Artwork: Dying for Love and One Love Designs

Dying for Love

“Dying for Love” is a goofy visual pun inspired by Valentines Day.

One Love, One Hope, One Voice calligraphy lettering by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions.com

This design is inspired by a phrase in Bob Marley’s song, “One Love”, but expanded to include the text “One Love, One Hope, One Voice.” It’s done in a grungy fashion, and incorporates my urban calligraphy. It’s based on the inclusive attitude of the hip-hop and reggae musical communities. The shirts are available for men and women HERE.

Resource: Fine Art Printing

MFA Talon Printing

I came across the print shop of MFA Talon Printing in my research for fine art printers. As an artist, this print shop offers great options: serigraph (silkscreen), giclee, and various techniques (gold leaf, UV coating, and metallics). They claim to be the “one of the first fine art printing studios in the country to produce Fine Art Books entirely in silkscreen” but be prepared to stash away some money as they retail for $5,000 to $7,000 for each portfolio book.

Artwork: Cartoon Girl with an Axe

. Posted by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions.com

Cartoon Girl with an Axe

Cartoon Girl with an Axe TEE SHIRT is a fun little project inspired by all those hours of watching animated characters frolic on the screen. Part of my Happy Insanity series, this is also inspired by Emily the Strange, Ruby Gloom, and Happy Tree Friends.

This was first conceptualized in my sketchbook, then went straight to the computer as I had a pretty clear vision–just pure vector shapes in Adobe Illustrator.

Inspiration: Scharffen Berger Design

Scharffen Berger Banner

Scharffen Berger is one of my FAV chocolates. It was unfortunate to hear the announcement that Hershey’s, its parent company (since 2005), is closing down the original Berkeley plant. Even though times are tough, the design still shines. The site, packaging design, and food photography are all well done–simple elegance.

Inspiration: Shephard Fairey and Propaganda Artwork

Street (and gallery) artist Shephard Fairey talks about his philosophy on creating the propaganda-inspired pieces. His manifesto is amazing too.

Some conservatives write off Shephard Fairey and Banksy as mere vandals, but I believe that they’re examples of how art is accessible to everyone and how important imagery could be. Visual artists speak to the senses and enough repetition of certain ones could influence the subconscious in some fashion. Fairey’s Obama image has revolutionized street art, as the public attached their own view onto the image. All art (commercial and noncommercial) seems to be some form of propaganda–either from one’s own agenda or another’s–to inspire, think, or feel. . .

Artwork: Typographic Bird

Typographic Bird

Typographic Bird is a shirt design based on typographic explorations of serif letters. The swoosh and wingding elements created an interesting graphic form. This is also available at Zazzle, where the shirt colors could be customized.

Artwork: Silver and Pearl Pendant Necklace

As a side hobby, I’ve been tinkering with jewelry design. This collage was created from old beads, chain, pearls, wires, and pliers. The large pendent was taken from an multi-layered earring piece.

I created 5 jewelry pieces that same day, but my arm paid the price. My carpal tunnel started acting up and I was unable to function properly for the next few days. Needless to say, I won’t be doing too many jewelry projects for a while. . . but I’m happy how the pieces came out.