Octopus News

#100dayproject

Since early last year, I have committed to create art regularly again.  It's been quite cathartic and I want to keep it going.  Since I still didn't yet have a rhythm, I missed the #100daychallenge on Instagram.  It was just too overwhelming at the time, but I wanted to shoot for the following year.  It's now day #4 and I am happy to say that I am keeping up so far.  : )  It's a huge undertaking along with all else I am involved with, but I see it as a worth discipline and I am enthused.  You can check out my Instagram feed here:  @octopusconnection

Spring Office Supplies!

So... I got pretty darn excited about this set of pens I just found by Fringe Studio.  Do I need more pens?  Nope... but they were inspiring!  I love the spring pastel colors, the vintage style oxidized metal and the packaging is colorful and fun.  Pens you say?  What's so exciting about that?  Pens in themselves are just pens, but these really made my day.  And that folks, is the epitome of the life of an artist/designer.  Getting practical about these little choices can really stunt your creativity, especially if they speak to you.  One thing leads to another, you know?  I mean, just look how I was able to pair them with some of my other office tools!

I did a bit of research to see what Fringe Studio is all about and what else they have to offer. I was not disappointed!  What a gorgeous set of offerings, like notebooks, pencil cases, mugs, etc.  Currently they are a wholesale company, so the products are only available at retailers like Nordstrom, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.  They even have a line of artsy pet supplies.  Check it out for yourself!

Humade.com

Some other artists I have been pretty impressed with are a sister duo from the Netherlands at Humade.nl.  "Humade is about creating products with a bespoke and individual character."  I love their style and clean looks.  Gieke and Lotte are killing it with some ultra cool products that I haven't seen anywhere else.  They have made this website an art form to include furniture, iron on metallic decals, and a modern form of an ancient Japanese technique of repairing broken china with gold and resin.  How cool is that!