Jonna Isaac

This Blog Has MOVED!!!

2010-02-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

Please update your links, feeds, subscriptions etc!

http://jonna.posterous.com

Design Crush: Anne Benjamin

2010-02-17T16:58:00.001-08:00

I think that it's rare to find a great illustrator who also happens to have a great handle on typography. Anne Benjamin is one the gifted few. I'm loving her custom wedding invitations. (Once again, all I want to do is draw all day.)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Fifty|1 FontFont Magazine, Issue 2

2010-02-16T15:07:00.001-08:00

Check out the entirely free online magazine, Fifty|1, all about type and fonts and fonty types.

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Reject Tuesday: Make Him Known Shirt

2010-02-16T10:06:00.001-08:00

I designed this shirt 4 years ago (holy crap, 4 years ago!?) when I went on a design binge and came up with like 30 shirt designs for our Harvest Anaheim event. Oh intensity and motivation, where have you gone?

You can see the shirts that were produced here.

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Pipe and Pepper

2010-02-16T09:35:00.001-08:00

My friends Alex and Natalee have an amazing etsy store, Pipe & Pepper. Check out their new weekly post called "Tuesday Loves", featuring some great things from other etsy sellers. I apologize in advance for making you want to spend your entire paycheck.

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The Letter Playground

2010-02-15T14:48:00.001-08:00

Stumbled upon this genius site, Letterplayground.com that has collections of user submitted letters (of the alphabet). Great for inspiration. Some are really fun and beautiful (some are well… user submitted, if you know what I mean.) Here are just a few that I fancied.

Now I want to draw all day long!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Things I Draw in Meetings: Friday!

2010-02-12T16:19:00.001-08:00

Woohoo!

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The Design of Coralie Bickford-Smith

2010-02-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

I've been a fan of the penguin classics clothbound series for sometime, but never actually searched out the designer behind them. That designer is Coralie Bickford-Smith, and she has an amazingly unique, yet completely recognizable way of translating the contents of a book visually to it's cover.

They've just released 5 new titles (Emma, Lady Chatterly's Lover, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Treasure Island, and The Odyssey). There are 20 released so far.

via design*sponge

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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The Illustration of Lucia Gaggiotti

2010-02-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

Just came across the website of Italian illustrator and designer Lucia Gaggiotti. The illustrator behind those cutie pie little Owl and Pussy-Cat biscuits the Starbucks sells. Fun like a children's book!

via DesignWorkLife

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Rejected Design Tuesday: Enter In Comp #2

2010-02-10T20:29:00.001-08:00

(Oops a day late!)
I really loved the way this turned out (but at the same time understand it's not for their target audience). It was a great learning experience and a lot of fun to make. I printed and x-actoed the mansion and my friends (photographer/designers extraordinaire) Alena and Dirk shot it in the park. It's always nice to get away from your desk. I hope i can find something else to use this for!

Enter In is due out in late April, so a post with the final art is on its way.

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New Music: Dr. Dog

2010-02-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

via kitsunenoir.com

Kitsune Noir posted a little piece about the upcoming Dr. Dog album, Shame. Dr. Dog is awesome, and I haven't been this excited for an album release since last Tuesday, when Midlake's new album came out. It comes out April 6th!! Oh yeah!

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Free Music: Ghostly Essentials

2010-02-09T10:55:00.001-08:00

I just stumbled on this great compilation called 'Ghostly Essentials' (from amazon). It features one of my favorite artists of recent times, Deastro and it's economically sound as its FREE! Enjoy!

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Amazing Work: Matthew Albanese

2010-02-08T14:04:00.001-08:00

via behance.net

I am floored by the work of Matthew Albanese. He meticulously and cleverly constructs miniature scenes and pretty much makes magic. Just fantastic!

Posted via web from The Blog of Jonna

Things I Draw in Meetings: Kate Kicks the Marshall

2010-02-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

Once more allowing the juvenile Lost fan inside me to run rampant, I give you Kate Kicking the Marshall in the LAX bathroom. I prefer the scrappy, determined, fugitive Kate to the soap opera island Kate, don't you?

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New Blog Update your links

2010-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I'm moving my blog from blogger to posterous! Please update your links and subscriptions to jonna.posterous.com I will cease posting to this blog in 2 weeks.

Thanks!

(PS if you have or want to create a blog I HIGHLY recommend posterous!)

Tonight Show Aftermath (Warning: Totally Depressing)

2010-02-06T10:34:00.001-08:00

Former Tonight Show blogger Aaron Bleyaert posted these devastating photos of the Tonight Show set being dismantled. It was such a breathtakingly gorgeous set in-person, and so much talent and hard work went into making it. I consider it to be the greatest talk show set ever. What a waste.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Evolution of Type by Jessica Hische

2010-02-05T14:50:00.001-08:00

via jessicahische.com

Crazy genius typographer/illustrator Jessica Hische (Daily Drop Cap) posted her evolution of type. I can relate on all accounts, though I will never stop using and loving Mrs. Eaves!

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Things I Draw in Meetings: Coffee Date (Inspired by Lost, ep. LA X)

2010-02-04T20:05:00.001-08:00

I'm a crazy Lost fan and seeing as how it premiered a couple nights ago, it's given me plenty of mindless sketching material. Here is the scene where Juliet is dying (boo!) and starts mumbling about a coffee date to Sawyer.

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Some Amazing Printed Work from FPO

2010-02-04T11:28:00.001-08:00

via underconsideration.com

I scroll through a lot of different blogs showcasing some great work, but man alive, FPO always brings it! I was floored by this promotional mailer. Stunning simplicity is one of the hardest things to achieve and this is a prime example.

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Selleck Waterfall Sandwich

2010-02-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

via selleckwaterfallsandwich.tumblr.com

I've been known to like— nay, love absurdity, and Selleck Waterfall Sandwich has it in spades. Prepare for a serious decrease in productivity.

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Rejected Design Tuesday: Mentoring Matters

2010-02-03T12:18:00.001-08:00

Here is an oldy, and yet still one of my faves. A comp for a ministry where the mature mentor the younger in faith. It was rejected in favor of something that I think is pretty bland. What can you do? To each his own, I suppose. : )

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World Map

2010-02-03T12:10:00.001-08:00

via thesearethings.com

I want this map. Really nice.

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Best Custom Lettering of 2009

2010-02-02T12:27:00.001-08:00

via lettercult.com

Truly great and comprehensive list of custom lettering from last year. I'm salivating over this type!!

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Check It Out: Picture Book Report

2010-02-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

via picturebookreport.com

I'm kind of pumped about this exciting new blog where 15 different illustrators will share new art everyday (3 weeks out of the month) inspired by their favorite childhood books. What an idea!

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Valentine Postcards

2010-02-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

I freaking love these Valentine postcards from Pigeon Post! Featuring illustrations from the 40's and 50's based on myths, folklore and tales of undying love from around the world.

Available at Children of Vision in Auckland (definitely want to hit that store up when I go!).

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Things I Draw in Meetings: I'm with Coco

2010-01-29T23:49:00.001-08:00

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Things I Draw in Meetings: Blurgh

2010-01-27T22:26:00.001-08:00

I heart Liz Lemon… but apparently her version of this word is spelled "blerg". We'll call mine the German version.

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Conan Plush Doll!

2010-01-27T08:20:00.001-08:00

Two Things:

1. Laura Granlund of InTimidNation made this super adorable Conan O'brien plush doll. Personal question: would I be creepy if I owned that?

2. I also had to share this terribly sad cancellation e-mail I received for my ticket reservation to the Tonight Show for Feb. 10. Oh Coco.

Still with Coco.

thx to Raye for tipping me off to the doll

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Preview of Midlake's New Album

2010-01-26T16:38:00.001-08:00

In this day and age when it takes only a few clicks for any hack to bring their music to the public, it seems that music in general (to me anyway) has become less impressive and a daunting chore to sift through. With that said, I think Midlake is one of the greatest bands in recent times. Their third album, The Courage of Other, comes out on February 2 (same day as the Lost season 6 premiere!) and I am so excited for it. They were dressing like Civil war reenactment guys years ago, nerds! Check out this sneak peek at their new album.

The Courage of Others at NPR

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The Next Best Thing to a Time Machine

2010-01-26T12:39:00.001-08:00

Tweed Run

This looks like fun, wouldn't you say? I would love to see Conan at that thing, oh the majesty!

via Pitch

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Rejected Design Tuesday: Enter In Comp #1

2010-01-26T11:29:00.001-08:00

I'm starting a new weekly post where I show some comps that were sadly rejected (don't worry, I'm not bitter, but I am glad to have a place to show my favorites!). This week's rejected design was a cover comp for the upcoming album, "Enter In" by the Harvest Worship Band (who are awesome, btw). This was one of my favorites, but I can understand it's lack of appeal to their demographic.

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Things I Draw in Meetings: Fancy Lady in the Rain

2010-01-25T21:29:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I wished we still dressed that way. Maybe only one day a week. Gibson Girl Thursdays or something. Ok maybe not.

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Sanna Annukka's House

2010-01-25T15:13:00.001-08:00

via designspongeonline.com

Design Sponge just posted this amazing peek into illustrator, Sanna Annukka's house. Serious gorgeousness.

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Things I Draw in Meetings: Conan's $4.8 million Sketch

2010-01-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Webfonts Aren't Only for the Future

2010-01-22T14:44:00.001-08:00

via fontfeed.com

In honor of the release of Firefox 3.6, which now supports WOFF (Web Open Font Format), The Font Shop is giving away FF Nuvo Medium WOFF Demo for freeeee. Internets, I think it's time for a makeover.

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Sanna Annukka

2010-01-22T14:35:00.001-08:00

via sanna-annukka.com

I just realized that Sanna Annukka has a new site! I guess I haven't been there in THAT long. I love her stuff!

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Farra and Juan's Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty! (Invitations by Me!)

2010-01-22T11:58:00.001-08:00

via stylemepretty.com

Style Me Pretty (exquisite Wedding blog) featured the wedding of my lovely cousins, Farra and her husband Juan. Wasn't she stunning?!

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Farra and Juan's Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty!

2010-01-22T11:34:00.001-08:00

via stylemepretty.com

My dear dear cousins', Farra and Juan, had their Mexico wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

i love typography's Favorite Fonts of 2009

2010-01-22T09:57:00.001-08:00

via ilovetypography.com

Another favorite fonts of 2009, this one is according to ILoveTypography. Some tasty morsels in there.

Posted via web from Jonna's posterous

Things I Draw In Meetings: Rainy Day

2010-01-21T22:40:00.001-08:00

Some of my best work happens when I'm in meetings.

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The Bookbook

2010-01-21T15:32:00.001-08:00

via twelvesouth.com

These are brilliant, stylish and clever. At about $80 they are still relatively affordable (hey, I said relatively). I want one so bad, but alas, they are only available for 13" and 15" macbooks.

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Rethink Scholarship Video By Rory O’Sullivan

2010-01-21T14:00:00.001-08:00

via kitsunenoir.com

I love this video. In a strange way, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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The Conan Rally

2010-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today I really crossed the line between normal person and slightly crazy nerd. I really hoped it would never come to this. I wanted Conan to stay tucked safely and soundly in the luxurious leather desk chair of The Tonight Show. However, the execs at NBC had other plans and in the process forced out the ONLY celebrity and tv show that I truly give an ounce of care for (ok, yes, I love Lost too, but I wouldn't do this for Lost).

Hundreds of fans stood in the torrential rain and got a visit from La Bamba in the pope mobile, and then Conan himself braved the crowd and jogged (in the pouring rain) down the middle of Lankershim Blvd with everyone to his studio, then he, Andy, Max, Jordan Schlantsky, La Bamba (again), Pierre Bernard and various crew members came out on the top of the Studio to show their appreciation for the support.

It was actually a lot of fun and totally worth it, and again, I would only do this for Conan.

Here is my video of Andy addressing the crowd.

Conan Rally: Andy Addresses the Crowd from Jonna Isaac on Vimeo.

I'm with Coco

2010-01-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

As a designer and very avid fan and supporter of Conan O'brien, I must share the work of illustrator Mike Mitchell. He is the brainchild behind the facebook group, I'm with Coco (nearing 100,000 members)— whose mission is to stop NBC's plans to move Jay Leno back to 11:35pm (and virtually kicking Conan to the curb) and getting them to stand by Conan!

Check out Mike's work here.

Be sure to join the "I'm with Coco" Facebook group, and use the hashtag #teamconan on your twitter accounts!

Portfolio Updated: Bridal Garden Party Invitation

2010-01-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

I added an invitation I designed for an "antropologie" style bridal garden party.

See more in my portfolio.

Portfolio Updated: Hallelujah Night Flyer

2009-12-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm an so behind— about 2 months behind. I added a flyer for Hallelujah Night (a Halloween festival for families) check it out!

PS One of my resolutions is to have a steady blog and up-to-date portfolio. For serious!

Once, Twice, Three Times a Conan

2009-09-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

I made my third visit to The Tonight with Conan O'brien. I guess I'm really living up to my stalker-ly promises. I think it's fairly easy now to acquire free tickets, so uhh, YOU SHOULD GO!

I wish I could take pictures, but they gingerly warn you time and again, that it is a copyrighted set and if you try to snap a few it's confiscation time for you. The set is astoundingly beautiful, with art deco detailing and a classic, old-timey (so very Conan), historic feel. If you love beautiful things, you should go just for the set! It's a good time (due to the 2-3 hour outdoor wait, I recommend waiting for a cooler season). Anyway, here is yet another screen capture of us in the audience…

Portfolio Is Up and Running…

2009-09-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet, visit my new portfolio site and leave a comment if you please. Also, my blog address has moved to blog.jonnaisaac.com (clever name, eh?) I'm going to make a real attempt at posting frequently, so add me to your reader, feed, or whatever you use to get your daily dosage of blog. Thanks!

Portfolio is Finally Up

2009-08-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Finally, its up!!

JonnaIsaac.com

Portfolio Coming Soon Still…

2009-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

I got my whole portfolio squared away— actually really truly did all the work and made it spiffilicious and then Dirk (or Papa Dirggles as he shall now be referred to *congratulations again*) showed me an even better site than the one that I put all my work into. Oh well. So I'm moving it all… should be done by next weekend.

Check back soon (like next weekend soon).

In the meantime, MadMenYourself!! I did… aren't I the saucy cartoon?

New Portfolio Coming Soon

2009-07-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Check back soon (like 1 week soon) to see my new design portfolio!

Happiness

2009-06-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson was an american legend. I think Inara George put it best when she said "… it's weird because I feel like we lost him years ago."

I will always have great memories of him when I was a kid that are somehow sealed and untarnished by his later years. Watching him be awesome on MTV, getting so excited I could pee every time the 'Thriller' video came on (in all it's 14 minutes of glory), pretending to have dancing knife fights with my friends (ala 'Beat It'). To have a career so epicly gigantic that even molestation charges and a disappearing nose couldn't prevent planet earth from singing your songs and adoring your ablums is an enigma to say the least.

How horribly sad his once epic life was. A few months ago I came across the online catalogs of his belongings that were up for auction— thousands of unusual things he had collected at the Neverland Ranch over the years. Things that I didn't even know could be purchased. Really an incredible attempt at happiness through posession. It's like his life was a giant picture of Ecclesiastes. Seriously though, read Ecclesiastes 2 and tell me you don't completely see aspects of Michael Jackson's life.

I pray that the world would see the empty and unquenchable path he walked and steer away from it, that it might drive them to seek not the most lavish and posession-laden life here, but eternal life in the presence of the God who loves them. I'm so sad for him and I pray that he is in peace now, after 50 years of struggle and strange unrest.

Here's to you, gloved one.

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13

Burton's Alice

2009-06-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

I've been loosely following news about Tim Burton's re-envisioning of the Lewis Carrol classic, Alice in Wonderland, and was pretty pumped to stumble across these conceptual teasers for the film, due out March 5, 2010. It looks amazing! Hopefully it's on-par with Sweeney Todd and Big Fish and not with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (possibly my least fave Burton film).

It also has been updated and altered by Linda Woolverton (the screen writer for Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King). So… she's kind of a big deal.

Oh, and it also features Crispin Glover and Alan Rickman… slightly creepy swoon!

Strawberry Sour Cream Brown Sugar Pie

2009-06-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

After serving fresh strawberries dipped in sour cream and brown sugar during our 'Pushing Daisies is Really Over' depress-a-thon, I learned that it is far from gross, and near to amazing— no, it's sitting right on top of amazing.

You might have discovered that if you eat something new and delicious while watching Pushing Daisies, your natural inclination is to turn it into a pie. And after all, who am I to deny such inclinations? I scoured the internet, high and low for such a recipe… and found nothing!! Can you believe it?! Did I invent this thing?! There must certainly be a piemaker out there with no internet connection who would be livid if I claimed such thing. Well, here's what I came up with:

Strawberry Sour Cream Brown Sugar Pie

1 Unbaked Pie Crust (I used Williams and Sonoma perfect pie crust— a birthday gift from the lovely Justine! And yes, it is perfect.)
3 cups Sliced Strawberries

Gooey Delicious Part
1 Medium Egg
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
3/4 cup White Sugar
3/4 cup Sour Cream
1/3 cup Whole Wheat Flour

Sweet and Crumbly Top
1/3 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons Melted Butter

Preheat your oven to 450. Throw that crust into a 9" pie pan. Make sure your strawberries are all prepped and eagerly awaiting the the pie crust. Beat the egg just a tad, then toss in the sour cream, mix it, add the flour and both sugars (warning, this does not smell like anything you'd want to eat, I promise, that will all change).

Now, spread out the strawberry slices on the bottom of the pie crust and pour the mixture over them. Jiggle it allowing the mix to mosey it's way through the strawberry slices. Set it aside for a moment.
Melt the butter. While it's magically transforming from solid to liquid mix your flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Pour in the butter and mix until it's sorta crumbly and sprinkle all over the top of your pie.

Carefully slide it into the oven (lower rack works best) for 15 minutes at 450 (watch the top for burning, if it does, employ the use of foil). Then after 15 minutes, lower the temp to 350 and bake for 45 more minutes (I know, a whole hour!! GEESH).

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely (yes, overnight works best). Serve with nothing but a fork, because it's forking delicious!! Num num num!

California's Newest, Most Precious Resource

2009-06-02T22:53:00.001-07:00

Why, the host of THE Tonight Show, of course. Conan!! I painted this last night, while watching him knock em dead on his very first episode as Tonight Show host!

I Could Go For That…

2009-06-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Yum! I love forests and slightly ominous, but mostly mysterious paths!

Housey

2009-05-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a house. It's ok. It refused to be any spookier.

'A' is for…

2009-05-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

A-Dre. Here is another portrait, this time it's of my friend Andrea (who we call A-dre). She has the world's cutest short haircut!

From Jonna + Design

Stuff I Painted

2009-05-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

On our last DIY-ing hang out session, I decided to get in some much-needed watercolor practice. So I painted my pals, Natalee and Dre. Here is part 1: Natalee (who said something was the top of the cherry, instead of the cherry on top, so mocking was required : ) ain't she purdy?

I Have Died and Gone to Pattern Heaven

2009-05-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Through a series of blogtrails, I happened upon Heather Ross, whose fabric patterns I love even more than Anna Marie Horner (she is still a pattern genius and a favorite). I think I could just stare at it all day long. I want to make a fort out of her mendocino line and then live in it forever. Yeah, I like it that much. Here are a few choice scraps…

What? I Do Graphic Design?

2009-05-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

I know, I never post my work work here. So, here is some that I had fun doing today. They're 3 options for the new series (Pastor Greg is kicking it off next Wednesday and it will be continued by Pastor Jeff Lasseigne) Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun. I'm kind of pumped for it, Ecclesiastes is pretty fascinating book, full of some harsh truths about worldliness and the emptiness of a life lived for what the world has to offer: emptiness.

Anywhoodles, here are 3 comps (Greg chose the first one… me too!). Oh and obviously the photography in 1 and 3 are Hoehne Originalz.

3 Balloons in 3 Skies

2009-05-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on canvas.

The Letter 'A'

2009-05-02T10:28:00.003-07:00

Another moleskine watercolor brought to you by the magic of photobooth.

Lo-Fi Watercolor

2009-04-30T23:26:00.001-07:00

I've been messing around in a watercolor moleskine. I love to watercolor. Here is a recent "accomplishment". I'm thinking of doing an alphabet series. I love drawing and painting leafless trees and type! Shout out to Photobooth AKA the scanner for lazy people.

Drew Barrymore is Style

2009-04-14T23:46:00.001-07:00

I love this! (From the Grey Gardens premiere.)

I Want to Go to There

2009-04-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

☂

2009-04-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

I love this commercial. It's even better than Walgreen's commercials! It's so pleasant when lame sauce tv is injected with a tiny dose of magic:

Ready Made Magazine

2009-03-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

I love this magazine and with the unfortunate demise of Domino, I'm all-too-paranoid that all great, quirky interior design and DIY mags will follow this most heinous fate. So I happened upon a great deal today for readers of the blog Modish. Ready Made Magazine is offering a year subscription for only $10 (trust me, it doesn't get cheaper than that for Ready Made).

So I implore readers of this blog (all 2 of you) to procure yourselves a subscription to Ready Made in lieu of your Domino woes.

Get the deal: Visit Modish blog!

Tracy Feith For Target

2009-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a little excited for this one… although I must say, the line as a whole, isn't that impressive. These pieces are rather cute though, especially that black dress with the pink flowers at the top! Coming May 17th. See more here.

Aren't We All So Excited for This?

2009-03-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Drool Drool Drool

2009-03-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, I don't see a lot of fabrics that tickle my fancy. I foraged through some seriously lame-o quilter's squares at Joann's last weekend before our headband party and came up with very little. I have found my wildest fabric-related dreams and they're alive and well… Anna Maria Horner is a pattern genius! I've never seen patterns that blow my mind the way hers do. I haven't loved a design this much in a LONG time. Enough out of me, just look for yourself!

Visit Decor8 (an amazing blog) for details on a sweet discount!!

I'm a Nerd. We Are Wizards.

2009-03-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen this yet, so I can't properly promote it, however, I really want to see it. I think I will buy it, I want to hear the commentaries. (You might think I'm a nerd for wanting to hear people in bands that sing about nothing but Harry Potter, commenting on a film about people who love Harry Potter, well, I guess I am.)

Be honest, if you're one of my friends who doesn't like Harry Potter, but has been subjected to listening to Harry and the Potters, you laughed, and you laughed hard.

To make this design-relevant, they have a lovely poster (above). In fact, Harry and the Potters have had some rather smashing, screen-printed posters done (by Dan McCarthy).

Not Just Another Ream

2009-03-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

Pentagram just blogged about their new designs for Strathmore paper (in the Mohawk family of papers). They redesigned the ream wrappers, which if you work in an office and find yourself opening these all-too-frequently, you know how boring/atrocious most of them are. These are really bold and would be a welcome addition to any exposed storage. Kind of genius to make them pretty when you consider that offices display hefty stacks of these. The pattern is also really lovely, with a beautiful damask swashiness that meets a more modern geometric twist.

Get Closure on Water Rings

2009-03-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Button Coasters from Eden & Eden! (Totally Coraline cute!) Anyone have $44 I can borrow and never pay back?

Sad Day

2009-02-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

I was very sad to hear of the passing of a most beloved pastor, Ralph Arthur today. It was a great shock, but we know Ralph is rejoicing in heaven.

I didn't have a ton of interaction with him, only a few jobs, but he left a fantastic impression upon me. I have actually described him before as "the kindest pastor at Harvest" (which is saying a lot, because I love and greatly respect all the pastors there). God had gifted Ralph with an incredible warmth. He was over all of the ministries that no one wants to have to join (and by that I mean things in life we all wish we could avoid: cancer, illness, bereavement). He was surrounded by depressing situations, but every time I saw him he displayed joyfulness, a joyfulness he shared with those who needed it most.

When my friend Justine called to tell me he had passed away, I was soon reminded of the famous quote by St. Francis, "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words." To me, Ralph Arthur was the embodiment of this. For as little as I saw him, he never failed to be kind-hearted and sweet with the love of Christ siliently eminating from him in all he did.

It's times like these when Romans 8:28 is hard to grasp but more than that an amazing promise to stand on.

Please remember to pray for his wife, Cheri and their family. And though we know God will fill it, for the enormous void that is left in our church staff.

Pastor Ralph's Favorite Verse: (According to his pastor bio page)

"I love the LORD, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."
(Psalm 116:1-2 NKJV)

Dear Mr. Trochut,

2009-02-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

Please tone it down. You're making the rest of us (designers, illustrators, anyone with a writing utensil) look bad, time and again.

Sincerely,
Jonna

PS You are still my hero.
PPS You almost make me want to buy a Zune.

Just another place to see the mind-blowing work of Alex Trochut (and some others)

Bye Bye Late Night

2009-02-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow night is the last episode of Late Night with Conan O'brien. Ever. Of course, Conan will be taking over the Tonight Show come June, so it's not the end completely. He will however, have to say goodbye to many recurring sketches and Joel Goddard! The show will be different. So, as my very favorite late night show, that I've been watching and attempting to watch since I was 11 years old (yes it's been on for 16 years) here's to Conan O'brien, the funniest man in the world.

Don't miss the final episode, tomorrow night at 12:35 A.M.

Great Design Makes You Buy What You Already Own

2009-02-17T22:55:00.001-08:00

My friend Raye tipped me off to the amazing art of M.S. Corley. These are apparently just comps done for fun (he's submitted them to Scholastic via e-mail, but heard no response yet) but they have all the cleverness of a Penguin book cover. This Potter series is so beautiful and clean. (Also check out his versions of The Spiderwick Chronicles and Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events). His selected subject of each cover is genius (my faves are The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire).

"Cool" "Blog"

2009-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while, but I would like to start posting again— once a day at least. I stumbled across this blog and the extraordinarily anal-retentive side of me thought it was hilarious.

Happy Early Valentine's Day

2009-02-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

I heart the Huxtables (I really do, the Cosby Show is one of my all-time favorites). This is a brain game (borrowed from mentalfloss.com). Enjoy it thoroughly, I know I did.

At the Huxtable household, Valentine’s Day is a special day. Mother Claire kicks off the holiday a week early by secretly assigning each of her five children the job of sending a valentine card to one other sibling. She makes the assignments herself, but asks the kids to keep quiet until the five cards are delivered. She even takes the time to ensure that the sender of each card doesn’t receive a card from that same sibling. What a mom, huh?

Anyway, you probably know the names of the Huxtable brood. Sondra is the oldest, followed by Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and little Rudy. Given the above information and these three clues, can you determine the senders and recipients of each of the five valentine cards?

1. Theo sent his valentine to a sibling older than he.

2. Sondra’s valentine went to one of the two youngest Huxtables.

3. Denise, who did not send a valentine to Vanessa, thanked Rudy for hers.

Solution Here.

Bonus: The Huxtables, Where Are They Now?

Finally.

2009-01-15T19:54:00.001-08:00

Woah!

Orla Kiely for Target

2009-01-14T18:50:00.001-08:00

Check out this crazy adorable new house ware/accessory line coming to a Target near you in the first week of February. They're by designer Orla Kiely who has bold, sweet patterns, fantastic color and playful, child-like graphic elements. Check out her site and then rejoice that for a moment in time, you can purchase her designs at Target prices!

Learning To Love You More

2009-01-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

This whole concept is incredible. I haven't even read through all of them (there are 70), but I want to do pretty much all of them. Much like the Pushing Daisies soundtrack, they all just make me smile. Clever and productive in unconventional ways. I really love this! These are some seriously amazing ideas. Check out the website…

Learning To Love You More

OR

Buy the book ($13.57 at amazon)

Credit Where Credit is Due

2009-01-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Ok you can file this under stuff that doesn't really matter, fluff, or guilty pleasures, but, as fan, I had to post…

Kate Winslet won both Best actress (Revolutionary Road) and Best supporting actress (The Reader) at the Golden Globes. Yay! That's all.

PS Thank goodness Ann Hathaway didn't win. Please.

PPS I loved that Cameron Diaz was one of the presenters, c'mon, you know you loved The Holiday.

New Disney Movie

2009-01-06T11:27:00.001-08:00

It's been about 15 years since I last cared about a Disney animated film. While I'm typically all-for technological advances, I do not like computer animation. I think CG is great for live action (like Lord of the Rings) and can even be used to enhance animated films, but films done entirely by CG, in my opinion, suck. Don't give me your Toy Story. I want hand-drawn, hand-painted, animated films starring human characters, voiced by a cast of relative unknowns with the occasional big name thrown in (see, Robin Williams or Angela Lansbury).

With that said, I am over the moon about Disney's upcoming film, "The Princess and the Frog", based on The Frog Princess. The story is set in New Orleans in the 1920's. I'll be honest, I would've preferred the usual, non-specific fairy tale time period, but I do love the 20's, so I'm ok with it. It's also the first black disney princess. I'm also pumped because the female lead is voiced by someone who is (close your mouth) known primarily as a stage actress! Anika Noni Rose. Not Tyra Banks or Alicia Keys (who both wanted the role), they were DENIED! This is much more in-line with Page O'hara, Jodi Benson awesomeness.

Let's hope they walk the line and keep the modern-day one-liners to a bare minimum. I think the only lame part is that Oprah is one of the "voice-talents". Ugh, I can just hear her "Please welcome the princess and the fraaaahhhhh-oooooog". No.

Also, Randy Newman is on-board, he's no Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, but he IS Randy Newman. Should be good.

Silhouette Masterpiece

2008-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

These are amazing! I haven't seen something this clever and well-done in a long time! Thanks to Alex for sharing!

Some Good Entertainment news

2008-12-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

After feeling much disdain with the entertainment industry and humanity's reception to it for a number of reasons (1. the Twilight film being made and being a success, 2. the cancellation of Pushing Daisies) I'm oh so glad to see that both the SAG awards and the Golden Globes have nominated my favorite actress, Kate Winslet for both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

It should also be noted that she's been nominated many times for the Oscars, Golden Globes and SAGs and never won. (Update: I just looked it up and she's been nominated for 5 Oscars, 6 Golden Globes, and 5 SAG awards, winning only a SAG for Sense and Sensibility). I hope she wins it all this year, she is a truly amazing actress.

I'm also trying to ignore the fact that the SAG awards completely snubbed Lost and Pushing Daisies, but lavished nominations upon such tripe as Entourage and Desperate Housewives. Bleh.

The Conchords: Episode 1 of Season 2

2008-12-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my homie, Rob for sending me this link to the first episode of season two of the Flight of the Conchords!!!!! I'm at work, so I will be watching this first thing when I get home! Enjoy!

Watch it!

My Horn Can Pierce the Sky

2008-12-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Haha. I actually really liked last night's episode of the Office… it did lack a certain "Christmasy-ness", but it was still funny. The ending was a bit sad. Anyway, my friend Raye just sent this to me…

Princess Unicorn!

Want Want Want

2008-12-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Nothing spells "keep your drippy water glass off my coffee table" in a more lovely fashion than these type coasters by veer.

I love them.

Twilight Post #3

2008-12-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

What the heck is wrong with me? I had to share this link that my friend Raye sent me. It's just beyond hilariously accurate.

How to Write a Bestseller Just Like Twilight

Terrain

2008-12-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

One reason to go to Pennsylvania is Terrain. I happened upon this site while thumbing through the corporate headquarters of Urban Outfitters Inc. (under which falls, anthropologie and free people). Terrain is a one-of-a-kind greenhouse/nursery/cafe/shop. It looks incredible. They tout bonfire nights, terrarium workshops, a landscaping service, a restored antique greenhouse and garden terrace (available for party rental) and just about a million other things that sound like a big pile of delight. Here are some aspects that stuck out like the chocolate strawberry on an edible arrangement…

Did I just dedicate 2 posts to Twilight?

2008-12-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Yes… after my last post, I was doing my daily google reader perusal, and discovered the Catherine Hardwicke, the director of Twilight, was fired and won't be returning for the sequel. Not like I care.

Forget that I ever mentioned Twilight. Thanks.

About 3 Things I was Absolutely Positive…

2008-12-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

1. Twilight the book was cheesy and predictable, but despite that, a decent read.
2. The book was intriguing enough to make me see the movie
3. Twilight, the film, is by far the worst movie I have EVER seen.

Twilight, a review:

(Warning, the length of this very long post is proportionate to the terribleness of this film.)
Wow, I'm hoping I can conjure words to express the sheer atrocity of this film. The acting was absolutely horrible, the direction made "Walker Texas Ranger" look Oscar-worthy, and the screen writing and pace was just laughable.

I would call myself a semi-fan of the book (after seeing the film, I don't know if I can continue to book 2, New Moon). It was a VERY easy read, corny, but the characters were interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. I figured it would be kind of cool to see these characters and events played out on film. I was wrong.

I'll be honest, I really wanted to enjoy the film. Was I slightly embarrassed purchasing a ticket and saying "Two for Twilight" out-loud? Yes, but I did it. Oh how I regret it. Kristen Stewart is my pick for worst actress of all time. From what I recall, she was brilliant as Jodi Foster's daughter in Panic Room, and so, I had decent expectations for her. I'm pretty sure she graduated from the Emma Watson University of Over Acting. Over-the-top panic breathing, so much lip chewing, and utterly unbelievable gasping and stuttering it was very hard to not burst out laughing. I was painfully aware that she was all too aware of herself.

Jessica and I were practically in tears of laughter when Bella (Stewart) first sees Edward (Robert Pattinson) in their lab class. I'm not kidding when I say "Walker Texas Ranger". The quick zoom-ins and painfully unrealistic, angst-y stares were so FUNNY. The entire movie was hilarious for all the wrong reasons. (Especially the awkwardly paced "let's climb/fly up a tree then jump to a shot of fog-filled room with a grand piano being played by the leading man.)

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen was also comic. Half the book is nothing but tireless gushing over the nearly unimaginable beauty of Edward and his vampire family and their other-timely mannerisms. Pattinson is, to me, slightly odd looking, I really wouldn't place him in the devastatingly handsome category (obviously, I'm wrong as there herds of rabid teenage girls ready to eat him up). I quite liked him as the beloved Hufflepuff hero, Cedric Diggory, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He is awful in Twilight. His american accent was his only tenable attribute. His tortured stares were honestly one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. The heavily dramatic scenes (90% of the film) were overdone and awkward. Both he and Stewart were simply painfuly to watch. I much prefered his lighter scenes he is tolerable in them and nearly likeable. Let's not forget the choice to actually show his inhumanly fast movement. It was very poorly done and like most of the film, came off as comical, whereas the book suggested it to be impressive and fascinating.

The pace was probably the worst part of the film. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I'm all too used to an 800 page masterpiece being chopped up and compacted in to 2 hours of film. I say kudos to Rowling and her screen writers for superbly picking and choosing which snippets to include and which to cut and then carefully reconnectiong all the selected elements into a cohesive and seamless story. They always manage to please the die-hard fans as well as the clueless newcomers. Twilight's pace and consolidation was ridiculous. It seemed to me that the first half of the book was jammed into the first 5 minutes of film. Seemingly life-long friendships and bonds were forged inside of two lines. Nearly a dozen integral characters marched through in a graceless introduction parade that lasted about 2 minutes. Had I not read the book, I would have been really confused as to why Bella had trust or attachement to any of them. The plot jumped from each intrinsic plot point to the next with little to no transition between. Yet it managed to dwell for painfully long moments on unimportant, uncomfortable scenes between Bella and Edward.

If you're going to see Twilight, go in ready to laugh. I admit it, I should have known better than to pay to see that. My only hope is that someone brilliant lampoons the living daylights out of it. It is ready-made for mockery.

One good thing, it has a half-good soundtrack. Mutemath's song "Spotlight" is incredible, and Robert Pattinson' song is actually decent… go figure.

Here is what I found to be the worst acting in the enitre film Stewart at about 2min and 30sec in. (Spoiler alert, it's at the end of the film).

Beeeeeeedle

2008-12-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

Proof that JK Rowling can't stay away from writing Harry Potter novels hit stores today. Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of five fairy tales, that are a very important aspect of the seventh and final installment of Harry's tale. I'm super excited to read it. It includes commentary by Albus Dumbledore! (and yeah, I'm excited by the commentary of a fictional wizard, get off my back.) I really want the special edition, but it's $100. Fortunately, I'm not that steeped in Potter obsession to blow some Christmas bonus on it. It is gorgeous though, I love gorgeous books… I will, however, settle for the $7.14 paperback version.

Clever Finds…

2008-12-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

I love pop-up books and all the ingenuity that goes into them. Let's not even get started on how amazing it is that Pushing Daisies picked up on this wonder, writing "Lil Gumshoe" into the storyline. So, anytime someone finds a new and clever way to incorporate the wonderful world of pop-up into everyday items, I applaud.

Check out these lovely pop-up place mats from Velocity, sure to make any dull, old dining table sparkle!

Quenching My Pushing Daisies Sadness…

2008-11-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

I know what you're trying to do, television. You're trying to distract me with two amazing promos for two amazing shows so I'll forget all about how I need to send daisies to ABC. I present Lost and Flight of the Conchords:

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Kristen Chenoweth on the Cancellation…

2008-11-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

PUSHING DAISIES CANCELLED!!

2008-11-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

From Junk

I am SO sad! As I've posted many times before, this is the greatest show on TV. Everything about it is amazing. If you have not watched it, I implore you to! I will do almost anything to stop this from happening.

If you're an avid fan, there are a number of ways to send a message to ABC.

1. Sign this online petition
2. Send them an e-mail
3. Send them actual mail:
Pushing Daisies
Warner Bros. TV
300 Television Plaza
Burbank, CA 91505
4. Send them daisy seed packets or daisies
5. Tell your friends to watch! Online for free, or buy from iTunes or amazon
6. Buy the dvd and rent it out to everyone you know (or if you're well-off, buy it for everyone you know).

Please please please, pretty please please please, pretty,pretty, please with a sprinkling of gruyere on top.

I Suck at Blogging

2008-11-19T22:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged since… Oct. 17, hey over a month! I somehow managed to get a post out while I was vacationing in NY, but I can't do it when I'm sitting around at home doing nothing. Go figure. I think I will make it my goal to blog twice a week. That's enough to keep people coming back for more, right? Ok, maybe I will post everyday, even if it's just a stupid sentence or a link, with two meaty posts per week? I can do this! Consider this post #1 (wimpy variety).

Jonna Isaac

This Blog Has MOVED!!!

Design Crush: Anne Benjamin

Fifty|1 FontFont Magazine, Issue 2

Reject Tuesday: Make Him Known Shirt

Pipe and Pepper

The Letter Playground

Things I Draw in Meetings: Friday!

The Design of Coralie Bickford-Smith

The Illustration of Lucia Gaggiotti

Rejected Design Tuesday: Enter In Comp #2

New Music: Dr. Dog

Free Music: Ghostly Essentials

Amazing Work: Matthew Albanese

Things I Draw in Meetings: Kate Kicks the Marshall

New Blog *Update your links*

Tonight Show Aftermath (Warning: Totally Depressing)

Evolution of Type by Jessica Hische

Things I Draw in Meetings: Coffee Date (Inspired by Lost, ep. LA X)

Some Amazing Printed Work from FPO

Selleck Waterfall Sandwich

Rejected Design Tuesday: Mentoring Matters

World Map

Best Custom Lettering of 2009

Check It Out: Picture Book Report

Valentine Postcards

Things I Draw in Meetings: I'm with Coco

Things I Draw in Meetings: Blurgh

Conan Plush Doll!

Preview of Midlake's New Album

The Next Best Thing to a Time Machine

Rejected Design Tuesday: Enter In Comp #1

Things I Draw in Meetings: Fancy Lady in the Rain

Sanna Annukka's House

Things I Draw in Meetings: Conan's $4.8 million Sketch

Webfonts Aren't Only for the Future

Sanna Annukka

Farra and Juan's Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty! (Invitations by Me!)

Farra and Juan's Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty!

i love typography's Favorite Fonts of 2009

Things I Draw In Meetings: Rainy Day

The Bookbook

Rethink Scholarship Video By Rory O’Sullivan

The Conan Rally

I'm with Coco

Portfolio Updated: Bridal Garden Party Invitation

Portfolio Updated: Hallelujah Night Flyer

Once, Twice, Three Times a Conan

Portfolio Is Up and Running…

Portfolio is Finally Up

Portfolio Coming Soon Still…

New Portfolio Coming Soon

Happiness

Burton's Alice

Strawberry Sour Cream Brown Sugar Pie

California's Newest, Most Precious Resource

I Could Go For That…

Housey

'A' is for…

Stuff I Painted

I Have Died and Gone to Pattern Heaven

What? I Do Graphic Design?

3 Balloons in 3 Skies

The Letter 'A'

Lo-Fi Watercolor

Drew Barrymore is Style

I Want to Go to There

☂

Ready Made Magazine

Tracy Feith For Target

Aren't We All So Excited for This?

Drool Drool Drool

I'm a Nerd. We Are Wizards.

Not Just Another Ream

Get Closure on Water Rings

Sad Day

Dear Mr. Trochut,

Bye Bye Late Night

Great Design Makes You Buy What You Already Own

"Cool" "Blog"

New Blog Update your links