Friday, January 25, 2013

Inspiring lecture to remember


A few years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture that was done by John Berry who wrote the book “Herman Miller, The Purpose Of Design”. The lecture was great and I learned a wealth of information. The book is a good read too. Even though the company, Herman Miller, is a furniture design company, there is something to be learned as any designer.
The one thing that stuck in my mind that was said during the lecture is, “The purpose of design is to solve problems.”  It made me stop and think that design is more than what most think it is. It is not all about art or about throwing something together and call it good. It is to solve problems regardless of what type of designer you are. This first paragraph in the book, in my opinion, is inspiring and a reminder of what design is really about.
“Design is a noun, a verb, and a problem-solving process. It is art with a purpose. In order to produce solutions, design requires a clear understanding of the conditions, constraints, and opportunities of a particular situation. Good design does not happen in a vacuum. A good designer is able to recognize a need, identify the relevant limitations, and devise a solution.” Berry, J. R. (2009). Herman miller. (2 ed., p. 1). New York, NY: Rizzoli International Publications, INC.
As a graphic design student, I have to remind myself that all designs that are produced, is a process. A problem-solving process for that matter.

Below are some of the designs that you might be familiar with.  I highly recommend that you check out Herman Miller's site, because it has more designs that are fantastic and design stories. Also you can click on the link below the design's photo and it will tell you the design story. Feel free to comment! Enjoy!

Herman Miller
Herman Miller
Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman

Herman Miller
Herman Miller







   



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2013 Color Trend

I know it has been a week an half since I have posted something. Things are not going as planned which is disappointing, but what are you going to do when life happens, Right? However, the past week color  has been weighing on my mind. As the creative freak that I am, I want to know what is trending for 2013! I am sure some of you must be curious. So here you go... this is what I have found.

According to Pantone.com, Emerald is the color of the year. It is a beautiful color! Also Pantone has the 2013 spring color trend which is vibrant. There is so much that can be done with these colors. Check out the photo below...

2013 Spring Color Trend

What I am most excited about, is the 60's are back! According to the article in Bead Design Studio, this is where a touch of neon comes to play, geometric designs on tops and dresses, and the sweet stripes. The make up and hair trend will even have the vibes of the 60's. I am not sure about having hair parted down the middle, but I love the big and teased hair! The make up will focus on the eyes with cat eyed like liners and some serious eye lashes. Yes! I have an excuse to wear fake eyelashes!!!

Fake Eyelashes

60's Hair

Another thing that you might start to see more of in the jewelry making world, Swarovski Elements has added neon colors to their Crystal Pearl line and has added Astral Pink to the Crystals. It is a nice eye popping color!

Neon Crystal Pearl
Neon Crystal Pearl
Neon Crystal Pearl in Orange, Pink, and Yellow

Neon Crystal Pearl



Crystal Astral PinkCrystal Astral Pink 
Crystal Astral Pink

Crystal Astral Pink
References:

Linky parties


Friday, January 11, 2013

Mini Album

Hello!
I hope all is well and everyone is having a great start of the New Year! I have been busy with projects that I am working on which I will be sharing with all of you very soon. However, today I am going to share what I received from my mom as my belated Christmas gift. Which by the way is hand made by her. I love surprises and this was a welcome surprise.

Anyways, my mom created this interactive album using Kathy Orta's tutorials at Paper Phenomenon. This is called the All Occasion Mini Album. It is made using scrapbook paper pad that you find at Joanns or Micheals. This is so adorable and cute that I just had to share it.  Here are some photos of this cute book. Enjoy!

The paper that was used in this Album.


Mini Album

Notice the pockets with pull out mat.

Mini Album

Cute pull out little album for small photos and some journaling.

Mini Album

Mini Album

This is my favorite....

Mini Album

The right page folds out with more pockets and mats
Makes it a great interactive album.

Mini Album

Mini Album

I can't wait till I put some stuff in this album.


Mini Album

Many ways to document those important moments.

Mini Album

Pockets and more pockets! I love the mats. You can place a photo
on one and journal on the back of it. So many possibilities.

Mini Album

Mini Album

Mini Album

The biggest challenge, do I really want to cover up the beautiful paper???

Mini Album

Mini Album

Cute chain & trinkets for added charm.

Mini Album

Mini Album

Who am I partying with....

A Little Knick Knack
Somewhat Simple


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

About

My name is Joanne. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am currently in beginning stages of my blog and as you can see it is kind of naked. Please bare with me as I start this blogging journey. I have big plans for the upcoming year, the big 2013!

Here at Creative Mess, I will share projects I am working on, things that inspires me, and general life. As this blog develops, I will try to keep all sorts of people in mind when I am blogging: the crafter, the scrapbooker, the photographer, you name it. I will try to make stuff relate to a diverse group of people that dabbles in all sorts of hobbies, like I do.

For more information about me, please click on the "About Me" here or the tab above.

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