Most of the designers I know have a great love of Textiles, including yours truly. Last year I found out about Aviva Stanoff and was in awe of her designs. Over the weekend, I found this video that at the time was done for pointclickhome. You get a dose of what goes into her  design thinking and creative process.

I’m not sure why I haven’t seen this sooner. I guess inspiration comes at the right time.

Sometimes, austerity is beautiful.

While I was at the beach and with the help of a trusty tour guide (Hi Dad!), I decided to explore and photograph some of the nearby abandoned farmhouses and barns. Here’s a peak at one of the old houses I shot while I was there.

At work, we spend so much time creating something new, based on the stories of our clients lives. I wonder what stories old structures like these have within the walls.

I refer to my laptop as my Design Lab, pretty much because it is huge, mobile and it has everything I need to work, blog and create efficiently. Scratch that… it had everything, except now my lab is dying. My “lab” is a virtual space outfitted with all the tech things a girl could want when she has plans to make the world beautiful. Aside from paper,pen, and camera,  other design tools I use include  AutoCAD, the Adobe Creative Suite as well as a few other much needed programs. Somehow, no matter what tools I’m using, If I’m not  in front of my laptop, it’s not far away.  Now, I’m slowly coming around to the fact that I have to buy another computer before summer’s end. Le sigh…

,

{my grad thesis, was created in my lab}

Anyhoo, I’m planning for the next steps, thinking about the next incarnation of the lab. My dad has been raving about the HP Envy since he got one for work (mind you I told him about it).  And yes I’m envious. I checked it out in person at Shecky’s Girls Night Out and loved it. I know I spoke to the guy for about 20-30 minutes, while most of the other ladies were looking at the the Digital Clutch. However, I played it coy because aside from being awesome, at the time it only came with a 15″ screen. When you are a girl who drafts bigger is always better, so I held out for the 17″ version.  Well someone must have heard me.

Rather, sexy ain’t it?  But it’s not just pretty on the outside. It has all the specs (lots of hard drive space and memory) I need to run heavy duty software without exhausting it (sorry old lab but I heard you cough yesterday when I opened photoshop).

My other option is unconventional for an interior designer. I’m thinking about getting a MACBook Pro. It’s unconventional because traditionally, the standard industry drafting and design software, AutoCAD and now Revit are notoriously PC based, which meant that they don’t run so well on a MAC.  But then I read that Autodesk is extending its support for those who use a MAC and there’s a beta version floating around being tested.  Umm…ok…. why has this taken so long?  I totally wanted to sign up, but I think I should have the laptop first.

{hello gorgeous- AutoCAD for MAC beta version via 9 to 5 mac}

ArchiCAD works just fine on both MAC and PC platforms and it has very tempting payment and plan options vs AutoCAD, especially for small businesses. I had to research this for work because we use both and yes, I’m thinking of switching  to just one (but that’s another post). However,  I will say it kinda sucked being the only design industry not invited to sit at the cool design kids table. After all what’s cooler than Architecture and Interior Design? But there’s no point being cute or cool if you can’t back it up with the tech smarts. At least now, I feel a little more empowered knowing that I have more options for my future creative digital  lab.

If you are a designer, let me know your thoughts. I would love your input.

On Monday, I spoke about hitting a creative road block. Funny thing is, I’m happy I hit it because now I’m taking the time realign myself with my dreams. And I’m very thankful for that opportunity.

Here’s a few things that I’m doing to move past the block:

1.  For inspiration, I’m exploring design portfolios of designers with whom I’m less familiar. I love this graphic red room by Bibi Monnahan.

{image via elle decor}

2. I’m continuing to explore the bounds of my creativity.

{image by tim walker via visual streak}

3.  Slash everything.

It’s not what it seems. Most of the artists that I admire do more than one thing and do them well. For certain, I know I want to be one of those people who is a designer/(fill in the blank)/(fill in the blank). I’m working on the designer part and the slashes.

Most importantly to me is that I never give up on my dreams and that I push harder through the obstacles. So, this weekend, I’ll be  planning, scheming and plotting  a new course for myself.

Do you have any creative plans for the weekend? Let me know…

Happy Weekend!

xoxo,Jessica

Today’s  post  is a little different than normal. Recently, I changed sketchbooks as my other one was filled to capacity. Then something happened. My new one has remained virtually empty. Very few, very random sketches. Very few words. No ideas. Very unlike me. When I don’t draw, I write and for there to be nothing in the book lets me know that I have it. Yes, IT. A creative block of some sort. There’s no block at work, rather it’s more personal, deeper than finding inspiration.  And this is me trying to work through it.

{via wired magazine}

I’ve been thinking about dreams. How hard one works for them to come true.  About when they come true and if they evolve as a person grows.

{via stardust & sequins}

When do you pack them up? When do you push harder? Do you fight for them? Is it worth it? And Gosh, How long does it take to accomplish them?

You may have noticed that I’m experiencing a stumbling block on the road to my dreams. I don’t feel like I’m living them yet. And as I begin to push through this creative block, so far, these are the questions and thoughts  have come up on my journey. I’m working on the answers and I’d love to hear your input.  What are your thoughts? How do you live your dreams? How do you work through a block?

I yearn to investigate and study the world drawing and photographing it every step of the way. Of course, I wouldn’t mind doing it in style with these sketching essentials via Marc Jacobs‘ line of special items.

{Clockwise from l to r:  1.bookmarc medium zip pouch; 2. metallic canvas tote; 3. bookmarc pencil case; 4. bookmarc large zip pouch; 5.graffiti door tee; 6. light silver disco clutch; 7.bookmarc mini pencil kit }

Whenever I go out on an an art adventure of some sort, my bag is often a complete mess of pens, pencils, sketchbook, papers, folders and a camera. Yes, sometimes, I look like a woman with a travelling art studio, so I thought these Marc Jacobs items would be great to keep me organized and chic at the same time.  Whenever I have a lovely tote I make sure to tuck a  fun clutch inside  and anything with the name disco seems to fit the bill. As for the Graffiti tee, I thought it would be fun to wear as I sketch and photograph. My philosophy: if you are going to sketch or anything else, you may as well look good doing it!

Hi Everyone! This is Part 2 of my interview with designer Anita Kaushal. Today’s interview is about the process of creating. Enjoy!

Design Wonderland: When it comes to design, you do it all, product, Interiors and Creative Direction. What inspired you to become a designer?

Anita Kaushal: All design holds equal weight and pleasure for me, be it the detail that goes into stitching a cushion, styling a corner of a room or creating a complete house re-fit.

I have always been drawn to creative work and also designed some key pieces when I started my company Earth Tones in 1999, which showcased small artisans next to international designers and home accessories next to large pieces of classic furniture. Customers kept asking us to put the looks together and it all begun from there but I was not even aware I was suddenly moving into interior design because everything I do works on the same principles.

DW: What inspires your work?

Anita: Well- being, happiness and comfort inform my every decision and I am deeply inspired by implementing these into the whole design process.  I am mostly inspired by the people I am designing for in that I want their homes to be a reflection of their personalities and to tell the story of their evolving journey.

I have loved designing and decorating houses for as long as I can remember, but the children have been a huge inspiration in my work as they have opened a window into seeing the world differently.  I now find that what I do is so much more multifaceted and has more depth than ever before.

I am also inspired by anything made with love and passion and human hands – these things hold magic, meaning and a deep connection.

{images via anita kaushal}

DW: I’d love to know if the creative process of writing design and travel books is similar to the process of designing. What ways were they similar? Different?

Anita: Yes, the process of designing and writing, no matter what the topic feels very similar so for me the travel book is really no different to designing a product or interior as it is all about expressing the joy of life.

DW: Any plans to write another book on design?

Anita: Yes, as a matter of fact, I have just finished a treatment for a new book, but I may have to wait a bit as there are other projects that are taking up much more time and balance is hugely important to me, so something has to give.  As much as I love writing/the whole creative process, the book will have to wait until 2011.

DW: I would love to know what colors or color combinations are you currently drawn to?

Anita: I think much depends on the climate and style of house you live in too.  This climate suits muted tones but each house I have ever lived in has had tones of antique pink, lilacs, amethysts, purples, pale blues and taupe’s. I also love to have hints of tarnished golds and silvers here and there

DW: What advice to do you have for new designers or people interested in design?

Anita: Trust in your instincts as this is how you will bring something fresh and new to the industry.  Follow your heart and do what you do with abandon.

Final Thoughts

Hi hope you enjoyed this special feature on Design Wonderland.  In case you missed Part 1, you can read it here.

Finally I just want to say  a heartfelt Thank you to Anita Kaushal for sharing her time and her words.  In speaking with you I am  reminded of just  how thoughtful,  beautiful and organic the process of Creativity should be.

For Christmas, I was given a gift certificate  to take a digital photography class, which I’m loving  like you wouldn’t believe. Every week my class sets off on a different assignment, every week  we encounter a different creative challenge.I haven’t taken a photography class since undergrad (and that was film) so  this is a really is amazing experience.

For a recent assignment, we had to take portraits… of objects. We were not allowed to move them, just photograph them  in lots of different ways from different perspectives.  Here’s two that I liked from that collection (and finished editing).

When I get through more photos I promise to show more, but I wanted to give you a taste of what I been doing in my spare time. And  for my next assignment, portraits of a person. Stay Tuned…

Happy Monday Everyone!  Over the weekend, the DC got a few sweet moments of snow, not a lot but just enough. That’s my favorite type of snow, just enough to make you slow down…

Lately whenever I get a spare minute, I break out the camera and start experimenting. I think I’m hooked.

{the pics above are from my workshop with kate headley}

{these are just few fun shots post-workshop}

I’m having a great time learning a new medium. I’ve already helped out on a photo shoot, scouting locations (not taking pics).  I believe photography is great for developing interesting compositions and a better understanding of lighting. The best part is that I’m already looking at the world differently. And that is important, if I want to keep growing creatively as a designer and have fun while doing it.

Ok first off let me say that I didn’t do that much  blogging lite this week. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been working on some freelance opportunities and I promise next week will be another story; I WILL be blogging lite.

Over the weekend, in between working and few other things, Sunday I will finally be taking my photgraphy class with wedding photographer Kate Headley. I mentioned it in this post last month. When I signed up she mentioned that students should find photography that inspires us. Somehow along the way, I found Gabrielle Kai Photography. 

{all images via gabrielle kai photogrphy}

I’m really inspired by her work and her documentation of the beautiful simple things coupled with texture and composition. The photographer  of Gabrielle Kai,  Azzari Jarrett, named the company after her daughter and  is also self taught! Isn’t that awesome? She has a great etsy shop too!

I’m not looking to become a professional photog, I’m just looking for another tool to add to my creative process and express my creative self (though I am open to being awesome at it). Photography makes a person slow down and really see the world  around them. And I’ve always wanted to be a keen observer of  the world. What better way to be inspired? I can’t wait to share what I learn!

My weekend wish for you is that  you have a chance to get a creative too!!

Happy Creative Weekend!

XOXO, Jessica