November 27, 2010 In art, creativity, illustration, imagination By Patricia Saxton

"52 Weeks of Peace" Totebags Are Here!

In the name of brazen self-promotion, I’d like to start spreading the word that some terrific canvas tote bags are now available, adorned with designs from my “52 Weeks of Peace” series. One bag shows all 52 weeks, others are created with individual designs.

For the time-being these are available online only, through my shop at CafePress. But I have to tell you, I personally love their canvas bags. They’re sturdy and earthy and hold a lot of stuff.

They really make a great gift – practical AND fun (oh, and yes, with a message…!) . And by the way, requests are being taken. If you have a favorite “week” you’d like to see on a bag, let me know!

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November 22, 2010 In art, creativity By Patricia Saxton

One Last Sneak Peek

Everyone’s crazy busy, so you may not have noticed that I’ve not posted as often as usual. But in case you did …. remember the post about “what’s inside my head”? Well it’s been stuck on #3 for quite some time.

Lots and lots and LOTS going on, lots of cool work, but not a lot that I can post yet. What I can post is another sneak preview of my “secret project”…. which I hope to have complete very soon.

Ah. All this unveiling to be done. I guess patience is called for.

In the meantime, here’s a last peek of the special little something in the works.

 

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November 10, 2010 In communication, creativity, drawing, imagination, music By Patricia Saxton

Andrew Bird: One-Man Orchestra

In a word: impressive.

From TED: Musical innovator Andrew Bird winds together his trademark violin technique with xylophone, vocals and sophisticated electronic looping. Add in his uncanny ability to whistle anything, and he becomes a riveting one-man orchestra.

On a personal note, it’s interesting that I discovered this, and a few days later, my teen shared one of her favorites songs from … Andrew Bird. Bells went off, and I thought about how cool that we unknowingly shared this appreciation. I also happen to really like the cover of his CD. I’m a fan.

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November 6, 2010 In art, business, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

Work That Gives

My parents always told me there was great satisfaction in a job well done. May seem corny, but it’s true. And it’s one of the things I like best about my work …  it’s satisfying to interpret and conceptualize a broad range of messages. I like to call it giving things a “visual voice”.

No two voices are the same; each has something distinctly their own ~ and to hear, discover and express that in its most dynamic way is really kinda neat.

Naturally, it’s also satisfying when the work is appreciated. (Who doesn’t like a kind word?) Clients are happy, you’re happy. It’s good for their business, it’s good for you. A “job well done.”

Sometimes though, the work achieves more measurable, tangible benefits ~ and when that happens, it’s that much more meaningful all around. The small piece of art below is one of those.

Commissioned specifically as a fund-raising effort for my alma mater, Wittenberg University, I was pleased to learn that this hymnal bookplate raised more than double the intended financial goal, attracted a high percentage of new donors and brought valuable support to other campus needs above and beyond the original effort.

This is truly “work that gives”.  And somehow that’s doubly satisfying.


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October 28, 2010 In creativity, design, inspiration, presentation, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Fun, REALLY Fun, Pumpkins

As if ghouls, goblins and wads of candy weren’t enough, Halloween just got a whole lot more fun.

This is the 15th year of an annual pumpkin carving contest held by Duarte Design, and boy are these carvings great!  What a treat. You can even vote for your favorite. (but hurry, voting ends the afternoon of 10/29.)

These are so much fun, I’m thinking I might start my own contest next year. So, you’ve been fairly warned, with plenty of time to think about what you’d like to do ~ and here’s some fantastic inspiration to whet your creative spirits!

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October 11, 2010 In branding, creativity, design By Patricia Saxton

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: It Isn't Just Pink

It’s an honor to be working with one of the country’s foremost physicians making great strides with many of today’s most prominent health issues. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, based in Cleveland, Ohio (be proud, Ohio) is a uniquely strong, positive voice in the medical community ~ and with this month’s spotlight on breast health, it’s both timely and appropriate to acknowledge Dr. Tenpenny’s leadership in breast health treatment.

Utilizing the safest and most effective methods, earlier detection is achieved ~ painlessly and without radiation. I encourage all women in driving distance to make an appointment to visit her clinic in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Phone # 440-239-3438.

My role with Dr. Tenpenny has been all about branding. For her breast health clinics in particular (and in light of the fact that Tenpenny’s testing is fairly revolutionary), a main goal was to eliminate the intimidation associated with breast cancer screening. To that end, enter the IRBI girl. She is *every girl*, she is fun, she is strong. She stands for Infra-Red Breast Imaging, and I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of this smart gal.

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October 4, 2010 In branding, creativity, design, graphic design By Patricia Saxton

What I Do When Not Painting The Sky, Swimming With Mermaids, Spotting Fairies and Dragons, Making Peace Signs or Devouring Hot Fudge Sundaes

In other words, how I keep food on the table and a roof overhead.

You can always see a full portfolio at saxtonstudio.com, but thought I’d share a sampling of some recent design projects. They range from branding & identity to powerpoint presentations, graphic murals to event themes, book covers to websites.



Got a project that needs to shine? Visit saxtonstudio.com and call us or send an email!
All art copyright © Saxton Studio and client trademarked.
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September 13, 2010 In art, communication, creativity, graphic design, illustration, inspiration, intelligence By Patricia Saxton

"Where Is My Vote?" ~ A Powerful Design Exhibit at New York's School of Visual Arts

Inspired by an email from an Iranian photographer reaching out for worldwide artistic support to raise awareness for Iran’s Green Movement following the 2009 Iranian elections, the School of Visual Arts has put together an incredible collection of posters, designed by some of the greatest names in graphic design, including R. O. Blechman, Cathie Bleck, Seymour Chwast, Ivan Chermayeff, Milton Glaser, Robert Grossman, Anita Kunz, Yossi Lemel, Jennifer Morla, István Orosz, Woody Pirtle, Andrea Rauch, Ralph Steadman, Gary Taxali, James Victore and Massimo Vignelli, among others.

This display is “design as a social tool” on a grand scale and at its most impressive.

Below are just a few of the 150 potent pieces. You can see them all Social Designzine,  as well as watch the video below of author, design historian and SVA MFA Design Dept. Co-Chair Steven Heller discussing an interesting, in-depth look at the show’s meaning.

Copyright, Cathie Bleck

Copyright, James Victore

Copyright, Massimo Vignelli

Copyright, Milton Glaser

Copyright, Yossi Lemel

The exhibition runs through September 25 at The School of Visual Arts, Visual Arts Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY.  For more information, call 212-592-2145 or visit SVA’s exhibit  site.

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September 1, 2010 In art, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

"52 Weeks of Peace" Full Circle

It’s official now ~ we’ve come full circle from September 1 2009 to September 1 2010. And while all 52 Weeks have been posted, something didn’t quite work out with the math (which could explain why I’m in the arts and not a mathematician?). So here’s the bonus week as promised (and created with joy by my lovely daughter I have to say!). Besides, it’s only fitting to end, as begun, on my birthday.

And here are my wishes this year ~  That thought by thought, action by action, this nutty, misguided, confusing, troubled, hopeful, amazing, strange and beautiful world may become a better place for our dreams to thrive. That we all choose to participate in the unfolding of what brings us our own individual peace. That we take a bite of something good and make a delicious offering of that something to ourselves, our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers….  That we uplift and respect and care and appreciate. That we smile on one another more.  Imagine the peace that would bring! … and if it only brings peace to a few, know that within those few, the circle has already widened.

Sweet peace to all ~


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