What I'm Working On

Originally uploaded by barrettportfolio

Taking a first pass at an e-commerce website redesign. Needs work but I am pleased with the direction it is going.

Christmas Memories

This song is one of my Christmas favorites. Makes me feel like I'm a kid all over again.

What I'm Working On...

Here's a homepage design direction I created yesterday for a youth-targeted micro site.

Back In The Saddle

Well, for the two people in Scandinavia who never gave up hope that I would blog again your patience is going to be rewarded today. I'm dusting off my blogging shoes (yes, the ones made by blogging shoe elves no less) and I'm going to be making updates to my blog again and generally filling the blogosphere with the yummy design goodness it's been missing. Aren't you glad? Of course you are.

I wasn't feeling very inspired this past year. Let's just say I took an occupational detour that did not lend itself to creativity. But I'm designing again and feeling very good about it. So to get things started I'm posting some links to make your design day a little brighter, whiter, and smilier.

Linkage to make you smiley:

Hand Drawn Font
Are you envious of all of those handwritten elements popping up all over the place? Create your own handrawn font. This tutorial will walk you through the process.
http://www.bittbox.com/fonts/how-to-make-a-hand-drawn-font

Image Capture & Sharing
This is the best screen capture software in the universe. Lots of cool features make taking captures and organizing them a breeze. You can also share your images online.
http://skitch.com

Vintage Ads
If you love vintage ads the way I love vintage ads then you have to give this page a visit.
http://wellmedicated.com/inspiration/50-inspiring-vintage-advertisements

Argyle Pattern Swatches For Illustrator
Why? Because Argyle is the new black.
http://colorburned.com/2008/10/50-astonishing-argyle-pattern-swat.html

Free Seamless Background Patterns
You know what they say. You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many seamless background patterns. Am I right?
http://patterns.ava7.com

Well, that's enough for today. Enjoy!

Dear Joaquin Phoenix, WTF?

One of my favorite, favorite, favoritest actors in the entire world is apparently wandering around like a weirdo and announcing his retirement from acting. I don't get it. I wish someone would help the poor guy. He's obviously in trouble. I've always been a Joaquin Phoenix fan. I loved Joaquin in Gladiator. I loved him back in the day when he was starring in To Die For with Nicole Kidman. But most of all I loved him in Quills. I've seen almost all of his movies including Space Camp. I even have an old GQ in my house somewhere with Joaquin on the cover. This makes me really sad. And a little pissed. Why can't some crappy actor I don't like retire instead? There are plenty of those.

Well I hope he gets his act together because Joaquin Phoenix is a fine actor and I don't want to wake up some day and see some crappy segment on E-TV about how he overdosed or something stupid like that.



A overly sappy youtube video featuring the goodbye knuckles. One word. Bizarro.



So long Joaquin. Happy Trails to you...

One of the best movie scenes...ever.

Spock Sings "Put A Little Love In Your Heart"

I used to watch old Star Trek reruns after school when I was in the fourth grade. Ever since then I've loved Mr. Spock. So I was tickled beyond words to come across this funny gem which features my favorite green-blooded, half-breed, pointy-eared sweetie crooning his heart out to a slideshow of his album art. Enjoy.

Design Samples

Well, I just got the bad news that Zoto will be closing its doors in about a month. It's a real shame but the money just isn't there to support a full time staff. We were really close to exiting a few months ago but the stars did not align properly (stupid stars). So now it's time to hang up our hats. It's been a great experience and I've learned so much during my 2+ years working at Zoto as their designer. It's a little heartbreaking but hopefully another door will open now that this one is closing. And if, behind that open door, is a room full of money OR a nice new job then I will be a happy camper. I need need a new gig ASAP. I guess it's a good thing I've been working on my new site which I will try to have up and running this weekend at www.colorspretty.com.

My contact info:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/karabarrett
email me at kara[at]colorspretty.com

In the meantime, here a some interface design samples from my portfolio.

Daily Color Inspiration: Buffy The Vampire Slayer

My Buffy The Vampire Slayer inspired palette is comprised of custom colors I created that have Buffy-related names (including Joss Whedon Beige). I think this palette really captures the vibrant, campy nature of my beloved show. Use these colors in your next project and then you can brag to all of your equally geeky BTVS friends about it! Enjoy!



Buffy Colors