Keri Smith

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Kim

this-is-not-a-book-3-lg this-is-not-a-book-5-lg this-is-not-a-book-8-lg this-is-not-a-book-9-lg this-is-not-a-book-10-lg

I came across a few books by Keri Smith today at The Sweden Shop and instantly became a fan. Her books remind me of the blog post I did on the book Let’s Make Some Great Art. They aren’t really books… they’re more like prompts for 100+ activities to let your inner kid go wild. They’re written in such a way that you feel like she’s talking to you and only you. Like she knows every thought you’re having and is 1 step ahead.

You know how you’re always told to not write in a book, dog ear the pages or get the book wet? She wants you to do the complete opposite — she asks you to cut, write in, scratch out, paste, spill, drench, tear and rip her books. There’s even a spread that just says “Take me in the shower with you.” The point is to make art with no rules. I love the message. And the ideas are just as fun.

Jack Daniel’s Independence Campaign

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Kyle

Jack Daniel’s meets Helms Workshop from Travis Robertson on Vimeo.

Jack Daniel’s meets The Signpainter from Travis Robertson on Vimeo.

Jack Daniel’s meets Jon Contino from Travis Robertson on Vimeo.

Jack Daniel’s launches “Independence” campaign, calling on some talented designers/artists such as Helms Workshop, Jon Contino and Derek McDonald to hand-craft posters for the campaign. ”There’s something to be said about a man who isn’t afraid to be himself. Who takes pride in staying true to who he is.” - from Jack Daniel’s Independence website. We love the premise of the campaign and the passion and dedication of each artist. You can submit your own posters on Jack Daniel’s Facebook page.

Let’s Make Some Great Art

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Kim

Another great book that I plan on adding to my collection, “Let’s Make Some Great Art” by illustrator Marion Deuchars. Meant to be for all ages, this book is packed with ideas to spark your imagination. This is one book that you’ll let your kid write in. Again and again. I love the interaction it brings and the many ideas it inspires. Support Marion and get your copy here.

Perspective on Perspective

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Kim

This video shows 2 artists (who are also twin brothers) and their invention of a 3D drawing machine that allows you to draw in perfect perspective with nothing but your eyes and a pen. Seeing it in action, it brings me back to when I first learned how to draw by placing a grid on everything… and then only drawing what is in each quadrant, eventually making up a whole, perfect picture. Except this machine takes it one step further, where what one eye is seeing in real time, the other is copying it onto paper. Such an interesting concept.

Thanks to Mike Laskonis for sharing!