There’s an adage about design that goes something like, “we only notice good design when it’s no longer around.” And no more is this true than in the design of readable materials: typography. Amateur typographers and typesetters have a whole host of options these days for mucking about with how their documents and papers look.…
Calligraphy can be a creative way of brightening up a handmade card, adding a bit of spice to your bullet journal, or personalizing a gift. Although it takes a bit of practice, with the right tools and a bit of time, you’ll be a calligraphy expert in no time! Things you’ll need to get started:Crayola…
The traditional Japanese art of kintsugi supposedly originated in the 15th century, when shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a broken bowl to Chinese craftsmen in hopes for its repair. When the bowl returned to him from China, he was dismayed to find it awkwardly put together with… staples. Large, bulky staples, which frankly did not improve on its…
Who was Matisse and why did he paint on paper cut-outs? What was Picasso’s Blue Period and what made him blue? Can anything be DaDa? If you’ve found yourself musing over such questions or curious to see the arts scene in the city, I’ve compiled a brief, eclectic list of apps perfect for honing your inner…
If I had to describe Ralph Lauren’s collection in one word it would be: class. Ralph Lauren is the epitome of the combination between chic and sexy; many ladies and gents with a defined love for fashion are inspired by the brand’s sophisticated taste and elegant style, for it is simply timeless and majestic. After witnessing…
These are the Ten Commandments of Good Design as outlined by Dieter Rams, a German industrial designer closely affiliated with the Functionalist school of thought and whom also held office at consumer products company Braun for 40-some years. Rams’ penchant for rationalist design has persisted through the svelte silhouettes of some of our most familiar domestic objects. As…
I’m not sure what the weather has been up to… But! lucky for you there’s events coming up that will let you forget about the blues of Calgary’s indecisive weather. Here’s a sample of what you can see March 27-29, 2015, in Calgary Taste of Bragg Creek (Friday) Take a nice drive out to Bragg Creek and…
As a frequent library-goer and, admittedly, not the hugest fan of the currently existing Central Library, I’ve been looking forward to the grand new reveal of the New Central Library’s design for a long time. It was announced a few months ago that the esteemed Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta had been hired to put together the new design,…
When one hears 3D, an automatic response would be to think of mega-blockbuster films. But the world of 3D reaches beyond those somewhat uncomfortable 3D glasses. The world of 3D printing has and continues to defy the impossible. Whether it is design, construction or medicine, 3D printing is being used every day to break down barriers, once…
This week, I had come across something breathtaking. An extraordinary artist, by the name of Simon Beck, had created several designs, demonstrating his artistic skills. Using just his feet, Simon had turned a layer of snow into something unimaginable. Simon walked for miles across the snow, in order to accomplish the unthinkable. The art pieces…
The Cliché Don’t judge a book… The majority of you reading this probably completed the above sentence in your head without even knowing it – or without wanting to. The common phrase scolding the act of forming an opinion of others only based upon their appearance is never out of earshot. While it is true…
Junior Achievement is an enriching world-wide program for students from Grades 9-12, from October to March, where students learn important business and life skills such as how to start a business, make a shareholder’s report, work together as a team to produce, market and sell a product/service, divide out wages equally and keep a company’s spirit…
No, it’s not IB summer school (ohgoodnessno) – it’s a week-long stay at Beautiful (University of) British Columbia to meet fellow IB-ers and talk about sustainability! The IB World Student Conference is held at 4 campuses this year, and we’re lucky enough to have one in the province next door! The week is full of…
During the spring break, I was charged with the daunting task of creating a poster for the school play, Dorothy Meets Alice. I was stumped. How do you create something that is both aesthetically pleasing, and will get your message across? I spent a lot of time researching effective poster design and general art composition,…
This summer Artists Within Makeup Academy offered “AW Fashion Camp,” for girls ages 11-17. On their website Artists Within described the course for those “who are passionate about style, make up, hair and fashion.” Class sizes were at most 8 girls, ensuring each student got one-on-one time with the instructor. Four separate weeks were offered, costing…