Because it's Friday.... The Supremes

Interview: Tom Frost.

What is your greatest achievement?

A year ago I would have said that it was making a living doing something I love. Now it is definitely getting our little boy Harry, unscathed through his first year on earth. 

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

A modern, fresh aesthetic with a nod, to the stylings of yesteryear. 

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Step the hell away from the stonewash denim. 

When are you happiest?

At the moment it is watching my son grow more and more gorgeous everyday. That and having a relaxing ale, in front of the fire, when he is finally quietly sleeping in bed!

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Saturday boy in my local chemist when I was sixteen. Just because I was wearing a white coat doesn't mean you can show me ailments, and ask me which cream I would recommend. Not for £2.70 an hour. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

A muppet controlled by the late great Jim Henson.

What is your karaoke song?

For everyones sake it would be 4'33" by John Cage.

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

The amount of money that is spent televising dumb, orange rich prats and glorified pub singers in 'talent' contest. I am positive that vast amounts of money could be far better spent elsewhere.

What is the greatest invention of all time?

At present, the nappy!

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

Something involving woodworking and restoration. Or a chef.

All images courtesy of www.theboyfrost.blogspot.co.uk

Featured: Living etc.

Our Grafika boxes were featured in this months Living etc, Christmas edition. Perfect for you out there who hate to wrap presents.

 

Because it's Friday... David Bowie

Christmas cards.

1. Woodland Christmas Range. 
2. Ben Javens Christmas Range.
3. Noel Christmas Range.
4. Sean Sims Christmas Range.

Or you can by packs of our Christmas cards on Not On The High Street. 

Interview: Tad Carpenter.

What is your greatest achievement?

Tricking my wife into going on a date with me and then to marry me. Professionally, my greatest achievement is just being paid to something I love every single day. I feel so lucky to work in the field we all love. 

How would you describe your work to someone who hadn't seen it?

Playful-ish, whimsical-ish, clever-ish?

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Keep on making. I knew when I was 15 I wanted to be a designer, illustrator or artist. I would tell myself to keep on creating every single day. The more you make the more you identify with who you are as a maker. 

When are you happiest?

I love spending time with my family. Luckily, my wife, father and mother are artists and designers so we talk about what we are all working on a lot and how we can improve it. It sounds really silly but I love so much what we all get to do for a living and I really am happy when I'm working. 

What is the worst job you have ever had? 

Waiting tables. People like to complain a lot and complain about nothing. I feel I got a lot of that when waiting tables. I was really not that good at the waiting game. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Ah Jeez? I have no idea at all? That would be the most boring movie ever! Who do you think? (My Heritage suggested Liam Neeson)

What is your karaoke song?

Baby Got Back? Or anything by Journey or Spingsteen.

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

I really dislike how reality TV stars are everywhere and endorsing everything. I feel like enough is enough there.

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Is the internet a cop out? I would say Thomas Edison did some nice things too.

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

I would love to design furniture, ceramics or even architecture. If it was something totally different I actually love sports and being active. I might do something in that area. 

all images courtesy of www.tadcarpenter.com

Retail Therapy.

Store: Firefly & Kid Firefly
Name: Erinn Berkson
Established: 1999
Location: Firefly, 1409 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
                   Kid Firefly, 1405 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

How would you describe your store style? Firefly is a destination for a well curated mix of all sorts of coveted treasures from clothing, accessories, gifts, novelty and home decor, with an excellent selection of greetings cards and staitionery. It's a collection of all the things I personally love. It ranges from warm and cozy to modern with an edgy sense of humour.

What sets your shop apart? I think what sets me apart from others is Firefly's authenticity. You can really get a sense of me in the store as I am responsible for choosing each item. 

Where can we find you online? 
Blog: http://shopfirefly.com/blog
Website: http://shopfirefly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hellofirefly
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fireflyvenice
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hellofirefly

         

Because it's Friday ... Donovan

30% Discount.

We are offering you lovely people a 30% discount on our Grafika Diaries and Calendar till Monday. 

Get organised with this bright and fun calendar, each of the 12 months features a different classic graphic design. The Hardback Diaries come in 4 different colours, each with a ribbon page marker and elastic closure. These week and month to view diaries would make the perfect gift or stocking filler.

All you need to do to receive this discount is use the CAL30 coupon at the checkout. Enjoy!

1973 Loves ... Vintage Letter Blocks.

They may be a little battered, but they are still very cute. 

Interview: Budi Satria Kwan

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement so far is being able to make a living by designing.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

I think I'm a bit all over the place. My design is surreal, cute, colourful and sometimes minimalist.

What piece of advice would give your 15 year old self?

Do what you want to do, everything is going to be just fine. 

When are you happiest?

Don't know if its a bit cliché, but I am the happiest when I am alone drawing and designing. That and when I'm having a tub of ice cream for dinner.

What is the worst job you have ever had?

I did a set of designs for this company. The person who was in charge of the project was really strict, very limiting in terms of execution style and colours. They also chose an inferior idea even though I already offered a bolder solution. The pay was good though. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Squidward Tentacles.

What is your karaoke song?

Sadly, I do not karaoke.

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

I have no dislike about pop culture. It defines a generation. 

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Internet. 

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

Probably sell ice cream. 

All images courtesy of www.budikwan.com

The Blogs ... Betype

Our current go to for type inspiration is Betype. This diverse and exciting tumblr showcases all forms of typography and lettering used in everything from advertising campaigns to sketchbooks. When you've got a spare five minutes go have a look, you won't regret it!

all images courtesy of http://betype.co/

Christmas Card Packs.

It's now only six weeks away, so maybe it's time to start thinking about who is and who is not on your Christmas card list this year. We are selling Christmas cards packs on our Not On The High Street store, which we are not offering on our web shop. 

Choose from our Ben Javens, Noel and Woodland ranges. Each pack contains 8 cards, 2 of each design. 

Because it's Friday ... GUTS

Laters taters.

Not On The High Street.

We have opened our own little shop on Not On The High Street. We are offering different product packs and prices from what's on our online shop, including Christmas card and wrap packs. Go and have a browse HERE

Interview: Theo Walton

What is your greatest achievement?

Probably this interview to be honest.

How would you describe your work/ style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Like weird mythological animals with mystic symbolism and colourful geometry.

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Too many to mention, don't let other people tell you who you are.

When are you happiest?

Watching awful horror films, spending time with my friends and girlfriend, being with animals, doing stuff like drawing, cutting stencils, screen-printing, reading, listening to music and being busy doing repetitive stuff. 

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Working at a charity shop steam cleaning old donated clothes and sorting through people's junk.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Hugh Laurie or Elijah Wood. 

What is your karaoke song?

Cat Empire - The Chariot

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 

Hard to choose but between One Direction and The Only Way is Essex

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Electric Kettles

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

I wouldn't mind being a wildlife documentary cameraman, or in control of the hubble space telescope. 

All images courtesy of www.cargocollective.com/bokor