3.31.12_some days the bear eats you

Part two of the album title.

3.30.12_some days you eat the bear

The title of an Ian Matthews album, modified, for today's and tomorrow's post. I liked the message. Border from the typeface Brownstone Frames.

3.29.12_love a good dingbat

3.28.12_art is the soul made visible

Pulling from my license plate design, used more letterpress type to complete the phrase.

3.27.12_thumbnail sketches

Sketches for a non-profit organization's logo design.

3.22.12_Don Draper

Somehow, I forgot to post this on March 22nd!

3.26.12_moss &: day one

I'm excited to try growing moss in the shape of type. This is day one of my test piece, an ampersand inspired by the typeface Barcelona. Above are images from my process: mixing the concoction in the blender, painstakingly brushing it onto my plywood board...now, I wait. Check back for progress!

3.25.12_time for Mad Men

3.24.12_off to see the wiz

Watched The Wizard of Oz today. I wanted to express the childlike magical aspects of the film, as opposed to the obvious use of emerald green. The design brings in a retro feel with its muted colors and block type.

3.23.12_moss type study

I'll be trying to grow moss in the shape of type over the next week. This is my study for the type I'll grow.

3.21.12_the parchment is hairy

A complaint from a medieval scribe scribbled in the margins of illuminated manuscripts.

3.20.12_homestead inline ampersand

Who doesn't love a good ampersand! I like the geometric structure of this one from the typeface Homestead.

3.19.12_time for a sweet treat!

Exploring a retro ad look with a single color overprint.

3.18.12_songs of the birds

Inspired by Rick Valicenti's work, I painted the bird and type while listening to the harmonies of happy birds in my yard.

3.17.12_bring on the green beer!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day.

3.16.12_cannot keep spring from coming

Original image of a blooming tree was taken on my iPhone on a walk today. I then filtered it in Instagram, brought it into Photoshop, and overlayed a colorized texture. So much of My Daily Six process is about letting my designs take on a life of their own. It's less about preconceived notions, more about enjoying the ride.

3.15.12_key lime pie yum!

Hand-rendered type, layered image created in Photoshop.

3.14.12_Happy Birthday Einstein

A world-changer was born 133 years ago today.

3.13.12_poker face

Guess where the inspiration for this one came from? Lady Gaga's influence is felt everywhere.

3.12.12_some days are better than others

Used one of my many blurry photos and two other texture layers to create this image with depth.

3.11.12_negative space

The typeface Bookman Swash in an ode to negative space.

3.10.12_Saturday

OK, I'm breaking my six word rule but I'm still using type and image. Played with images of type and signage I've shot in Nashville and New York City.

3.9.12_chicken one day

I was inspired by the story behind the "Keep calm and carry on" poster from the UK. This poster uses the typeface Neutraface, not Avenir, because I wanted the extra flair of lower cross strokes.

3.8.12_I paint my own reality

Frida Kahlo intrigues me because of her art and her turbulent life. It's hard not to wonder if she would have been as amazing an artist had she not been so seriously injured.

3.7.12_my pink cloud

Playing with Wacom and Photoshop texture. Loved this quote from Liz Taylor.

3.6.12_the rabbits, George

Hand-rendered type exploration. The quote is from Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".

3.5.12_a good book

A good book has no ending. Letterpress type on the back of a book I own from 1903.

3.4.12_you talkin to me?

3.3.12_Don't go in the basement!

I think I'm addicted to squirrels.

3.2.12_bumerang

The word came from The New York Times magazine where it weekly lists "That Should Be a Word." Keeping with my squirrels, I used one to illustrate the concept.

3.1.12_gladiator squirrels

With morningstar in hand, the squirrels are ready to rumble!