Hitchcock Classics

Alfred Hitchcock is by far the most influential directors of all time. To tribute him, Vanity Fair brought on some amazing actors to partake in beautiful recreations of some of the most iconic scenes from his films. It is a collection of 11 photos taken by a variety of leading commercial photographers. There is also a great making of video with behind the scenes action. Be sure to check them out, they are pretty amazing.

Bohemian Modern : Silver Lake Vol. 02

We recently took a drive to Silver Lake to hit up the thrift stores around there and downtown LA. I felt inspired to create another hand-picked mix that sort of encompasses that trip. This mix sums up the feeling of window shopping, digging through racks of hangers, gray skies, and deciding whether or not we really needed a white porcelain horse head. HERE YA GO!!!

(1) Money Mark - Tomorrow Will Be Like Today
(2) The Beastie Boys - Picture This
(3) Cibo Matto - Flowers
(4) Sean Lennon - Bathtub
(5) Bertrand Burgalat - Another World Gone By
(6) Simian - When I Go
(7) The Concretes - Grey Days
(8) Belle & Sebastian - Don’t Leave the Light on Baby
(9) Blur - Theme From Retro (John McEntire’s Mix Instrumental)
(10) Stereolab - Brakhage
(11) Joyzipper - Christine Bonilla
(12) Mogwai - Tracy ( Playing With the Young Team Mix)
(13) Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane
(14) UNKLE - Chaos
(15) Caural - Untitled

Kid’s Choice Awards 2008

The promo we did at Roger for the Kid’s Choice Award show 2008 just aired and is up for everyone to view online on Roger’s site. I was lead designer working with Terry Lee and Jake Portman for the most part. We had a great cast of characters including my good buddies Ken Macy and David Lewandowski as well as Zach Nederlander and Jose Acosta on animation. It was a total blasty blast for sure. Be sure to check out the boards for it on my flickr when you get a chance to see how it looked before it was moving.

Two Lines Align

Last night me and Ash went to the ”Two Lines Align” show at the Redcat in downtown LA. It was a joint show of Geoff McFetridge and Ed Fella. The space wasn’t too large but there was a lot of work piled in there. Geoff’s reserved and iconic work surrounded you, transporting you to a graphic world of teeth and doodles and everything else in his hand-drawn world. Ed’s work was mostly his typographical explorations he has been doing for as long as I can remember but it was nice seeing it all together finally. I met and spoke with Geoff for a little which was nice. I have been a pretty big fan of his for quite some time. Ash embarrassed me a little because that’s what she does best. The event was curated by Michael Worthington who also compiled a nicely designed program that most everyone there bought and had signed (including me).

Unfinished & Unpublished Notebook

Looking for a new sketchbook? Look no further. Rare Device has released a limited run (500) of beautifully hand-bound book composed of mixed papers to sketch in. The cover is either illustrated with beautiful black and white high-school doodles or an abstract design courtesy of 2 commissioned artists who I have never heard of but would love to see more work from. It comes packaged in a wooden box with wrap around sticker and all for a great price of only $36. Only 7 are left currently so act fast. I have placed my order so there are actually only 6 left. Buy it here.

Radiohead Rainydayz Remixes by Amplive

Amplive is an Oakland area dj who created a pretty solid mix of Radiohead tracks from In Rainbows. The tracks feature a few MCs from the area including Del the Funky Homosapien, Chali 2na, and Too $hort to name a few. Evidently Amplive released these tracks to the public without getting consent from Radiohead or their management but thanks to a ton of youtube support he has not only gotten in touch with Radiohead he has their full blessing to release the tracks to the public for free download. Go get your free music on and enjoy a new take on what is already a classic album.

Panton Chair on Modern Dose

I wanted to spread the word that Modern Dose is having a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Panton Chairs. The only catch is that they have to be the same color. Not a bad deal for $265 though if I may say. I would go for either green or white myself. I hope somebody takes advantage of this deal. Maybe I will.

Bohemian Modern : Sunset Boulevard Vol. 02

The weather has finally warmed up and is amazing outside. I just got back from running some errands and made a nice cool Hendrick’s Martini to mellow out the mid-day sun and threw on my second mix of Sunset Boulevard jams. These are breezy fresh bossa nova jingles that will glide through your drums. Listen in the afternoon or a little later as the sun goes down. And as always, have a cocktail handy because good music and drinks go together like gnutella and crepes. Download HERE!

(1) Astrud Gilberto - The Girl from Impanema
(2) Sean Lennon - Into the Sun
(3) Money Mark - Bossa Nova 10
(4) Ween - Joppa Road
(5) AIR - Casanova 70 (The Secret of Cool Mix)
(6) Ollano - Latitudes (AIR Remix)
(7) Kosma - Les Promesses d’une Chevelure
(8) Stereolab - Miss Modular
(9) Brazilian Girls - Long
(10) Nouvelle Vague - Ever Fallen In Love
(11) Francoise Hardy - Jeanne
(12) Tommy Guerrero - Four Track Samba
(13) The Sea & Cake - Try Nothing
(14) Bertrand Bergalat - Partir Revenir
(15) Fun Lovin’ Criminals - I’m Not in Love
(16) Nouvelle Vague - Blue Monday
(17) Blur - To the End
(18) Sergio Mendes with India.Arie - Timeless
(19) Zero 7 with Jose Gonzales - Today

Demeter Fragrances

My wife and I were shopping around Sunset in Silver Lake last weekend and stumbled upon a little fragrance shop that had a great selection of Demeter Frangrances for men and women. They somehow bottle the exact scent of many foods and nature. I was obsessed with Thunderstorm and bought it instantly. It reminded me of summer in Houston as a kid or after I cut the lawn at my grandpa’s house. I also liked Cucumber because it smelled like Hendrick’s Gin sort of. Speaking of gin, they have a Gin & Tonic scent too. Too bad they don’t have bacon and eggs because that is pretty much my favorite scent ever.

Engrave

There are a couple things I started to wish for when I found out about Engrave. First, I wish I knew my Incase iPhone cover would have chipped up the backside to death. The back of my iPhone looks like Edward James Almos now unfortunately. Second, I would have made some rad graphics to engrave on the back and find some other case to cary it around in. That’s what Engrave does too by the way. They let you send them your fancy shmancy graphics to them, along with your Apple Tech, to engrave it on the outside and make it all pretty like. So you choose, Edward James Almos or a custom job that you can design yourself.

Obama Art

So everyone has seen Sheppard Fairey’s Obama Posters but now it seems like everyone is doing them. I just found this link with a plethora of Obama inspired art. I think it’s great personally that so many people are getting involved with this election. My vote personally goes to Obama as well, although I am sure my endorsement isn’t quite as important as let’s say Oprah’s. I am really excited about the future of our government and hope that our country can dig itself out of the hole that Bush has put us in.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Scandinavian Details | Hiking Set

My wife and I love to go hiking. We went not too long ago with our friends Shnora (Nora & Sean) and had a blast. This little set by Scandinavian Details would be perfect for a hike. It is a great set that contains a 17oz vacuum flask, 2 aluminum bottles and a 3.5 oz container. All of this at a price of only $30.

Bohemian Modern : Xmas Volume 01

I thought it would be nice to put a little hand-picked mix of hip little Christmas jingles up on the blog. So pour yourself a strong egg nog this holiday season and sit back by the fire, or an HD fireplace dvd like we are, and enjoy this eclectic collection of holiday tunes. DOWNLOAD HERE!

(1) Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmastime Is Here (Instrumental)
(2) Feist - Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming
(3) Sufjan Stevens - Joy to the World
(4) My Morning Jacket - Xmas Time is Here Again
(5) Johnny Cash - Blue Christmas
(6) Rilo Kiley - Christmas Cake
(7) The Flaming Lips - A Change at Christmas ( Say it isn’t So)
(8) Neko Case - Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis
(9) Deerhoof - The Little Drummer Boy
(10) Low - Just Like Christmas
(11) Death Cab for Cutie - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
(12) The Ravonettes - The Christmas Song
(13) Eels - Christmas is Going to the Dogs
(14) Leona Naess - Christmas
(15) Pedro the Lion - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
(16) Sufjan Stevens - O Holy Night
(17) Aimee Mann - White Christmas
(18) The Flaming Lips - Christmas at the Zoo
(19) The Arcade Fire - Jinglebell Rock
(20) Pilate - Fairytale of New York
(21) Ivy - Christmas Time is Here