MSLK Exhibition at ICFF May 16th

This Sunday MSLK has an exhibition coming up during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. The show is called Uncomfortable Conversations and along with 14 other designers we've all created something in hope of provoking an awkward situation. For the show we've designed five typographical posters showing how thoughtless font choices and poor letter and word spacing can create an unintended message. If you're in NYC and free on Sunday night I'd love to see you there! RSVP here.

Sunday May 16th 6pm-9pm

803 Washington Street

10014 NY, NY

Pratt Show 2010

Tonight Pratt Show Exhibition, should be a gay ol' time.

Very nice Invitation artwork by Armando Rafael and Li-Rong Liao.

What to do on Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is the time of year for finding exclusive events and great drink deals. At MSLK we've listed some great ways to spend your Sunday, here are mine:

Eco Shopaholic

Fashion-Conscience has a wide assortment of eco, organic, natural and vegan beauty brands. It’s the perfect place to find an eco-friendly gift for your loved ones and to top it off all Valentine’s Day gifts are free shipping.

Have a Love A-Fair

For handmade crafts and food head over to Williamsburg for the two-day Love A-Fair. With over 20 vendors, live music and free popcorn & balloons for the kiddies makes it’s a lovely day for the whole family.

We Heart Secret Events

If you like surprises check in on newmindspace’s website Sunday morning when they release the location of a secret Valentine’s Day themed art-installation somewhere in NYC. The only information that’s been released is the name of the exhibition: We Heart NY.

Minus Space - Josef Albers cover art

This weekend we went to check out an art gallery in Brooklyn called Minus Space. From outside you wouldn't know it's there but if you buzz Minus Space you'll be let into the warehouse and the tiny studio. Right now they have Josef Albers' album covers on display. Didn't actually know that he had made these so it was a nice surprise. They change the exhibitions about once a month so check out the website to see what's going on.

The Insound Design Store

Tonight I'll be looking for remaining Christmas gifts while guzzling free drinks at 303 Grand. Pop on over if your in Williamsburg.

AIGA 50 Books / 50 Covers

Yesterday I was at AIGA for their 50 books / 50 covers exhibition.

Since 1923, AIGA's "50 Books/50 Covers" competition has recognized excellence in book design and production. This exhibition showcases selections from the 50 Books/50 Covers of 2008 competition, which aims to identify the best-designed books and book covers published in 2008.

There were some really great layout ideas to be found, unfortunately everyone had to gather around a tiny bookshelf in the middle of the room were all the books were displayed, so I don't know if I saw them all. But here are some good ones (I forgot to write down the designers, so if anyone knows who's done what, let me know!).

Etsy Holiday Handmade Calvacade

Since the holidays are coming up there have been a handful of arts and crafts markets taking place in New York. This weekend I was at one in Soho brought together by Etsy. There were loads of talented designers with so many creative ideas there, unfortunately (for them) it just makes me want to go home and start working on my own projects. Very inspiring and very yummy cupcakes!

Wearing Whitman's Words

On Saturday I went to Wearing Whitman's Words: A Typographic Exploration at the Lucky Gallery. As explained on the site:
These designers were asked to make selections from Leaves of Grass to visually explore letter forms. The designed words will be displayed on the front of t-shirts with the selected text written on the back in a font consistent across each of the shirts. This contrast will highlight how the shape of letters can add meaning to the words we read.
There was some great design here so if you're in the area you should definitely go check it out. If not, you can always have a look at the websites of the designers involved. Thanks Lucky Gallery, for the free t-shirt and the beers!

Bauhaus Archive

Back from a few full-packed days in Berlin which was basically history lessons by day, grungy underground clubbing by night. Apart from all the amazing graffiti everywhere I would have to say that one of the most inspirational design elements was our visit to the Bauhaus museum. The Bauhaus school used to be one of the most influential schools of architecture, design, and art of the 20th century only operating from 1919-1933. The Bauhaus Archive now holds a collection of pieces produced at the school. One of my favorite designers, Josef Albers, was a student there.

The museum

Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures in the gallery, but here's the shop.

Design by Josef Albers

More pictures from the trip here and here.

Decade by decade

At Stockholm Stadsmuseum they have an exhibition on typical attributes of homes from different decades. I especially liked these different wallpapers along with illustrations of typical furniture from that era. Very nice!