“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”

(Source: jayparkinsonmd, via msg)

Does your desktop need a makeover? I bet it would like this desktop wallpaper I created inspired by the song “Shadow’s Keeper” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (B.R.M.C.). Head over to my blog for a closer look.

Shadow’s Keeper by BRMC

I have a bit of an affinity for all things geometric in design. Not surprisingly, I also love the shapes of crystals and cut stones. The lights and colors that are reflected off their many different planes are fascinating. Russell Leng has captured the three-dimensional, reflective quality of crystals in a perfectly raw style. The juxtaposition of the rough brush strokes and the precise, angular lines is just striking.

Hilarity… I’m glad for the people in this video that none of them live in the midwest.

Oh, Jeremy Renner. You’re kind of adorable.

I fell in love with Lucy Liu’s outfit while watching Elementary the other night. It is disheveled perfection. Part of its charm is the untucked shirt over the skater skirt. Check out my blog to see how I would wear the look.

A fantastic article by Michael Beirut. It’s definitely something every graphic designer should read.

(via Graphic Design Criticism as a Spectator Sport: Observatory: Design Observer)

Edits Quarterly is one of the websites of Ian Coyle, a creative director, designer, and interaction developer that co-runs the design studio Huge/KingCoyle. In his own words, Edits Quarterly showcases “short narratives in film and photography.” And, I must say, it’s one of the most refreshing websites I’ve seen in a while.

The format of this site is very cool. It is navigated either by scrolling or by using the keyboard’s arrow keys. Each page of the site fills the entire browser screen. This allows Coyle to showcase some exquisite photography and clean page layouts.

My favorite part of the site, though, is the interaction between Coyle’s personal narratives and his photographs and videos. With each set of photographs or videos displayed on the site, Coyle shares a memory about the experience of shooting it or about the subject of the photo or video itself. In this age of Facebook statuses and Tweets it’s so nice to see some thoughts on life experiences that are actually meaningful. This site is very beautiful indeed.

Oh man! My high school’s marching band helmets looked like this. …except they were black with gold metal details. And there were black and gold feathered mohawks that attached to the tops. …we were total badasses.

(via theglitterguide: Photo by Kimberly Genevieve for Geronimo Balloons)

Today I am thankful for all the wonderful things that came with the year 2012: an awesome new job, meeting new friends, staying in touch with old friends, getting my very first smartphone, finally being able to run 30 minutes straight, and, of course, my loving family. 

Here are a few guidelines that I’ve been thinking about enforcing on myself in the new year:

1. Be yourself. It’s ok if some people don’t like it.
2. Don’t let or wait for other people to speak for you.
3. Take your time. Focus on the details as well as the big picture.
4. Work to get stronger physically, mentally, and creatively.
5. Take time to appreciate the people, accomplishments, and little things in your life.
6. Don’t let other people’s accomplishments or milestones make you think yours are inferior. They’re not. Just be happy for the accomplishments of others and proud of your own.
7. 7. Don’t talk down about yourself or your accomplishments.

Wooo! The “Bitch” logotype has been featured as design inspiration! Thanks, Liz!

(via Liz Owen - Graphic Design and Illustration: Logo Design Research - UNFINISHED)

These DIY Polaroid coasters are awesome! I’m definitely carving out some time to make these.

(found via Creature Comforts; originally from Darkroom and Dearly)