Far Out Brussel Sprout

Map Nerds Rejoice

2011-08-23T16:00:00.000+10:00

Made by NSW's own Cath Young

Embroidered Wallpaper

2011-08-23T15:31:00.000+10:00

Holy crap.

GBP170 per roll from Cuthom

The Great F Scott Fitzgerald

2011-08-23T15:27:00.000+10:00

"For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

– F. Scott Fitzgerald

Chocolate Beetroot Cake

2011-05-31T20:55:00.001+10:00

Chocolate Beetroot Cake
Serves 8

250g beetroot
200g dark chocolate, in small pieces
4tbs hot espresso
200 butter
135g plain flour
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
5 eggs
190g caster sugar
crème fraiche and poppy seeds to serve

Lighly butter a 20cm springform cake tin and line the base with baking paper. Set the oven to 180C.

Cook the beetroot, whole and unpeeled, in a pot of boiling and salted water. Large beetroot will take up to 40mins, small beetroot about 20mins. Check tenderness by piercing with a knife. Drain them and leave to cool under running water. Slice off the stem and root and then peel them. The skin should slide off easily. Blitz them in a blender to a rough puree.

Melt the chocolate in a small bowl resting over a pot of simmering water. Leave to melt without stirring. When the chocolate looks almost melted, pour the hot coffee over it and stir to combine. Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the melted chocolate and leave to soften.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and cocoa. Separate the eggs, putting the whites in a large mixing bowl. Stir the yolks together.

Remove the bowl of chocolate from the heat and stir until the butter has melted into the chocolate. Leave for a few minutes then stir in the egg yolks. Do this quickly and mix firmly and evenly so the yolks blend in to the mixture. Fold in the beetroot.

Whisk the egg whites till stiff, then fold in the sugar. Firmly but tenderly fold in the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture using a large metal spoon; work in a deep figure of eight motion being careful not to overmix and lose the air from the egg whites. Lastly fold in the flour and cocoa.

Transfer to the prepared cake tin and put in the oven, turning the heat down to 160C. Bake for 40 minutes. The rim of the cake will feel spongy and the inner part should wobble a little when shaken.

Leave it to cool where it will sink in the middle. Loosen it around the edges with a palette knife after half an hour or so. Serve in thick slices with the crème fraiche and poppy seeds.

Adapted from the person who I'd most like to be my host at his house, Nigel Slater’s Tender Volume 1.

2011-05-20T20:10:00.000+10:00

via Carpe Diem

Sea Pool by Jason Wingrove

2011-03-08T10:25:00.000+11:00

from the iconic Bondi Icebergs comes...

sea pool from Jason Wingrove on Vimeo.

John Hughes & Anthony

2011-01-14T20:10:00.000+11:00

From here

Droughts & Flooding Rains

2011-01-11T22:32:00.001+11:00

It's been nearly two yeasr since the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria. Now there's floods in Queensland. Australia is a country of extremes. It's when these battles against nature occur that such amazing depths of good character are displayed. Help a mate - human or otherwise - out of trouble.

Donate to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

Donate to the RSPCA Queensland Flood Crisis Appeal.

To those heroes at evacuation centers, rescue helicoptors and on the end of a rope in a swollen river, you should all be called Australians of the Year.

To those who've lost their house or business, and especially to those who have lost a loved one, know that we are behind you every step of the way, at the very least in our thoughts and prayers.

pic via @JmpnJak

Shadows

2011-01-02T16:02:00.000+11:00

A bit of puppetry in the house.

Mark Tipple

2010-12-27T22:48:00.000+11:00

The Underwater Project by Mark Tipple.

The Agrarian Kitchen

2010-12-27T22:36:00.001+11:00

This is pretty much my dream kitchen. 100% if it came with a full-time cleaner.

Just look at that amazing wood-fired oven built by Ovencrafters.

The Agrarian Kitchen is a sustainable farm-based cooking school, in a 19th century schoolhouse, run by the former food editor of Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine, Rodney Dunn, near Hobart in Tasmania.

Just another reason to get on a plane to Tassie.

Scratch Map

2010-12-27T22:25:00.000+11:00

Yes please.

From here

Sarah Blasko Beautifulness

2010-12-15T13:44:00.000+11:00

Bits & Bobs

2010-12-13T15:47:00.001+11:00

I'd really like to learn how to play chess

A Kate Bush inspired tote to keep the passion alive.

Oh lordy, cashmere underpants.

Glitter raindrops from dsharp.

Finally! Australian Christmas cards that don't include surfing Santa.

Vintage science journal origami star from the Blue Mountains.

I love this way of resurrecting old metal kitchenware.

The handsome-looking wardrobe of Mikael Beckman, via Lotta Agaton.

I really like this sequence of home shots from Brian W Ferry, especially this bed linen.

Dining Table

2010-12-13T14:21:00.000+11:00

This set up would be perfect in our dining / kitchen / office room.

From My Garden

2010-11-29T14:50:00.002+11:00

Painted Glass

2010-11-25T19:42:00.001+11:00

This looks like a nice project from The Beat That My Heart Skipped.

And this one from A Creative Mint on Decor8.

Castellers

2010-11-13T15:03:00.000+11:00

Casteller from Mike Randolph on Vimeo.

In the city of Tarragona, Spain, castellers gather every two years to see who can build the highest, most intricate human castles. This uniquely Catalan tradition requires astonishing strength, finesse, and balance. Not to mention courage.

Shinya Kimura Motorcycles

2010-11-01T21:27:00.001+11:00

shinya kimura @ chabott engineering from Henrik Hansen on Vimeo.

I'm not into motorcycles per se, but I do have a massive amount of respect for people who handmake them (yes, I used to watch the occasional episode of American Chopper). Shinya Kimura's efforts get right to the heart of zen motorcycle-making. And such ace design.

via @bakeduprising

Cushions

2010-10-31T20:58:00.000+11:00

Cushions. They have been on my mind.

Santorin Grey from Rouge der Rhine

Brighton from Rouge der Rhine

Maiike (using recycled jumpers) from Southwood Home.

Shetland Plaid Throw Pillow from Wrappables

Timber Pencils

2010-10-31T20:44:00.000+11:00

While the skill of timber identification continues to bypass my better senses, enter a set of pencils of the highest order.

Via Pencil Talk.

Thrills

2010-09-22T12:16:00.000+10:00

Thrills from Studiocanoe on Vimeo.

via Carol Duncan

String Furniture

2010-09-17T13:12:00.000+10:00

Oh my! Yes, please.

String System by Sweden's String Furniture

Cheater Quilt

2010-09-17T13:07:00.000+10:00

This is going to save me a whole lot of time.

'Cheater' handprinted fabric AU$25 per half metre from Aunty Cookie.

Sweet Lulu

2010-09-17T07:50:00.000+10:00

Lots of party goodies at Sweet Lulu.

Paul Dempsey

2010-09-09T14:34:00.002+10:00

Did I tell you I saw Paul Dempsey from Something For Kate at The Living Room when we were in NYC? Well we did and it was terrific. His voice is gorgeous and I was not previously aware just how cute he is too. Bonus!

I don't know if this is allowed, but when I heard the opening strums to 'Bette Davis Eyes', I pulled out the iPhone and started filming.

Paul is playing some more gigs in NYC & LA before heading home to Australia, so catch him while you can:
15 & 29 Sept at Rockwood Music Hall
22 Sep at The Troubadour

Hopefully he will be back in Newcastle soon.

Awesome-haze (From The Inside)

2010-09-03T16:32:00.002+10:00

Awesome-haze (From Down Below)

2010-09-03T15:16:00.005+10:00

Awesome-haze (From Up High)

2010-09-03T14:54:00.001+10:00

Skute Typeface

2010-08-02T17:09:00.003+10:00

This image has been on my desktop for well over a year without remembering where it came from. Today I freakishly found its home. It's a typeface called Skute Pro developed by Travis Stearns for You Work For Them. Serenity at last.

Say 'Yes!' To Freckles

2010-08-02T14:22:00.000+10:00

pic from here

Penny Skateboards

2010-07-29T14:19:00.000+10:00

Remember plastic Penny skateboards from the 70s? They are back. AU$149 from Absolute Distributors.

Ali Drew

2010-07-29T13:36:00.000+10:00

Muted tones, fullness of cup, delicate handle.

GBP25 from Ali Drew.

New York City

2010-07-19T16:01:00.003+10:00

Heading to NYC very soon for the first time ever and without children. Did you hear me? WITHOUT CHILDREN. Last week I found out two girlfriends I rarely spend time with will be arriving the day before we leave and today I discover that an old pal of mine will be there for the exact dates we are there. Coincidence? I think not! It's going to be exhausting, but it's going to be AWESOMELY EXHAUSTING.

I've been collecting places to see (and getting amped over this tumblr), but maybe you've got some insider recommendations?

Pic Arjun.

Artware Editions

2010-07-15T14:54:00.000+10:00

Loose leaf tee by NYC-based Artware Editions. US$50.

Fucking Ace

2010-07-01T14:02:00.002+10:00

David Shrigley via Cakehead Loves Evil

Locals and Tourists

2010-06-11T13:21:00.003+10:00

Eric Fisher has an interesting flickr set called Locals and Tourists.

Some people interpreted the Geotaggers' World Atlas maps to be maps of tourism. This set is an attempt to figure out if that is really true. Some cities (for example Las Vegas and Venice) do seem to be photographed almost entirely by tourists. Others seem to have many pictures taken in places that tourists don't visit.

Blue points on the map are pictures taken by locals (people who have taken pictures in this city dated over a range of a month or more).

Red points are pictures taken by tourists (people who seem to be a local of a different city and who took pictures in this city for less than a month).

Yellow points are pictures where it can't be determined whether or not the photographer was a tourist (because they haven't taken pictures anywhere for over a month). They are probably tourists but might just not post many pictures at all.

The maps are ordered by the number of pictures taken by locals.

London

New York City

Paris

Sydney

Melbourne

Steve Martin's Fan Letter Reply

2010-06-10T20:45:00.002+10:00

So you've seen Steve Martin's business card, now I present his reply letter to fans. Click for larger image.

I love this man.

Sigur Rós - Glósóli

2010-06-08T08:07:00.002+10:00

Sigur Rós - Glósóli from Arni & Kinski on Vimeo.

My little one while watching this said, "I would like super powers so I can swim-fly one day"

Lenneke Wispelwey

2010-06-06T20:40:00.001+10:00

Acupressure while you drink.

Lenneke Wispelwey

Winter Is Here

2010-06-06T19:25:00.003+10:00

A puffer jacket and trackies never looked this good.

Pic via The Sartorialist

Rob Adams: The Cities Of The Future

2010-06-03T21:25:00.003+10:00

Listening to Rob Adams talk at TedxSydney was a revelation. Newcastle please take note.

Elephant & Castle

2010-06-02T05:07:00.001+10:00

This has been around for a while, but it hasn't grown tired. By Design Practice.

Rachel Botsman: Collaborative Consumption

2010-06-01T16:32:00.003+10:00

"From enormous marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist, to emerging sectors such as social lending (Zopa) and car sharing (Zipcar), Collaborative Consumption is disrupting outdated modes of business and reinventing not just what we consume but how we consume. New marketplaces such as Swaptree, Zilok, Bartercard, AirBnb, and thredUP are enabling "peer-to-peer" to become the default way people exchange—whether it’s unused space, goods, skills, money, or services — and sites like these are appearing everyday, all over the world."

Rachel Botsman is the author of the upcoming book, What's Mine Is Yours: The Rise Of Collaborative Consumption and spoke recently at TEDxSydney

Taschen's New York

2010-06-01T15:40:00.002+10:00

We were going on a trip to New York until we moved to Newcastle instead. So while I wait till May 2011 I will read this book instead.

AU$48.65 inc delivery from Book Depository.

Hallway

2010-06-01T14:39:00.004+10:00

On the weekend I built this entry way bench. You can read all about it here. I am now wondering what to do for a coat rack.

I really like this rolling coat rack idea (and the pop of colour), but probably won't work in the space I have.

via Design Sponge

James Ward Designs

2010-06-01T14:00:00.003+10:00

Hand painted plates from US$25 at James Ward Designs.

via Pikaland

If I Had An iPad

2010-06-01T13:45:00.004+10:00

I'd have to get one of these decals. US$10 from Luckylabs.

I wonder if Banksy would mind?

The Acapulco Chair Company

2010-05-31T13:57:00.003+10:00

The ubiquitous Mexican pool side chair is still as stylish and as contemporary as when it was first designed and produced back in the 1950s. We have created an exclusive colour range to suit any indoor or outdoor space, a combination of classic mono tones and exciting pops of colour. The Acapulco Chair Company.

via Bodie & Fou

Urban Renewal

2010-05-31T12:26:00.007+10:00

"I've long argued that one of our most critical environmental issues is the challenge of making our cities attractive, enriching and safe places to live. The best cure for destructive sprawl is to build cities people don't want to abandon, places where they can live healthy, fulfilling lives in densities that don't devour our landscapes, pave our wilderness and pollute our watersheds, air and wildlife. To achieve this, we need to invest in urban schools, transportation, parks, health care, police protection, and infrastructure that makes cities great magnets." Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

One of the programs that Keeping Cincinnati Beautiful organisation runs is called 'Future Blooms', specifically aimed at the aesthetic enhancement of vacant, abandoned and foreclosed properties.

Mexican design outfit Omelette were given $3K by the government with the aim of giving a new lease on life to a rundown street in their CBD.

'The renovation of 23 popular restaurants and stores on Mexico City’s historic Regina Street. A budget of US$3,000 dollars. With little more than a few concepts and some buckets of paint, this interior design project aims to provide new appreciation for the existing downtown. To create spaces attractive to both locals and foreigners. Finally, to add value and history to Regina street.' (via Door Sixteen)

As the saying goes, from little things big things grow.

The Dog Who Was A Cat Inside

2010-05-27T09:37:00.002+10:00

The Dog Who Was A Cat Inside from trunk animation on Vimeo.

Oh, how gorgeous.

Via Intweetion.

Reflective Biking Vest

2010-05-25T12:46:00.002+10:00

US$80 from Dar Ge Los.

Granny Square Pants

2010-05-23T20:56:00.001+10:00

AU$45 from Peter Alexander.

Novocastrian: Trevor Dickinson

2010-05-19T12:52:00.017+10:00

I first came by Trevor Dickinson's work searching flickr for pics of Merewether Ocean Baths. Facing in the opposite direction of the lenses jostling for the typically stylised and glossy sunrise shots of the diving blocks and baths was this gritty yet perfectly balanced illustration of the change room building. Intrigued, I googled to find his site and was awestruck by the treasure trove of images that speak volumes of the essence of Newcastle.

Controversial architecture, local icons, questionable billboard advertisements and town tag-lines, disused and derelict public spaces, inanimate subjects all very much a part of daily life in Newy. Newcastle has a quirkiness that drives some people to distraction and others who embrace it.

His Q&A answers are as no fuss, honest and just a little bit cheeky as his Newcastle illos. I think you'll be amazed, as I was, to learn of his breadth of design styles. I am a huge fan.

Dad by Lucy Dickinson, 2009

Merewether Ocean Baths, 2009

Council Buildings, 2009

Fred Ash, 2010

Queens Wharf Tower, 2009

Charlestown, 2009

Lambton Pool, 2009

Newcastle Resistance Centre, 2010

Happy House, Glebe Road, 2010

Energy Stadium, 2010

Fort Scratchley Stairs, 2010

Society of Artists, Lambton Park, 2010

Velodrome, 2010

Darling Street, Broadmeadow, 2010

Prince Street, Waratah, 2010

Verulum Road, Lambton, 2009

Dairy Farmers Van, Greta Road, 2009

Lambton Road Signs, 2010

Station Street, Waratah, 2009

Lambton Road, Broadmeadow, 2009

New Lambton, 2009

Newcastle Showground, 2009

Newcastle zine, issue 1

Newcastle zine, issue 2

Pictures Of Me By My Children, zine

Newcastle teatowel

Trevor's work for Fred Bare

Trevor's work for Fred Bare

Trevor's work for The Rolling Stones

Trevor's work for Adidas

Trevor's book, Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress

Condensed CV:
I was born in Swindon, England, lived in London until 2002 then moved to Newcastle, Australia. I trained as a textile designer and work as a freelancer, designing graphics and textiles for the fashion industry. Throughout the nineties I designed for number of large brands and clothing chains in the UK and I continue working for some of these companies still.

Since moving to Australia I have worked with a number of companies, my favourite one being Sydney based Fred Bare. Other clients include: Adidas, Levi's, The Gap, Osh Kosh, The Rolling Stones, Disney, Kangol, Kuta Lines, Fila and Grab.

I also wrote and illustrated three childrens picture books that have been published in a number of countries.

Currently I’m working on a side project called Newcastle Productions.This is a growing range of prints, cards, zines and tea towels based on my drawings of Newcastle.

What has been your most memorable project?
My first book, Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress. I had wanted to write and illustrate a childrens picture book for years and while designing for a store in London I met my collaborator, Emma Carlow. Luckily, the first idea we came up with was picked up by a publisher but by the time we got around to working on the illustrations I had moved to Australia. Luckily our roles were pretty much defined, she mainly did characters and I mainly did backgrounds, so after endless emails we managed to create something that we were both proud of.

What would be your dream project?
At the moment it would be a commission to produce a book of drawings of Australian towns and cities. This would involve spending at least a year traveling the country, I’d need a big advance from a publisher so I can buy a camper van and have money left to support myself. Maybe I’ll do it anyway when the kids leave home.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Apart from continuing to earn a living as a designer, it would have to be getting my first childrens book published. More recently, I think it’s quite an achievement that I‘ve sold over 300 Newcastle zines over the past six months.

What is your most treasured possession?
The contents of my computer. It would definitely be the most painful thing to lose if my house burned down, although losing my house would be quite painful.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Procrastination, feel guilty, snack, work, lunch, Oprah/The View/Dr Phil, work, nap, kids get home, work, snack, work.

I‘m more focused if I have a tight deadline, if I don’t have this I’ll do work for my textile agent in London. This involves designing fashion prints to sell In New York or Europe. I work on the Newcastle Productions stuff in the evenings and at weekends.

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?
Not really a pearl of wisdom, but years ago I was told my work was “a bit samey” and I‘ve remembered and fought the comment ever since – as everyone should! I get bored very easily so I do try to give myself different projects and new goals all the time. Having no paid work is no excuse for not working. As Nike says, just do it!

Where do you derive creative inspiration?
The usual: magazines, books, internet etc. I like to be given visual inspiration when I’m briefed. I work best when I’m working from a starting point.

For Newcastle Productions I get inspiration by just cycling around town. I look at Newcastle very differently since I started drawing it.I have a much sharper eye for odd details now, I’m always on the lookout for new subjects.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
Robert Crumb, Benjamin Güdel, Evan Hecox, Urban Sketchers flickr group, Fiona at Fred Bare, Robert Ryan, Christine Berrie, Gwen Lee…

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?
BBC radio – I’m a radio 4 addict, also mark Kermode & Mayo's Film Review on radio 5 - the best you’ll ever hear.
London Lee - British nostalgia for expat ex-punks.
You Thought We Wouldn't Notice - I hope I’m never featured.
Photoshop Disasters and Awkward Family Photos always give me a laugh.

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Cycling, walking, Pub Quiz, movies, art galleries, cooking.

How long have you been a Novocastrian?
Eight years

Newcastle in a word?
Improving.

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
I love the Fernleigh Track, the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, the beach, palm trees, back alleyways, urban decay, storm drains, railway crossings, going for a cycle half an hour before sunset and New Lambton library.

I hate TVs showing big dumb sport in every pub in town, the closing of the Newcastle Museum, Glendale and Charlestown shopping centres, the amount of huge cars on the road and being so far away from my family in England.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
When I’m driving and I indicate that I want to change lanes, the driver behind me speeds up to overtake.

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat
Nowhere regular, apart from at my kitchen table with friends. At the moment I’m liking Sprocket Roasters (68 Hunter St, Newcastle, 02 4009 1237) for a nice cheap lunch at a Formica table.
+ drink
The Oriental Quiz Night (every Thu 7.30pm-10.30pm, 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill 02 4929 1130), The Lass (14 Railway St, Wickham, 02 4962 1248)
+ shop
Honeybee, for a fine selection of Newcastle greeting cards (162 Darby St, Cooks Hill 02 929 1886). Bird in the Hand zine shop, very inspiring (100a King St , Newcastle).
+ play
I love cycling around looking for locations to draw, so everywhere in town.
+ relax
Again, I draw to relax, so anywhere on the streets of Newcastle.

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
I think Newcastle itself is a big secret to a lot of Australians.

Website
trevordickinson.com

Flickr
Trevor Dickinson's Photostream

Rush Hour In Utrecht

2010-05-18T08:01:00.002+10:00

Utrecht is the forth largest city in The Netherlands, with a population of 300,000 and where 33% of all trips are made by bicycle. Note the lack of helmets. In a city where the bicycle and public transport are given precedence over cars, it is safer to bike ride here than in the US.

It's kind of hypnotic.

Also, notice the person at 0.32 with two bikes!

I'd love to see Newcastle lead the way in Australia with lightrail and bicycle initiative for it's CBD and University corridor.

Aubrey Trinnaman

2010-05-18T06:20:00.000+10:00

I like the homepage for photographer Aubrey Trinnaman.

Dieppa Restrepo

2010-05-17T21:08:00.001+10:00

Dieppa Restrepo.

Pinch Design

2010-05-17T20:16:00.002+10:00

Aye. Love those twig seats. From Pinch Design.

Buddy Carr Skateboard

2010-05-17T19:53:00.002+10:00

A sweet little longboard skatey by Buddy Carr and Antonio Carusone. US$170 from here.

J Weiss Design

2010-05-17T19:40:00.004+10:00

by J Weiss Design

Swagger Wagon

2010-05-13T09:17:00.002+10:00

The next Novocastrian post will be up very shortly, but in the meantime, some morning entertainment.

The New Cupcake?

2010-05-11T06:53:00.002+10:00

At least in the Northern Hemisphere.

viaLMNOP

Winter Is Coming

2010-05-09T21:58:00.001+10:00

How's that little quiff of hair under the beanie? Love.

via here.

Sushi Etiquette

2010-05-09T20:33:00.003+10:00

via here

Petit Bonheurs

2010-05-09T20:23:00.003+10:00

Gorgeous photography, sweetest family. Petit Bonheurs (Small Pleasures).

Novocastrian: Heath Killen

2010-05-04T19:17:00.014+10:00

I'm excited to announce a new feature on FOBS.

The Novocastrian series will be a weekly Q&A profile of just some of the many amazingly creative and innovative people born and bred in my new hometown, Newcastle. I've long since known that Newcastle has produced and fostered many talented artists, thinkers and doers. Some are based here, others have moved on to greener pastures, but all have a common link of having lived in this great city.

HEATH KILLEN

It's my absolute pleasure to first introduce Heath Killen, a self-taught graphic designer, illustrator and writer. I remember first seeing Heath's work due to his affiliation with the Renew Newcastle project as I was immediately drawn to his unique mix of colour, collage and type for his poster productions. I was thrilled to see his most recent work for Tantrum Theatre's production of Nick Enright's Blackrock which is about to begin its season.

Below are just some of the examples of his work and his insightful answers to my questionnaire. I really hope you enjoy this feature. I certainly learnt of some new names and websites to discover through Heath's inspiration. And I will have to head to Bar Beach Bowlo and check out the view.

A selection of artwork and poster design
for Tantrum Theatre's 2010 season.

Illustration, photography, typography and layout
for Amy Vee's EP Sleeping Dogs Lie

Illustration, typography and design
for the 24th issue of music magazine Cyclic Defrost.

Submission for national design competition
promoting the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Illustration, identity design and poster design
for the National Creative Non-Fiction Conference.

Artwork and poster design for This Is Not Art Festival.

Illustration for the RVLVR artists project.

Condensed CV:
I studied for a few years at Sydney College of the Arts, but for the most part I'm a self taught graphic designer currently freelancing and living in Newcastle, Australia. I've been freelancing for five years but I'm now looking for a full-time studio position, either here in Australia or somewhere around Europe.

What has been your most memorable project?
The Tantrum Theatre 2010 campaign, which I completed towards the end of last year. Great organization, great people, and fantastic clients who were very open to new ideas and directions.
Tim Neve had been the Tantrum Theatre designer since day one but he moved on in early 2009, so I'm the second designer to have worked for them. The job itself required illustration and design for a years worth of productions, and I set myself the challenge of creating a consistent look for the year. A huge amount of work that was immensely enjoyable and satisfying. I think I managed to stay true to Tim's original vision while also taking it to new places.

I've also really enjoyed working for singer Amy Vee, who's a good friend and a great client. I'm quite proud of the Sleeping Dogs Lie artwork.

What would be your dream project?
I'd love to be the exclusive designer for a record label, in the tradition of Peter Saville & Factory Records or Kim Hiorthøy & Rune Grammofon. I think those type of long-term creative partnerships yield amazing work. I'd also love to design and illustrate a DVD package for The Criterion Collection.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Honestly, I think the fact that I've managed to survive five years of freelancing is quite an achievement! Especially considering the fact that I've learnt nearly everything I know about design and business along the way. I've made countless mistakes, and it's a struggle at times, but every successful project has been all the more rewarding because of that. I feel as though I've learnt a great deal in this time, not just about design and business, but about myself.

What is your most treasured possession?
Completely boring but it's probably my computer. I couldn't make a living without it - and it's where all my music is! I don't really seem to get attached to objects for too long. I think the oldest thing I've kept around is a waiter's friend that my dad gave me years ago.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Berocca. Emails. RSS. Breakfast. Coffee. That's the typical start to any day. What happens next depends on what I'm working on. I could be sitting in front of Photoshop all day and sending off PDFs to clients. I could be at home illustrating and scanning. I might be out at a second-hand bookstore looking for collage material or textures. And of course there are those days when I'm spending endless hours exploring the internet and wondering where to find more work!

I've also been writing a lot lately, for my own blog and a series of articles for the Powerhouse Museum, so lately a lot of my time has been spent researching, interviewing and writing.

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?
Probably to measure and value my time better. I still don't have this down to perfection but in the past I've put large amounts of time into work that I haven't been paid for. I think I'll always put a little bit more time and thought into my work than I end up invoicing for, but these days I try and be more diligent in keeping track of my time and charging accordingly. I love the work, but I have to make a living out of it.

Where do you derive creative inspiration?
There are dozens of designers and artists I admire, so I get a lot of inspiration from within the industry as well as other disciplines. I also draw a lot of inspiration from music, film, books, conversations and daydreaming. A lot of my work is collage based, so powerful or unusual images that capture my interest will inspire me.

Inspiration comes from experimenting too. Often I'll see an idea or a technique that will interest me, and I'll use that as a jumping off point for experimentation. I like to leave myself open to accidents and mistakes, and I find those random, chance effects really inspiring because I start look at the work from a different angle.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
I like designers with a unique point of view and style, who still bring something different to each project. Julian House and Matt Cook at Intro.Kim Hiorthøy, Magnus Voll Mathiassen, Rune Mortensen, Martin Kvamme and a bunch of others from Norway. John Warwicker and everyone at tomato. Wallzo. Village Green. Buro Destruct. M/M Paris. Sagmeister. I think they all produce beautiful, distinctive and personal work. They innovate and aren't concerned with following trends.

I also love the The Designers Republic and all the guys that have come out of that studio like Build, Universal Everything and Sanderson Bob. Lots of other big names from the 80's who are still making incredible work today like Vaughan Oliver, Mark Farrow and Trevor Jackson.

Lots of Australian stuff too. Jonathan Zawada, We Buy Your Kids, Toko, Co-Op, Racket, Inkahoots, Pip & Co, Mark Gowing, Jenny Grigg, Kate Banazi and Sopp. I could probably go on forever. I love that a lot of Australian design incorporates art and illustration, and that Australian designers are prepared to experiment and explore so many different techniques and styles. I think we're producing some of the best design in the world right now.

I love Wolff Olins too. I think they're one of the most interesting and vital branding studios in the world. Few people stir up debate and push the boundaries in this industry the way they do.

And finally Adrian Shaughnessy. I don't think there's been anyone in the industry quite like him. An incredible designer, thinker, writer and advocate. Everything I aspire to be.

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?
Michael Bojkowksi's Linefeed. Australian INFront. Facing Sideways. The Theory of Nevolution. A Journey Round My Skull. Bleep Blog. Creative Review. I'm actually trying to ween myself off design blogs at the moment, but I love all these because they're about written content and discussion as opposed to just images. Those sites have their place, but I think it's vitally important to have analysis and critique.

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Wine. Food. Music. Travel. History. Nature. My Wife.

How long have you been a Novocastrian?
I was born here, but I've lived in Sydney and Canberra for extended periods too.

Newcastle in a word?
Right now, I'd have to say disappointment. I love Newcastle, and I'll probably always think of it as home, but to see the local & state government and property owners let the inner city get to the state it's in is just sad and infuriating. Newcastle has so much potential, but it requires money, vision and bravery from the powers that be to achieve that potential.

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
I love the coastline scenery, the cafes, and the fact that I know it so well. I hate the fact that it's in such a state of decline, and there's little progress being made to turn things around. Renew Newcastle can only achieve so much on its own.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
I think it's the coastline, one of the most beautiful and scenic in the world. The fact that it hasn't been exploited too much makes it quite special too, despite a few ugly high-rises it still feels like it belongs to the general public.

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat
I love Goldbergs (137 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 02 4929 3122), I've been going there since high school. Great daily specials and still my favourite place for coffee. Of the more recent places that have popped up I'd say Bacchus (141 King St, Newcastle, 02 4927 1332), The Kitchen (133 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 02 4925 3470) and Nagisa (2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle, 02 4929 4122) on the Foreshore. The service can be slow but the sushi is worth it. Lotus Espresso (50 Glebe Rd, The Junction, 02 4969 8133) do a great chicken BLT too.
+ drink
I don't go out drinking much anymore but either the Bar Beach Bowling & Sporting Club (Kilgour Ave, Merewether, 02 4929 3428) for the view and cheap beer or The Dockyard (13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle, 02 4915 6558).
+ shop
Cooks Hill Books (72 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 02 4929 5079) and the Newcastle City Farmer's Markets (every Sunday 8am to 1pm, Broadmeadow Showgrounds, Donald St, Broadmeadow).
+ play
I'm a bit of a homebody really. I tend to travel for play. The Blue Mountains and Melbourne are favourite Australian destinations. Visited New York last year and will hopefully be in Europe in the second half of this year.
+ relax
I like taking a drive or walk around the beach but real relaxation occurs at home with a glass of wine and an amazing dinner.

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
It's disappearing, but all the amazing architecture around the place. It's either being demolished or it's decaying, but if you wander around the city and look up you'll see some pretty interesting stuff. Oh, and and Akk Asian Supermarket on Hunter Street.

Website
madebyhk.com

Twitter
twitter.com/madebyhk

Thank you Heath for agreeing to take part!

Camilla Engdahl

2010-05-04T08:03:00.004+10:00

From her workshop located in the central Sweden town of Skövde, Camilla creates beautiful things meant to be looked at, loved, and used. Her specialty is ceramics.

Small 'Arla' bird pot US$40 via From Sthlm.

The Dying Art of Wall Murals

2010-05-01T08:21:00.000+10:00

UP THERE from Jon on Vimeo.

via Swiss Miss.

The Business

2010-04-30T14:54:00.004+10:00

Jelly Bean Bikes

2010-04-27T12:44:00.002+10:00

Jelly Bean Bikes let you pick the colours.

Cake Tricks

2010-04-26T20:34:00.002+10:00

Oh jeez. By Seven Spoons

Jake Ryan

2010-04-23T20:31:00.003+10:00

Ever wondered what happened to Jake Ryan?

Totem

2010-04-22T21:57:00.005+10:00

I can think of a few things to store in this clever Totem, by Boym Partners. Teabags, jewellery, paperclips...

via Lushlee.

Audrey Tautou

2010-04-22T21:49:00.001+10:00

Could she be more adorable?

via Goodnight Little Spoon.

Black Kitchens

2010-04-22T21:45:00.003+10:00

Predicted last year to be the next big thing in kitchens, black just keeps getting better and better.

Via Lotta Agaton.

Hidden Pizza Restaurant

2010-04-22T21:40:00.001+10:00

The wall of basil at Hidden Pizza in Melbourne.

Valentin Lollmann

2010-04-22T21:30:00.003+10:00

Valentin Löllmann's decidedly Tim Burton-esque furniture.

via Design Sponge.

DIY Cat House

2010-04-22T21:21:00.003+10:00

If I had a cat this is what it would sleep in.

via Hindsvik.

Delicious Industries' Howdoos

2010-04-18T15:34:00.002+10:00

Because I'm new in town and don't have any reason for a specific business card I ordered some Howdoos from Delicous Industries for when I need to leave my contact details with all the clever people I am meeting in Newcastle. US$6 for a pack of 10.

The Foundry's Produce In Season Chart

2010-04-18T14:26:00.001+10:00

Picked up The Foundry's ready reckoner of produce in season for A$19.95 from Honeybee today.

Must Get Bike Now

2010-04-17T14:41:00.003+10:00

These baskets might be just the thing to get me back on a bike. From Adeline Adeline.

And one for the dog. Eeep!

Babette

2010-04-15T20:17:00.000+10:00

Russian gold tulip necklace US$73 by Babette.

via Oh Joy!

My Scandinavian Retreat

2010-04-14T21:14:00.003+10:00

You must check out the before pics of My Scandinavian Retreat. Wowza.

Real-Life Harry The Dirty Dog

2010-04-14T21:07:00.002+10:00

from Jak & Jil

Anna-Wili Highfield

2010-04-14T20:50:00.002+10:00

How incredible are these paper sculptures by Anna-Wili Highfield?

Her coper pipe sculptures are also very amazing.

Be sure to check out Upon A Fold's interview and more pics.

For those readers in NYC, Anna-Wili currently has pieces as part of the lastest Anthropolgie gallery show.

Deka Ray

2010-04-14T15:10:00.005+10:00

These necklaces from Deka Ray are sublime.

Via Black, White, Yellow

Spartoo Sneaker Wedge

2010-04-14T14:58:00.002+10:00

These Paloma sneaker wedges look super-comfortable for winter. GBP90 from Spartoo.

Basket Purse

2010-04-14T14:35:00.005+10:00

I was at a farmers market the other day and wondering if it will ever be OK to carry wicker baskets again as I cast my mind back to the early 90s when every Lower North Shore mum worth her weight in Lacoste polo, white jean and Timberland boat shoe dress combinations would carry them everywhere; tennis, lunch, school run.

Then I see (via Frolic) that Field Guided has already begun the reinvigoration of a trend once championed by Jane Birkin. Thank you for making it OK to tote around a wicker basket again.

Wardrobes

2010-04-14T14:25:00.002+10:00

The loveliest unfitted wardrobes I have seen in a long time. By German product designer Matthias Ries.

via Poppytalk live from Milan Furniture Fair

Stop-Motion Mural In The Making by Flossy-P

2010-04-14T05:52:00.002+10:00

Flossy P is an artist living in Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast of NSW. She was comissioned by a local artisan bakery, k'Pane, to produce a mural in their shop. The brief:

To paint bread in a non-cliched way, to include a local element without making it touristy, and to encourage customers to look down into the shop to see all the yummy things being handmade fresh in the store.

via Pikaland

The Rug Of 09/10

2010-04-09T20:48:00.002+10:00

Pic from Varpunen

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau

2010-04-09T20:10:00.001+10:00

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau is a new picture book by internationally renowned childrens book author and illustrator, Dan Yaccarino. This lushly illustrated picture book chronicles Jacques Cousteaus extraordinary life as a filmmaker, author, inventor, television producer and ardent conservationist.

J-C fascinated me as a child.

Take Ivy Reprint

2010-04-09T14:56:00.003+10:00

Original copies of Take Ivy, the 1960s Japanese-produced tome devoted to classic all-American Ivy College style, go for upwards of US$2,000 on eBay. Which is probably why some clever chap has decided to reprint with reports copies will be released in August.

See more images from inside here and here.

Ivana Helsinki Dress

2010-04-06T20:29:00.002+10:00

Pity we are going in to winter over here. Designed by Finnish house Ivana Helsinki

US$270 from Eden & Eden.

A Thought.

2010-04-02T21:38:00.002+11:00

Mysterious Vivian Maier

2010-04-02T08:37:00.004+11:00

Have you heard the story of Vivian Maier?

John Maloof, a Chicago real estate agent bought a large portion of some 40,000 photographs taken in the 1950s (mostly negatives, a lot undeveloped) at auction in 2007, having no idea who took them. By happenstance he found a name pencilled on one of the printed photographs and through some research discovered the person had only just recently died. And so the unravelling of the mystery of Vivian Maier began. She is now described as one of the first prolific street photographers.

Wouldn't it be lovely to come by such a beautiful body of work purely by chance?

Read an interview with John Maloof here and see more pics on John's blog.

If Only Everyone Felt This Passionate About What They Do For A Living

2010-04-01T11:15:00.002+11:00

via BB Blog

Money Origami Hats

2010-04-01T10:39:00.003+11:00

From Japanese artist Hasegawa Yosuke

The Robin Hood Tax

2010-03-31T14:00:00.003+11:00

Am I missing something? Because it sounds terribly simple.....

Show your support here

via PottyMouthMama

Copenhagen's Harbour Bath

2010-03-28T22:45:00.005+11:00

Copenhagen’s harbour is in the midst of a transformation from an industrial port and traffic junction to being the cultural and social centre of the city. The Harbour Bath has been instrumental in this evolution. It extends the adjacent park over the water by incorporating the practical needs and demands for accessibility, safety and programmatic flexibility. Rather than imitating the traditional Danish indoor swimming bath, the Harbour Bath offers an urban harbour landscape with dry-docks, piers, boat ramps, cliffs, playgrounds and pontoons. As a terraced landscape, the Harbour Bath completes the transition from land to water, making it possible for the citizens of Copenhagen to go for a swim in the middle of the city.

I wonder if something like this or this would work in Newcastle's harbour?

A budget of US$787,000 might help.