Graphic design, or the need for it, pops up in so many little places! I recently did a fun project for the Town of Devon, where I made an icon and splash graphics for their mobile app. They’re small details, but nice-looking graphics go a long way toward making a person’s app look credible and appealing among an ocean of other products. This app lets residents submit service requests for issues like potholes or fallen trees, and you can find it in the Google Play store.
Archives for May 2015
Reminiscing About The End of the World
This week I have a sentimental post for you about a place in Edmonton, Alberta that no longer exists — and when it did, it was known playfully as “The End of the World.” Earlier this month I saw a local illustrator’s drawing of the spot, and it inspired me to tell you about this tiny piece of Edmonton history. (Side note, I don’t remember who this artist was! Argh!)
The End of the World was an accidental scenic viewpoint with an apocalyptic feel. Those in the know would head to Saskatchewan Drive and 76 Avenue, and look for a steep dirt path. The path led you to this beautifully haunting place overlooking the river.
The remains of a building that apparently slid down the riverbank were what made this lookout so spooky. Paired with a stunning view of the River Valley, you felt like to you walked into I Am Legend.
The remains of the structure were covered in graffiti, which was cool to look at in itself. A few brave folks could sit on the wall and dangle their feet over the edge — but they had to be careful, because it was a steep drop to the riverbank! In a moment of daring I walked along the wall and gave myself vertigo.
My biggest regret is not introducing more friends to The End of the World. It was an amazing place to think deep thoughts or just enjoy the nature. This lovely ruin couldn’t escape the march of progress, but please enjoy the photos and memories.
My Favourite Ballroom Design Details
A while back I posted about helping with renovations to turn an old church in Edmonton’s Strathcona area into a dance space called the Sugar Foot Ballroom. This post is dedicated to a handful of fun design details I like about the space.
First we have the notorious puzzle lights! They look incredibly cool, which makes their tricky assembly worth it. A few people tried their hands at it, and the lights finally went up the day before grand opening. The lights are made of flexible plastic pieces that you hook together into a sphere. Instant artistry for any room!
This is a cool hack that our Bar Manager implemented — curtains instead of doors. She made them too, and I think they’re pretty cute. Curtains are a great approach when you have a small work area that is manned by more than one person — like our bar/kitchenette. As staff are prepping drinks and grabbing snacks, cupboard doors would just get in the way and underfoot.
On opening day, Birkley and I broke into the old display case, cleaned it up, and repurposed it for our own uses. Not quite a design hack, but I’m sure the former Presbyterian patrons would not have expected this kind of welcome message.
Lucky you, a referral program!
Happy Monday, everyone! I have for you two nice things: a lucky black cat, and some good news.
The good news is that I will literally buy you dinner if you refer me to a friend for design work. You pass along a referral, and if it results in a signed contract, I’ll send you a $50 gift card for the local restaurant of your choice! Kindly keep me in mind if you know someone who needs creative services.
The black cat is further experimentation with Copic markers. I’m learning how to blend the shades better. Who knows, if I feel like dropping $100 on more markers maybe I’ll foray into colours. The eyes and bell were coloured with a gold pen.