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The internet face space of designer, illustrator, type designer, writer, and humorist Terry Biddle.

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Berlin based artist Sweza has come up with a unique way of preserving graffiti. The artist captures original graffiti art and later pastes QR codes where the original graffiti (now covered up) used to be.

Using a mobile code reader app, you can now see the original covered up graffiti art.

I think it’s the perfect marriage of new school, meets old school. New media meets old media.

Very, very clever. I could see this sort of thing catching on.

Also posted on NotCot.org and you can see the original post by the artist here.

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This Music Monday I needed a little jolt of energy to start the work week. I went to college in the 90’s, and one of my favorite bands back in the day was the Deftones (and still are). I listen to all different types of music (hip-hop, r&b, punk, pop, rock, etc.), but I certainly have a place in my heart for metal.

If you’re an old fan of the Deftones and have been curious about their new album: my recommendation? Pick it up. I think it’s a return to form for them. So without further ado, soak in the trademark “soothing brutality” of the Deftones with Diamond Eyes. Enjoy! And Happy Monday!

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I am a huge fan of type designer Christian Schwartz’s work. In an article on one of my favorite blogs I Love Typography, he explains his rationale for starting—and the events leading up to the creation of his company Commercial Type.

This is a must read for any designer, burgeoning creative entrepreneur, or type geek. As a person who also dabbles in type design after hours, I found this article very informative.

Make sure you head on over to I Love Typography and soak it all in.

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I’m sure by now, most have heard of the new Arizona illegal immigration law, or as it is affectionately (facetiously, of course) called by many in the media the “papers please” law. I was reminded of my second published and first cover illustration, for the Reno News and Review that I did back in 2008 that covered this topic. You can read that article here.

Although this was illustrated a few years back, I thought the subject matter was very timely given the current political climate. I’ll take you through the process and throw a couple of cents at the end if you’ll indulge me.

First sketch to the art director. Looking back, this sketch was particularly Sketchy McSketcherson McGee.

Here’s what it looked like after the initial inking. You’ll notice a light ink wash in the background. Some use pens for inking, but I prefer using brushes. I ink the vast majority of my illustrations with brushes of various thicknesses.

“And-duh,” the final illustration! You’ll see here that most of the ink brush strokes are still intact. The ink wash texture however, did not make it into the final piece. I felt a flat, solid color would work the best.

This illustration was a little different for me, as I use a lot of colors in my illustrations typically. This time I used a more muted palette; and I was pleased with the final outcome. I actually won a Nevada Press Association award for it. Specifically—the title of 2nd Best Illustration…keep scrolling, I’m on here somewhere. 🙂

Opinion

I know not everyone likes to mix politics with creative work, but I like a little Tabasco sauce in my tequila (no really, it’s delicious).

I’ve read a couple of columns this week that really sum up my feelings on this issue. I was going to chime in with my 2 cents (I probably have a “buck fifty” on the matter), but I’ll leave this to Nobel Prize winner Desmond Tutu and New York Times columnist Frank Rich.

I doubt I could say it better than them. 😉

Peace and Hairgrease,

T. Biddy

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