Category Archives: Design

Activities, Art, Cellular Automata, Design, Inquiry, Lifestyle, New York, Travel, ◆◆◆

Inquiry: World’s Largest Kaleidoscope

Leave a comment

Mount Tremper, NY | World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – While staying at the Emerson Resort and Spa one of their biggest features is a silo that has been converted into a kaleidoscope show. The show is an interactive display of light, sound and form and tells the story of the universe through this. The display was created by a local film firm in NYC and by two artists. After the show, you find yourself in a gift shop fill of different kaleidoscopes ranging from all sizes and prices. The team at Emerson gifted me a travel-sized kaleidoscope that I now keep on my kitchen table. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but this experience has inspired me a bit in my own photography.

The above image was taken through a triangle tubular piece and had a mandala panting on the back wall. This image is pretty cool and makes me wonder if I can recreate the effect by creating a kaleidoscope lens. Throughout the shop there were interactive displays where you can look through kaleidoscopes and spin a bowl of marbles to create your own visuals. This activity is complimentary for guests.

Blog, Business, Design, Projects

New Clients: Bowflex Barbie Fitness and Kathmandu Infosys

Leave a comment

Happy to welcome Bowflex Barbie and Kathmandu Infosys into my ‘client family’. These past few weeks have been extremely busy with moving among other things. Transitioning from one way of life to another has been quite difficult, more or less than anticipated. It’s weird to think that something you’ve wanted for so long can be a huge adjustment. Anyway, just taking one day at a time, week, month, etc and slowly settling in. 🙂

A new beginning….

My client work has helped with the transition not only with the finances but with focusing, allowing myself to take a break from moving and day-to-day activities to focus on things I simply enjoy doing. My freelance projects have been there when things got scary, OK and now when things are transitioning. I know there will be a time when they won’t be… but for now they are the one thing that can’t be taken away from me…

 

In this day and age of graphic design being a competitive field, gaining clients regardless of the competition, is extremely satisfying, especially going after clients whom you’ve made proposals for or connected through other means and those means ending but still wanting to work with you regardless. Building something up from the ground is not easy, and can be hard to let go.

Loyalty

Client loyalty is also huge, in addition to two new clients, a previous client had come around again after a long hiatus asking if I still want to be on the team. Building business relationships isn’t just about the money, work or what have you but about the relationships and community that come from it. This particular client had been reworking things on their end as well and it would’ve been a shame to just say ‘no’ just because of things falling through. Life happens, and I wish more people would better understand that. To build a independent freelance business, one must focus on client loyalty, do good work and maintain lasting relationships through a collaborative, creative process. Otherwise it may just fail or you’ll be struggling and going from one project to another without much longevity. To sustain any business is to focus on longevity, to take your day-to-day activities and energy and think about what will this do to make my business last?

 

 

Give a shoutout to Bowflex Barbie Fitness —> https://www.facebook.com/bowflexbarbiefitness/

And Kathmandu Infosys —> https://www.facebook.com/kiecpage/

And continue to follow along for updates on these projects and their whereabouts 🙂

 

Also a thank you to Copy Cat Printing for their negotiations in working towards making these projects a success 🙂

 

Business, Design, News, Projects

New Client: An American Craftsman Galleries

Super excited to announce that I will be working with An American Craftsman galleries on their branding and marketing. While job searching I came across an opportunity to work for them with their gallery in Stockbridge, MA. I reached out he was really into my graphic design work. We’re currently working on the nuances of this client relationship but the possibilities coming out of this are quite exciting. Look for future updates and projects over the course of this year and beyond. 🙂

 

An American Craftsman Galleries showcases the work of talented emerging artists alongside well established artists working in wood, clay, fiber, metal, glass, leather and mixed media. A wide range of work is represented… from unusual gifts to decorative art objects, from furniture to sculpture, from art glass to jewelry… for first-time buyers to seasoned collectors. An American Craftsman offers an ever changing collection of beautiful American made fine crafts.

An American Craftsman Galleries was founded by Richard & Joanna Rothbard as an exhibition space for contemporary American artists working in all craft media. The Rothbards, artists and art show organizers, opened the first AAC in Greenwich Village in 1980. Now located in two locations in midtown Manhattan and in Stockbridge, Ma, An American Craftsman has become a chosen destination for thousands of travelers from around the world.

American Art Marketing is an affiliate of An American Craftsman Galleries which produces some of the finest art events. Please visit AmericanArtMarketing.com

Art, Articles, Blog, Business, Collaborations, Design, Editorials, Interviews, Projects, Published

Interview with Meghan Widger, textile and fiber artist

Leave a comment

Interview with Meghan Widger, textile and fiber artist

12985347_3074752308073_8999664223126705948_n

In the past 6 months I had the pleasure of working on a collaboration with another artist. While I work with other people consistently in my visual marketing career, I never thought to work with others in my personal artwork. I’ve been in a collaborative mood lately, and decided to take a page out of what many people on instagram and social media do – collaborate!

I had been following Meghan Widger, or Hills and Thread on instagram for awhile, as I admired her work and skill with fabric and quilting. Then an idea struck me as I was working with the mandala form with my images and thought that they’d look awesome with a quilting technique, closely linked to traditional tapestries, so I reached out to her and we scheduled a Skype meeting.

One of the things I love the most about the internet is being able to network and connect with other like minded individuals. I, for one, wouldn’t have a career, if it weren’t for the internet, or maybe I would but it wouldn’t be where it is today. Anyway, I’ve successfully used the internet for networking and collaborations regarding my work, and when done ‘right’ can be a really amazing tool to help you in proceed your career.

I’ve sat down with Meghan Widger, owner of Hills and Thread and asked her a few questions about the work she does today.

10300425_3033096746710_6723044646097716898_n

1. What made you start the work you do today?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always loved creating. But my sewing journey started at age 14. I got really hooked on the show Project Runway and just felt like I wanted to do what the designers did. I felt a spark, like this was something I could be good at. I wanted to learn, so my awesome parents gifted me with a sewing machine. I taught myself to use it and designed my own garments. However my interested shifted from fashion design to quilting, and has been evolving and expanding ever since.

2. Do you have a vision, goal, or destination in the work you do?
My main destination is to someday teach my own workshops. I want to teach people not only the skills and knowledge to sew or paint, but how to enjoy the process and how therapeutic it can be. I’d also like to travel around to display and sell my work at different festivals and shows. Basically I just want to learn, share, and teach.

3_Beisecker_Pineneedles

3. What did you enjoy about working with me/us?
I enjoyed getting to know a new artist and learning about your Electrography project. Collaborating two completely different skills and talents is such a fun experience. Not only did I learn a lot from you but I also gained a lot of inspiration from this project!

4. What do you do outside of when you’re not designing/creating?
I spend most of my time creating. If I’m not sewing then I’m painting or making something else. But If I’m not making something then I’m taking care of my plants, practicing yoga, or listening to music/podcasts. I love being outside, reading/writing, and thrift store shopping.

5. What made you start Hills and Thread?
Starting Hills and Thread was actually a huge step for me. As an introverted person who used to be painfully shy, I never liked to draw attention to myself and was never one to show off my work. I realized that starting my own business would be constantly challenging me to go outside my comfort zone and, in turn, help me evolve and grow. It took a lot for me to just start posting things I made on social media for exposure, then I was terrified of starting an Etsy shop. But every time you do something that scares you, you take control and the fear loses its power little by little. I decided I wanted to overcome as many fears as possible not only for myself, but to inspire others to do the same.

I, myself, enjoyed working with Meghan and Hills and Thread and look forward to see how this project develops. We have plans to develop our collaboration down the road, possibly supporting a cause that helps Kenyan women through sewing and other awesome ideas. If you are looking for a unique gift idea, or a new home decor piece; check out our work at at: SHOP K GLYPHICS (http://www.facebook.com/electrography) and Hills and Thread (https://www.facebook.com/hillsandthread).

Be on the lookout for future articles by Kristi which will feature ‘tips and tricks for artists to get ahead,’ Artwork ‘currently on view,’ Projects ‘in the studio,’ Travel Stories ‘on the road and in the air,’ and finally ‘lifestyle’ adventures. You can find more about Kristi, and her work on her blog:  http://blog.kglyphics.com.

Blog, Design, Reflections

Inconsistencies

Leave a comment

There’s something I’ve been wanting to write about for awhile to get off my chest.
My former harp teacher recently unfriended me on Facebook because she thought I was being ridiculous in that I wasn’t following my boss’s instructions that went against my education and previous experience in the field. She believed that since my boss wrote the check that I should follow their instructions to the T. In theory this is right. But only in theory – especially since that particular job wasn’t the only one and I didn’t really need it. I told her she had no right to reprimand me in front of my friends for being caught up in something that I was asking for clarification in. Someone I know who worked in scheduling agreed with me… and other things… I was just dumbstruck that she would call me out as such. She also thought she knew my field because her daughter worked in for over 10 years… I’m sorry, but you have no respect for what I do if you think you know what it takes to make a decent design and I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t call your daughter’s work to be anything spectacular either… she’s great at art and illustration and has a clever way to incorporate it into an image, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it great design… seen better.

As a design and marketing specialist, I am typically hired for my knowledge and skills in the field. It’s how my career took off – at Minuteman it was how I was hired… and I continue to stand out in my field with my creativity and design skill – I get jobs and gigs for it and that’s the way it should be. I’ve been freelancing since 2010 and have a very good understanding of the field. I may be young, but I am not inexperienced in my field. I have been hired for my proficiency, etc. so do not try to tear me down or disagree with something I feel strongly with. My ideals and morals have gotten me this far in the field and I will not step down to someone who doesn’t know. Honestly, it’s like me saying that I know all about mechanical engineering because my Dad’s been working in the field for over 30 years… that’s ridiculous! I know the basics of electronics, but other than that, not much…!

But, I’m sorry. If I have been trained and taught to do a certain way and I am hired for it, I will not let anyone else tell me otherwise – why hire me if you can’t allow me to do my job?? And otherwise, the job is probably not a good fit – if you can’t handle this from me, we can’t work together.

I’ve been studying, practicing, educated, experienced in graphic design for over 10 years. My first commission was done late middle school. I am not going to ‘dumb down’ my skills just because an ill-informed boss wouldn’t agree with me on something that I have been taught and trained and do very well in.

I may not be working in a print shop, but my work goes directly to the printer via my boss. It is part of my job as a graphic design specialist to make the document as impeccable and perfect as possible so that the final product is something the boss or customer can be proud of. I’m not going to let grammar technicality inconsistencies and typos ruin a design I spent hours creating – it’s a reflection of the designer and reflected as an inexperienced one – which I am not. I had a potential client call the other graphic designers he’s worked with assholes because they left typos and grammar technicality inconsistencies in their designs and didn’t have attention to detail. Excuse me, I don’t want to be seen as an asshole in my field, in front of my peers because of a lack of attention to detail.   If I am taught and trained to put extensions in numbers, I will fucking do that, if you disagree with me, why hire me?

So to my harp teacher – sorry, but you’re wrong on this one, even though you so wanted to be right. Telling me to not do my job as a specialist in my field is ridiculous. You also can’t assume you know everything without having worked a day in the field… so good on you for unfriending me.

Blog, Business, Design, Projects

New Client: Style for Bliss

Leave a comment

I recently had the opportunity to present my portfolio and proposal for a social-enterprise brand based in Marlborough, MA. They are part of the UN and help train women with marketable skills in jewelry design to change their lives. Our proposal was to conceptualize a package design concept for their jewelry brand – Style for Bliss. When I got the invitation to present my portfolio, I was stoked as their work is right up K Glyphics’ alley. I spent a few minutes researching jewelry packaging and drove quickly down to Michael’s to purchase some packaging supplies to put together a few prototypes – and it definitely paid off!

The creative director of Style for Bliss and I spoke for 2 hours about their work, my work and the proposal. The over all the presentation went way better than I anticipated as that is always a good thing. As the CD and I got talking and sharing our ideas she ended up really liking my portfolio and proposal and said I was her favorite :).

I am happy to announce that my proposal was accepted for their Packaging Designer position! My role will be to develop and design a package for their jewelry that communicates their brand through design and materials. I am excited to take on this endeavor as it is something entirely new to my skill set and for K Glyphics. But there is a lot of growth and opportunities from this.

Art, Blog, Design, Projects

Design: Printed Materials for A Solo Show: Electrolyte!

Leave a comment

Last night I printed out the designed materials for A Solo Show: Electrolyte! I’m trying to think of EVERYTHING lol. The gift bags aren’t included here as they haven’t been completely made yet and I don’t have good photos of them. I will take more photos on setup day.

 

Blog, Design, Excursions, ◆◆◆

Over the river and through the woods..

Leave a comment

It really did feel like I went over the river and through the woods to Pennsylvania and back. I stayed with my friend Richelle, who was a year above me in school. I went to PA for 48 hours for an in-person interview at Signs by Tomorrow. The place I was interviewed for awhile ago. I think I needed a trip like that. To be by myself and not have to deal with people is nice. I forgot what that was like and why I liked being away from home for college so much. It gave me a sense of independence that’s difficult for me to find at home.

I really liked Flourtown. Its’ got that historic feel to it, but its a suburban town very much like the town I grew up in. So I really hope things work out with SBT. I really need to leave this place, its got nothing but terrible memories attached to it.

I think the interview/work day at SBT went well. It was cool to be doing work that I went to school for. The only thing I wish that went differently was that I actually got sleep. I ended up sleeping on an air mattress at Richelle’s and that didn’t go so well. I haven’t slept on an air mattress I think since I was a kid. So I ended up getting three hours of sleep. But I suppose you do what you have to do.

The drive there and back was actually not that bad. I think I paid about $40 in tolls though. On the way there I avoided that path but on the way back that’s where the GPS took me. Kind of disgusting.

So I should hear by the weekend or the beginning of next week. Mom and I were talking about earlier that all the signs were there. Ha.

I also had a dream. I don’t remember my dreams and they often tend to be prophetic in nature. I dreamt I was at a sign shop and there was pre-cut metal boards and paper boards hanging up on the walls. The team was there handing out t-shirts to customers and I came in and took one and stood by the team. Usually when I have a dream about something major its a good sign. haha.

Design, Ideas, Inspiration, Theory, Visual World

Visual Language

Leave a comment

One of my long-ish term projects that I’ve been thinking about is creating a visual language that would be aesthetically pleasing as well.

Regular Languages are practical for many reasons, but wouldn’t it be nice to convey the same information in a more pleasingly manor? The language can be read by all even those who cannot read practical languages…despite having an information recall disability languages fascinate me.

It would also be good for those who are aesthetic learners, people who learn things via visual means. A linguist, Richard Brodie, developed a glyph system that took the english language and added color to it and he called it; Chromaphonoglyphics.

Even the social media icons can be seen as a type of visual language system. In esotericism there is a geometrical language given to us from the ancient Vedas called the Tattwas. Tattwa are geometric images from India. they are  symbols  that can be used in mandala.  One of the most traditional symbol sets and one considered to have innate power to effect realization is by using  Tattwa. These simple geometric symbols can be used in  meditation.

I was then thinking about how other things are conveyed in a compact manor.

I somehow ran across floor medallions and thought that their style would be perfect for conveying a lot of information in a compact space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So like the center could be the main idea of the story and the surrounding elements could tell details of the story. Perhaps using philosopher, Keyserling’s logic about brain coherence might be interesting to work with.

 

 

 

Design, Esoteric Design

Place in Space

Leave a comment

 I was reading one of my favorite alchemical resources and found this transcription. I have fallen in love with it. Very in line with what I’m interested in. 🙂
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
 
Place in Space
Transcribed by Adam McLean from MS. Sloane 3797, folios 3-5.

Place in Space
the residence of Motion,
or the Secret Mystery of Nature’s progress,
being an Elucidation of the Blessed Trinity.
Father – Son – and Holy Ghost.
Space – Place – and Motion.

 
Space, Place, Father & Son
are inseparable fixed & immoveable.

Motion ye Holy Ghost
Is that which brings all things to the Blessed determination
of the Dei, as in the Gloria Patri, Filii & Spiriti Sancti, etc.

Space is the Circle of Created World
Space is the Place wherein this Engine’s rolled
As Place a Center circled in by Space
So Space ye Circle is of place’s place
Place is a Center yet Exchange of Place
The Lineal motion is to Space’s Space
Place in it Self is ever fixed and still
Which doth ye Vacant Space of Spaces fill
Space can not Move because it all Contains
Yet Space is Motion, place where Power reigns
Nor Space nor Place do ever Stir nor Move
Yet place in Space is restless Motions Grove
Great is the Magic of this motion’s race
Motion in Space doth pass from place to place
Thus Motion caught in all including Space
Standing in centers moved to Circle’s place
Motion is that which runs the world about
Yet it a place is never found without
Place it is Still from Motion never free
Move and not move how can it ever be.
This riddle placed in Space of mental motion
Is plane to sense without erratic notion
Motion’s confined to various centriq place
Never to pass ye boundless bounds of Space
Thus each beginning doth its end contain
And End once made it must begin again
For what was done by one Creating Word
Must by this Three in one be understood
If any ask how this could ever be done
Tell them the word is Father, Ghost and Son
Before that time was made Creatural
God in himself was the great all in all
But to extend the virtue of his power
Of nothing all things made for his one bower
Thus was the great abyssive might
Formed into Creature, whence produced was Light
This light to Nature joined both firmly stood
As primo genitors and to beings food
The product of this all including one
In Triple Creature most divinely shown
Prangeth it self by measure of formation
To be the being’s being of Creation
Thus were the heavens and the Earth begot
Both out of darkness unto Light was brought
From whence was made twixt one and t’other
Father, & Mother, Sister, & Brother
Four in number as the Elements are
Conjointly work to procreate their par
Fire is the Father, and the Mother is air
Brother and Sister, Earth and Water, are
These in their number weight and Measure
Make of this world the hidden treasure
Joined them thro light let them unite together
That they may live in love and be for Ever
So is the Quatrant four in one
The Matter Form and Essence of our Stone.