Emaciated Ponies

I've been thinking a lot lately about web and graphic design. I'm a natural born nerd, I love computers, I thrive on fixing tedious problems (like untying knots), and I like to think that I have a good asthetic sense.  Design is also a much more lucrative trade than interpreting Shakespeare, assuming one can find a following.  So i've been keeping my eyes peeled recently for images, colors, types and sequences that I find attractive--in hopes of establishing what my "taste" is. And perhaps even in hopes of learning a couple of tricks that I might eventually be able to use.

My friend Emily turned me on to Julia Pott several days ago and I managed to sneak in a couple of videos during my lunch break today. I really like her style. Whimsical, intelligent and weird.  In lieu of sharing any of my own creative work (because I have none...) I wanted to share her with you as well. Tell me what you think!

"My First Crush" by Julia Pott

"Casiotone for the Painfully Alone" Illustration by Julia Pott

My favorite moment of that last video is when the panda gives his arm to the deer. Precious. In fact, one of the reasons I love her style so much is that it makes me feel liberated. I've never been a particularly talented sketch artist. My drawings bare slight resemblance to their original but come out painfully awkward, or alarmingly disproportioned. If you've ever seen my mother's rendition of a poodle than you'll know what I mean. Julia's style is the perfection of imperfection. I think I'll start drawing more emaciated ponies and long-legged owls.

"Impressions of Poodles" by Julie Fraser

Finally, but only because everyone else is doing it, I'm going to share with you my thoughts on the coming year--what some people may call "resolutions", let's just call them "I think I cans"(its such a steep, steep hill).

1. Create more. blah.blah.blah.
2. Get rid of my secret belly fat so I don't have to keep hiding it.
3. Admit to myself that I'm more fun when I'm drunk. (A matter of opinion...but I think it deserves some thought...)
4. You'll have to ask me in person.

Needless to say they are all negative, except the last one--which I think will really be the kicker.  But despite the fact that I am starting the new year completley neurotic, self-critical and confused in nearly every way possible, I'm really looking forward to it.  Yay 2009!