Thursday, January 31, 2008

Max Erdenberger


My buddy Max just said his goodbyes at the BNS office tonight. He bids adieu to embark on a journey to...fatherhood (he and wife Megan are expecting in March), among other cool things I am sure. He’s now coasting on the waves of freedom. Be sure to visit Central Office, his online presence/studio. Also, be sure to visit the blog he and his friends run called Viewers Like You which is a blog of cool arty things you should know about. Keep an eye out later this year because Max is partaking in Psst! Pass it On 3 with myself and a whole slew of other talented peeps in the motion biz. Good luck buddy, may the force be with you.

Walnut Wallpapers | Geoff McFetridge


I just stumbled upon this rad wallpaper producer in LA that has a great series of wallpapers designed by some of my favorite artists/designers. Geoff McFetridge happens to be not only of my favorites, but one of those designers. They have 3 choices of designs from him, one of whales which I am sure my wife will love, and the other of his trademark yeti. I am on the phone as we speak getting prices. I have a few blank walls just begging to be covered so I am crossing my fingers that it’s not too pricey. Go look for yourself here.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Native Tongues : The Old School (1989-1996) Volume 01


So I thought I would switch it up a little on the musical tip. This whole weekend I have been on this old school hip hop jones and made a few hand-picked mixes involving all the Native Tongues hip hop of the 90s. This is the stuffs I listened to in high school while in Jason Barrios’ Mitsubishi Conquest or in my neighbor Matt Spurlock’s Teal Mustang. It holds a special place in my heart and it may yours too. If not, it’s still good to jam too while rockin’ some Cross Colors or maybe some Jordans with a matching Starter Jacket. Download the joints HERE!

(1) De La Soul - Me Myself & I
(2) Jungle Brothers - J. Beez Comin’ Through
(3) A Tribe Called Quest - Rhythm (Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)
(4) Common - I Used to Love H.E.R.
(5) The Roots - Grits
(6) De La Soul with Q-Tip & Vinia Mojica - Roller Skating Jam Named “Saturdays”
(7) Black Sheep - Similak Child
(8) The Pharcyde - Drop
(9) The Beastie Boys with Q-Tip - Get it Together
(10) A Tribe Called Quest - Lyrics to Go
(11) The Roots - Distortion to Static
(12) The Beatnuts - Let Off a Couple
(13) The Pharcyde - Runnin’
(14) De La Soul - Long Island Degrees
(15) Common - In My Own World (Check the Method)
(16) Busta Rhymes & Q-tip - Ill Vibe
(17) The Beatnuts - Are You Ready
(18) Black Sheep - The Choice is Yours (Revisted)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Geneviève Gaukler | Pierre and Food Chain


Geneviève Gaukler is one of my favorite artists/designers. She pretty much brought cute characters back in style. And now you can buy one of her iconic characters in toy form. No it’s not just another vinyl toy by some artist. This is something new and original. I think I’ll figure out the Euro to USD conversion and order mine. I am guessing it’s just under $100 but totally worth it in my opinion because these will be worth something in the future, all the way in the year 2000. Drive your virtual Delorian over to We Sold Out and buy one.

Gallery 1988 | Tribute to Stan Lee


If you live in LA like me then you owe it to yourself to drop by Gallery 1988 on Melrose to check out the art inspired by the legend Stan Lee. As most shows at this gallery we have geekster staples, like Nintendo and Marvel Comics, reinterpreted in fresh and hip styles. Many of today’s promising artists have contributed to the collection and I have to say they are fun and original tributes. In the meantime stop by this blog to see some of the pieces.

Bacon Flavored Vodka


Ok, so I am not a huge fan of flavored liquors. I think vodka flavored vodka and gin flavored gin and tequila flavored tequila works just fine. But wow, you put bacon on anything and it makes it INSTANTLY delicious. So why stop with burgers or ice cream. Why not put bacon in your vodka too. Now what would you do with this sort of liquor you ask? Well, it’d be great in Bloody Marys or just fine shaken straight up with a bleu cheese stuffed olive. You could also use it for cooking too. Imagine it in some delicious stew or marinating a steak or burger with it. If you are curious at all about these drop by this amazing little flickr page where the flavors don’t quit with bacon. Now if we could just get bbq rib flavored gin then all would be right in the world.

Three Potato Four




Three Potato Four is an awesome little online boutique founded by husband and wife duo Janet Morales & Stu Eli. They basically sell all the great finds within their collection at very reasonable prices. I love the mix of antique and mid-century they have. Everything they sell seems to have a great focus of taste and style If you are into quaint and warm pieces of found art like beautiful old railroad signs or old typewriters and phones from the 50s like I am, then take a visit. They also have housewares and paper goods. Go and enjoy your stay. You may find a perfect Valentine's Day gift too.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Bohemian Modern : Laurel Canyon Vol. 01


I know it’s been slow this year. I haven’t been posting as much as I hoped I could. Cut me some slack though, I have been working pretty hard. To make up for it I am promising to put up more mixes faster. To begin, the first installment of my Bohemian Modern : Laurel Canyon series. Imagine driving in the Hollywood hills to a party at a swank house designed by John Lautner or Richard Neutra. Now imagine that you get there and the sun is going down as you pull out of your 1963 356 Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe. And then imagine that you pull up to this amazing house and you hear music floating through the air over the infinity pool and into your lucky ears. Well this is the music you would hear there. And it’s super sexy and can only be played at night just as the sun goes down. It’s a mix of sultry classics and swank new jams. Enjoy with some Remy Martin VSOP on a warm evening with a cool breeze. Begin the journey to hotness HERE!

(1) Goldfrapp - Clowns
(2) Dntel with Mia Doi Todd - Rock My Boat
(3) Dive Index - Water In Our Hands
(4) Lou Rhodes - Sleeping Beauty
(5) Massive Attack - What Your Soul Sings
(6) Boards of Canada - In A Beautiful Place Out in the Country
(7) Flunk - Your Koolest Smile
(8) Bows - Speed Marina
(9) Morcheeba - Howling
(10) Bonobo - Light Pattern
(11) Big Sir - Everybody Here Wants You
(12) Esthero - Superheroes
(13) Feist - One Evening
(14) Magnet - Lay Lady Lay
(15) Cat Power - I’ve Been Thinking
(16) Madlib - Distant Land

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Future of Apple


Hop over to Gizmodo to read this awesome article that uncovers the inspiration behind Jonathan Ive, the main we all hail a genius. Behind that genius is Dieter Rams, designer genius for Braum in the 50s and 60s. Picasso once said, “good artists copy, great artists steal.” I am not calling Ive a thief but rather accusing him of having great taste.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Chris Saunders


Chris Saunders updated his site and features a slew of luscious boards to feast on. He has a very illustrative style to his work which I am totally diggin. And thanks to Chris Do at Blind, Saunders and I are both teaching a boards class at the Art Center College of Design that begins next week that we are super excited about. I am focusing on concepts and process while he is focusing on style. I am really anxious to try to give back to the Los Angeles design community any way I can. I’ll keep you posted on it in the future.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Saul Bass | Henri’s Walk to Paris


I just stumbled upon this little gem of a book on Flickr. It’s a book that Saul Bass, one of THE most LEGENDARY designers of all time, illustrated. If anyone can point me to where I can actually buy it please do. Enjoy!

Happy ’08



Happy New Year’s. I know it has been a while since I last posted. Give me a break I was on vacation and in Texas with my family and friends. I had a good one too. It was mellow. But alas, I am back in LA and back to work. I am actually glad to be back in Santa Monica and back to the grind. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to find a shiny new 2008 Animal Paradise Edition Calendar at my doorstep courtesy of my good buddy Justin Blyth. Justin, who just informed me that he is on the freelance market, contributed 2 illustrations for this year’s calendar. I took some really shitty photos of it really quickly for the post but if you want to see some more professional shot check out Studio On Fire’s site. Thanks again homie!