Kigu

I want a Kigu. I’m just not sure which one I would like yet. Giraffe? Red panda? Tabby cat? Fox? I’d want the wolf, were it not brown (it should be grey) and if it wasn’t licking its nose. It is a big decision to make…

I got a kids book for Christmas

I got a kids book for Christmas because it’s about a moose, and illustrated by the wonderful Oliver Jeffers. Therefore it counts as an illustration book and is educational.

A Google Christmas

Google always has the best illustrations and mini games and Christmas is no exception. Not only do they have a fully functioning Santa Tracker – as I write this Mr Claus is currently delivering presents in New Zealand – but also some great Christmassy games. My favourite is the Present Drop.

Unusual Christmas Trees

Here is a selection of my favourite unusual Christmas trees, selected from Francesco Mugnai’s favourite unusual Christmas trees.

Gingerbread

Starfish

Cardboard

Alternative cardboard

Candy cane

Sushi

LinkedIn

I just spent half an hour updating my LinkedIn profile. It seems they have changed the design and layout of profiles: uk.linkedin.com/in/emmaprew

The best weekend

I have the most amazing friends and had the honour of spending a fun-packed weekend with almost all of them. Ellinor hosted a Christmas party get-together at her flat in London on Saturday which was marvellous. But before that, the two of us went to see The Hives.

They had giant 3D letters and played excellent loud punk rock, what’s not to love?

Little robin

I couldn't resist buying this little fella at Stagsden Christmas shop today. 

Gingerbread

I made my first ever gingerbread last night and took a small forest of them into work today – they seemed to go down well with everyone which was great. Although I know I’m not up to Ellinor’s standards, maybe next year.

Hoppy Christmas

Now that this Australian Christmas card has been received way over on the other side of the world, I can share it with the Internet. I had never sent anything to Australia before this; I didn't know anyone in Australia, or the whole Southern Hemisphere, until Richard moved out there this year. People leaving is sad but making this card was fun.

It is December

It is December, I have done all of my Christmas shopping, I am decorating the tree tonight and I will be listening to this song a lot over the festive season. It has been my absolute favourite Christmas song since before I even knew who the Pogues were or how bad Shane McGowan’s teeth were. And as someone on YouTube commented: “I've seen the Coca Cola truck, but Christmas ain’t Christmas until you hear Fairytale of New York!!”

Sadly, once again, not going to see The Pogues (and Frank frickin’ Turner) this Christmas. Unless anyone would like to go with me, and it isn’t sold out?

Maru-cat

This is by no means new to the internet, and it’s not all that new to me either but I have so much love for Maru videos right now.

Fuzzy

“Creating ‘small and loveable  characters all day is probably the reason why Venice-based Jacopo Rosati’s illustrations stay so perpetually upbeat and cheerful (that and living in such a beautiful city).” – It’s Nice That

And they are so fuzzy cute. Can I have some fuzzy felt for Christmas please, Santa?

www.jacoporosati.com

Xmas Trees

Over the weekend lots of “Xmas Trees” signs appeared near the Barn in Stevington (where emc design is – where I work) and I ventured out on my lunch break to take a closer look. I had to photograph them just to prove their abundance and variety. Plus I always like a hand-painted sign, particularly those that are a bit more amateur-ish – no offence to the farmer. I love them.

Cornish Chough Christmas

I love these Cornish chough illustrations on the Seasalt website, that have been posted as part of the twelve days of Cornish Christmas. So in place of two turtle doves we have two Cornish choughs. (Although there is clearly more than two in this!) Perfect as I have a soft spot for the bird thanks to Cornwall Film Festival.

Straight to Vinyl

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on the design for a 12" vinyl sleeve for Peter Parker’s Rock n Roll Club’s album, Straight to Vinyl. After putting the final touches to the design today, I cannot wait to see it in the flesh.

Of course, part of what makes the design is the photography. So I must tell you to check out Matt Hass who did the front portraits and Enrique Rovira who photographed the band recording.

You can pre-order a copy of the album from the record label, Those Old Records.

Oxfam Christmas

Should New Years have had an apostrophe? Does the day belong to the year? If in doubt, leave it out! Merry Christmas from Oxfam Stony Stratford.

FXU Facts campaign

Take a little wander over to my newly updated website to have a look at my latest project for FXU, a “Facts” campaign. You can also check out the UGM posters I designed for FXU fairly recently as well.

Christmas Trees

I designed some simple wintery tree cards. Coming through a letterbox near you… soon.

Band of Horses

I went to my first Band of Horses gig last night at Hammersmith Apollo. Even after wanting/waiting to see them for a good few years, they still managed to excede expectations. It was a nice change from my recent lively folk/punk gigs to enjoy something a little more laid back. But what I really loved about the show was instead of simply having their band name behind them on stage they had film clips.

Film clips of mountains, plains, lakes, trees, sea and generally beautiful North American scenery that match BoH’s music perfectly. I tried to take a few photographs of some of the backdrops but I’m almost certain there will be much better examples elsewhere on the internet.

Mirage Rock.

Check out the trees!

Seeeaaa.

FXU Union General Meeting

“FXU [Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union] holds at least one General Meeting per term. These meetings are a great opportunity to get together as students and have a collective voice to really make things better for students’ university experience whether it’s mandating the Students’ Union to do something or raising important issues.”
– FXU UGM

Initially I designed the main poster for the Winter meeting, then based Spring and Summer’s posters on the first, with each having a different designated colour. Information can be updated on next year’s posters when needed.

 

Please do it at home

“Tokyo Metro’s monthly Manner Poster campaign utilizes bold, cartoon-like depictions of certain antisocial behaviors subway riders should avoid doing... on the subway, at least.” – Inventorspot

And following from Please do it at home…