To the Future....Lollapalooza 2013!

A bold, energetic design? 

The next logo for the great music festival, Lollapalooza? 

 

When I found out about the opportunity to design a T-shirt and Merchandise Logo for Lollapalooza 2013, I was extatic!  I jumped for joy, then sat down to think.  How could I create something that thousands of people would say "Hey, I think I like that"?   I researched past festival logos, researched past performers, i asked for advice, and thought about how music brings people to together.  They play, they party, they rock out to their favorite single.  Some attempt to get that sought after rare opportunity for a photo op with the band.  That moment when they can say, "Can I get your autograph?  I love your music!"

 

All of these things helped me to create this design.  I was inspired by balance, energy, and color.  I wanted to bring the spirit of past festivals into the future with something upbeat and modern.  Something that would last for decades.

 

I used the way BB King holds his guitar when he plays those soulful blues.  I thought of how Buddha represents peace and harmony to so many and about music touching so many souls.  A "lightbulb moment" that sparked Buddha rockin' a guitar, wearing Perry Ferrall's classic black top hat. 

 

Nothing like a contest to make a person think deep thoughts of symbolism in design.  I enjoy creating.  Enjoy the blank canvas that, after many many hours, screams Lollapalooza! And makes people want to get up and dance. 

 

Does this design make you think "Hey, I think I like that?"

You too can be a part of this Lollapalooza history!  Click on the link and follow the other voters to victory.

 

VOTE RIGHT HERE

 

 

 

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From the Sun

There is something about "green" energy that is absolutely fascinating.   There are new innovations of using rain water to flush your toilet, flexible solar panels that can be applied to clothing and other accessories to power USB devices,  and methane digesters that use the waste from the animals to completely power the farm.  All of these things aiding in the quest for finding a different way to get the energy we need to power this electronic centered world.

I came across this pocket sized gadget by XDMoto.  The XD Design Solar Window Charger is slick, small, and takes 13 hours for full recharge time.  It's main purpose is to charge your USB device.  It's as easy as sticking it to a window and letting the gizmo harvest the energy from the sun.  It can be used while the sun's rays are being collected as well. 

Just another cool design to add to the list....of cool designs. Why not get a little power from your window instead of your wall. The price to own is between $60-$70 USD upfront, but saving you money on your electricity bill month after month, even from "phantom power." "Phantom Power" is the electricity that is used by any electronic device or appliance that is plugged in even though it is turned off. Keeping that charger plugged into the wall has an effect.

The "phantom power" in your home can use up to 10% of your household's electrical consumption.

This is according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Is it possible that this innovative design could be right for you?  Even if you haven't joined the "green" movement quite yet, you might just get this new gadget for the "cool" factor.

Either way, in my opinion, it's a good design.

Layers...

Sometimes when people think of interior design, they only think of throw pillows, knick knacks, and coffee tables.  It's more than that.  Just like in fashion, it's about adding layers to a space.  It's about creating a functional yet beautifully executed space.  You start with bare walls and add color.  Bare floors get hard wood or tile.  Light fixtures are added to add depth.  Shelves are installed for storage, or to break up a space creating a sense of seperation.  Then accessories to add a personal touch; to make the space yours. All of it working together to add comfort and peace.

"Get To You"...

Design is about being inspired.  Maybe it’s looking out the window on a rainy day and deciding to base a pattern idea on the puddles you see on the sidewalk.  Maybe it’s seeing someone riding a bike down the street and you decide to create a new bike rack design.  It could just be hearing a song, and having a grand epiphany to create the cover art for the band’s next single.  I recently had this opportunity. 

 I was approached by a band member from Dan & James, a band based in New York, who's music is  “rock and roll, rhythm and blues, with a twist of jive” as  James Miller would say.

CLICK HERE to LISTEN to DAN & JAMES single "GET TO YOU"


AVAILABLE NOW at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danjames13

As I listened to the song, I started to envision what I wanted the cover to look like. I wanted the cover to not only represent the song, but represent the overall feeling of the song and band together. To me the song had a vintage feel, reminiscent of the day when music was more than just a beat in a club. The color was important. The lettering was important. The positioning of the figures was important. All things needed to coordinate and draw the listener in.  The song, the cover, all of it works together to create something enjoyable for you.

After you download the song, (which will soon be available on iTunes at www.apple.com/itunes) you can then listen to it on your mp3 player with your headphone beanie hat, while playing along on your electric guitar t-shirt. It's possible you may just want to sing along in your shower voice while using your microphone shaped sponge. 
"GET TO YOU" is a great song, and you won't be able to sit still for long.


For more info go to Andrea Lynn Design

Just A Little Something...

Today I found something that you might be interested in.  When designing an interior space, let's say the interior of your home, good design comes in layering.  One of the layers would be the equipment.  This is everything from lighting control, to sound control, to tempurature control.  Especially in the twenty first century, people have been trying to save the environment, conserve energy, and let's face it, saving some cash on our electrical bills in the process wouldn't hurt.  Today I saw this from a friend and decided to share.  This gadget would be part of the equipment layer of a design.  Enjoy.

http://www.nest.com/



CLICK HERE to LISTEN to the latest single by DAN & JAMES "GET TO YOU"

AVAILABLE  NOW at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danjames13

and coming soon to iTUNES

Let It Rain So I Can Flush...

 It is exciting to know that people are taking the environment seriously, and coming up with new ways to conserve resources and use nature for our benefit.  In Portland, Oregan there is an apartment building that uses rainwater to flush the toilets.  Using a collection tank and a float switch, the rain is collected and connected to the toilets with various pipes.  There is a caution sign as well warning not to drink the water.

This concept would obviously work best in envirnonments which recieve more rain than let's say, Las Vegas, but the idea is simple.  Use the rain water for your use.  Maybe it's watering the  lawn, or garden.  Maybe you really want to experience how people did there laundry before machines.  Whatever the reason, check to see if you need a permit to collect the water.  In some areas it is illegal to collect rain water without one.

CLICK HERE to LISTEN to the latest single from DAN & JAMES "GET TO YOU"

AVAILABLE NOW at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danjames13

and coming soon to iTUNES

Singing in the Rain, Or the Shower....

Many of you have heard about bringing the "outdoors, in."  Sometimes it's having a sunroom in your home.  Having a space with lots of windows to bring the natural light from the sun into the space.  It could be adding plants or windows for reflection. But, have you heard of bringing the indoors out?

Many people today are doing just that by taking something "private" like a  shower and tub, and sending it outside into nature.  We all know that people have been doing this for years at the public swimming pool or the beach.  Outdoor showers aren't a new concept.  Instead of just sticking a shower head in the middle of a concrete slab, try adding wood, tile, or stone; elements from your home to create an intimate outdoor shower. It's just another way to enjoy nature at home.