Typefaces to Drool Over

Yesterday I received the MyFonts “Rising Stars” email newsletter for July.  As usual, it was full of gorgeous typefaces.  I guess that impulsive type purchases are not a normal thing, but in my world, it’s so hard to resist…

Two typefaces from the newsletter really stood out for me – one from Argentina called Lady Rene (it’s the top image above).  Doesn’t it remind you of script from an Edward Gorey illustration?  For the right project, this font could be really fun.  It’s $59 though, and I wonder how much use I would get out of it.  I think for now, I’ll take Lady Rene for inspiration – I’m going to try to do some hand lettering that’s similar.

The other typeface I noticed was Monarcha – a really versatile serif for lots of text (see picture above, of Monarcha in a book).   The cool part is all the OpenType features – small caps, fractions, ligatures, etc.  This would be a great typeface for a large project that needs a lot of options.  But at $215 for the 8-font set, it’s gonna have to wait.

25 Travel-Inspiring Photos

With this oppressive heat we’re currently experiencing in Toronto, I wish I could be anywhere but here.  I know, I know… this is the weather we pay thousands of dollars for in the middle of winter, when we’re all escaping on Caribbean getaways.  But that hot weather comes with a swimming pool and a beach!

Anyway, here’s a round-up for 25 travel-inspiring photos from Budget Travel Magazine.  Enjoy, and keep cool!

Custom-made Chocolate Bars

From the Toronto Life “Dish” blog – German chocolate company Chocri is shipping made-to-order chocolate bars to Canada.  Personally, I like the sound of the “Treasure Chest” – milk chocolate, caramel chocolate drops, sprinkles, toffee, and mini cookies.  All together in a glorious ( and rather expensive at $10 each) chocolate bar.  Yes please.

My Office Needs Work

I love working from home.  It’s my favourite part of my job.  I exploit it to its maximum potential – I usually stay in my pyjamas until about 2pm, I occasionally watch TV in the middle of the day, and take breaks whenever I feel like it, to run errands, walk the dog, or just plain slack off.  I know some freelancers that need an office outside their home in order to get anything done – they really need that physical separation of work space and home space.  But not me – all I need is a separate room.

My office has been in the same configuration for 2 years, and I’m itching for a change.  A few months ago I added a giant computer and a couch to the room.  But something still feels off.  I’m gonna think about it and see what I can come up with.  In the meantime, I’m taking inspiration from this roundup of 25 awesome office spaces, featured on Design*Sponge.

Kinnon’s in Uppercase!

My good pal and Sidesaddle Creative business partner, Kinnon Elliott, was featured in the just-released Summer 2010 issue of Uppercase Magazine.  Uppercase is a gorgeous, award-winning, proudly Canadian magazine about design, illustration, and a bunch of other creative stuff.  Kinnon participated in a call for submissions – artists were asked to draw their workspace.  Although it has a small circulation, Uppercase Magazine is known and respected in our industry.  I hope a bajillion people see Kinnon’s work and want to hire her!

To see a larger version of Kinnon’s illustration, click here.

Funny on Friday: The Oatmeal

If you haven’t seen a comic by The Oatmeal yet, you need to check these out.  My favourite is “How A Web Design Goes Straight to Hell”.  There are some other good ones there too, like “What Your Email Address Says About Your Computer Skills” and “What It’s Like to Own an Apple Product“.

Or maybe you would prefer the quizzes on The Oatmeal, including the popular “How Many Justin Biebers Could You Take in a Fight?“.  For the record, I could take 20.

Happy Canada Day!

Today I’m out at my cottage with friends, enjoying the fine Canadian tradition of lounging in the lake-side hammock, reading, drinking beer, and enjoying the sunshine.  Okay, maybe those aren’t strictly Canadian activities, but I’ll let it slide.

Kind of Canada related – check out Modern Karibou, an online shop for modern stuff that you can actually get in Canada.  It’s so frustrating to read about a cool product for your house in an American magazine, only to find out they don’t ship to Canada, or the product isn’t available here.

Or, for the ultimate in Canadian interiors, check out the iconic Umbra.  Maybe treat yourself to my favourite Umbra product – the Aquala Bathub Caddy.  With a book holder and spot for your wine glass, it takes a bubble bath to the next level.