Little Yankee Doodles

Two Loves Converge in the Forest of Dean

2010-12-30T21:40:00.003-05:00

Something really incredible happens when two spectacular and seemingly unrelated things combine to create something new and extraordinary. Take the Fluffernutter sandwich for example. One day, some very innovative person thought, "Why not mix the creamy, salty butter of peanuts with a sweet, spreadable, marshmallow confection between two slices of otherwise mundane sandwich bread??" And thus, the Fluffernutter sandwich was born and it was a revelation!

So, imagine, if you can, my delight upon discovering that talented designer, Delane Meadows, had managed to combine my deep passion for infographics with my obsession for a certain wizard who bears a lightening shaped scar on his forehead!

(Images via design work life - Click to Enlarge)

The Conquest is the documentation of Harry Potter's travels in The Deathly Hallows. Complete with a timeline, Meadows' clever map chronicles the epic journey of "the chosen one" and even notes the location of "preserved" and "destroyed" horcruxes!

Bravo, Delane. Bravo!

Thank you, Santa!

2010-12-25T18:11:00.001-05:00

(Images via Anthropologie)

You may recall how utterly obsessed I was with Penguin's Clothbound Classics (illustrated by the talented Coralie Bickford-Smith)! Thanks to Santa, I am now marveling over my very own copies of the clothbound children's classics! These beauties were illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini and photos do not do them justice! So, this Christmas, I give unto you a most wonderful excuse (as if you need one) to head to your nearest Anthropologie store!

Titles include: The Wind and the Willows, Huckleberry Finn, The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Peter Pan and Robin Hood. The only thing left to wish for is that more will follow!

Happy Christmas!

How to Ensure They Save the Date

2010-09-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

Save the date! 31 july 2010 from Kishi-Grover on Vimeo.

Be original. Be clever. Say it with illustration and cut paper!

Two Old Saps

2010-09-02T22:39:00.000-04:00

(Image via Flux)

Last year I won two awards in AIGA's Flux competition. I was just looking back over the website at some of the other winning work and this logo by Danielle Kroll of Tyler School of Art caught my eye. Endlessly clever, but also simple and sweet!!

Danielle's work was also featured in HOW's self-promotion issue last year. Check out her impressive website!

Fairy-ale

2010-08-02T00:41:00.000-04:00

(Image via Lovely Package)

Love this packaging by Ten Fold Collective for Grimm Brothers Beer! Sooo refreshing!

Daily Drop Cap

2010-07-27T23:18:00.000-04:00

(Images via Jessica Hische)

Own your own piece of Jessica Hische's Daily Drop Cap project! Individual prints are now available through her online store!

Peculiar Bliss

2010-07-24T22:54:00.001-04:00

(Images via Peculiar Bliss)

My new favorite blog is an awesome collection of pages from sketchbooks and other random illustrations and hand-drawn creations! PS- I'm back.

Obsessed is an Understatement

2010-04-23T00:02:00.002-04:00

(Images via Geninne's Art Blog)

I think I would be hard-pressed to find a blog that delivers more inspiration, more beauty and more "Oh my God, I wish I was her" moments, than the blog of Mexican artist, Geninne Zlatkis. Even her promo announcements are works of art (see below).

To hell with gardening and cleaning this weekend!! Thanks to Geninne, my Saturday will now be devoted to linocuts and printmaking... and who-knows-what! The power of inspiration is making the possibilities feel rather limitless at the moment. Gracias, Geninne!!

Faye+Co

2010-04-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

(Image via Uppercase)

Faye + Co has some great work in their portfolio, including this print collateral for a Steamboat theme wedding! So fun!

Polaroid Scarves

2010-03-30T18:39:00.000-04:00

(Image via Oh Joy!)

Nostalgic and beautiful! Polaroid scarves by Philippe Roucou.

Heads of State

2010-03-20T09:22:00.001-04:00

(Image via Swiss-Miss)

Heads of States has released their serigraph Travel Poster collection! I'm a little partial to Chicago... after all, it's the city that put the "Yankee" in Little Yankee Doodles.

Love Lancaster

2010-03-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

(Images via DesignWorkLife)

Beautiful typography and letterpress in designer Daniel Kent's campaign to unite the city of Lancaster, PA.

Catch Me If You Can

2010-03-19T21:36:00.000-04:00

(Image via Design*Sponge)

Quintessential is the only word to describe this luggage, from Streamline. It's perfection. Don't hate me when I tell you that the entire line is currently sold out!! They have other cute things, but none that rival this, the "Editor Series".

Drawn to London

2010-03-18T20:12:00.001-04:00

(Images via Pikaland)

Illustrations of iconic London buildings by Esther Coombs for London's Fashion Week. Flavoring the walls and windows of Nicole Farhi's Bond Street boutique! Gorgeous!

Christiane Engel

2010-03-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

(Images via DesertFriends)

Illustrations and patterns by London-based artist, Christiane Engel. Love her!

Once Upon a Fold

2010-03-04T21:23:00.001-05:00

(Image via Uppercase)

Upon a Fold is an amazing site dedicated to the art of folded paper!! Hopefully these gorgeous images will help my readers forgive me for my absence. I'm happy to report that I've started a new job as a package designer and it's keeping me busy. As soon as I've adjusted to this new schedule, regular posts will resume!

Looking Into the Past

2010-02-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

(Images via SwissMiss)

This may be the coolest Flickr stream EVER.

Take the Mundane, Make it Magnificent

2010-02-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Work Life)

Something as simple as gaffer tape can make a room dazzle! This particular installation was done by Rebecca Ward (whose other installations are equally incredible) for Kate Spade in Tokyo.

Cutey Booty

2010-02-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

(Images via Stitch Design Co.)

Adorable brand identity and packaging for Cutey Booty, by Stitch Design Co.

Frozen Coke

2010-02-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

(Image via Lovely Package)

I love Coca-Cola's promotional cans for the Winter Olympics! So clever and beautiful!

Elephant

2010-02-24T18:59:00.000-05:00

(Image via Uppercase Scrapbook)

Love this little gem!

Hilary Fisher

2010-02-23T09:03:00.002-05:00

(Images via TheDieline)

Not at all surprised to see the work of Hilary Fisher, a soon-to-be fellow graduate of The Creative Circus, on The Dieline! I love her clever details!

Johnny Kelly

2010-02-19T10:14:00.000-05:00

(Images via grain edit)

As you probably well know by now, I am deeply fascinated by elaborate paper engineering. London based animator and illustrator, Johnny Kelly, is one of my favorites! Check out more of his work on his website and don't miss his multimedia animated movies on Vimeo... like this awesome one called, "The Seed."

The Seed from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.

Liberty of London for Target

2010-02-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

(Image via Oh Joy!)

Liberty of London arrives at Target on March 14th! Their most promising line since Orla Kiley will probably sell out equally fast... so, don't miss it!

Matte Stephens

2010-02-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

(Images via Uppercase)

Whimsical work by Matte Stephens, who is currently working on the cover art for the next issue of Uppercase!

Penguin Classics!

2010-02-18T19:17:00.001-05:00

(Image via Design*Sponge)

You may remember one of my first blog entries was about the Coralie Bickford-Smith Penguin Classic designs. I just discovered today, that penguin is releasing another five classics in March. You can pre-order them on Amazon!

Rethink What You Can Do With A Sketchbook!

2010-02-18T13:40:00.001-05:00

Rethink Scholarship at Langara 2010 Call for Entries

from Rory O'Sullivan and Simon Bruyn on Vimeo.

What can you do with a sketchbook? This video, a call for entries for the Rethink Scholarship at Langara College, demonstrates with amazing paper engineering and a touch of magic the limitless possibilities.

Paper San Francisco

2010-02-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Work Life)

How amazing are these posters, by designer Chloé Fleury? They depict her favorite San Francisco neighborhoods with hand-cut paper buildings and landmarks! Love them!

The Bear is the Forest

2010-02-18T13:20:00.000-05:00

(Images via Pikaland)

Beautiful work (that you can purchase!) by Jenni Saarenkylä! They come from a series called "The Bear is the Forest", based on Finnish folklore of the same name.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T15:24:00.001-05:00

xo, Little Yankee Doodles

I Heart NY

2010-02-11T02:10:00.000-05:00

(Image via Oh Joy!)

Love this poster, by Julia Rothman, for MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) to show all the places you can take the subway to in NY!

Hi-Res, Lo-Res

2010-02-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

(Images via TheBestPart)

Have trouble keeping your New Years resolutions? Andy Babb has discovered a solution! Just make it lo-res!

Lusciously Letterpressed

2010-02-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

(Images via Design Work Life)

The use of color! The perfect registration! The pop! Who says letterpress isn't sexy?

Beautiful work designed by Duel Purpose and printed by Studio on Fire. Don't miss the typography of the return address, printed on the envelope flap!

Bar Cards

2010-02-08T12:53:00.001-05:00

(Images via Design Work Life)

Clever information graphics are such a delight! Love these "Bar Cards" by Neil Hubert.

Divine Twine

2010-02-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

(Images via the Scoop)

Sweet and colorful twine from Whisker Graphics. Imagine all the pretty packages!

Omar Tehawkho

2010-02-04T10:42:00.001-05:00

(Images via Design Work Life)

Soo love this hand-lettered packaging for shaving cream, by Omar Tehawkho!

Flying 101

2010-02-04T10:36:00.001-05:00

(Images via Swiss-Miss)

Kulula Airlines of South Africa, recently underwent an awesome rebrand by Atmosphere Communications. This 3D information graphic tells you everything you need to know about your airplane with "Flying 101!"

Designers Are Meant to be Loved, Not to be Understood!

2010-02-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Dust)

Seven rules to understand design and designers! An awesome vinyl graphic by Harmonie Interieure. I think I can find a place for this on the wall in my studio!

Emma Bridgewater

2010-02-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

(Image via Emma Bridgewater)

I am the proud owner of Emma Bridgewater's Black Toast and Pink Hearts collections. I have many, many pieces and love to explain to my guests what "Bubble & Squeak" is. So imagine how thrilled I was to learn that Blueprint has several lines of Emma Bridgewater stationery, including lines for Black Toast and Pink Hearts!

(Images via Blueprint)

The best part? They're soon to release a new line of Orla Kiely stationery, too!

(Image via Print&Pattern)

Geek Love

2010-02-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

(Image via Swiss-Miss)

Totally geeked out over your love? Let them know with these awesome Pop + Shorty Valentine's!

A Little Piece of Everywhere

2010-02-03T13:20:00.001-05:00

(Images via Design*Sponge)

If you love world travel, as I do, then you'll love Jen Hill's collection of prints, "A Toast To." Each print celebrates a city or country from around the world with fun riddles and Jen's own patterns which she specially created for each place. You can also buy her "City Prints" patterns individually. All of her items can be ordered with or without frames for as little as $20!

The 50's Were Sweet!

2010-02-03T13:05:00.002-05:00

(Image via Uppercase Scrapbook)

Janine at Uppercase found this super sweet image on Flickr. Mmm... delicious! It was discovered in a copy of Architectural Forum c. 1952, the architect was Victor Gruen and Alvin Lustig was the graphics consultant.

On a quest to find out more about Barton's Bonbonniere, I found these images of one of their candy tins!

(Image via Flickr)

Electric Birds

2010-02-03T12:45:00.000-05:00

(Image via Uppercase)

At the Barbican Centre in London, you can watch the rhythms of daily life played out on electric guitar! French artist, Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, is the genius behind this installation piece that will be on display beginning at the end of this month until May 23rd and admission is FREE!

Emily Henson

2010-02-01T12:33:00.001-05:00

(Images via Design*Sponge)

I love this studio space, created by interior designer Emily Henson in her own home! So much inspiration to be found here and in the other images of her home on Design*Sponge!

Valentine's Giveaway Sneak Peek!!

2010-02-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

(Images via Lisa Llanes)

Last Friday, I attended AIGA's Ink and Drink event at the Atlanta Printmaker's Studio! My friend, Lisa Llanes, and I had such a fabulous time meeting new people and screen printing our designs! The Atlanta Printmaker's Studio provides an amazing space and great equipment to local printmakers... and they're fantastic people, too!

Above is a sneak peek at the Little Yankee Doodles Valentine, which you can receive FREE, by entering the Valentine's Giveaway! You will be able to specify which color (pink, magenta, red, lavender) you'd like, too! The deadline for entries is this Friday, February 5th, so enter today!

Here are some additional images that I took at Friday's event:

Lisa's Valentine's turned out super cute, too!

Fashion Fucsia

2010-02-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

(Images via Pikaland)

Love these sweet little images by Luisa Vidal. See more on her blog, Fashion Fucsia.

Rather Be Lost in a Forest

2010-01-27T10:01:00.001-05:00

(Image via David Thorne)

For any designer who has ever been frustrated by one of their clients... live vicariously through this collection of emails between David Thorne and Simon, the most dim-witted client of all time.

Lisa Llanes

2010-01-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

(Images via Lisa Llanes)

Beautiful identity and packaging for Belly Sutra, by my talented friend and fellow circus grad, Lisa Llanes! Check out her site to see more great work!

Something's Hiding in Here

2010-01-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

(Images via Something's Hiding in Here)

Do you suffer from "Mustache Envy?" Do you have a love for faux bois? Find wonderful gifts and other items of intrigue in the Something's Hiding In Here shop!

Rifle Paper Co.

2010-01-25T12:22:00.001-05:00

(Images via Rifle Paper Co.)

Illustrator, Anna Bond, is responsible for all of the overwhelmingly beautiful work that you see above. Her shop, Rifle Paper, should absolutely be your next stop on the web, but be prepared to spend hours taking it all in. From holiday cards to personalized calling cards to wedding invites, Anna does it all, with careful attention to the finest of details. Her style is both unique and familiar and though it goes without saying, perfectly exquisite.

If you can't get enough of Anna (you're not alone), you can check out her monthly DIY wedding projects on Once Wed. Which include absolutely fabulous ideas, such as these perfectly adorable requests for bridesmaids:

(Images via Once Wed)

... I know, right?!

Valentine's Giveaway!

2010-01-24T06:08:00.003-05:00

(Image via Barrettes and Bows)

The soft, romantic images for sale in the Lola's Room Etsy shop have put me in a lovey-dovey mood! So I am pleased to offer my readers the first ever Little Yankee Doodles giveaway!

The prize is an adorable, screen printed Valentine's postcard, hand illustrated by me and sent to your mailbox! Each card will come in a lovely envelope and will be blank on the back, so that you can write your own note and give it to your sweetheart.

To enter, just complete these two easy steps! First, scroll down until you see the "Follow" button on the right-hand side of the page and click on it! Second, comment on this entry with your email, so that I can contact you for your mailing address (you will not be spammed).

Don't let your friends miss out! If you tweet the following message before the offer expires, you will receive, not one, but two cards:

"I've fallen in love with the Little Yankee Doodles Valentine's giveaway! @frenchashley"

You must be listed as a follower by February 5th to be eligible, so click "Follow" today!

If the question is bacon, the answer is always "YES!"

2010-01-22T11:49:00.003-05:00

(Image via SwissMiss)

Audrey Fukman and Andy Wright illustrate degrees of acceptability with "The 30-Second Rule, A Decision Tree."

Hey Atlantans, become a Mobster!

2010-01-21T03:35:00.001-05:00

(Images via Scoutmob)

They're on twitter, they're on facebook, they're on your iPhone, they're even on the evening news... but, most importantly, they're on the streets of Atlanta scouting out the hippest hangouts and most awesome deals in the city! They're Scoutmob!

Brought to you by my very talented friend and fellow Circus grad, Andy Carlyle, and an awesome group of cohorts. Every day provides an unbeatable offer for you to claim, which is then sent to your iPhone to be used as a coupon! They also offer insider information about city trends, awesome restaurants and more! The whole idea is about getting out in the city and being "a good local." Scoutmob offers still more ways for you to do this, by participating in contests or in the city-wide scavenger hunt that begs you to seek out Scoutmob signs and snap a photo of yourself!

Even a fantastic concept like this one could fail without amazing design to back it up, but Scoutmob has that, too! Just check out their website! They claim to be "one part daily email, one part iPhone app and one part majorly awesome awesomeness," but I think it's pretty obvious that they're selling themselves short in the awesomeness department!

Get the app today!

Linda and Harriett

2010-01-21T01:21:00.001-05:00

(Images from Linda and Harriett)

It's hard to play favorites with Linda and Harriett's fabulous letterpressed notecards!

Botanical Bakery

2010-01-20T22:45:00.003-05:00

(Images via LovelyPackage)

Hand-drawn elements, awesome type and an adorable logo that's also clever... check, check and check! I adore this packaging for Botanical Bakery by DBD International in Wisconsin.

Ellie's Business Cards

2010-01-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

(Images via Mint)

Sweet and sophisticated! I love Ellie of Mint's new handmade business cards, made from left-over paper, gorgeous patterned masking tape and a bit of string. Beautiful, Ellie! I can't wait to read about what a big success they were at Alt!

Website Launch

2010-01-19T16:59:00.001-05:00

(Images via Ashley French Creative)

I am very pleased to announce the official launch of my website! Please visit to view my design work. I will be adding an illustration section soon, so please check back!

Special thanks to my very talented web programmer and friend, Jo Albright!

Stairway to Heaven

2010-01-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

(Images via Barrettes and Bows)

Every book lover's fantasy! Especially those that do not have the space in their home/office to devote an entire room to their beloved book collection. I especially love that the steps look like file dividers! This beautiful library was designed by Levitate Architecture and Design Studio in London.

No surprise that this gem was found on the blog of my "brain twin," the fabulous Trici Garcia!

Wanna Neck?

2010-01-18T10:10:00.000-05:00

(Images via Egg Press)

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! For beautifully printed and cheeky cute cards, check out the Egg Press Valentine's shop.

Bee Things

2010-01-18T10:02:00.001-05:00

(Images via Print&Pattern and Bee Things)

I love the playful patterns and awesomely fun brown bags from Bee Things. Visit their shop on Etsy for more!

Story Hotel

2010-01-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

(Images via Oh Joy!)

(Image via Story Hotel)

If I am ever staying in Stockholm, you will find me here: at the beautiful, boutiquey Story Hotel! Thoughtful details and smart design combined with Swedish charm? Yes, please!

Their website is fabulously designed, as well. Just click on "gallery" and be prepared to spend the next several hours daydreaming about your imaginary stay. Or, if you're quite lucky, booking your trip!

Workspaces

2010-01-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

(Images via Workspaces)

I found Workspaces via the Uppercase Scrapbook. It's a really interesting collection of not only studio spaces, but any type of workspace. There is some great inspiration to be found there! How amazing is the paper engineering in the first image? Love it.

Nothing Says "Love" Like Copulating Octopi

2010-01-13T23:27:00.001-05:00

(Image via Three Dog Party)

Oh how I adore this very peculiar valentine from Three Dog Party!

If you've ever had a bad airline experience...

2010-01-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

(Images via DesignWorkLife)

... you're definitely not alone. Tyler Thompson, a creative director at Squarespace, had one of those experiences with Delta. It inspired him to redesign Delta's boarding pass and then he created a really cool site called Boarding Pass/Fail where he posts other proposed redesigns. All of which (even the not-so-great ones) are a vast improvement upon what is currently spit out from the delta kiosks! Hopefully Delta will sit up and take notice!

Julia & Julian

2010-01-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

(Images via DesignWorkLife)

How clean and clever is the brand identity for Kansas City restaurant, Julian? I'm obsessed. Nathaniel Cooper collaborated with Jordan Gray and Brent Anderson to create the concept and design. Cooper explains in the Flickr set devoted to the project that the restaurant, "...features refined twists on familiar comfort food from James Beard award-winning chef Celina Tio. The name derives from Tio's main cooking influences - Julia Child and her grandfather Julian. Design elements took cues from Child's well-known, well-stocked kitchen."

(Images via Flickr)

I especially love their self-promotion and the bathroom signage! Cooper's other work is equally impressive, be sure to check it out!

Pata Pri

2010-01-13T13:14:00.000-05:00

(Images via Print&Pattern)

I love the playfully fun and colorful patterns of Yuko Uemura. Through her company Pata Pri, Yuko sells hand towels, aprons and other goods. Shop Pata Pri online at their etsy shop.

Start Spreading the News

2010-01-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

(Images via DesignWorkLife)

I love the concept behind these Save the Dates for the New York wedding of Courtney (DesignWorkLife blogger and designer at Seamless Creative). As soon as you see "Start Spreading the News," it's no secret where the wedding is taking place. I love how she carries this theme throughout the entire piece. Her simple modern style and color palette reminds me of Kate Spade. Sweet and sophisticated.

Maykel's Moleskines

2010-01-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

(Images via Pikaland - Click to Enlarge)

Maykel Nunes is a Brazilian graphic designer who posts his awesomely detailed daily Moleskine illustrations to his Flickr. Click to see more!

Hanger Tea

2010-01-12T12:55:00.001-05:00

(Images via Swiss Miss)

Hanger Tea by Soon Mo Kang. Design that combines two of my favorite things! Tea and clothing. Mmm... delicious!

Paper Polaroid

2010-01-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

(Image via Uppercase Scrapbook)

How cool is this "Polaroid" by Berlin based illustrator and designer, Julia Guther (in collaboration with DDB Berlin)? Paper engineering is so fascinating! Check out Julia's other work, she's wonderful.

Anthropologie (and apologies)

2010-01-11T11:20:00.001-05:00

(Images via Anthropologie)

I adore the photography (and clothing) in Anthropologie's 2010 catalog! Absolutely gorgeous work and the model is lovely, too!

Little Yankee Doodles has been on a bit of a hiatus over the holidays, but I am happy to announce that life is now back to normal. So, check back often!

Moving Landscapes

2010-01-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

(Images via DesignWorkLife)

I love the movement in the work of artist, Tyson Anthony Roberts, who paints "moving landscapes that portray unsettling perspectives." When I look at his work, I feel like a passenger on a fast moving train. Almost motion sick, but can't stop starring out the window.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T18:21:00.001-05:00

(Image via Ward-O-Matic's Flickr)

Merry Christmas to all from Little Yankee Doodles!

I love illustrator Ward Jenkins and his blog Ward-O-Matic. Today, one of my favorite blogs, Pikaland, featured an image from Ward's Flickr set called Vintage Christmas! There are a lots of awesome retro-Christmas images to be found there, so check it out and have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Type Solutions for Web

2009-12-23T17:42:00.003-05:00

(Images via Smashing Magazine)

What is readable? What is legible? What's over-used? What gets my client's customers to stay on their site longer? Will these contrasting colors burn the retinas of site visitors?

These are some of the questions that designers (should) ask themselves when designing for web. But now, many of the common questions we ask have been answered for us.

Smashing Magazine produced a fantastic article called "Typographic Design Patterns and Best Practices." They collected and analyzed a ton of data on how type is used on the web. They discovered what is successful and what is not. The result of their study is a list of common practices and basic guidelines that designers should adhere to for online type-setting.

Of course, in design, certain liberties have to be taken in order to create the best solution for your client. But, these guidelines are a fantastic jumping-off point!

50 of the World's Best Design Blogs

2009-12-23T14:22:00.001-05:00

(Image via Times Online)

I'm not on this list... yet! But, check out Times Online's list of the greatest design blogs from around the world! Many of my favorites made the cut and I've found a few new ones to love, too!

Intelligent Design

2009-12-21T18:59:00.001-05:00

(Image via SwissMiss)

I love this "Dirt Poster" designed by Roland Reiner Tiangco. It's just amazing when concept collides with design so magnificently. What a fun way to send a powerful message!

This poster reminds me of a really fantastic ad campaign done by a Creative Circus alum. Which, I think, is just slightly more genius because it worked to successfully sell a product! Watch the time lapse footage below!

Sugar Free Ants Spot TV - For more funny videos, click here

(Video via Metacafe)

The campaign was done by Rediffusion DYR out of Bangalore, India. They explained, "The task was to communicate that anything made with Sugar Free tastes the same. To dramatize this, we decided to use the most credible ambassadors for sweetness - Ants. We experiment with syrups made of Sugar Free and sweet lime, and found that even the ants couldn't tell the difference. We painted the shape of a muffin on a 14"x19" poster using this syrup. And, left the rest up to the ants."

Just brilliant!

Dreaded Design Favors

2009-12-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

(Image via SwissMiss)

So funny, so true! Love this poster by Lunchbreath.

Great Resource for Web Design

2009-12-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

(Image via SwissMiss)

This is a truly fantastic resource for anyone designing for web. Google Browser Size is a visualization of browser window sizes for people who visit Google. For example, the “90%” contour means that 90% of people visiting Google have their browser window open to at least this size or larger. This is useful for ensuring that important parts of a page’s user interface are visible by a wide audience. On the example page that you see when you first visit this site, there is a “donate now” button which falls within the 80% contour, meaning that 20% of users cannot see this button when they first visit the page. 20% is a significant number; knowing this fact would encourage the designer to move the button much higher in the page so it can be seen without scrolling.”

I have to wholly agree with Tina (SwissMiss) who added, "Now, Google, let's make it look nicer!" But, I will definitely be consulting this chart as I finish up my website (the launch date, by the way, has been pushed back to after the holidays)!

4000 Books

2009-12-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

(Images via Mint)

I love the organic beauty of "Installation of 4000 Books" by Dutch artist, Anouk Kruithof.

I Just Wanted 2 Say Hello!

2009-12-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

(Images via The Best Part)

I have had self-promotion on the brain pretty consistently for the last several months as I've been working on my own! I've found a lot of really amazing, attention-grabbing work, by a lot of great designers and creatives. Including this poster by Ryan Hurley. As each page is unfolded, so unfolds an unforgettable "Hello!" I very much enjoyed how he typeset his information in the dot of his exclamation point.

To and From

2009-12-16T17:24:00.001-05:00

(Image via Design Work Life)

How genius is this gift wrap by Design Army? Save trees. Your gift tags are included!

Oh Baby!

2009-12-16T17:14:00.001-05:00

This week, I welcomed my newest Godson into the world. Please allow me to introduce to you baby Robbie! I was so very excited to meet him, although I'm not sure that I can say the same for his big brother (my first Godson), James, who made this face each and every time Robbie cried.

Hehe. Cracks me up! Anyway, in honor of Robbie's birth I wanted to post this beautiful letterpressed birth announcement:

(Image via DesignWorkLife)

The lovely, hand-stitched booklet was created by Pink Dot Press to announce the arrival of twin girls. I love the stripes! They have a peppermint feel that is most appropriate for this time of year. And the use of the colored envelopes to hold keepsakes and photos is a sweet and colorful touch!

TeuxDeux: The Greatest Invention of all Time

2009-12-15T03:23:00.004-05:00

If you're a little more than a little OCD. If your personal library is better organized than the public library. If you find yourself ripping up a post-it note because the kerning of your own handwriting is not quite right even though no one will ever see this note but you because it's just a personal reminder*...

... then TeuxDeux is for you!!

(Image via SwissMiss)

Welcome to the most simple, streamlined and beautiful to-do list application that will not only save you loads of time, but also entire forests worth of post-its! It can be no surprise at all that it comes to you via SwissMiss, who created this browser-based app with FictiveKin.

Tina Roth Eisenberg (SwissMiss) explains that she concocted this idea after tirelessly searching for an app that would really work for her. She's even found a way to make her app more effective, she writes, "As I pretty much 'live' in the browser, I have set it to be my homepage, so, every time I open a browser window (which is every few minutes) I am being hit over the head with what I need to get done, which has proven to be very effective."

TeuxDeux Demo from TeuxDeux on Vimeo.

TeuxDeux's homepage claims the app to the be 16th greatest invention of all time. Obviously, they are afflicted with exorbitant modesty in addition to genius! So click here, it will be the greatest thing you ever deux!

*Disclaimer: Any similarity between this hypothetical person and certain blogger you know and love is purely coincidental. No one is that neurotic!

Mini Giants

2009-12-15T02:45:00.000-05:00

(Image via Lovely Package)

I adore this fun and playful retail packaging done by Camilla Lilliesköld Design & Art Direction for this new premium children's clothing brand. The illustrations were done by Nila Aye who was charged with the job of creating the "Mini Giants" themselves. The use of stickers is a clever way to be cost effective and make each package unique.

Have You Missed Me?

2009-12-15T02:44:00.000-05:00

Little Yankee Doodles has been on hiatus lately, but for good reason! It is with great pride and my last few ounces of energy that I announce I AM GRADUATING! Hurray! I am still busy working to get my personal website up and running, but you can expect to see regular posting begin again... starting now!

Portfolio Preview!

2009-12-09T15:51:00.001-05:00

Espionage

A Cold-War Era Spy Board Game

Happy Trails

Illustrated and screen printed postcards to send from the road

Tensão (Portuguese for "Voltage"):

Illustrated packaging for Brazilian coffee that shocks your system

(Click Images to Enlarge)

My portfolio is due tomorrow morning and there is still lots of work to be done between now and then! But, here is a sneak peek!

Home is Where Your Studio Is

2009-12-05T12:10:00.001-05:00

Lisa Congdon's Studio

(Images via Design*Sponge)

Whoever thought it was a good idea to start house hunting three weeks before graduation was a total... Oh, wait. That was me. Yes, it's true. I'm looking to buy my first home! It is an exciting and highly distracting process! While most people put a lot of consideration into kitchens and bathrooms, I am much more concerned with finding a house that has an awesome space that I can use as my studio.

Illustrator and painter, Lisa Congdon, does some really amazing work! She has been featured on many of my favorite blogs, but one of the coolest features was a Design*Sponge Sneak Peek of her studio!

Seeing images of other artist's studios inspire me and plant all sorts of crazy ideas into my head! For example, I have this master plan to build a drafting table like Lisa's, which on one side would be embedded with a cutting mat and on the other embedded with a light box! Unfortunately, I'm not really skilled in woodworking.... but, I still hold out hope that someday it will exist!

My favorite things about Lisa's studio are her use of space and color. I love that the room is completely white. It has that gallery feel and really showcases her work on the walls. In the last image, Lisa has used a neon green mailbox to house her rolls of papers (far more clever than my Container Store gift wrap storage box)! I love it!

While enough daydreaming... back to work! Look forward, in the next few days, to a Sneak Peek post of my own! I plan to release a few images from my portfolio to my blog before my site is up and running!

Go-to Gift Wrap

2009-12-05T11:43:00.000-05:00

(Images via Paper Source)

When I am too busy to make my own gift wrap and cards, my go-to place for the best letterpressed cards and cutest gift wrap is definitely Paper Source. With graduation around the corner, I'm going to be left to do all my holiday shopping at the very last minute! I suspect my gifts will be wrapped in one of these, my favorite, three papers from Paper Source's holiday collection. I love when holiday paper goes beyond the most obvious suspects (Santa, Snowmen, etc.) and does something a little more original!

Drawing Inspiration From: James Gulliver Hancock

2009-12-04T10:06:00.001-05:00

(Images via Design Work Life and James Gulliver Hancock)

I find it extremely hard to play favorites with Australian illustrator, James Gulliver Hancock's work, but somehow I've managed to select a few (okay... seven!) of his illustrations to share with you (see more on his site!!). Not only am I obsessed with his playful aesthetic, I love how it serves a greater purpose... it tells a story. Whether that story is about the corrupt cops of 1970's Australia ("Blue Murder Mongrels" - top image), or about a frightful evening in the woods, he is always saying a lot while hardly saying anything at all. I'm also envious of his use of color. I wish that I could steal his "Can o' Color," because what comes out are elegant and sophisticated palettes that he cleverly uses to support his storytelling.

Hancock also does fine art, including a lot of great installation pieces, and animation! So, be sure to check out his site!

Oh Christmas Tweet!

2009-12-03T18:25:00.001-05:00

(Images via Beast Pieces)

I love this letterpressed holiday card by Eight Hour Day. They are a fabulous design and interactive firm out of Minneapolis. Look forward to more on them soon!

Meanwhile, as graduation approaches and networking becomes more and more important, I have finally jumped on the Twitter bandwagon. Follow me!

Christmas Cheat Sheet

2009-12-02T12:47:00.000-05:00

(Image via Made in England)

I love these Christmas cheat sheets by Made in England! It's the perfect way to remember the sizes and favorite colors of your family and friends! The best part? You can download them free!!

Merry Gnoel

2009-12-01T13:42:00.002-05:00

(Images via EggPress)

I have a slight obsession with gnomes that dates back many years, so I was thrilled when I found these! If you're in my address book, you'll likely be receiving one of these awesome letterpressed gnome holiday cards in the next few weeks!

Little Yankee Doodles has not been updated as much as I would like lately. This is in part due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but is also because I am preparing to graduate in a couple of weeks. Postings may be sporadic until after graduation. Please bear with me!

Let them ink cake!

2009-11-22T10:40:00.002-05:00

(Images via Craig Sinnamon - Click Images to Enlarge)

(Close-up Image via Lovely Package)

I was immediately attracted to this packaging for "What on Earth," when I first saw it on Lovely Package. It was designed by Craig Sinnamon at Mind Design in the UK and uses one of my favorite printmaking techniques! Each of the boxes have a specialized set of linocuts that were designed to represent the different cakes. You'll notice that some of the linocuts are repeated on several boxes, because two or more cakes share similar ingredients, but each box is different. The linocuts were first inked and printed and then scanned into the computer for colorization. The result is beautiful and organic, perfect for cake packaging.

Drawing Inspiration From: Tad Carpenter

2009-11-19T12:11:00.002-05:00

(Images via Tad Carpenter)

Illustrator, Tad Carpenter, is a huge inspiration to me. He flawlessly combines hand drawn type and illustration in his work and it's always fresh and original. One of his latest blog entries describes how he recently had to show a big client a physical portfolio of his work (not something he is frequently asked to do), so he took a self-promotional mini book that he was already working on and turned it into a portfolio book. The cover is silkscreen on chipboard (awesome) and the pages are french folded. It's beautiful and very inspirational to me as I'm currently preparing my own portfolio for graduation!

What Little Girls and Boys are Made Of

2009-11-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

(Image via Oh So Beautiful Paper)

I love these letterpressed 2010 calendars from Kirtland House, one featuring the silhouette of a woman, the other a man. For women there are "chocolates in February, flowers in May, ice cream in July, baking in November." For men there is "baseball in April, fishing in June, sailing in August and football in September." (quoted from Kirtland House)

Keep your egg beater, women's November, I'll take the turkey!

Glammer-ous

2009-11-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Dust)

I love this business card concept for Glammer Education Institute for Hair.

Salt n' Pepper Moustache

2009-11-18T20:51:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Dust)

Moustache salt and pepper shakers!! Paper Doll Wood Shop

Letterpress at Home

2009-11-18T13:38:00.002-05:00

(Image via Paper Source - Click to Enlarge)

Paper Source just released their at-home letterpress machine and I am very excited! I have not yet figured out if you can make and use your own plates with it, or if you have to use their sets of plates (which includes plates for weddings, holiday and everyday). But, very cool, either way!

**Update: After doing a bit of research, it sounds like you can only really use this product with their plates. Definitely not as cool. There is talk that they will allow you to purchase self-designed plates through their company in the future.

Fluffernutter, anyone?

2009-11-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

(Image via Design Work Life)

Not only do I love marshmallow fluff, I also love this letterpressed print by Albertine Press! It's also available as notecards on their Etsy site. Mmm... makes me hungry.

Visual Aid

2009-11-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

(Image via Draught Associates)

Draught Associates, a graphic design firm from London, have published two amazing books that I am currently obsessing over! Visual Aid is a collection of colorful information graphics that explain things that "you've forgotten," "never thought you knew," and "didn't quite get around to learning."

(Images via Visual Aid Shop)

I love the use of color, especially in the overlapping transparencies of "Famous Heights." Their books have been so wildly successful (no surprise there!) that Draught Associates has now released a second installment, Visual Aid 2, and opened the Visual Aid Shop. In the shop, you can buy the books and a number of awesome posters!