Over the past year or so I have been looking closely at reprint artwork in hopes to create a photo/artwork wall that was entertaining to me and anyone who came to look at it. I’ve been frequently stumbling upon delicate watercolor paintings of girls & guys interacting with the nature around them. The painting are full of character and all have a story to tell. After a long time perusing artist’s website I realized I keep bookmarking the same artist, Oh My Cavalier. Let’s just say that I determinded that once I had a little extra cash flow, I’d purchase some of her pieces.

While I was in Portland on vacation a couple weeks ago I saw her work everywhere. Was it a coincidence or had I fallen into the Oh My Cavalier jackpot. Turns out the artist, Julianna, is based out of Portland and sells her work to many of the local shops. I saw an array of products, from original artwork, reprints, stationery sets, thank you cards, etc. I regret not purchasing my first original artwork while I was there, but I blame it on not being able to decide which little scene was my favorite.

That was a long drawn out story to tell you to simply  go check out her work. You won’t be disappointed and we all need a little whimsy every now and then. 

She also has a blog–>

Located in Wisconsin, The Hamilton Wood Type Museum is like heaven to any one who adores wood type or printmaking. The museum take up over 40,000 square feet and has over 1.5 million pieces of printed history. With a membership you can rent out a studio. You’ll have over 1,000 styles and sizes at your disposal and it is said that Hamilton’s collection is one of the premier wood type collections in the world.

I sit back and flip from one image to the next, knowing I don’t have the funds to afford anything in their shop. The products are beautiful, artfully displayed and I can tell they are full of history, but $300+ for a beat up metal trash can??? I’ll search the dumpsters for that if I need one.

Check them out. I know you won’t be disappointed in the variety of products to peruse.

If you haven’t heard of Julia Rothman, Brooklyn-based illustrator, I’m so glad you’ve stopped by today. I’ve seen her work here and there, and every time I’m sucked into her artwork looking at all the little details. Her blog (Book By It’s Cover), that strives to gather all art related publications in one place, is among my favorite.

Read a great Interview with Julia via Grain Edit.
Buy The Exquisite Book here.
Preview all of her new patterns!

Finally, the business cards came in the mail and after hemming and hauling over which printing company to go with, I couldn’t be happier. I researched and polled other bloggers to see what printing company they were most happy with and the results came back all over the board. Everyone was happy, so I just had to pick one and go with it. I choose MOO prints because they had the mini card option as well as double sided printing.

Let’s just say the printing quality, the paper stock finish, card thickness and the actual size are beyond perfect and exactly what I was looking for. They were $25 dollars for 100 mini-cards and the process of ordering was easy peezy. I highly suggest using them if you are unsure like I was.

BONUS: you can print a different back for every card if you choose! Imagine using these cards for a photography portfolio. wow.

With locations in Portland, Seattle, New York, and Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel was said to be “The countries most original new hotel” by the New York Times. I totally agree with the Times and that is why the boy and I will be staying in the Portland location for a whole week in mid-july. We’re excited for something new and exciting.

Travel Portland Frugally –> read article

As you can see from the first image, I’m giving this company the “love this” stamp of approval. Yummy right? Too bad the company is based over seas and the entire website is in Japanese. Love the beauty and simplicity. Clean lines, comfy textures, amazing colors. Check out their shop here!

Go check out their online shop and their blog. You won’t be disappointed.

Don’t you just love a man in a bow tie?

I’ve been pulling images from all the image collection sites, trying to establish what the look/feel I want market203 to have, the story that brings my brand to life. My goal is to release a lookbook with the launch of my shop.  Read more below about the value of a lookbook!

[vimeo 24244122 w=515&h=290]

Lookbook: a collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, a photographer, a style, or a clothing line. They can also be used as an artist’s portfolio.

To me, a lookbook is a piece of collateral that is used to help define a brand and bring that brand to life. It tells the story that the artist hope the consumer will fall in love with. They get consumers jazzed about what that artist will be launching in an upcoming season or what a store will be offering as product.

One of my most favorite things to do is keep my eye out for the upcoming season lookbooks. They are essentially mini books and I can appreciate the amount of collaborative work that goes into making a lookbook a reality.