The first thing that I realized I loved about the city of San Francisco was the many many unique store front signs. There is a significantly smaller number of chain stores and franchises in the city (versus the suburbs of Southern California), so it is quite the treat for we design folk who really appreciate good branding or just refreshing imagery in our surroundings. Ahhhh. Take a nice big breath of the fresh Noe Valley air and let’s explore the signage (and really pretty architecture!) in my neighborhood. It’s the signage that you meet, when you’re walkin’ down the street… ok, I’ll stop now. read more »
‘History I’ and ‘History II’ posters by Tony Robertson (Earthworks Poster Collective),
Sydney, Australia 1977
**Scanned from Suffragettes to She-Devils: Women’s Liberation and Beyond by Liz McQuiston**
One of my favorite bands lately has been Faded Paper Figures. Lil Miss Cathy told me about them a handful of months ago and I have been in audio bliss ever since. The vocals, sound mixing, and dynamics are all so amazing and heavenly. The lyrics are clever as hell, and take me back to my college days studying film theory.
Anyway, we heard that they were playing a show at Slidebar in Fullerton, so of course we went. I had never been to Slidebar before and read some horrible reviews on yelp, so I was expecting to hate the place. My impression of the venue was quite the contrary! Perhaps it had to do with the lineup last night? The crowd was not at all “bros and hos” as reviewers described it to be. The bouncers were fine, the crowd was cool. Everything was A-OK.
Moving on, when we arrived, a young lady by the name of Stacy Clark was playing. It was just her vocals and guitar but we were instantly fans. Her lyrics were relatable and her voice was very original (slightly reminiscent of Sherri DuPree of Eisley). Cathy and I talked to her a bit after the show and purchased her album Apples and Oranges. That was $5 well spent! I think it’s available on iTunes as well. I listened to it on the way to work this morning, and so far my favorite track is Hello Again. It’s one of those songs that makes you feel like it was written about you, or, I guess, about me. I recommend this album. And check out the cover art! So beautifully done.
Next up was our beloved Faded Paper Figures, except the announcer called them “Faded Paper Fingers.” I thought that was funny.
John of Faded Paper Figures posing for the camera!
The band played an amazing set. It’s always a great experience finally seeing a band live that you listen to almost everyday either at work or on the road. It’s like finally meeting a friend you’ve been getting to know online. It’s a nice feeling.
They played a great show and I hope that they continue making great music and playing together. Also! I recommend their album Dynamo. Available on iTunes (I currently have it on my iPhone. I loooovveee it.)
In honor of Mr. and Ms. Guava’s wedding today. May it be the most beautiful and perfect day, with lots of crazy and kooky things to look back and remember. This is the first time I think I’ve ever said “I can’t wait for line dancing!“
Photo taken in San Francisco’s Mission District with my dear iPhone
My dear coworker kept bugging me to make him a narwhal desktop wallpaper, so this is what I came up with.
Also, (shameless plug time!) I slapped the design on some items in Cafepress, if you are so inclined.
Oh man. 10 more minutes until my cake is finished baking. Mmmm. Thank god for Betty Crocker, otherwise I would not be able to make delicious chocolate cake!
