Tintastic: De-Fi Typewriter Ribbon

So here you have it folks, yet another fantastic tin from my Grandfather’s attic and my collection. Isn’t it beautiful?! Check out the classic color combo of navy ink on silver and the totally art deco typography. When was the last time you saw a font like this used for any sort of tag, or body copy in mass-produced packaging, or advertising today? It’s so decorative, you almost get lost in it! What’s even more impressive, is that the tin looks like it's in perpetual motion, thanks to the navy strikes that run diagonal across its surface…”Nude Descending a Staircase” anyone?

In the most general of statements, this tin borrows aesthetics from Cubism, Futurism, Classicism and first and foremost, consumerism; note the Trojan dude on the back of the tin promoting “Utility Cannot for Long Ignore Beauty.” How awesome is that? I cannot help but take this slogan to heart. Out of context, it pretty much sums up my thoughts on what constitutes good design. In my opinion, good design must be functional and although, functional design does not need to be beautiful, good design that is both functional and beautiful certainly cannot be ignored…just as I suppose, De-Fi typewriter ribbon could not be ignored…and I say "could," since I'm not sure it's still manufactured.

Another characteristic that I particularly love about this tin are the two stamped elements; “Noiseless” in the top right corner and “Black Record 26” on the bottom. They add texture and imperfection to the perfectly crisp flexo-printed graphics. They also exemplify the dual printing methods that were used at the time this tin was manufactured and that sadly enough, are not practiced much, if at all, today. Besides, “Black Record 26” would make a great name for a record label…don’t you think? Anyway, stay tuned for more Tintastic posts and loveliness to come soon. Until then, happy Friday folks, hope you have a wonderful weekend!

New Post...New Topic

Kathie Olivas, "Cosmic Pennie"

Jeez, it's been a while since I last posted...sorry about that! Life has intervened and become a bit hectic/frenetic these past few weeks and I haven't had much time to get posts up, ideas out, or photos organized. Good news is, I've got lots of goodies coming down the pipe line...including a new topic here on Cosmos!

The new topic is so different from the others, that I'm afraid you might not guess what it is...wink wink, nudge nudge...behold, it's called, "Cosmic Icons." It will highlight all of the talented artists and designers, whether living or not, that have helped to mold my aesthetic sense and continue to inspire me throughout my thirty, or more years. So, stay tuned for the very first "Cosmic Icon" to hit these pages soon! Until then, I leave you with this teaser of Kathie Olivas' work...Enjoy!

New on Etsy: Two of Hearts Notebooks & Notepads!

Hello folks, I've got some great news for you today! Two new items have been added to the Cosmos Creative Etsy Shop! Be sure to check out the Pocket Notebooks, and the Matchbook Notepads! Both items showcase the original pattern, Two of Hearts, from The Cosmos Creative Collection. Printed here in red ink on "Razzleberry" Pop-Tone paper, Two of Hearts is easily one of my favorite patterns from the collection! It's both romantic and funky and in the pink and red combo, it's especially hot!

Each notebook and notepad is 100% handmade and is perfect for the most random of thoughts, notes, inspirational tidbits, or even sketches. Not to mention, both items would make super cute gifts for Valentine's Day! So, be sure to visit the Cosmos Creative Shop and take a peak at these beauties. Buy one for your sweetheart, or hoard one for yourself...either way, there will be more lovely goods to come soon, so stay tuned and stay inspired!

Random Reading: Contemporary Japanese Fiction

Hello Folks and happy Monday to you! Hope you had a wonderful and restful weekend. I pretty much spent the entire weekend in the studio with the exception of stepping out for a bite to eat here and there. Although my days were busy, I did have two very relaxed evenings. Both of which were spent curled up in bed with my latest Japanese read, The Cat in the Coffin by Mariko Koike.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to read modern Japanese fiction; in fact, it is the only fiction that I read. This interest started when a college professor of mine required us to read, Coin Locker Babies by Ryu Murakami as part of a “History of Modern Japan” course. That book was the bait. I was the fish. And to say the least, I was hooked…instantly.

Since then, I have read numerous novels written by Japanese authors. Here I’ve included just a sampling of my favorites; coincidently a lot of them are written by Haruki Murakami. The only thing I probably like more than Murakami’s books, are the covers of his books. Most of the covers are designed by the renowned Chip Kidd; the man who inspired me to go into design, and more specifically book design.

All covers are copyright of their respective publishers. 

For a time, Chip Kidd designed some amazing covers for Vertical Inc., an independent publisher located in NYC. If you are at all interested in anything Japanese, this is the publisher for you. Vertical translates the best contemporary Japanese books, and I’m not just saying that…it is the company's philosophy! So, be sure to check out their selection...lots of great things to read and learn about! Enjoy.