Ex Libris

Not too long ago, I found myself on a quiet mission to claim ownership of all of my books. It started with one book -- a favorite book which I was about to lend out and didn't want to lose track of. I thought of simply writing my name inside the front cover but that seemed too casual, almost disrespectful for this particular book. So, I looked online for some bookplates I could order quickly. I ended up taking a wonderful trek through the world of bookplates -- from the history of bookplates to customization to collection (there are societies dedicated to the study and preservation of bookplates). I also found some beautiful designs. Too many for me to actually settle on one. I ended up making my own. If anyone needs a personalized bookplate, you now know who to call!

Grungeboard Creations

It has been a while since I have nurtured my creative spirit. In the midst of professional transition, personal challenges and an active 17 month old, Creativity was collecting dust on the bottom shelf. Well, a recent visit to the Rubber Stamp Convention in Carson, CA was all the inspiration I needed. It was a smaller convention than usual but I didn't mind because it allowed me to slow down and actually watch some demonstrations. I spent most of my time at the Tim Holtz booth, watching the artists there and picking up some new tips and tricks. I learned how to make my own version of Tattered Angels' Glimmer Mist by mixing water with Perfect Pearls (which I already had at home but didn't know what to do with!) in a $1.75 mini spray bottle (saving myself about 8 bucks). My favorite purchase was Tim Holtz's Grungeboard which takes ink like paper but acts like leather. The night I came home, I made a series of tag cards celebrating Spring's arrival. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I had fun making a 20 page journal for a friend. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

What Font Are You?

I am fascinated (read: borderline obsessed) with the form of letters. My fascination usually manifests itself in calligraphy. If I have the time, I may actually produce a piece of artwork. Usually, however, I am relegated to writing alphabets on legal pads or even “air writing” words with my fingers or in my mind. By no way, however, am I a calligraphy elitist. Words and letters are beautiful to me whether they are written by human hand, set by type, pounded by machine or printed by a Lexmark printer.

So, it should come as no surprise that I was completely transfixed by a recent Independent Lens documentary on the history of the Helvetica font. Yes, a documentary on a font. Without having to go into the thousands of years of history of typeface (not that I would have minded that), the filmmakers did a nice job in laying out the significance of font and graphic design in our daily lives, and especially the dramatic influence of the creation of Helvetica in the late 1950s.

The film puts graphic designers in two general camps: those who think Helvetica is the second coming (and font should not get in the way of the message); and those who think it is blasphemous to true design (and font is part of the message). I lean towards the latter. There is so much beauty in the letter that it seems a waste to use something as sterile as Helvetica (or Arial) to convey your entire message.

Just for fun, I took the quiz “What Font Are You?” on the film’s website. Can you believe my incredulity when the results revealed I am “Times New Roman?!” Because of its ubiquity, TMR is almost as sterile as Arial/Helvetica. Maybe I need to get out more....