Too Cool.

The Alphabet from n9ve on Vimeo.

I could seriously watch this video over and over. Genius. 
{as spotted on Design Crush}

Chalk It Up

I am jealous of anyone that can execute hand drawn type in a non five year old kind of way. OK, I suck at it, so I am just in awe when people take letter forms to a whole new level. This Chica is kind of insane, but I can't stop looking at her work!

All in chalk my friends, all in chalk. I know that just makes it even more amazing doesn't it? Dana Tanamachi is one heck of a talent. And you should see her other work. Not only does she have this skill, but she is one heck of a graphic designer. Sort of makes you wonder how you missed that talent train doesn't it? 

Still in total awe. Love. 

{image cred: Dana Tanamachi}

Decorating Type

I love Christmas! And I am beyond excited to decorate our little apartment for the holidays. Although, I will say that the whole red and green thing is getting a little overplayed. It's nice, but I want something more original.

Enter, TransitDesign.

Christmas decorations and awesome typography. Who could ask for more?

Either one of these would look stunning next to my tree. I wonder if they make typography based ornaments. Now there is a thought. A whole type tree! It would be wonderful.
 
{image cred: TransitDesign via Etsy}
 
Punctuate away,
 
Jessie-Lee

Not Into It

OK, pretty much every morning I walk into my friendly neighborhood Starbucks and while I wait, ever so patiently, for the newest barista to ring me up I take notice to the album art up near the register.

This particular album has been driving me nuts for about two weeks now.

Today I just couldn't take it anymore. I coyly placed this album behind the rest and then my typography nerves rested a little easier.

Now, hear me out. I adore Miss. Swift. This is in no way an attack on her upbeat crazy catchy tunes, or her crystal clear persona. This is a "there is your sign" moment for these designers.

I love the back, the textures are executed beautifully and I envy their mad skills here. The front, I have issues with. Miss. Swift has been rocking that curly cue logo for quite some time now. It is pretty much iconic as far as country music goes these days. The logo stands. So why in the WORLD would you pair that logo with yet another, hand drawn font. Kill me. I can't take it. My eyes are literally having a wtf moment. They have no idea where to go. So today, I allowed my eyes to rest, and politely put the album behind a more appealing one. 

Miss. Swift, great album, love the songs. Next time, make sure your design team has conflicting aesthetics. Your album artwork will be better for it.

I feel much better now.

{image cred: The ST8MNT Blog}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

The Total Mother Load

I am having such a hard time right now. I found the most incredible Etsy shop ever! Yes, I realize this is a bold statement but it is so true! In fact, I am having a super hard time deciding what it is I want to post. There are just too many goodies.

But more to the point. You NEED to go visit this Etsy shop. Yes by that I mean stop what you are doing this instant and go to this shop. Your life will never be the same again. It is pure graphic design mayhem, and I know you want some of that.

Without further ado, I give you my favorite items from the plethora of goodies at Yee Haw, a letterpress shop from Knoxville, Tennessee.

See what I mean? There is just so much, and yes these are all from one shop. And, I didn't even show you their apparel listings or their line of journals. 

It is literally too much to handle. I will be returning to this shop on a regular basis, no questions asked.

I seriously want some of their card sets. How great would they be to have on hand?

{image cred: Yee Haw via Etsy}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

Type and Code

One good Etsy find leads to another. Remember yesterday's post? Well, Etsy has this wonderful little thing where you can share your favorites, and when you peek at other peoples favorite things you can really navigate around the Etsy world. This post is hands down credited to the finds of  TheCraftPantry.

bexpert is a wonderful print shop! They got me hook line and sinker, all because of these lovelies.

Now, you know I cannot pass up a nautical print of any kind. And these are even better than anything else I have ever found! I especially adore how the meanings of the flags are added into the design. I think it's fitting, don't you? (Notice the J and the L, haha!) bexpert has three collections of code flags. I have shown you the Bus Roll collection, but he offers a Vintage collection and a Children's collection as well. Whatever fits your fancy! I am partial to the strong grid structure of this collection, it is just so stark and I love it!

Groups of these would look awesome on a wall. Just think of all the possibilities! An office, a child's room, above a fireplace, there are just so many things you could spell. Clearly I am on board with the grouping of images, but maybe you are the less is more type and just want one letter. Who knows?

So what do you guys think? Are they awesome? Or have I overplayed the nautical thing already?

{image cred: bexpert}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

Smart and Chic

I eyed these Kate Spade clutches a while back, but after coming upon them again today I knew I needed to share.

What a conversation piece one of these would be! And to top it off, they look good. Really good. I would carry one in a heartbeat (anyone feeling generous enough to provide me with one?).

These are all part of Kate Spade's Book of the Month Clutch collection. Personally, I love anything that includes classy typography and if I can wear it or carry it, that makes it even better!

One of these might have to be added to the Christmas list (and yes Babe, they are that much!). I know, I am dreaming, but where would we be without dreams? They are just so pretty.

{image cred: Kate Spade 1, 2, 3}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

Hand Lettered and Letterpressed

What better combination could you ever even try to imagine? Yeah I couldn't come up with one either. I cannot get over these gorgeous invitations I found on Paper Crave this morning.

These are the wedding invitations of Los Angeles graphic designer Satsuki Shibuya (who recently launched Zakka Nouveau a graphic and product design studio). Pretty impressive. For more details about the concept and for more photos, visit the original post over at Paper Crave.

And the colors? I don't care if you are a guy, pink has never looked so grown-up and classic.

{image cred: Satsuki Shibuya / Zakka Nouveau via Paper Crave}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

P.S. Sorry about the light posting the past couple of days. My 9-5 has been pretty hectic and I haven't had the down time I normally do. Oh what we all suffice for a paycheck. I am not giving up on the blogging world, I swear! I am just super busy!

The Root of My Problem

Design is not what I do, it is who I am.

And, just by the way...this is post number one hundred.

{image cred: Jessie-Lee Nichols}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Hand Drawn Merriment

If you love hand drawn text, or not so traditional calligraphy you need to check out this site! Gracie Finn's website is incredible. I think I could spend all day here.

{image cred: Gracie Finn}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

Words of Wisdom

Sometimes when you get into a mental rut, the right words can make all the difference. In my case I have to see the right words. The visual inklings of Therese Sennerholt have been my savior on this dreary day in VA. (Sorry it rhymed and it made me smile, I couldn't resist!)

Therese Sennerholt is a Sweden based freelance art director who started creating these prints as a side hobby. Lucky for her, they have really taken off. I know I want one. Particularly this first one right here. It spoke to me this morning. Ha ha doesn't that sound all philosophical?

Now you want one right? Don't lie. They are awesome.

Which one is your favorite? If you don't like these, what quote or saying gets you through a mental rut?

{image cred: Therese Sennerholt via Oh So Beautiful Paper}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee