A Good Thought...

I am loving this wonderful poster by Jon Contino.  I makes the world seem a little lighter doesn't it?

Well, it also explains exactly where my brain is today...I'm trying to envision(and to make it reality) using my illustration to help people around the world...

Good Deeds Poster via helpink.org



FYI, This lovely poster is featured on the amazingly good charity/art collaboration site helpink.org.

Here's a little bit about Help Ink:
Help Ink is a collaborative project, using the sale of premium and exclusive art to help charities in an exciting way. With each purchase you’ll be doing your part to help charitable organizations and individuals around the world.
Pretty cool, huh?

Words of wisdom...

Just found this lovely little chalkboard sentiment by Mandy from the Dear Musketeer blog. I've been feeling a little bit off lately and need to refocus. Sometimes, I think you have to have find the courage within you to dream that big picture before you can really focus on all the little steps you need to take to get there. I realize I better give myself the opportunity to dream more. I need to create a bigger dream than I think is currently possible.


Do you ever get so fixated on tiny ideas/thoughts, you forget to dream big?

Scenes from a Art Opening...

Here are a few of my favorite shots from last weekends New Bohemia Signs/Jeff Canham & Steve Powers art show at the Guerrero Gallery in San Francisco. It was definitely an amazing event and I was very happy such a huge crowd came out to see it. A I am glad to report that a lovely time was had by all and I feel super proud to be part of it.  Take a look...

Damon hand painting the gallery intro.

Damon & Kerry being silly.

Ain't we cute?

Jimmy the Saint, Caitlyn, Candice & Heather (AKA meeting of sign painters)

A Crowd shot...

Candice and her "Paper Moon"

Steve Powers, Damon Styer & Ken Davis


Melissa, Scott & their wee one...

Caitlyn and her signs.

Setting up the show...

(top)Help Your Self (to Alleppey Timber Lorries)
  (below)Help Your Self (to 19th c. French Colonial “Specimens Typographies”, much as they helped themselves to their colonies)
by Damon Styer

By Stephen Powers

By Stephen Powers
Pre-Vinylite Society by Josh Luke

Help Your Self (to Stephen Powers) by Damon Styer

Signs by Ken Davis
A Quart Jar of Oil...by Jeff Canham

More fabulousness
A sleepy Damon...


Here is the link to the whole flickr set if you are interested...

Hope you enjoyed checking out the show.

Writing letters

I've been thinking a lot about lettering lately. I am currently working on an illustrated alphabet series with a little bit of letters here a little bit of snarky animals there. I'm currently working on getting the animals just right but what about the alphabet itself? I've never really done a alphabet before. There is so many lettering inspirations around me everyday (I'm married to a sign painter, so I'm not kidding here). So my question is, where will I go with this? Simple or super detailed? Quiet or loud? Huge or very, very tiny...I'm not sure yet but I've been having fun doing my research.

Here are some of the type artists that are turning me on right now:

Here is a few from Jessica Hische. I really love wonderfully illustrated type, she is such an inspiration for me...Check out here website for much more.
Buttermilk Font by Jessica Hische
Mother Nature Daddy by Jessica Hische
Amazing Alphabet by Jessica Hische


I love Seb Lester's work too. His lettering has such movement and style. There is so much beauty in each of his swirls...Check out more on his website.

London Rocks by Seb Lester

Keep it Simple by Seb Lester

Stars by Seb Lester

Here is a few from Tauba Auerbach. I love her work, it seems almost alive, like it's still growing and organic. It is amazing that it is all hand drawn. Wanna see more? Check out her website. I will note that she started out as a sign painter for my husbands shop and it has been amazing watching her career grow. If you ever get the opportunity to look at her work up close, do it. It will amaze you.

The Letter F by Tauba Auerbach


Yes and No and or Yes and No by Tauba Auerbach

The letter I by Tauba Auerbach


What are you favorite artists that work with typography? What do you love about them? Do think they get enough respect in the art world or are they still considered just designers? Any thoughts?