New York Photos and the Word of the Day: Flawsome

I was in New York for a short work trip and of course this would be the trip that I decided to master packing and fit my entire life (including workout gear, which I think is particularly notable) into a tote bag. This means that I willingly omitted my camera for typically valid reasons including: I won't have time, the weather will suck, it's heavy.

And delayed at JFK right now, I suppose I'm a teeny bit glad I don't have the extra pounds to lug around from wall outlet to bathroom to wall outlet etc., but mostly I'm just bummed out that I missed the opportunity to snag some photos of the ridiculously gorgeous spring days I spent here because yup, I did have time and nope, the weather most definitely did not suck.

iPhone5 to the rescue!

Also relevant is that I learned the word "flawsome" today at the conference I attended. Could there be a better word for New York? My mild claustrophobia kicks in to high gear, no one says thank you or please (even that goose was a dick), there's literally garbage everywhere... and yet, it's still so, so, awesome. Flawed and awesome.

Illustration: Indian Wedding Portrait

I was encouraged to get a physical calendar to write things down so that maybe, maybe I stood a chance of screwing up less dates. (I was also encouraged to choose a wedding date of 4/4 so that I stood a chance with annivesary-remembering, but that's neither here nor there.) I got the calendar, but I still can't keep it all straight. This year's going to be a doozy! 

Thankfully, it's all great stuff. In particular is the wedding of two of my favorite people on the planet, my best friend and a long standing friend of mine. I enjoy the bragging rights of introducing this beautiful couple almost 10 years ago now, though I clearly have nothin' to do with the beautiful life they've built themselves. 

I tear up just thinking of celebrating with them! This is an illustration I created out of one of their engagement portraits. It's actually the first time I've done a couple and I can't believe I haven't done it sooner... so fun! 

Happy Friday, friends!

Illustration: Spring!

It's been a while!

Lots has happened since I dumped a cup of hot water off my balcony in sub-zero temps.

+ I went to Scotland!
+ I am obsessed with Breaking Bad!
+ I planned a bachelorette party -- I am 49 days away from Mexico!
+ I started eating Paleo! (unrelated to Mexico, but excellent timing)
+ I am engaged!
+ I worked with 6 awesome individuals/organizations/businesses on branding/illustrations/websites!

Some fun things coming. But until then, let's just be happy that the Polar Vortex just has to be on it's way out.

Right?

Right.

My spring girl is happy, anyway. I hope spring is finding you wherever you are!

Chicago Timelapse and Freezing Water in Slow Motion

Go fast! No go slow! I can't decide. Either way, today was a fun day for videos. It was not a fun day for exposed skin of any kind.

To 2014

Here's a little graphic I made to toast the new year for Second City Club.

What a year. Here's to the next 12 months... I can't wait to see what they have in store.

Cheers and happy new year!

Illustration: Flapper Girl

I created her as part of the invite for the Second City Food Wine + Social Club's January event,
a 20's themed party that's basically going to be insane. 

Or, "the elephant's eyebrows," if you want to be a true flapper. 

I can't wait to wear a headband and drink champagne cocktails like Carey Mulligan. 

Cheers!

Illustration: Second City Food Wine + Social Club

This is my new girl! She's in honor of the Second City Food Wine and Social Club, a new group that I am lucky enough to have gotten involved with. 

I've had a blast creating the website, logo and visual identity for the club... plus, working and hanging out with Mark, Lauren, Kit and Katharine is a prettyyyyy awesome time, too. 

You can check out the site here, and if you're into food, wine, and getting to know new (and awesome) people, definitely apply for membership so that you can come to our next event on December 9th!

Cheers, friends!