) find it on Netflix now and grab yourself a cold treat as you bid adieu to summertime.

lazy sunday

If I had this quilt I'd definitely want to keep the covers on a bit longer. I'm managing to be a little lazy today regardless. Macaroni and a movie are on the docket. Hope I'm not the only one taking a time out today.


[ Quilt by Kim Eichler-Messmer via Apartment Therapy ]

new in the shop!

I guess I am in a mini-mood. Added to the shop are sets of small posters. Right now there are two sets of four -- one from the "Need to Want" series and one from the "One Minute Photoshop". Figured it might be nice to offer some alternate sizes... you know, to hang over your toilet or to cover up that tiny crack in the wall.





Each set is $25 or they can be bought individually for $7. Please enjoy!

deep bullshit

As I have mentioned, I have been updating my website. Well I'm almost done... finally. I wanted to take a quick break and share one of my newer projects. It's called Deep Bullshit... you know, Jack Handy meets 1st grader meets mopey teenager, or something like that.



I suppose it's another variation on a running theme... minimal illustrations matched with some sort of thought. This time however I wanted to go more abstract if possible. I can't seem to disconnect shapes from ideas and these posters are examples of the immediate imagery that pops in my head with each passing confession/declaration. Some are probably more straightforward than others. They're all intended to be dumbed-down design for thoughts that aren't as deep as they wish they were.



Here's a quick view of more. The rest can be seen on my site (click each thumbnail to view larger).

recovery tokens

Well add this to the growing list of silly projects I've come up. I have made little recovery tokens. I wanted to be able to give folks something for their support, a reward and reminder for in essence opposing laziness.

Each token is a mini-mattress made from real mattresses. Yes, maybe gross, but I was going for the symbolism in tearing up the ultimate lazy crutch... the bed. The fabric is washed and encased in resin, and completed with a tag. So each token is one of a kind. It is then put in a handmade "pillow case", again made from re-purposed lazy materials -- real pillow cases. My sewing skills are about 2nd grade level, if that exists, so you'll have to pardon any crooked seams. Last, all tokens come with a mini-12 Step Guide.

These will be given to anyone that sponsors me, donating to my "making things fund". I think I will give these to anyone that makes a purchase from my shop, but if that happens I need to continue scouting out garbage bins across Austin. Doesn't that sound fun.

Below are some photos that should give you and idea what these baby beds look like.