O' What a Creative Blog!

Art Review – PIXAR: 25 Years of Animation at the Oakland Museum of California

steph — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:41:36 +0000

After a worldwide tour that started in 2005 at New York’s MoMA, PIXAR: 25 Years of Animation recently returned home to the Bay Area at the Oakland Museum of California. This is a newly enhanced presentation from the original MoMA exhibit that includes all of the original art plus new additions from Pixar’s latest films: Ratatouille, WALL•E, Up, and Toy Story 3. It features approximately 600 works, of which OMCA’s senior curator René de Guzman proudly admits he has “about 600” favorites.

After reviewing the inspiring exhibition, I could not agree more with the curator. I was completely blown away. Check out my article on PIXAR: 25 Years of Animation on SF Station.

: image courtesy Pixar Studio

The S-word + Graphic Design

steph — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:24:33 +0000

I recently helped kick-off a new monthly online series for HOW Magazine which highlights an outstanding design firm or freelance design business creating amazing work. In my article, I profile the stellar Seattle-based graphic design studio, Turnstyle. We discuss their philosophy, work and brazen use of the S-word: the S-word, of course, referring to “style.” Geez, what’d you think we were going to say??

Read the article: HOW Design – Designer Spotlight: Turnstyle

image courtesy HOW Magazine

PR for Travel Destination: Sagrada Wellness Ojai on DailyCandy!

steph — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:47:28 +0000

DailyCandy knows what’s hot. And right now – it’s most definitely Sagrada Wellness (Orma Design & Communication’s rockin’ PR client). Their rejuvenating Ojai, CA yoga, Pilates, surfing, and wine tasting retreats are drawing serious attention. Today, Sagrada Wellness is featured on DailyCandy’s “Last Minute Trips and Weekend Getaways Around Southern California.”

Hey, if anyone knows what’s good for you – it’s DailyCandy. So listen up and get thee to a stress-free getaway asap.

Art Review – “TechnoCRAFT: Hackers, Modders, Fabbers, Tweakers and Design in the Age of Individuality”

steph — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:41:28 +0000

Mongolian barbeque meets consumer-designed goods at Yerba Buena’s newest exhibition,TechnoCRAFT: Hackers, Modders, Fabbers, Tweakers and Design in the Age of Individuality. And no, this is certainly not a food exhibition.

But just like the Mongolian barbeque, where each individual cooks his or her meat according to personal taste, so to is everyone from the lay person to tech entrepreneurs to shoe, car, and T-shirt companies cooking up everyday products to suit individual preferences.

If you’re a consumer (buys stuff) or a designer (makes stuff), you’ll be intrigued. Read the full article HERE.

image courtesy Yerba Buena

Tiburon, California Launches Shop Local Campaign – SHOPTiburon!

steph — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:18:06 +0000

Orma Design & Communications recently helped Tiburon, California kick-off the Shop Local campaign, ShopTiburon. Via branding, blog design and PR, we’re spreading the word that Tiburon is the BEST little town on the San Francisco Bay.

With charm reminiscent of quaint New England fishing villages and world-class views rivaling the most scenic European vistas, Tiburon is an oft-overlooked travel destination. Why visit? The rich, green rolling hills, the deep blues of the SF Bay, the breathtaking million dollar homes – all coupled with unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, city skyline and Angel Island.

But don’t take it from us, follow ShopTiburon for the most buzz-worthy news, events, and happenings in town. Or better yet, come visit and see for yourself!

Design Writing: The Nightmare Client—YOU (or rather…me!)

steph — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:39:29 +0000

Look in the mirror and say hello to the nightmare of all clients—Yourself. Why is it so hard for graphic designers to design for ourselves? In my latest article for HOW Magazine, I offer tips for taming the fire-breathing client within yourself while working on your brand’s website and other promotional materials. Read the full article HERE.

Young Frankenstein Review: Dead Funny!

steph — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:12:03 +0000

Prior to becoming a writer/designer/buzz builder, I was all-consumed by a completely different art form. I studied theater and performed off-Broadway in NYC for more than five years when I was younger. A decade later, I’m finally able to put that dormant talent to some good use. As a contributing Arts Writer for the San Francisco online lifestyle city guide, SF Station, I had the fantastic opportunity to review the hilarious musical, Young Frankenstein. Check out my theater review HERE.

image courtesy Golden Gate Theater

Sagrada Wellness featured in SPA Magazine!

steph — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:13:15 +0000

Sagrada Wellness is one of Orma Design & Communications’ favorite PR clients so we’re beyond excited to share that they’re featured in the July 2010 issue of SPA Magazine! Enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine a year, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is one of the great destination cities of the Americas. Situated 6 miles outside the historic, colonial town lies the luxurious, all-inclusive Sagrada Wellness. The retreat sits on 15 open acres and offers panoramic views of the vast and lush countryside. Guests enjoy daily yoga, Pilates, horseback riding, heart-pumping hikes, hot springs, tranquil spa facilities, healthy gourmet cuisine and more!

Orma Design & Communications drives successful PR coverage for Tiburon Classic Car Show event!

steph — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:50:19 +0000

Orma Design & Communications was thrilled to promote the annual Tiburon Classic Car Show this year. Held on Saturday June 19, 2010, the cars were beyond amazing (LOVED the Packards and Jaguars!), the crowd was huge, and the town was hopping! A huge thank you to all the fantastic media that helped make the event such a great success: Pacific Sun, Bay Area on the Cheap, Blue and Gold Fleet, The San Francisco Chronicle, Marin Magazine, Marin Independent Journal, Tiburon Ark, Fun Cheap SF and more!

photo courtesy Tiburon Classic Car Show

Writing About San Francisco Arts & Design!

steph — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:47:20 +0000

I’m so excited to announce that I am now a contributing Arts Writer for SF Station, one of the leading entertainment guide websites in the Bay Area. My first article is, of course, on design -San Francisco Design Week 2010! Check out my article on this must-see Bay Area event HERE.

Image Courtesy AIGA SF