Pastels, Disney Concept Art & Society Clothing

Click to enlarge. 

We're starting a new guide for LOCALE magazine on Disneyland. I know. Pretty awesome thing to get paid to do! I'm working on it with my lovely sis and our awesome friend Lindsey Bro. We all decided we wanted a classic Disney, concept art feel to the aesthetic. So I busted out my Monster's Inc. Concept Art book and my pastels and started copying a scene from the book to figure out No. 1: how to use pastels, and No. 2: how to accomplish the amazing lighting and style they always have in their work. Seriously... why haven't I used pastels since elementary school? They. Are. AMAZING. So messy. So bright. So fun. Can't wait to work on OUR piece for the guide.

Also entered a fun competition on instagram for my friend Zech's brand Society Clothing. All you have to do is throw up the Society logo (the all seeing eye - like above) and tag @societyclothing and #societyeye to enter. The contest goes all the way through Friday May 11th and the winner gets some great shwag - so enter! Or vote for me @amyhoodlum. I'm totally leading the pack, and in the words of Mitt Romney, "the numbers are just on my side." haha

- Amy
Listening to: Sufjan Stevens' "Illinois" album.
So. Good.

Shakas, Tattoo Illustrations, & My Adventures As An Amateur Surfer

[ Shaka X-mas Illustration. ©Amy Hood ]

I've been doing a lot of sketching lately for various projects. It's been fun dusting off the old pen and pad! Here's one I really want to rework and smooth the wrinkles on. It's a rough sketch for a Holiday Guide Jen and I are designing for LOCALE magazine. We were trying to think of clever ideas to depict just how unique Christmas in SoCal is since it's sunny and people are surfing instead of scraping ice off their frozen windshields. After watching the Billabong Pro Tahiti all this week, I thought it might be fun to draw a hand throwing up a shaka with tattoos spelling out our title. 

By the way, working while watching LIVE surf competitions is great. I've always been intrigued by surfing. I grew up in "Surf City" Huntington Beach (well there's a debate on that isn't there?) as well as San Clemente, so a lot of my dear friends take part in the pasttime frequently -  and to much enjoyment. I even got thrown into the industry a tiny bit through a friend who brought me on for design work on a couple projects for some action-sports-centric companies. But I was always very confused on it all still: The names of the moves, the lingo, where to go, how to do it, how it's judged professionally. It was all shrouded in a thick cloud of mystery.

I learned all the rules and nooks and crannies of basketball by listening to commentators call the game and now I plan to do the same for surfing. After listening to some of the LIVE webcasts for this years World Tour I'm finally starting to get my footing. Not literally of course. I got my surfboard out of the garage the other day and took it down to Riviera Beach in San Clemente with my friend (and great surfer) Katie Hanten; I can hardly say I had my footing out there that day, but it was the first of many trips. Watching the Billabong Pro Tahiti may help though. After watching the likes of Josh Kerr, Jeremy Flores, Kelly Slater and Owen Wright tear it up  at "Chopes" (what they call Teahupoo apparently - see I'm picking up the lingo too!), not to mention the mini-clips in dedication to the late great Andy Irons and his fearlessness AND the crazy tow-in session (woah), maybe inspiration will strike out in the water for me next time and it'll all just click. Even if it doesn't, I'm gonna keep on trying because it just looks like a blast and even though I'm terrible, I'm already having so much fun just being out there. The only downside: I feel like I may be growing pectorals. From all the paddling. I really don't want pectorals.

- Amy
Listening to: "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid Soundtrack. Disney music is really good to work to actually! 

Awesome Tattoos, Hoarders, & The Ramblings of A Tired, Buzzed, White Girl

I found this photo on Pintrest today. Yes, I am a proud new member of Pintrest.com. I actually discovered it because people were pinning my Constellation Tattoo Posters on their pintrest boards. Pretty cool, eh? It's a great way to store ideas and inspiration! My "Inspiration Folder" on my mac is so unorganized and cluttered. It's worse than an episode of Hoarders in there. Pintrest is like hiring an organizing specialist... or one of those people who redoes your closet.

Crap. I just broke a nail trying to open my giant Redvines container. #WhiteGirlProblems
I digress.

Anyways... Pintrest is awesome. And I found this amazing photo of a sleeve. I cannot for the life of me find the tattoo artist. One of the downfalls of sites like tumblr and pintrest is that crediting authors/artists rarely happens correctly. I google searched my heart out to try and find the tattoo artist so that I could credit his fine work. But, alas, to no avail.

Oh wow. Demi Lovato just came up on my iTunes shuffle.
#Shame #WhenGoodPeopleListenToBadMusic #ItsTooDamnCatchy #WhiteGirlProblems
I digress yet again.
[Note to self: Never blog when groggy and at the bottom of your glass of vodka-and-mango/pineapple-juice.]

To wrap up this horribly dishevelled and unorganized blog (another metaphor for my inspiration folder? Bringin' it full circle, baby), this tattoo is amazing and it makes me want to get more, against my better judgment. I really think I will try and pick up tattooing. I think I might make a good tattoo artist.

- Amy
Listening to: Le Blorr's "Boy You Need Jesus" (To redeem me from the Demi Lovato reference.)

Elvis Costello Look-A-Likes, Dive Bars, & The Inspiring Mickey Smith

I was chit chatting with this hilarious New Yorker who looked like Elvis Costellos' long lost twin (horn rimmed glasses, hair, teeth and all) the other night at this local dive bar I like to frequent. We were talking with this other couple, who were also sharp-tongued New Yorkers, about Ireland and England and how beautiful they are. Then somehow the conversation jumped randomly (as typical incoherent, hard-to-follow bar conversations often do) to surfing. It reminded me of a video my friend had posted a while back from Cornish surf photographer, Mickey Smith called Darkside of The Lens. [Finders fee to the talented Chris Steblay.] I was raving to these New Yorkers about how beautiful this short film was and how they had to go home and google it. I was only one heffeweizen in, but Elvis was on his 3rd Merlot and the lovebirds were each on their 4th Lemon Drop, so whether or not they followed my eager recommendation I will never know. But I am here telling you dear readers now - who I assume are sober, reasoning adults/tweens/chillun' - that you should watch the below video. It has passion, beauty, danger, and the deep reveries of an artist recited in a thick Cornish accent. All the elements that make for inspiration.

Be inspired. 

-Amy
Listening to: The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York"

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

James Dean's Hair, Heat Waves, and The Head And The Heart

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: James Dean's Hair

Oh how glorious it was. Enjoy your extended weekend friends. I plan on painting a lot and trying not to melt. Heat. Wave.

Listening to: The Head And The Heart's "Rivers and Roads"

Barber Shops, Meeting Rockstars, & Wearing Sunglasses At Night

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: Fast Eddie's Barber Shop


This brand identity is by designer Richard Arthur Stewart for Fast Eddie's Barber Shop. I wish I created this logo/brand identity. It's soooo delicious. If I were a man I would definitely go to a barber shop and get my mustache trimmed and my hair pomade-d. Preferably at this barber shop. I found this great logo/identity while doing research for a new logo project I'm working on. 

I should get back to it because I've got a BBQ with Sweet later. That's right, you heard me, Sweet [See Fig. 1]. The very band that brought you "Ballroom Blitz." Jen and I met them on an airport shuttle on our way home from LAX this week. We had flown out to participate in our BFF's wedding (shout out to you Liz Logsdon - errr - Stevenson!). Not only did we meet Sweet on our travels, we also met LA DJ Skrillex [See Fig. 2]. He was so pleasant and nice and he's quite the DJ. He's worked with the likes of Deadmau5 and Lady Gaga. He started talking to us because he thought we were in a band and on our way to the same music festival as he was (greatest mistaken identity ever). Now that I think of it, Sweet also thought we were in a band. It was probably because we were wearing sunglasses at night and leather jackets. We were working on zero hours of sleep after an 11 hour flight delay, so give us a break. Having said that though, I've got to start wearing sunglasses indoors and at night more often now! Anyways, it was quite the adventure between the wedding and all the rockstar sightings. So good day to you good folks. Have a great Sunday fun day!

[ Fig. 1: Sweet back in the day.]

[Fig. 2: Skrillex]

- Amy

Listening to: Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz"

Octopusses, Anchors & Josh Kerr

[ DJ Limbs logo by Edit 17: Intelligent Design]

[ Octopus digital illustration from a sketch. © Van Ong ]

[Little Anchor Posters © Alexa Cabellon ]

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: Octopuses and Anchors

I was trolling the internet yesterday looking for tattoo inspiration with the soon-to-be-owner of some new ink. He wanted an octopus with an anchor - so classic. And not in the "really, you got that? How original" way, but in the "man that's so eternally classic and timeless" way. Big difference. Anyways I found some rad images of octopusses (octopi? Sara Wilkins, where are you when I need you for things like this?) and anchors that I threw in my inspiration folder for future use, and am posting here for your enjoyment. 

I've been insanely busy, so this will be a short post. I'll give you the nitty gritty on why I've been so busy and all the other crazy changes that are going on in my life a little later when I get time to stop and take a breath. Right now it's full speed ahead - and what a bright, bright future it is that lays ahead!

[ Josh Kerr. Photo © Carey ]

What else is inspiring me these beautiful sunny days? This surf video about Josh Kerr, The Kerrazy Kronicles. You can watch the first two parts of it here. This guy does such rad arials and flips. So does the other kid in it Asher Pacey. They just look like they're having so much fun out there. It makes me jealous that I have no balance and will never be able to do that. But I can watch this and dream. There's also a cool song in the film called "Chase Money" by Trouble Andrew. 


- Amy
Listening to: Tegan & Sara's "I Know I Know I Know"

Pondering The Effects Of Booze On Creativity, Kings of Leon Mashups, and Guest Blogging

I found these beautifully designed old beer coasters while doing some research for a current design project. Why is it that any branding/design for an alcoholic product always seems to be amazing? Is there a tie between drinking and the flowing of creative juices? Who knows. Either way I made them into a snazzy grid for your viewing pleasure.

Also inspiring me currently? This Kings of Leon x Lykke Li mashup.

Still bored? Check out my guest blog for LOCALE Magazine about the films I'm looking forward to seeing at the Newport Beach Film Festival which opens tonight. It really looks like there's going to be some gems! 350 films with the likes of Scott Caan, Penelope Spheeris, Colin Hanks, Peter Fonda, Michael C. Hall, Jeffrey Tambor and more. 

- Amy

Listening to: 2Pac's "California Love"

Rock Candy Art, Hoodzpah! Taking The Nation By Storm, & Prints Coming Soon

[ © Rock Candy ]

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY:  Rock Candy


Found this rad girl on Flickr. She favorited my constellation tattoo designs (which I am horribly behind on! Pistol or jackolope coming next!) on flickr which led me back to her photostream. How amazing are these illustrations [See more below]? I hope she makes prints soon. I'll be first in line for one. I love the repeating themes of the tattoos, moths, and crystals. Lovely. Makes me want a moth tattoo. My friend/tattoo artist Matt has moths throughout his sleeve, and as much as you'd think moths would be ugly, they can be so lovely as he and Rock Candy have proven.


Speaking of prints - Jen and I are getting some made for Hoodzpah! We've had a few requests for printed posters, and wanting to give the people what they want, we are setting up an etsy shop as we speak! I'll get the first two parts of my constellation tattoo series printed as well as the John Wayne poster for sure, and Jen will be printing a slew of the rad designs she's been coming up with recently. Check out her work here. On top of all of this we are finally getting a website for Hoodzpah! Our friend Allen who is a talented web developer will be on the job and we're excited to see what he comes up with. In the words of David Bowie "Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes." If you want prints, keep checking in - I'll be posting updates about the shop, etc. 


- Amy
Listening to: Nada Surf's "Inside of Love"

[ © Rock Candy ]

[ © Rock Candy ]

[ © Rock Candy ]

[ © Rock Candy ]

[ © Rock Candy ]

The History of Danish Tattooing, Jon Nordstrom, & My Dream of Becoming The Ultimate Cocktail Party Date

[Fig. 1: Danish Tattooing by Jon Nordstrom.]



INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: Danish Tattooing

I found this rad video on Cool Hunting. I am extremely intrigued by tattoos and especially the history of tattooing. Today it is much more socially acceptable to have tattoos. Heidi Klum has one for heaven's sake. It's almost more strange nowadays NOT to have some ink. Which is why it's so much more interesting to me to learn about the eclectic group of misfits on the fringe of society who got tats way back when. 

The guy in the video is Jon Nordstrøm, author of Danish Tattooing [see Fig. 1], which has just been added to my wish list. It's chock full of anecdotes, facts, and photos old and new chronicling the rich history of the tattooing subculture in Copenhagen. The video above is just a brief glimpse of the Danes and tattoos, so I'd really like to get the book for some new pre-pillow time reading. I'm on my third read of Sherlock Holmes, so I'd say I need some new material for my meager (it's about quality not quantity folks) library. Not only that, but it will give me just another near-useless-but-totally-interesting set of facts to throw out when conversation wains thin at the next social gathering I show my face at. I'm damned and determined to become the greatest living cocktail party date candidate through my plethora of random pop/counter culture knowledge. I don't think anyone loves a good meat and cheese platter as much as this girl.

- Amy

Listening to: Sonny and The Sunsets' "Too Young To Burn" (Finders fee to Chris Steblay.)

The Beauty of Illustration, Evgeny Parfenov, and Regina Spektor

[He even nailed the lazy eye. ©Evgeny Parfenov]

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: Evgeny Parfenov

I was talking to my friend (and now artist rep) Austin James Ranson recently about how I always used to want to illustrate for Rolling Stone or Spin Magazine. They always have the most beautiful illustrations of artists. I've always loved illustration, because unlike fine art (which can tend to be high-brow and inaccessible) illustration is an art form meant to be enjoyed by the masses. I feel like it's one of the few artforms that isn't waiting, stuck in some gallery, to be sought and found, but is rather seeking viewers itself via the marketing, advertising, news, or media utilizing it. It meets people where they're at and brings a bit of beauty into their lives. 


I like the work of this guy Evgeny Parfenov. As you may have guessed from the abundance of consonants and lack of vowels in his name, he is Russian. He's illustrated everyone from Morrissey to Thom York to NAS. Three thumbs way up. Check out his work below. Be inspired. 


- Amy
Listening to: Another Russian- Miss Regina Spektor's "Bartender"


I used to hate Regina Spektor. Mainly because the only song I had heard was "Fidelity" which still sort of drives me nuts with the bird noises she makes. But I love her now! [Sara, if you're reading this, you were right.] She, along with singers like Caleb Followill and Matt Vasquez, remind me of those monkeys at the zoo that like to hear themselves make noises. In the same way that babies do. It's wonderfully shameless! Which is my new motto for 2011: "No Shame." 

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

[©Evgeny Parfenov]

Rad Illustrations from Mapache Salado, My Current Playlist, & The Mysterious Origin of Nicknames

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY: Mapache Salado, Spanish Illustrator/Artist


Mapache Salado (which translates in Spanish as Salted Racoon) is the stage name for Spanish artist Alvaro Lope Morales Quevedo. I wonder how he got that nickname. Nicknames can be funny like that. Even with the basic uninspired nickname. Like, how do you get Bill from William or Dick from Richard? I digress. He has great line work and I love how he uses geometric shapes in his art. It's almost like Native American war paint or something. I also love the theme of diamonds throughout his work. Makes me want to break into Pink Floyd's "Shine On...". Short post. Tons of work, not enough time, and feeling pretty lousy today. Here's my playlist to get psyched for working on freelance design work!


Velvet Underground - Rock N' Roll

Elvis Costello - I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea

Social Distortion - Sometimes I Do

The Jam - Down in the Tube At Midnight

The Smiths - There is A Light That Never Goes Out

Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down

The Strokes - Someday

The Clash - Know Your Rights

Elvis Costello - This Year's Girl

The Smiths - The More you Ignore Me, The Closer I Get

The Clash - Train in Vain

Brian Jonestown Massacre - Nevertheless

Social Distortion - Don't Take Me For Granted

Richard Hawley - Tonight The Streets Are Ours

David Bowie - Let me Sleep Beside You

Amazing Baby - Headdress

The Replacements - If Only You Were Lonely

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - One Track Mind

Elvis Costello - Peace In Our Times
The Libertines - Don't Look Back Into The Sun

Cheers

- Amy

Listening to: The Jam, "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight"