Some people have bar buddies. I have art addicts, people who see art everywhere or are inspired to create stuff because of the little things in life. Another artist representing Poland: Konrad Kirpluk! My new friend and fellow art addict, he loves art any way he can get it. But thank God that unlike me he has a magic tube of paint bursting with artistic ability that he's been dipping his fingers in since childhood. Inspired by anything, he works non stop wreaking digital pandemonium on your eyes with cutting edge vectors and illustrations.

   

Here's a peek at one of Konrad's latest projects. He's amassed at least 30 ultra urbanite caricatures part of an experiment working with fixed strokes and shapes as he further develops his style. I think of this as a work in progress since he's always updating it. All of these are done using Adobe Illustrator. It's a vector editor packaged in the Adobe Creative Suite. Different from your photo manipulation programs where you touch up an already created image, vector editors let you change geometric components of images such as points, lines, curves, and shapes. It's more practical for typography or logo creation, which is what Konrad does primarily.

When Konrad isn't playing around with vectors he's making logos for companies like Nike, Footlocker, and Mammoth; companies that thrive on motion and encourage people to push the boundaries of human potential. Looking at Konrad's designs, you'll see they are very progressive, highly animated, and threat- ening to leap off the screen at any moment. The reason his work is so intense is because he's channeling all the restless, super charged energy from the world around him, including the geometrical realm. Yes. Look at his designs. It may be subtle but it is there. He uses curves, lines, angles, and shapes as the foundation for his masterpieces. Geometry never looked so cool.

About the Art Addict

Probably the most exciting thing about Konrad's work is Konrad himself. He is very emphatic about his art and that resonates with his personality. And though his expertise lies in the digital he is no stranger to the many art forms out there. From print to digital, Dali to Warhol, he appreciates it all and lets his passion fuel his projects as he's always looking to expand his repertoire to make art that is just as inspiring as he was to create it.

Art this awesome, you can bet Konrad's put his brand all over the web. To check out more of his mind blowing work visit his deviantart, society6 or behance page where he's setting up shop and showcasing all kinds of graphical goodness. 

read more "Graphic Geekdom"

Maja Wrońska, architekt drugiego pokolenia, rozpoczęła swoją przygodę z malarstwem w wieku trzech lat, gdy bawiła się kredkami i farbami swojej mamy. Obecnie dąży do uzyskania tytułu magistra architektury na Politechnice Warszawskiej i w jakiś sposób znajduje czas na zajmowanie się malarstwem i rysunkiem oraz udostępnia w serwisie YouTube nagrania, które pokazują proces powstawania jej niesamowitej sztuki. Maja jeszcze o tym nie wie, lecz właśnie buduje mój wymarzony pałac. Plany, materiały, dekoracje, wszystko od początku do końca sprowadza się do niej.

Budowanie na Przyszłość

Architektura znacznie się zmieniła od czasów początków Mai. W obecnych czasach trwałość jest istotna bardziej niż kiedykolwiek wcześniej dla długowieczności naszej planety oraz sztuki. Architekci muszą dostrzegać naturalne piękno Ziemi i projektować budynki, które jej służą, odpowiednio delikatne, aby funkcjonować pomiędzy wdziękami Ziemi, a także wystarczająco mocne, by były wykorzystywane przez ludzi. Patrząc na jakikolwiek projekt Mai możemy dostrzec zalety jej poczucia piękna.

Drewniane panele to prawdopodobnie lekka sklejka, dostępna na całym świecie, która jest tania i łatwa w użyciu. Zewnętrzna biała elewacja odbija świato słoneczne, co zapobiega nagrzewaniu ścian. Minimalistyczny styl jest przejrzysty i komponuje się z naturalnym otoczeniem. Dzięki płaskiemu dachowi do budynku można dobudować dowolną ilość pięter, jeśli to konieczne. Mój wymarzony pałac wygląda podobnie, jest tylko większy.

Architektura stopniowo się zmienia, ponieważ coraz lepiej dostrzegamy wpływ, jaki możemy mieć na naszą planetę. Architekci nie tylko projektują budynki, ale także marzenia. Dowodem są prace Mai, takie jak hiperstruktura lub wizje miasta z przyszłości, kiedyś istniejące wyłącznie w rzeczywistości sci-fi, a w nie- dalekiej przyszłości mogące być czymś zwyczajnym. Popatrz tylko na wspaniałą ilość zieleni! Te modele zostały stworzone w programie komputerowym, lecz najpierw Maja musiała zwizualizować swoje pomysły na papierze, by móc później przelać je na klawiaturę komputera. To przenosi nas do jej obrazów:

 

Uwielbiam obrazy Mai ze względu na sposób, w jaki używa zimnych i ciepłych barw, by ukazać głębię perspektywy. W ten sposób ukazuje dualizmy w życiu: jasne pomarańcze i czerwienie, które rozpromieniają nasze dni, a z drugiej strony ciemne błękity, które rzucają na nie cienie. Patrząc na krajobrazy i scenerie Mai, można wyobrazić sobie czas i pasję, którą widać w każdym pociągnięciu pędzla. Rozmawiając z Mają łatwo stwierdzić, że pasja jest wyłącznym motywatorem jej starań. To nie jest hobby ani praca, to jej życie, a cała jej werwa przelewa się na wszystko, co tworzy. Nie bądź zaskoczony, gdy za wiele lat znajdziesz się w zaprojektowanym przez nią budynku lub zobaczysz jej pracę w galerii.

Obejrzyj inne prace Mai na DeviantArt, odwiedź jej sklep society6 lub jej kanał Youtube, aby zobaczyć prawdziwie skłonny do sztuki umysł.


This post was made possible by Paulina, one of Maja's fans. (She's as in love with Maja as I am). Yet another artist, she's known as prosaen on Deviant Art.

read more "Building Dreams in Polish"

A second generation architect, Maja Wronska began drawing and sketching at three when she would play in her mum's architect supplies - fine colored pencils and paints. Currently working towards a masters in architecture at Warsaw University of Technology, she somehow finds time to do freelance sketching/ drawing and post videos of her art making magic on Youtube . Maja doesn't know it yet but she's definitely building my dream mansion. Blueprints, materials, decorations, everything start to finish it's all her.


Building for the Future

Architecture has changed a lot since Maja first started. Now more than ever, sustainability is vital for the longevity of our planet and art. Architects have to see Earth's natural beauty and design buildings that favor it. Gentle enough to exist amongst Earth's charming allure yet strong enough for people. Looking at any of Maja's projects you'll find there's a positive effect of her aesthetics.

The wood panels are probably a lightweight plywood that's readily available anywhere around the world so it's cheap to use but also easy to work with. The white exterior reflects sunlight so the structure won't absorb heat during moderate to hot temperatures. The overall minimalistic design is very clean cut but also blends in with the natural surroundings.The flat roof could have more layers and floors added to house more people if necessary. My dream mansion is going to look similar but bigger.

 Architecture is changing partly because we're better able to see the impact we have on the planet. Archi- tects aren't just making buildings anymore, they're building dreams too. For proof check out Maja's hyperstructure, or futuristic city, once only possible in the scifi realm, could be common in the near future. Look at all that green - so gorgeous. These models were made with computers, but Maja needed to be able to visualize her ideas on paper before busting out a keyboard. Which brings us to her paintings:

 

I love Maja's paintings because of the way she uses cool and warm colors to show perspective and by doing so captures the dualities in life; the light oranges and reds that brighten up our day and the dark blues that cast shadows on it. Looking at Maja's sceneries and landscapes, you can imagine the time and passion that goes into every stroke. And certainly if you talk to Maja you'll find that passion is the sole motivator for all her artistic endeavors. If you talk to Maja, this isn't a career or hobby. This is her life and all of that zest comes through in all she produces. Don't be surprised if years from now you're not in a building she designed or see her work in a gallery.

So check out Maja's other works on DeviantArt, visit her society6 shop, or visit Maja's Youtube channel to see a truly artistically inclined mind at work.

read more "Building Dreams"

If you didn't read the February 2013 Elle here's a high- light: Naomi Campbell photoshoot. The picture on the left isn't from that spreadsheet but I'll bet my eyes Alexander McQueen wished it was. Picture Naomi in a black honey- comb hat, black lace jacket, black corset, and a short ruf- fled peplum skirt. Now add a cerulean falcon guard and voilà you have this magnifique masterpiece by Nabil Nezzar who has made a career out of being inspired by the innate beauty of women and creating chic illustrations that pay homage to women's fashion design.

As an art fanatic my eyes went wide with awe when I saw this was not digital. Nabil uses a variety of media - graphite, colored pencils, water colors, and markers - to create realistic renders that emphasize  the glamour of the feminine form. This isn't just art anymore, this is a bold display of affection for women. A declaration that you are beautiful no matter the clothes you wear, a sentiment every fashion designer should strive for. You don't have to wear this to be beautiful but in these garments your inner diva is going to rock someone's red carpet.  


That's probably why I love this and Nabil's other work so much. His technique really brings art to life and because it captures the beauty of women it resonates with something deep inside. Not only that, this piece is of Naomi Campbell (an inspiration for women everywhere) wearing Alexander McQueen (Nabil's fave fashion designer). That pose, the color, every stroke is in the right place. The cerulean falcon guard is absolutely stunning, and stands out atop the black and white render, adding another dynamic to the piece. It tells the story of a supermodel shielding herself as she transforms into a super heroine, prepping herself for the cameras that will relay her image so she can inspire everyone. I suppose this is really one of a kind art because when I talked to Nabil I felt like I was talking to a fashion designer or someone with an amazing grasp of the intricacies of women's fashion. Which makes sense since Nabil hails from France, fashion capital of the universe.


Dear Diary

I was browsing the web when I came across what I'd like to call "Naomi Campbell in Cerulean Falcon." click here, click there and I found that Nabil's Diary Collection represents all the art he makes in a single day between series. It's so he can stay active, inspired, and keep me mesmerized by his craft. It's new art. Everyday. I pinned, bookmarked, liked, shared his behance page. Did some more browsing and did the same to his personal website and etsy page. Yes. Nabil sells some of his original pieces on Etsy or you can send him an email because he also does commissions.

                                    

Those are two of my fave items Nabil's selling either on Etsy or personal website. but I'm hoping I talked him into s6 because I really want his prints on a shirt. My inner diva wants to feel glamorous.

read more "Je t'aime Belle"

Redoing horror with a pinch of class and a whole lot of rockabilly is PA native Rad Ed a.k.a. the self proclaimed Queen of Garbage Culture. Now, I don’t mean to brag but Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in particular, is like the center of the world for art... so it makes sense for someone as cool as Royal Rad to call Pennsylvania home. Inking out the awesome and snazzy since for ever and able to work with a variety of mediums she reigns supreme over in 2D Kitschy. She does graphic design (with or without flash animation), traditional drawings, digital art, and prints for t­shirts.

Today we’re looking at Electric Boogaloo ­ an eclectic portrait take on the traditional zombie where Rad blends cool sophistication with horror. Imagine the stereotypical zombie girl and trash it because Electric Boogaloo is worlds away from that stereotype. She’s rocking a ripped leather biker jacket, studded choker, neon puke green hair, and big red moon eyes Electric Boogaloo is horror punk gone wild. But what really captivates you is position. Boogaloo is floating on a gray background and because she’s floating we clearly see the bottom half of her body has been bitten off. Yet despite missing every- thing from the waist down, she’s smiling! A smudge of blood on her mouth, a little something from her last meal that in no way detracts from her apocalyptic beauty. You can find many spins on classic horror motifs in art but Rad Ed uses highly organized elements that set new standards for doing memorable remakes.



Rad Ed’s latest pieces have more of her personality infused in every stroke. She has expanded her style to incorporate more grunge, grit, elegance, and satire. Here’s what she’s been up to:

                                 

The Bubblegum Pink Pebbles rendition otherwise known as Dream Hair on the far right (one of my faves) is a punkabilly pinup highlighting alternative hairstyles for women while exuding confidence and poise. Next to it is Pepperoni Eyes, the future in food advertising. An attractive person made of pizza toppings? I. Would. Eat. It. Up. Using colors found on a cheese pizza, Pepper has bright yellow cheese hair, big round pepperoni eyes, and a tomato sauce glow about her. Lastly is the Honey You Look Like Hell drawing. A great example of horror, this best captures Rad’s personality, style, and counterculture lifestyle with flair.

You can check her out at DeviantArt and leave her a comment. Unfortunately Rad isn’t taking requests or commissions at the moment, but stay tuned and I’ll post an update when she is, because I want a print for a coffee mug. But she does have a Skreened shop where you can purchase items featuring her prints. Remember if rockabilly, horror, punk, or amazing art is your thing then Queen Rad has a piece calling your name.

read more "Ed's Shop of Horrors"

About a year ago I discovered Cassie Smyrl, a digital goddess who is conquering Adobe Creative Suite, makes some bling on Etsy, and dabbles in photography. Not only talented but also well rounded, she has collaborated with other artists (and writers) for multimedia pieces like eCards and wallpapers.

You can find her artistry all over the web, just look for the ultra cute gekko. Or come visit AIM. Check the background, title, and logo. All Cassie Cassie Cassie. Working with Adobe Photoshop, Cassie created the background using at least three different brush elements to best accentuate the absolutely gorgeous render she positioned atop the deep red layer. Then she ar- ranged all the elements in a manner that left the focal point visible behind posts. It took some tinkering on my part to edit the html coding so the blogger gadgets didn't get in the way of so much awesome and it was worth it. (You should totally like/pin this if you love it as much a I do.)


Next is the missing Wonder of the World: that dual font face typography displayed in the title. I gave Cassie the title and description, told her when I needed it, and a day later she linked me this. It's so pretty I didn't know what to call it. I normally just stare at it with my mouth open. If my reaction is over the top, it's because I'm a writer. As important as the message of a word is the presentation of said word. Anyone working with or reading print or digital publications understands the significance of the typography. Or titillating textual elements that help retain and gain an audience. There's a certain science behind typography Cassie uses as you'll notice if you browse her work (and you should). Any time Cassie works with words, she likes to use multiple font faces. Her method is to find a font that fits the mood of an image, then the polar opposite of that font, and finally fiddle with various sizes for both font faces. When she finds the right size, she arranges the text in a manner where neither font face can overpower the other; they are both equally valuable to the artist and viewer.

To further wow and dazzle me, the 'aim' has a barely there color gradient. From top to bottom it's white and gradually becomes a stainless steel silvery color at the bottom. It's very subtle, but the moment you see it, you get a sense of sophistication, the color gradient is the sophistication. For fun, I asked Cassie to show me the title where the aim is all white and all gray. Take my word for it the first looked boring and the second looked odd. The second line of text is pink. It adds a bit of flare to the title design I think. It's not white or grayscale but goes really well with the smattering of pink used in the background image.

The logo (image that appears on the facebook, pinterest, and other social media pages) is the background and title with cute little pillars on the side. The way she positioned the text is what really gives it personality. It maintains the femininity and also adds a splash of femme fatale. That's a highly desirable skill I think - the ability to organize visual features to establish branding but also have an eye to use those various components in others ways so the company's presence can be felt. 

I'm shamelessly in love with the final outcome but the real epic on this awesome cake is that Cassie loves what she does so much and has so many clients she can afford to be flexible with her pricing. (Flexible isn't the same as free but if you use her services, the only thing you end up paying for is the quantity. Quality is a given for all of her products.)

You can find her on DeviantArt, where she has samples of her work. Feel free to drop her a line, make a request, or express your fandom. Or check out the Artist page and click the banner that says GekkoPixie for up to date links to reach Cassie.

read more "Behind the Background"