Retro Effects

I finally got around to trying to create the various retro effects I've been seeing everywhere in the design world for a long time. The hardest part is selecting which typefaces to use and what kind of details you want to use that might echo a vintage feeling. The rest is adding gradients, noise, and some carefully placed drop shadows (both inner and outer). Check out my results!

My first attempt: A little feminine.

Second attempt: I didn't spend much time on this one. It's a little more "surfer," I guess.

Third attempt: Cranky "old man" browns and grays with gold embossing! There's a lot going on here, but I think it's my favorite. I even tried the little upturned edge (which could definitely be better, but for a first try, I think I did okay!).

I also made a retro-inspired desktop wallpaper for one of my biffles (yes, bffl phonetically) featuring her name, so if you'd like one, too, write a comment with your favorite colors and whether you have a widescreen (16:9) or standard (4:3) monitor!

Feel free to use any of these icons above, but please make sure to link back!

*swoon*
Paige

Say it with me now...

I designed and framed this piece for two of my best friends (here and here) as their holiday present this past December; something optimistic for the new year, and something we're all probably guilty of not saying enough.

This next year is a definite time of YES for me. I've officially started out on my own and am doing my best to embrace everything the world has to offer. I'm trying to put myself out there as much as possible no matter how uncertain I feel.

What are you working on for 2012? Anything in particular you're trying to say YES about?

*swoon*
Paige

Typography - Little G

This is just one example of why I love typography:


A few weeks ago I went to a fantastic lecture on typography through the Seattle InDesign Users Group. The featured speaker was fontophile Thomas Phinney, formerly of Adobe, now of Extensis. He is a brilliant typographer, and if you ever get a chance to hear him talk, I highly recommend attending.

*swoon*
Paige