Missy, the mysterious and the mischievous.

Random sketches, drawings and photos of Missy the mysterious feline.

Welcome Spring.

What a beautiful first day of Spring. I observed the bluebirds gathering nesting materials for their new home and cardinals perching on the Coral Bark Japanese Maple (and hanging out in the Wax Myrtles). Here's a couple of illustrations and the photos I took that inspired the drawings. 

Clean lines and color

Art Metal Co. Office chair. ca. 1970? Original upholstery and vinyl piping. I need to do a little more research into this chair and the manufacturer.

The comfort level has been debatable around the office. The place of I found it also has been somewhat  controversial. But I like it. Clean lines, nice geometry, great color and not that uncomfortable!

SE Racing 2009 Lager SS

SE Racing Lager single speed.

Hot or Cold?

1966 Olympia DeLuxe Typewriter

My latest obsession: old typewriters. Specifically, this 1966 Olympia DeLuxe manual typewriter in MINT condition. This beautiful example of German engineering is evident in every keystroke, in every mechanical movement and in every sound that you hear when the metal script letters strike the paper and the roller beneath. Bonus: this typewriter is portable and requires no electricity. The script type that this machine renders is exquisite, especially when examined closely. Which makes me think that a revival of this Olympia DeLuxe Script could be an exciting type project in the very near future. Stay tuned and keep typing!

Flat Out Strangers Logo

You know about the Flat Out Strangers, right? Well, if not, that's OK. They're the South's most dangerous, mysterious, yet most-revered rockabilly/country/americana/bluegrass bands around. Don't just take my word for it - listen at www.myspace.com/flatoutstrangers or visit their new site at www.flatoutstrangers.com. It's great to see these guys doing well — I remember the neighborhood gigs that scared the living daylights out of the neighbors, the live and rockin' recording at "Jake's Fill Er Up" (which proved to the world that they are the bada**es of Rockabilly), to the shows at Doc's Gumbo Grill and many others. These guys are original as they come, and they needed a design that reflected that. Something mysterious, something bold, yet timeless. Tall order, but a great challenge. Here's where I started:

A rough sketch below: Letterforms that have character - something that looked from the late 1800's, but with a modern twist. Hand-drawn and hand-crafted. A few embellishments here and there, but not too ornamental or too decorative. A touch of the Old West, a hint of the eclectic, a good dose of authenticity.

Refinement on the letterforms and the individual swashes:

And the final:

And an avatar/monogram design:

Check ’em out at their next show or become a fan on Facebook:

http://tinyurl.com/2ffn66e

Hold My Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish, performed by The Benedict Colle...