December 18, 2017

Personal Favorite Music Videos of 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUplxePolH4?rel=

This Dirty Projectors music video has a cool simplicity to it, along with jittery visual effects that perfectly capture the eccentric feel of the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3T8KznhThQ?rel=

Yaeji’s new video for Raingurl” is all sorts of fun, and the lighting is completely incredible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPRy1B4t5YA?rel=

Charli XCX nailed it with this video for her unstoppably catchy song Boys.” The video features different males, including musicians, acting in natural and often goofy ways.

New Music
December 17, 2017

Personal Favorite Albums of 2017

The xx: I See You

A strong yet overlooked album from The xx this year. These new songs show the band pushing the spectrum of what their sound is capable of, with danceable beats and poignant melodies. The lush production by Jamie xx is terrific as always, but my favorite thing about this release is how much more interesting The xx is to hear—the music truly holds your attention, moving from drowsy background music to the foreground of the indie pop and electronic worlds.

Perfume Genius: No Shape

Starting with the magnificent, bursting Otherside,” No Shape instantly lets out with a glittery explosion, but the entire tracklist is just as incredible, too. Ranging from rough and textured rock (“Slip Away”), to delicate, flowing melodies (“Valley”), each song on the album is layered with instrumental nuances and beautiful vocals. The album’s themes of queer love and devotion are compelling and heartwarming, too.

Rostam: Half-Light

Half-Light, the first solo album from Rostam, is a grower. Showcasing Rostam’s talents as a singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, the record also works with the artist’s dual identities as a gay, first-generation Iranian-American immigrant. The music is rich with intricate storytelling and deep-rooted historical elements, and it offers a rewarding experience upon repeat listens. As my most anticipated album ever perhaps, Half-Light was different than I was expecting, but at the same time, it feels like home to me. Ultimately, this record mixes the past and present, in instruments and songwriting, for a unique, personal sound.

New Music
December 1, 2017

Free Period Press

Recently discovered this small Cleveland-based publisher of creative products, and I’m completely obsessed. Their products balance self-care, creativity, action, and playfulness. I pre-ordered their new to-do notebook on Kickstarter, and I am looking forward to using their Habit Calendar to kick-start my 2018 productivity. They also sell stickers, coloring books, and more!

Art Creativity Products
November 30, 2017

Chobani Rebranding

Beautiful new identity for yogurt brand Chobani on Brand New. The brand illustrations and typography work well both together and independently of each other.

Branding
November 30, 2017

Austin Kleon on daily blogging

This post by writer and artist Austin Kleon makes me want to get into a more routine blogging habit.

Blogs Writing
October 30, 2017

What Will A Designer + Their Job Look Like in 2025?

Very interesting article on the AIGA Eye on Design blog today.

Careers