dreamfleur Creative Inspiration Suite

In my sculpture class we made sculptures that were supposed to represent gestures, either abstractly or more literally. We could use any materials we wanted and could build anything we chose. I decided to make a sculpture cast of myself out of duct tape. I got the idea from this artist named Mark Jenkins who has perfected the technique. Check out his Tape Sculpture website for some cool examples of what he and others have done using tape. I love how animated the sculptures are, and how they’re installed in everyday places doing crazy things. Continue Reading »

Syndrome Studio, made up of three artists, Micah Hancock, James Larese, and Mars Sandoval, is one of the design studios whose work really inspires me. Syndrome specializes in motion design for multiple mediums, and their work is amazing to view, raging from directing music videos for Estelle, Danity Kane, Day26, Black Eye Peas, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Wyclef, Jo Jo, Mickey Avalon and many more. They also did motion graphics for the movie ATL, and for networks like Disney, HGTV, and MTV.

Here’s an interview I found with them at Convey Magazine where they described their struggle “to get to the point where we were considered ‘directors’ as opposed to, ‘those graphic guys that also direct.’ Their portfolio shows that you can find a way to create a niche within the entertainment industry, or any industry doing what you love and do best, while working hard to make your way to the top. Their success was only achieved with “tenacity, passion, having a precise game plan and believing 1000000% in ourselves… if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”

I love how they merge motion and 3D work with video production and directing, and how they work in so many mediums to make a finished product. You can click here to view their website with samples of their incredible work. One of my favorites was Keke Palmer’s “Keep It Movin’” music video, below, which they animated and directed.

“Don’t lose your passion. The second you are chasing a check instead of a vision could be the beginning of the end.” - Syndrome Studio in an April 2008 interview with Convey Magazine

Looking for a personal gift to give someone this Christmas? Check out DNA11 where you can get customized artwork made of your genetic code, fingerprint or even lip print. Among my visual arts and journalism classes I’m taking a genetics class this semester, and this jumped out at me as a such a cool way to merge two disciplines, science and art into something sophisticated, beautiful and valuable. Visit the DNA 11 website here to learn more.

Sometimes the thing we did and loved as a child is what will bring success and true joy as a career. Take Nathan Sawaya, the Brick Artist for example. I saw him on an episode of one of my favorite business shows on CNBC, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. (You should definitely watch The Big Idea for some great inspiration for entrepreneurship and following your dreams.)

As a child Sawaya loved art, and especially building with LEGOS. One day he decided to quit his job in law and decided to make LEGO sculptures as a full time artist. Now he’s making thousands of dollars on each sculpture and living well off his passion. From large realistic replicas of buildings and celebrity portraits, to a LEGO iPhone, his work is so detailed and fun. Check out more of these amazing LEGO sculptures on the Brick Artist website.

Some of the artwork I have hanging on the wall in my art studio (aka my desk) for inspiration are mystical, surreal prints painted by Josephine Wall. Below are some of her paintings that are my favorites. I love the details, colors, and the magical fantasy scenes she creates. Click here to visit her website and see more of her work.