So I am currently going back to a logo I designed a short time ago for the Jr. Historians. I have been contacted by the group to expand on the work and create a landing page and blog that will eventual develop into a full site for the organization. Full disclosure, I may be married to the man who began the organization... I am. Anyway, that only makes me prouder to be a part of what I think is an amazing undertaking. The Jr. Historians are reinventing the way history is taught with a focus on primary sources that allow students to act as the historian and discover the historical narrative for themselves. This is, of course, an over-simplification. Having watched the whole idea take form and manifest itself into text books and lesson plans first hand leaves me in awe. I am so excited to continue my work developing a visual voice for the Historians!

Today's lady quote is brought to you by Emily Dickinson... and me... but mostly Emily. I recently discovered the inspired work of hand letterer and illustrator Casalta Xavier and found his style so inspired I decided to try my hand at it. Not perfect, but I'm pretty happy with the results!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am a HUGE Janelle Monáe fan. So I was sooo excited when I found out she would be performing the opening Celebrate Brooklyn concert series this year. Inspired by my love for Ms. Monáe as well as Brooklyn, I decided to create this poster. I can't recommend highly enough checking this woman out in concert. She is a force to be reckoned with on stage! That combined with her catchy tunes and positive message makes her the best artist out there right now (in my opinion). The Brooklyn concert will be the 3rd time I'll be seeing her in concert this year(!!!) So if you're in the area make it your beeswax to get there! I'll be in line promptly at 3.

About a week ago my parents sold their house. They've lived there for almost 40 years! Needless to say this is the only house my sister and I ever knew growing up. It's been a bittersweet process. I'm so excited for my parents to move on and enjoy their retirement, but I will miss this place that has so many memories tied up with it.

The house is an old colonial built over 200 years ago (I believe that's what my dad told me, though he should feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!). It was wonderful growing up in a home with character while so many of my friends had new-builds and McMansions. I know every quirk of the home. I can tell which family member is coming up the stairs based on how the wooden boards are squeaking. I know if I throw the door open wide enough on the detached garage I have enough time to run from it to the house before it slams behind me. I know the marks in the living room were caused by our oversized Christmas trees scratching the ceiling.

I am happy to know it's a young family moving into the home and hope they enjoy it as much as we have for so many years.

This is the first in what I hope to be a series of blueprint inspired designs. I mean blueprint in only the loosest term. I am someone who always appreciates order and detail and I've always found something beautiful in the order and design of blueprints. So from that inspiration point I decided to create this poster of a dinghy sailboat.

In an effort to spend more time working on my hand lettering skills I have decided to begin a series of "Lady Quotes." Essentially quotes from famous women I admire. Who to best kick off the series but the great Dolly Parton. 9 to 5 is my go-to karaoke song (mostly because it's more like talk-singing than actual singing). Also I frequently sing this portion in my head as I fix my morning coffee... or else a little "clouds in my coffee" from Carly Simon. Feel free to submit any quotes you think might be fitting for Lady Quotes.