Claudia Chwe

Argentinian-born, Claudia Chwe,  graduated from Parsons 3 years ago, she started working at Vox collective, she now works idependently for various clients. She was kind enough to let me have a drink with me at Pret. What struck me about Claudia is her friedliness and openess to share with me some pieces of advice read on,

Credit: Claudia Chwe

Itzy bitsy: How did you land your first job?
Claudia Chwe: I got a job through a friend at a company called, Vox collective,
today times are hard, but when the work comes, it comes in bunches.
IR: What has been the most satisfying part of your role?
CC: When I think of concepts, make the people see it, the random different options available.

Credit: Claudia Chwe

Credit: Claudia Chwe

IR: What has been the most stressful?
CC:  Clients and deadlines
IR: What has been th most important lesson you've learned in your career?
To organize myself better at work, grow and get better, also being patient.
IR: What have you learned about this industry that suprises you?
Being creative all the time, how tight deadlines can be, get out of the comfort zone and brainstorm.

Credit: Claudia Chwe

IR: What other designers do you respect?
designers: Tibor Kalman, Peter Saville is my favorite.
photography: Nick Knight.
IR: What advice can you give me as i meet other people who could help me or hire me?
My advice is to have patience with yourself, keep developing, blogging, learning new things, meet more people, consistency, know how to sell yourself, defend ideas and be willing to work independently.

Many thanks to Claudia!
Claudia's beautiful portfolio can be seen at: http://cargocollective.com/claudiachwe

Miachel Pruett

Watch out every one there's a new designer in town. Fellow Texan Miachel Pruett,  graduated from UT-Austin,  she now works at D'esposito & partners. In her short career, she has already accomplished many things including, landing a job and moving to New York City. I met with her for coffee at Eataly, I wanted to pick her brain a little here it is:

credit: Miachel Pruett

IR:what did you think was the most important to know when you started in
this field?
MP: I always thought if i work really hard i can accomplish anything
IR:How did you get started? Is that typical of successful people in this field?
MP: I went to school at UT-austin they had an ad program that traveled around cities
to different agencies and we showed our portfolios i asked one of them if i could work for them when i graduated and they did hire me afterwards.
IRwhat has been the most satisfying part of your role?
MP: the work itself, getting in the flow, get to share it with friends and others.
i think design is art with purpose
IR:what has been the most stressful?
MP:Moving to NYC, living situation
IR:what have been the most important lessons you've learned in your career?
MP: keep it as simple as possible and be passionate about what you do
IR:what have you learned about this industry that suprises you?

credit: Miachel Pruett

MP: How much you can learn the classes to take,  the people to meet in this city
practice makes perfect
IR: what other designers do you respect?

Jessica Hische

Christian Helms

Ptarmak

MP: what advice can you give me as i embark on this journey and as I meet
other people who could help me or hire me?
IR: keep doing this, keep interviewing other designers.

credit: Miachel Pruett

photo credit: Miachel Pruett

Miachel pronounced (Me-uh-shell)
is also an avid photographer
check out her work:  http://miachelpruett.com/

Casey Espinoza

Casey is art director at Taxi,
she recently shared some advice to me about starting out and landing a job in Advertising.
here's some advice from Casey:

credit: Casey Espinoza

After high school i attend the University of the Arts in Philly in a nutshell 

their style was out of date so i transferred to School of Visual Arts, i double 

majored in GD and Ad.

I think it's best to try and figure out what it is you want to do. For me i was 

in between copywriting, art direction and design. Zeroing in on one is your best bet. 

The most important thing i learned, is that in Advertising it's all about who you know, 

and that may seem straight forward but the twist is that everyone will be nice, no one 

wants to burn a bridge, but everyone is only looking out for themselves. I went on 

many interviews that i left thinking about how well it went, only to not get the job. 

credit: Casey Espinoza

I started with internships my senior year of college, than one over the summer after

i graduated. When that did not turn into a job, I started interviewing everywhere i could. 

I was even flown out to Chicago by a company. Being young, now is the time to take a 

job anywhere if you can don't let location hold you back. 

There is no typical way to get started, i have friends that got hired before graduation, some 

that are freelancing, others that got hired right away and some that interned and than got hired.

credit: Casey Espinoza

Currently two campaigns that i was working on as a Jr Art Director have been featured in 

AdWeek, to date has been the most satisfying. You work hard and long hours so too see 

something come to life and be recognized is what its all really about. 

The most stress comes from the crazy hours, which you just have to power through.

If this is what you love doing it will bring you success, also staying in the know follow 

award shows and design blogs. This site counts down all Ad award shows. 

http://www.t-minuscountdown.com/

credit: Casey Espinoza

One of my favorite designer is http://www.louisefili.com/

Sometimes its going to suck, interning, looking for job, even work itself sometimes, 

but if it's what you really love doing its never really bad and it's always satisfying.

 check out Casey's beautiful portfolio: http://caseyespinoza.com

Amanda Ford

check out Amanda Ford from Since Again,  her list of clients include Pepsi, Rhapsody,  Flavorpill, Juicy couture, Victoria's Secret PINK, West elm. She is currently art director over at HUGE. I  came across her beautiful portfolio and i shot her an e-mail Q&A,  I was so inspired that i wanted to share some of her advice that has been helpful for me and that i'm sure it could be helpful to others,
 
here it is:

credit: Amanda Ford

Itzybitsy: what did you think was the most important to know when you started in

this field?  
Amanda Ford:Know that your "ideal job" might not happen for years. I've been working in the field for about 7 years and still am not sure I'm where I want to be. Your goals will always evolve.

IR:How did you get started? Is that typical of successful people in this field?
AF:I started out as a freelance designer working for a startup brand in california. i was doing all types of design from packaging to print and web. i thought i wanted to work for a magazine (which i did, interned and was freelancing in ny for a month or two), but realized it wasn't as glamorous and rewarding as i dreamed.

credit: Amanda Ford

IR:what has been the most satisfying part of your role?  
AF:creating work that is seen by a lot of people.

IR:what has been the most stressful?
AF: unreasonable deadlines, nagging clients, not always getting projects where i can really "shine"

IR:what have been the most important lessons you've learned in your career?
AF: always network because you never know when someone can be the link to your next job, and don't burn any bridges (it's a small world)

IR:what have you learned about this industry that suprises you?
AF:larger brands/companies are more open than you think to new ideas, its all in how you present it...sometimes baby steps

credit: Amanda Ford

IR: as you look back, what do you think is the most important quality for

success in this field?
AF: don't give up, listen to others' feedback, stay creative

IR: what other designers do you respect?
AF: jonathan zawada, roanne adams, non-format

IR:what advice can you give me as i embark on this journey and as I meet

other people who could help me or hire me?
AF: use recruiters to get your foot in the door and don't hesitate to email companies you are interested in, they don't always post job openings

credit: Amanda Ford

Check out Amanda's website: www.sinceagain.com
and her blog Is Mental: http://is-mental.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Daniel

design by Jennifer Daniel

A while ago, i went to a Lecture about one of my favorite illustrators Cristoph Niemann ,who I met btw, he's a really nice, he even gave me some advice while he was sipping his coffee.  I sat next to Jennifer Daniel who, shared with us her business cards. I took one for me so, here it is. Check out the letterpress details on the unicorn and i like the letters made up with, more letters, very OCD i love it!

Mayuko Fujino

I meet Mayuko through Felix, we had a beer on greenpoint we talked about Mexican paper,  and Japanese artists. Later on, we flied kites on her birthday and we've been gettting into some rock climbing. While i was at the puppies show,  i came across a book about illustration and and i saw some familiar work and it was Mayuko!  I've always been struck by her artwork and the details in the shapes of her works. i wanted to her to share some of her process on the itzybitsyblog

When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?

Mayuko: When I was 18, after graduated high school.

Can you explain to us a little about your illustrations?

MF:They are basically about layers, visible ones and invisible ones. I am
interested in borderlines, conflicts, and the duality of nature so
those elements are always present in my artwork. here's my artist
statement:
http://planetplatonic.org/statement

When did you move to New York city and why?

MF:I moved to NY September 2010. I wanted to study English. I had
received emails in English asking about my art, especially from the
United States, much more than in Japanese. so I thought I might be
able to reach more people who would be interested in what I do if I
could speak English.

What do you find different from graphic design and fine arts?

MF: Graphic design is about finding right directions. Fine art is about
wandering and sometimes getting lost.

What sources do you use for your images?

MF:I used old Playboy magazines for the latest series "Bunny Dance"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayuk/sets/72157625301733721/

 Who do you draw inspiration from in your art?

MF: Musicians. I love 80's new wave stuff and early electronic music.

Where does your creativity come from?

MF: I was immersed in books and music when I was a child and it always
made me dream about an imaginary world. I think that's where it comes
from. I feel like I still haven't been able to come back from there.

 When is your next show? Can you give us details

PULSE art fair Los Angeles Sep.30 - Oct.3  http://www.pulse-art.com/losangeles
ULTRA004 art fair in Tokyo Oct.28 - 30
both with Megumi Ogita Gallery http://www.megumiogita.com
UAMO Festival in Munich
October 27 - 30 http://www.uamo.info/cms/index.php?page=tour2011info

I'm looking for places in New York for shows!!!

Thanks Mayuko!

Felix Morelo the most loved man in NYC!

I met Felix during my break from work and he made fun of me a couple of times but, I knew he was kidding and it was all in good fun so, i just laughed and i said hey, who is this guy? he told me he drew faces and if i had seen them and i said oh you're that guy.
i took the opportunity to ask him some questions:
So, why are you the most loved man in NYC?
Felix Morelo: (rolls his eyes) It's my wish
why do you draw faces on side walks?
FM: It was a way for me to stand out from the crowd. There's too many artist out there and i had no gallery representation and nowhere to show my artwork.

what's up with the faces?

FM: It's like an evolution of my work, thought pattern and persistance. Before i was just writing things but, then i just simplified it to just a face and that's when it all made sense.

Where do you get ideas from?
FM: Mental effort to simplify to come up with ideas to present and are easy to digest and comprehend, both abstract and complex, loosing complexity a bit.

What's the difference your paintings and your street art?
FM: The studio work is not seen by many people its more complex and more detain and refined. Street work is performance its more simplified that's its beauty and repetition its interactive its done outside. i like to see people's reaction. It's like the difference with a handshake and a hug. It's massive large scale, it doesn't have any limitation, the land is its canvas. I like to think of the whole planet and its surface its for everybody. I guess i'm torn between the street and painting. It is supposed to lead to my artwork, anyone can agree or disagree at least, i have the right to create it.

Do you think it relates to print media?
FM: It does but, it is more ephemeral because of its social regulations and respect to the public. It's only temporary
Is each singe one face different?

FM: It can't be all the same if it was i would be some sort of machine. Sometimes i do intend them to be the same and i could get really close.
Do you do want to make them all different?
FM: It depends on the performance. Things can  change. It can take some 5 -10 hours. I don't really try to create them all different. Sometimes, I try to be more generic, there's periods where I take my time and there's periods where i'm trying to evolve the event.
Thanks Felix!
check out his website: www.felixmorelo.com
He's also part of El Museo's (S)files and has his artwork on display at Lehman College on the Bronx.
Opening reception September 26 6-8


After 6 months were still dating!

c'mon irene

This is how i figured i would be if my apt floods. This hurricane has become agonizing for everybody. I woke up to some rain and some wind but no too much like shattering windows and windy, slamming doors. i have been reading over the news and Irene is no longer hurricane category 1 according to the New york times it has lost force. It is now a tropical storm and its not going to hang around for too long. This is a bit of a relief. i think we should all stay safe and follow precautions tho. Stay safe NYC

Hurricanes and Hipster puppies

I went to this book launch at the powerHouse over at DUMBO. I didn't know what to expect. It was one of those i wish i had my camera moments, some one video tape this please. A  line of puppies dressed up in cute clothes. They all looked adorable. My favorite was this one called Dumpling. He was drinking PBR and he had on a pumpkin outfit. He won 3rd place. The most Hipster looking pup ended up winning which was this awesome dog that worked the buddy holly frames.
Any ways the book is Hipster Puppies by Christopher B. Weingarten who was the judge and bust out the jokes on the man's best friend.
check out the gallery over at time out:
http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-new-york/1800019/hipster-puppies

graffiti removal

the subconscious art of graffiti removal (excerpt) from matt mccormick on Vimeo.

small shortfilm about the subconscious art of grafitti removal
it was fun to watch it right after Beautiful Losers which i still think its a beautiful film