Krista – Heartstruck Art

In the Spirit of Summer

April 22, 2018

Hello friends! Summer is just around the corner, I can see little signs of green life peeking through late spring snow. Tiny green aspirations decorating the trees outside my house, toying with my emotions. So close!

This year, I’ve been focusing on taking control of living the life I want, instead of waiting around for the perfect life to come to me and it’s been incredibly liberating! In the spirit of summer, I came across this summer photography series, and had to share.

Cheers to living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment!

Photo Credit @Maciej Miloch

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Life and Things

Let’s be Honest

October 7, 2017

It’s been awhile since I’ve written; but, I’ve had a few things on my mind, which I can’t help but rant.

There seems to be a colossal whirlwind of change, technology advancements, virtual adaptation, progression and digression. The concept of humanity feels more and more conceptual as technology advances and slowly takes over our lives.

Let’s be honest about what is real and what we wish was real. Being infiltrated by gorgeous vacations, impeccable interior layouts, organized workspaces, perfect family portraits, epic nights out with friends has created a competitive, comparative environment. Being an extremely competitive person myself, I know I’ve struggled with the comparative rabbit hole chase.

At the end of the day, how do I feel about my own life and experiences from an honest perspective? Are we living to impress others or enjoying our own life? There are no re-dos; this is our only chance to love, dream, hope, try, and experience life. Captured moments are an outlet of expression, emotion, time, memories…life through your eyes. Why would you want to overwrite that with other people’s experiences?

Bottom photo credit @thejealouscurator

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Design Inspiration

10 Refreshing Instagram Designers to Follow

April 23, 2017

Capturing the world we live in through a visually compelling artistic lens is no easy task. Hats off to these top ten Instagram accounts, who continually inspire, impress and create.

Mortenordstrom

Denmark based photographer quit his desk job to become a full-time international photographer. His work features an eye for ‘the moment’ with high-contrast visual integrity.

Sunday’s in Copenhagen. Stepping in to an alternate universe

A post shared by Morten Nordstrøm, Copenhagen (@mortenordstrom) on Feb 26, 2017 at 6:41am PST

Hawkeyehuey

Son of National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey, this 7-year-old analog photographer has made quite a name for himself with 226k Instagram followers.

As of today @hawkeyehuey officially has a clothing line! Whattt!?!?! Yes, I’m serious. He’s part of the new ArtClass line @Target. Mind boggling! It’s coming January 22 online and in stores! @TargetStyle #sponsored

A post shared by Hawkeye Huey (@hawkeyehuey) on Jan 12, 2017 at 6:58am PST

Debgarlickart

Quaint and whimsical, Deb Garlick’s work features texture-heavy acrylics with an emphasis in storytelling.

‘Old School’. I’m kind of in love with this new piece. I’m going to keep it for a little bit because sometimes a painting goes straight to your heart and you need to spend some time with it. #yyj #painting #landscape #oldschool #house #tradition #woman #art #artist #acrylic #paint #stories #escape #farm #quiet #love #creative #victoriabc #debgarlickart

A post shared by Deb Garlick (@debgarlickart) on Apr 17, 2017 at 6:33pm PDT

Rowanmade

Specializing in solid, simple design; Rowan Made is a small design studio that consistently inspires.

I’ve had this rose polaroid in my random collection of inspirational “things” for years and still love it. – I’m off to have lunch with some friends and then … NOT work. Because my boss told me I could. 😉 #FavoriteJoke

A post shared by Rowan Made (@rowanmade) on Apr 11, 2017 at 9:01am PDT

Nois7

Digital artist Robert Jahns transforms the world of photography with his highly imaginative approach to travel imagery.

Whoever is seeing this, I hope it makes you smile 😊 Cos you deserve to be happy 🎈 Tag someone in the comments to send them a smile. Now available as a print, looks fantastic in your room 😊 Link in bio.

A post shared by Robert Jahns (@nois7) on Dec 16, 2016 at 12:34pm PST

Abeautifulmess

Founded by sisters Elsie and Emma, A Beautiful Mess features homemade recipes, crafts and inspiration from our readers around the world.

My new favorite mural!! 🍦💜 @rclayton #ABMlovesmurals

A post shared by Elsie + Emma A Beautiful Mess (@abeautifulmess) on Apr 12, 2017 at 7:17am PDT

Fursty

Representing from the Pacific Northwest, lifestyle and adventure photographer Dylan Furst captures the soul of the PWN with his moody color palettes and stunning scenery.

Waiting for the perfect salmon to swim by

A post shared by Dylan Furst (@fursty) on Dec 30, 2016 at 9:54am PST

Stevewolfdesigns

Graphic Designer and Illustrator Steve Wolf specializes in bold colorful typographic creations and brand identities.

Part of a big project in the works. #revelstoke #illustration #typography

A post shared by Steve Wolf (@stevewolfdesigns) on Nov 15, 2016 at 1:24pm PST

Jacob

Vancouver, B.C based photographer Jacob Riglin captures the heart and soul of travel photography.

Touched down in one of my favourite cities, Vancouver. This was one of the first cities I went to after starting photography and it’s so great to be back exploring this beautiful place. I still can’t get over the fact that within 20 minutes of driving out of the city you can be in the mountains 😍 #beautifuldestinations

A post shared by J A C O B R I G L I N (@jacob) on Apr 20, 2017 at 8:34am PDT

Katiforner

LA based designer, Kati Forner focuses on modern brand identify and typography.

Outtake. In the concepting phase of this super fun new book project. This particular concept has a transparent film overlay layer on the cover containing the paint textures allowing the image underneath to peek through.

A post shared by Kati Forner Design (@katiforner) on Jan 20, 2017 at 7:56am PST

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Life and Things

Inner Landscapes

January 4, 2017

I was thinking today about the ideology surrounding the promises of a new year, new beginnings, a fresh start. It seems the perception of time and personal fulfillment are synonymous with perfection, tomorrow is another day, future versions of ourselves. The ‘Anne of Green Gables’ philosophy as it was.

I compiled the above images inspired by my feelings toward the new year. So far it hasn’t started off very perfect, and feels more like an extension of December but I think that I am okay with that. Not having a master plan, living in the moment, maybe even being spontaneous 😮

Instead of making a make or break Resolution List, I’d like to focus more on experiences and memories beginning with the following goals:

Lean down – Lose 10 pounds
Become more financially free – Pay off 5 credit cards
Take on Challenges – Run a half Marathon
Hike a 14er
Take a Photo Journal road trip
Start Freelancing/ Explore more personal art projects
Travel somewhere new

Stay warm out there!

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Design Inspiration

Brainstorming 101

November 27, 2016

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I thoroughly enjoyed mine as it was the first year we celebrated as adult siblings, aka sibsgiving.

With all the extra time off this week, I’ve been thinking more about personal design projects, design contests, photography, freelancing. Although still in the early stages of brainstorming; I’d really like to invest more time into side projects and promoting my own personal brand. I created a visual mood board and keywords to start off but still haven’t landed on any solid brand names. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear more ideas

Mood and Vibe

Brand Tags

Lifestyle, Texture, Typography, Emotional Expression, Modern, Logo Design, Web Design, Creative, Illustration, Color, Expressive, Moody, Epic, Profound, Thoughtful, Soul Bound, Journey, Creation, Air, Exhale, Depth, Imagination, Tangent, Tangible, Vertex, Wander, Hand-drawn Type, Vibe, Synergy, Explore

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Life and Things

Nifty Gifties

November 20, 2016

Can you believe its almost Thanksgiving? Mentally I’ve already skipped over November in anticipation for snow, gift-giving, splurging, time with family etc. Since time moves extra quickly this time of year, I’ve compiled a gift list of unique ideas and concepts to surprise your special people with something new and different this year.

7 Gift Ideas that will Blow the Pants off Other Gift Ideas

A Planter that is a Cat. From: Barruntando | $30.47

Modern, Wall-Mounted Eternal Flame. From Touch of Modern | $165.99

Hand-crafted Artisan Jewelry. From: Story Weaver Mercantile | $26

Hand-made all Leather Messenger Bag. From: Story Weaver Mercantile | $135

Giclee print of Your Home State. From: Milk and Honey Bread | $20+

One-of-a-kind Secret Wood Ring. From: Secret Wood | $145

Customized Wine Club Membership. From: Winc | $52/month

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Design

Print vs Digital vs the Universe

October 2, 2016

The Future of Design photo credit @Eiko Ojala

I remember taking my first interaction design course as part of a pilot program my college was experimenting with. The class itself was very inspirational, but not all that practically helpful when it came to real world experience for new designers. It’s scary how much has changed in just 5 years since I was sitting that classroom at the largest University in the state of Oregon.

Digital design, UI/UX design, graphic design, interaction design, web design are all relevant titles floating around in the design field today and its literally impossible to be an expert in every arena. So where to start? What’s important today and what will be important 10 years from now? It can be overwhelming to try and grasp where the future of design is going and how to stay relevant but, if you really break things down, the fundamentals have never changed.

Old school concepts like typography, eye for detail, organization, space, color theory, user interaction and experience, emotional responsiveness; these are all elements that aren’t going to become outdated but merely transformed in their representation in our visual world.

“The soul never thinks without an image.” – Aristotle

It is important for designers to stay relevant with the world and to capitalize on interests and passions. Love typography? Possibilities are endless. From web design messaging and layout, app confirmations, 3D printed messages, hand drawn type illustration, signage etc. Challenge yourself, there’s absolutely no reason to be chained to your assigned title. Define your own path and be what your best at.

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Life and Things

174 Days

September 22, 2016

So Facebook was kind enough to inform me that I haven’t posted anything to my blog in 174 days. So it’s been awhile…

This year has been a much need ‘namaste’ for me and honestly it has been one of the best years as far back as I can remember. Reading through old blog posts revealed a long-forgotten New Year’s Resolution List I had made in January. Below is the list I made at the beginning of the year and today I crossed off everything that had been accomplished so far.

Take on weekly personal art projects
Repurpose one piece of furniture
Take more Yoga Classes
~~Work out 3-4 weekly~~
~~Lose 8 lbs (not 10…8lbs)~~ (lost 12 lbs actually)
~~Continue Green Juicing~~
~~Cut back on Rockstars~~ (cut back is relative)
Run a 10k
~~Attend a Meetup~~
~~Pay back one credit card~~
~~Read~~ more (read 2 books…so technically more than last year)
~~Visit a foreign country~~ (went to Mexico!)
~~Network with other designers~~ (this one could be more but still counts)
Photography trips

Cheers to making goals and crossing off lists. Happy (almost) Friday everyone.

photo credit @Simone Brahmino

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Interview

Guest Artist Interview – Chris Svoboda

March 31, 2016

Time flies when your having…fun? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been trying to escape the blizzards of Denver. I’m so ready for warmer weather, breezy open windows, birds, open toe shoes, not having to scrap ice and snow off my car. You get the idea.

Tonight I’m so excited to present a very talented local artist who specializes in clean, creative design and raw ingenuity. Meet Chris Svoboda from Denver, CO and be sure to click the links below to see more of his work.

Behance | Instagram

Interview

1 Tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into design?

Becoming a collegiate athlete was once my biggest goal, followed closely by a desire to become a top chef. As I began my athletic career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while studying to become a nutritionist, I quickly found that I didn’t feel fulfilled in either path. I started a mission to dig into my interests and find out just what exactly made me tick. While filling general requirement courses for my major, I stumbled upon a course that focused solely on advertising. Throughout the course, I developed a passion for the creative side of advertising and the idea that I could have the power to create something from nothing. I changed my major to Advertising and began narrowing down where my passions fell in the creative zone. As the youngest in my family I spent a lot of time reworking hand-me-down toys to fit my interests and filling every inch of my room with drawings. It didn’t take long to find my niche in design and I haven’t looked back since. Through countless hours of tutorials, perhaps too many coffee breaks, and an endless fascination with the Adobe creative suite, I’ve landed in my place as a graphic designer.

2 Walk us through a typical day?

As I’m currently looking for my next opportunity as a graphic designer I’ve been keeping busy by expanding my skill set, freelancing, and sending out more emails than I’d like to count. When I’m not working on my trusty laptop, I’m doodling or working on DIY projects around the house.

3 Describe your style/aesthetic and where do you draw your inspiration from?

I do my best not to get comfortable and stick with one particular design style as there are so many to choose from and grow with. My work typically has a clean aesthetic but it truly comes down to what or whom I’m designing for.

My guilty pleasure is illustration. It makes me feel like I’m a kid again, watching old school Disney cartoons and creating my own characters.

4 On your site, you reference sasquatch a few times, any backstory on your rare creature interactions?

The sasquatch is my way of saying that my style and background is different and that I don’t want to be put in a category as a designer with a single track of work. I chose the sasquatch because it follows its own path and still makes history.

5 What are some of your favorite pastimes?

I’ve always found the best way for me to unwind was through exploration. I’m always up for a hike, trying a food truck, or even a drive through the mountains. I like to live life a little off the map and off the wall.

Thanks again!

Photo credits: Chris Svoboda

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Design

New Portfolio Added: Forgotten Tales

March 7, 2016

It’s March already can you believe it! I have been a little distracted and pre-occupied as of late with life, work, play, so its been awhile since I’ve posted. Today, I wanted to share some older work of mine; but, still very reflective of who I am as a designer.

As projects often go, my original thought process was to create something edgy, dramatic, moody and dark executed in a thoughtful, mysterious package. Throughout the brainstorming and drafting process, I slowly drifted away from my original mood-board but still managed to capture the mythical playful oddity and wonder of the piece.

Always an important concept to learn throughout art and design that its not about forcing an idea, but letting the organic creativity take a direction of its own in a controlled, directed environment. Allowing ample time for the “brainstorming phase” which is so often rushed in the modern workload. Cheers to letting ideas blossom on their own! Forgotten Tales is my magna opus of such a lesson.

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