Hairvetica

Helvetica Typespec Book Project

Here’s something I’m actually kinda proud about; my type spec book project. The whole scope of the project was to create a type spec book that would be able to showcase the chosen typeface (in this case, Helvetica. It was supposed to be Aksidenz Grotesk but I couldn’t get my hands on the family, so), with the challenge of not having to use any illustration and/or photography. To get things straight with you guys, that rule really messed me up. I seriously do not know how I was going to go about the project without the use of any form of illustration or photograph. Being able to review the past works on this project, I realized they used the same technique which was like this letter-mosaic thing– you know, that one where the image would be consisted of small letters/words. From then on, my mind was set on one thing and one thing alone: I have to jump out of the bandwagon (and run far away, if possible). I wanted to bring something new to the table and that actually made things harder for me, especially during conceptualizing.

I originally wanted to create a Disney-themed concept, but it felt like I wouldn’t be able to clearly illustrate the iconic images without using the letter-mosaic thingy. So that concept was thrown out of the window…along with dozens of others. I didn’t know how else I would make this project become something that I wouldn’t get bored doing, so I went to trusty ol’ Pinterest and reviewed my recent pins. Yes, ok, I have been pinning hair stuff (like 99% of Pinterest people do, duh). And like those glitchy-discontinuity editing in movies, an image flashed so quick in my mind that I was just lucky enough to catch: a brush consisted of small caps L’s and I’s (refer to 3rd spread). And ta-dah, this type spec book came to life. In contrast to the letter-mosaic thingy, I made my illustrations by utilizing the shape of the characters and just rolled with it, basically.

Mi casa es su casa

Last June, my cousin and I started this renovation project for a living room space at my grandmother’s place. We saw its potential and really pushed through with it in spite of the fast-approaching new school year. We opted for a cool but sunny vibe by using yellows and blues for the color palette. We felt that leaning towards modern design would create more conflict with the furniture and stuff there, so we verged into a more traditional aesthetic. A lot of the pre-existing furniture were re-painted, including the sofas (yes, apparently you can paint an upholstery! read all about it on the links below!). The pattern on the yellow walls were made by using 2 hues of yellow, and with the darker shade “stamped” on the base by using a crumpled paper. We felt that going for this would add texture and also exuding a “Mi casa es su casa” vibe as well. Overall, it was a very fun experience. It was our first time to experience a renovation work firsthand (from the cleaning, scrubbing, sanding, prepping, painting, until the very last finishing details– and we sure did learn A LOT of things!), and we enjoyed every bit of it! There were a lot of moments (and by moments, mostly are mistakes) that contributed to our growth as artists. Super fun project– definitely won’t be the last.

Paint Your Upholstery

1) You can use this: (latex paint + fabric medium) 2) Or this: (chalk paint)

Little Things

Some of my favorite shots from our Korea trip last May.

At this time of the year here in the Philippines (especially at our place), it’s supposed to be a bit cooler. But as announced in the news, it’s El Nino season which means hot, humid weather all the time–WHICH IS THE WORST. The humidity will drive you crazy, almost like it’s choking you or something. Anyway, the weather made me miss the wonderful springtime in Korea. We don’t really get that kind of cool weather here, so it was truly magical for me. Moreover, the little things that really made the trip; I miss all the cute flowers and store designs, and the fashion culture, and all the artsy-fartsy concepts of, well, everything. And let’s not even get to the organized lifestyle there (something that I reckon this country would never get until who knows when).