Ladies & Gentlemen...

My dear friend, Mimi and I were in a musical together this past season. There was an old fashion microphone used in several scenes. We jumped at the opportunity to have a little photo session. Oh, to be a lounge singer in the 1950's. Isn't that the dream?

Happy Birthday, James!

At the request of my little bro, I attempted to recreate a picture that he found in a youtube video. It plays during an opera that he frequently listens to. I know, I was shocked to learn that James listened to classical music as well. It depicts the story of Der Erlkonig which apparently is near and dear to his heart. From what I could tell, the original was done in some sort of charcoal. I opted to use a black conte and was pleased with the results. I can see now that I needed to keep the horse lighter...especially the neck, but the gift was well received. I pinned the drawing to a lamp shade of his and went to bed. When he finally came home, he barged into my room saying he liked it better than the original. Ultimate success.

The iDon'tCares

Here are two designs that I embellished for my friend, Sarah. Her band, The iDon'tCares was ranked 13th place in the Maurices Small Town Sound to find female fronted bands. I am so extremely proud of her. Last month we had a little photoshoot in the woods behind her house to give her some options for promotional material.

Sophia Ormond Design

Here's a landing page that I created a while ago. It simply makes me happy or maybe I just find it somewhat soothing. I was please with the juxtaposition of the ornate flourish next to the low opacity trapezoid. I'm not sure if anyone else cared for it. This was definitely a design that I wouldn't mind being associated with. What do you think?

Ketcha Later!

I found this today and got really excited. A little too excited. Come on! It's a ketchup phone for crying out loud! Of course my brother reacted in the same manner as I did...must be something about the way we were raised. It reminds me of Juno's hamburger phone...hopefully I won't need to shake it in order for it to function ;)

Wet Dog

 It's been months since I've sat down to paint. I set up a station next to the easel with a jar of water and all the paints and brushes conveniently at my feet, so it would be as effortless as possible to plainly paint. But that was weeks ago. All I needed to do was find the time and the drive to sit. I honestly don't know how it happened, but before I knew it, I was sketching on the canvas while being serendaded by Marvin & Diana and was instantly relocated to my happy place.

Jack-O-Lanterns

I'm afraid my schedule will not permit for me to follow through with a tradition this year. I was really hoping I could redeem myself after last year's atrocious "Loch Ness Monster/Saxophone" fiasco. I've even been carrying carving tools in my purse just in case someone prompts me to create a face without notice. Maybe I should just stick to the paper and pencil pumpkins...they're definitely less messy...but I'll definitely be missing out on the salted pumpkin seeds ;) Have a Happy Halloween!

There and Back Again: Artist Appreciation- Alan Lee

Okay, so I got pretty worked up this past week when I learned that Peter Jackson will be directing the highly anticipated adaptation of The Hobbit. I can finally sleep at night. Oh, and I heard a rumor that Alan Lee, the conceptual artist for The Lord of the Rings trilogy will also be working on this project as well! My only let down is that James McAvoy will not be portraying Bilbo Baggins as I had once hoped. I'm sure I'll live ;) Here are some of Alan Lee's masterpieces that have inspired me.

And here are examples of how he has influenced my work:

JE Connections Logo & Business Card

Album Covers

I've been tinkering around with this cover. Instead of making multiple prints on used SuperOne bags, I figured, why not show the original. What are your thoughts? Do we like the fonts? Does it peak your interest?

Vote,Vote like the Wind

My best friend, Sarah Lindberg is an enormously talented musician. She writes, sings, & plays multiple instruments fluently! She graciously played guitar on a couple songs that I've recorded and has been incredibly supportive of my pursuit in music. Her band, theiDon'tCares ROCKS! Think the female version of The Strokes. I absolutely ADORE her sound! She joined this contest that the clothing store, Maurices is hosting and is already in the Top 50...We would love to keep it that way. Please vote for her if you get a chance. The contest runs until the 15th of November and you can vote once a day here. Thanks a bunch!

Three Irish Girls- Fall Look Book Photo Shoot

The lovely Sharon LePine McMahon invited me to pose for her upcoming look book this season. She owns a company called Three Irish Girls. Those who enjoy knitting can can order darling patterns for chic accessories on this site as well as purchase skeins of hand dyed yarn in the most imaginative and vibrant colours. I was fortunate to be able to wear some of these creations and model the designs at the Prindle Mansion (formerly the John S. Duss Conservatory) and the Historical Fitger's Hotel in Duluth, MN. It was a gorgeous autumn afternoon well spent. I'm so thankful for such an opportunity. If you want a sneak peak of the look book you can visit Sharon's blog, Yarnista or make a purchase or two at her shop, Three Irish Girls . Happy Knitting!

Presenting Select Dance Academy & Performing Arts Center Logo

This past month I was asked to design a new logo for Select Dance Academy & Performing Arts Center located in Shakopee, Minnesota. The ribbon border is meant to represent fluidity and freedom. We chose to use a silhouette of a jazz dancer posing in an arabesque as supposed to a ballerina which is probably more cliche. That flexible model is the talented and soon to be Dr. Katie Phillips. It was a pleasure working with Jennifer and I hope this final product reflects her original vision. You can learn more about her studio here: http://selectdance.com/default.aspx

'The Complete Jane Austen' advertisement

This advertisement aired after Masterpiece Classic on PBS a few years ago. It hasn't failed to evoke emotion from me. What a splendid song to pair the footage with. It's "Fix You" by Coldplay in case you were wondering.

Wish List

I'm absolutely in love with these book covers and clearly aware that I may be accused of judging these books by their covers, but I'm completely prepared to face the consequences. Designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith and recently featured on Design*Sponge, they are precisely reflective of Fitzgerald's stories. I have been enamoured by her talent and have begun the pursuit to hunt down one of these glorious editions even though I own 3 copies of "This Side of Paradise" as it is. If you have the time, you must check out her site. Her Clothbound Series is adorable as well. My favourite would have to be The Alice and Wonderland cover...oooh or maybe Emma. I can't decide. What's yours?

Artist's Sister by Gustav Richter

I recently discovered this portrait at a rummage sale along with a lovely Victorian Chocolate Pot which I had never seen before. It differs from a Tea Pot in that it has a flat bottom. Believing that I found two items that everyone would admire, I was baffled when I heard voices of disapproval. Apparently this portrait has been deemed "creepy" by the majority of my family.

The label on the back of the frame reads, "Artist's Sister- By Gustav Richter, Artist: Gustav Richter was born at Berlin, August 31st, 1823. He studied first at Berlin, and in 1844-1846 was the pupil of Cogniet in Paris. He made numerous journeys to France and Italy, and in 1861 was commissioned by the King of Bavaria to visit Egypt to make sketches for pictures of the Pyramids --which were destined for the Maximilianeum at Munich. "The Artist's Sister" by Richter depicts the charm of the Romantic period of last century. The original hangs in the National Gallery of Berlin. He died April 3, 1884. " I appreciate that the price is written on the back in a white wax crayon. You can observe how the sale price decreased over time. So, what are your thoughts? Do you find this work of art classic or creepy?

Happy 85th Birthday, Grandpa!

"Be Joyful Always"

"A heart is not judged..."

This was created for my dear friend Katie, who may actually be the one person in the world who is more obsessed with "The Wizard of Oz" than myself. She even wore red heels on her wedding day and this lovely quote was in the program when she married her husband, Jake last October. Their names and the date are even engraved in one of the bricks.

Designs As of Late

Here are a couple designs that I've been privileged to work on lately.

This marks the 3rd year that I've been asked to contribute to the Festival 5.1K design. I'm glad that I was able to keep with the green concept. I actually ran it last year and felt extremely one with nature.

The A's for Ms. Amber's design were inspired by Balinese puppets that were near and dear to her heart. I'm honored that I was asked to jazz up her current resume.

Fontdue

I thought these were pretty cute. I spotted them at one of my favourite restaurants of all time, Gordy's Hi-Hat in Cloquet, Minnesota. It was just a featured diner on "Guy's Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives" on the Food Network.  If you have never been there, you need to go and if you're lucky Gordy himself may even take your order. Make sure you try a bacon cheeseburger & raspberry shake.

Gordy's Hi-Hat


415 Sunnyside Drive

Cloquet, MN 55720

Tel:(218) 879-6125

Website: http://www.gordys-hihat.com/

Camera Obscura

I saw this album cover a couple months ago and thought it looked vaguely familiar.

What do you think? Am I crazy?

A Day at the Faire

Two weekends ago, my friend Makayla attended the Minnesota Renaissance Festival with me. The theme was the Highland Fling so we were in for a treat as the Caber Toss & Stone Throw as well as the Kilt competition were held that weekend.  I really enjoyed watching the Scottish dancers and was thankful to be able to sit in the shade for their performance.  We both had a bread bowl of chicken wild rice soup under a grapevine trellis and watched jousting and various entertainers (including one rather crude poet. I think that's the opinion that he was aiming for ).  I finally found a square parasol and felt so prim and proper to be walking around with it.  The only set back of the entire day was that it was so hot.  The ice cream cones melted into a puddle almost immediately and the 98 degree weather felt far from what I would imagine the climate to be in Scotland.  Overall I think we had an enjoyable time and I will be looking forward to another visit next year. It runs until the first weekend of October. http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/

Love this font! Snazzy!

 Check out Friar Tuck chillin' in the background!

 I love this picture. It's an homage to Outlander.

 For some reason I've always known that someday I will live in a house with beveled glass windows like this.

 Mosaics! Yes!

This little guy was a familiar face from last year.