Showing posts with label chalk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chalk. Show all posts

Looking back, moving forward


As in previous years (201120122013201420152016, 2017, 2018), here is my annual recap of how my year unfolded.

In January, I was featured in UPPERCASE Magazine's beautiful new book, The Encyclopedia of Inspiration: Ephemera.

After months of preparation, I revealed a new look for my personal brand in February. Posts here, here and here.

In March, I hand-painted some signs for The Theatre Centre, and painted the windows at Type Books. I also offered hand-letter cards at She Matters, a fundraising brunch in support of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which offers legal representation, professional counselling and multilingual interpretation to women who have experienced violence.

Village Juicery generously displayed some of my collection for the month of April. I also had the privilege of painting the windows at the new Wonder Pens Clinton St. location. And I checked one thing off my bucket list: I played my first-ever ukulele recital!

In May, I had fun painting a special pantry sign.

June was a busy month! I offered my first sign painting workshop, in partnership with Above Ground Art Supplies. I designed a super fun t-shirt for the Stratford Festival production of Little Shop of Horrors. I designed the poster and graphics for the Vintage Taps' production of The Laundry List. I did some fun sign painting for LeTao and Kilogram. And I got a chance to help out the 519 with some huge hand-painted pride protest signs.

In August, I had the privilege to do a sign painting treatment on the cover of Chatelaine Magazine.
I also did a fun sign painting / pop art homage.

In October, I did some custom lettering for Tafelmusik's Haus Musik series in Toronto. I was the feature artist at Italic Press. And my sign painting article was featured in Issue 43 of UPPERCASE Magazine.

November was a big month. I had new work at the Buddies in Bad Times Art Attack auction. I had fun painting the window at the new Craig's Cookies on Church Street. And I also got to paint a lovely Joni Mitchell lyric for the holiday window at Type Books. But the biggest news on the month (and year) was being part of the One of a Kind winter show. Months of preparation all led up to joining 850+ vendors for 117 hours over 11 days at Toronto’s biggest gathering of local makers. I feel privileged that was included in this world-class event, and thankful for every single person I’ve met during this experience.

This year would not have been possible without the support of everyone.
I wish you all the best in 2020.

CR

Looking back, moving forward



My mantra for 2018 was balance. After a hectic previous year, I made a goal to focus on work/life balance, which is always a struggle for freelancers. While I am very satisfied with (and grateful for) the work accomplished this year, I am most proud of my commitment to self-care throughout the process.  As in previous years (201120122013201420152016, 2017), here is my annual recap of how my year unfolded.

January started at a slower pace, allowing time to get the studio in order. I received my Communication Arts award in the mail, which was such an honour. (Turns out, it's really heavy!) You might know that I am obsessed with daytimers and calendars, so I released a new perpetual wall calendar - it makes planning out the year fun and easy. Biggest news of the year: I started taking tap dancing lessons!

In February, I participated in City of Craft's Made for Love Valentine's Day pop-up at the Workroom. I also had lettering work featured in Today's Parent magazine (yay for daydrinking!) I also had some downtime to start researching sign painting at the Toronto Archives.

In March, I was invited to offer hand-lettered cards and prints at She Matters, a fundraising brunch in support of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which offers legal representation, professional counselling and multilingual interpretation to women who have experienced violence. I also shared some new custom lettering work for President's Choice + Sid Lee. New hand-lettering also got full page coverage in the West End Phoenix.

As the days started to get longer, April brought a new feature on chromatic type in UPPERCASE Magazine. Warmer temperatures also allowed me to do some window painting: Craig's Cookies (my first in One Shot enamel paint!) and The Theatre Centre. I also completed a huge custom chalkboard for Boxcar Social. And what a pleasant surprise: my article on custom signs feature in the May/June/July issue of Cottage Life magazine!

In May, I completed some hand-painted signage for Will O'Hare's photography show (part of the Contact Photography Festival), as well as a huge custom chalkboard for a real estate staging. Spring was in the air, so a new custom sign for Sweet Gale Gardens. I also completed a fun Pollock-inspired mural for Craig's Cookies. And the tapping continued!

After five months of research, I started a new project in June called #chrispaintssigns, using traditional sign painting techniques to explore letterform proportions. As we prepared for our latest instalment of Pixel & Bristle at the Drake Hotel, I launched a new series called Dishonest Signs. Also, my ABC250 monograph turned one!

In July, I shared a large scale window painting project for Michael Johnston Music School - four windows hand-painted with One Shot enamel paint. I got to do a cute birth announcement for Nicole & James at Type Books. More window painting at The Theatre Centre, and a quick sign for Gloria Cafe. Then I wrapped up my #chrispaintssigns project, and jumped on a plane...

I was away in Italy (!) for most of August, but did have time to prep something for the TypeCon silent auction, which happened in Portland.

September was quiet, but I did zip over to Calgary to offer a brush lettering workshop at UPPERCASE Magazine. My most popular Instagram post of the year was about the least popular Ontario politician in recent years...

Part of October was spent visiting family in Saskatchewan. I also prepared some graphics for my favourite wartime gal, Pearle Harbour.

In November, I partnered up with Wonder Pens to offer a special brush lettering workshop at their new Clinton Street store. Along with two special pieces for the Buddies Art Attack auction, I released some new work for the holidays, including an alphabet print, a GLOW-IN-THE-DARK Toronto signs print, and some coupon-inspired holidays cards. A couple of these prints were featured in the annual Swash & Serif typography show. And I also shared some new explosive lettering on pimple popping (!) for Chatelaine Magazine.

And then suddenly, it was December! Another round of Pixel & Bristle at the Drake Hotel, plus my first studio sale, and a pop-up at Gloria Cafe. I snuck in one more launch: a new ABC book published my the Harvest Commission. A quick custom window for Type Books. But my favourite and most meaningful project of the year: a special typographic portrait to celebrate the 80th birthday of Roberta, gifted from her four children: David, Jenny, Rebekah and Heidi. The piece is comprised of over sixty individually typeset words, names, phrases, places, artists, songs and events that have filled Roberta’s rich life.

This year would not have been possible without the support of YOU – those who purchased a print from my shop, liked one of my Instagram photos, or visited my studio. I am grateful to continue doing work that I love. THANK YOU!

I wish you all the best in this new year.

CR

Welcome Eli!


Welcome Eli! I was thrilled to prepare this extra special birth announcement at Type Books for new parents, Nicole & James! Need a chalkboard? Please get in touch!

The best journey always take us home



I had a great time preparing this 11’x11’ chalk wall for a real estate staging. Thanks to realtor-extraordinaire Kat Lubienski for this great opportunity.

Do your walls need chalk art? Please get in touch!

Check out the listing here:
https://real.vision/17-mechanic

Boxcar Social



Here’s an epic 18’-wide chalkboard I completed at Boxcar Social on Queen St. E. last weekend. Thanks again to Alex and Kat for this amazing opportunity.

Stop by 4 Boulton Ave. to grab a great coffee and check out the new board.

Wonder Pens


I'm thrilled to share this summery chalkboard I completed at Wonder Pens. Thanks to Liz and Jon for this fun opportunity! Be sure to stop by their beautiful shop this month to check it out: 250 Carlaw Ave, Suite 105

A few process shots below, as well as the original concept sketch.




Loaded Pierogi, part 2


A few weeks ago, I wrapped up 3 chalkboards at the second Loaded Pierogi restaurant, located at 1044 Gerrard Street East. Please stop by, grab a delicious gourmet pierogi, a flight of premium vodkas, and check out the new chalkboards. More details and progress shots below.

Thanks again to Adam & Bryan this opportunity. Best of luck!

Check out the chalkboards for the first Loaded Pierogi here.


Flock


I recently had the privilege to revamp the HUGE chalkboard at Flock, Toronto's best rotisserie chicken and greens. Here's a peak at the new 5' x 25' board. To get the full effect – and to enjoy a great lunch – stop by their restaurant at 330 Adelaide St. W.

Thanks again to Benjamin for this opportunity!

RedLab Digital


I'm excited to unveil three special chalkboards I just wrapped up at RedLab Digital, a post-production shop that works with ad agencies and film & TV producers.

Above is the 2' x 6' kitchen menu chalkboard, and below are the large 5' x 7' chalkboards in two meeting rooms.

Thanks again to Breanne for this great opportunity, and to everyone at RedLab for making me feel at home.

Church Street Espresso


Here's a new menu chalkboard I created for Church Street Espresso, located at 585 Church St. Toronto (at Isabella). Stop by for a delicious affogato, or enjoy some fresh gelato!

A few more photos below.

The Body Shop


Here is a new chalkboard I created for The Body Shop, located at 528 Church Street in Toronto. Please stop by sometime to take a closer look.

Here's a peek at one of the process sketches:



Thank you Jayme for this opportunity!

Valentine's at Hanks


A special Valentine's chalkboard for my friends at Hanks.

Cheers to a New Year!


A new chalkboard for a New Year at Hank's.

Let it snow


A new winter-themed chalkboard for Mike and Kelly.
Want a custom chalkboard? Please get in touch!

Loaded Pierogi


I just wrapped up four huge chalkboards for a brand new restaurant in Toronto called Loaded Pierogi, located at 9 1/2 Church St. The largest chalkboard measures over 15 feet wide!

Please stop by, grab a delicious gourmet pierogi, a flight of premium vodkas, and check out the new chalkboards. More photos below.

Thanks again to Adam, Bryan, Ted, Ulyana & Monique for this amazing opportunity. Best of luck!





 

Holiday party at Hank's


Here's a new holiday party chalkboard for Hank's!

Welcome to our home


Thanks again to Mike and Kelly for allowing me to create this special chalkboard for their new home.

Want a custom chalkboard? Please get in touch!

Have a great long weekend :)

12 Months of Type: Chalk


Here are some highlights from June's typographic adventures with chalk for 12 Months of Type. It was a busy one!

Check out all previous posts here, and follow my current progress on Instagram.

Please get in touch if you'd like some chalk art! You can reach me here.

Soccer at Hank's


The FIFA World Cup has began! Here is a big chalkboard I created last night for Hank's to celebrate the world soccer championships, as well as the original concept sketch.