best of ~ graphically speaking.

an old favorite from the original blog: the timeless, classic look of well-designed graphic arts has always fascinated me. have a look at a few favorites of mine.

the timeless, classic look of graphic art and abstract graphic arts has always fascinated me — how a typeface can leave me giddy with joy or how an art director can tweak type ever so slightly to make it look so easy on the eyes. even the ground we walk on can have an interesting graphic shape or design. when in italy we couldn’t stop snapping away at all the interesting fonts in the shop and cafe signage.

in that regard, it’s perhaps something you could consider making art of on your own — maybe there’s an old sign or a graphic wall or mural of some kind you’ve always loved? snap a photo of it and have it blown up and framed! i’ve done it before from a small vintage photo i found at the flea market, and i really love the imperfect graininess of a blown-up print, whether it’s type or a photographic image. i used a place in san francisco called, appropriately enough, blowup lab, but i think even office depot or staples have photo enlargement centers nowadays. or try apps like artifact uprising, framebridge, or parabo press to blow up your photos or type files. and if diy is not your bag, art abounds whether it’s on etsy, chairish, or an online gallery like tappan collective or artfully walls — whatever kind of artwork you might love, here’s a little inspiration to get you thinking about a potential art project for the new year. for more ideas, check the arts section of my resources page. and don’t forget to look up, look down, and all around you. art is simply everywhere.

clockwise, from l to r: wavy floor pattern by @ryanrankinstudio; woman and palms via chico; print in dining room via lili in wonderland; mick jagger’s hands by andy warhol; fan via deiji studios; vivre sa vie via cinderella; dancing neon sign via setting the barre; fireplace mantel via @milkdecoration_magazine; matisse female form from society6; london calling by ian flanigan; librarie by pixdar; vintage french newspapers via with grace; bialetti by klaus gubbels.

clockwise, from l to r: lena corwin’s peace towel; living room portrait by herz and blut; home of pierre yovanovitch via house & garden uk; czechoslovakian matchbox label by jane mcdevitt; celine magazine ad via all about good vibes; records & camera at my old house; josef albers artwork; bonton photo booth by foto automat; home gallery via discover the place of decor; dawn maple by ash holmes; credenza with art by eyeswoon; chaise lounge with large prints via food52; ekta art print from fine little day; you sentimental idiot art print by rikkianne van kirk.

• photography credits: click on the image, which will take you to its original source. in my collages, the links are listed just below, clockwise from left to right.