Idea Painter - Nikki Farquarson

Randomgotbeautiful.com by Nikki Farquarson



In our world of vintage-this and vintage that, I am always impressed with what elevates from the sameness. A recent post on the site THECOOLHUNTER.COM featured the illustrations of Nikki Farquarson, but she is much more than a mere illustrator with and undeniably fresh look - she is what I call a idea painter - visualizing new expressions out of most any material, regardless of any rules or limitations. I especially like her work on the site RANDOMGOTBEAUTIFUL.COM and her type which is hand executed.



Reminiscent of textbook cover doodles, Nikki's illustration demonstrates a rare gift today - a distinctive and authentic style that although influenced from the past, delivers newness. Call it collage, retro doodles or craft, I believe her work is nothing but pure genius because it takes me to an entirely new place, visually.

The technocolor world of Steven Wilson

"What Happened to the Future? 2008 © Steven Wilson

UK artist/illustrator/designer Steven Wilson has somehow managed to keep off of my radar, but just like many of the planets hottest creatives, he has already designed for global clients like Coke and Nike. His unique imagery takes the omnipresent vector and ornament look to a new level. I even must say that some of his earlier work ( the outline imagery below from 2005) is even more fresh feeling. The perfect example of creativity today as mash art. 80's, 90's, photography, RGB images, gradations, ornament, and a hefty dose of style make Steven's work incredibly new feeling. It's work like this that makes me want to design again. Invigorate yourself with the following from his portfolio.

Cross Influencing - Creatives share to achieve new expressions.

As one who is frequently called upon to craft exciting experiences at corporate events, I was so pleasantly surprised to run across one of the kings of event design's new blog, New York's David Stark. As someone who continually is hungry for creative experiences that deliver high impact, David's work also is documented on his blog in a most unique and refreshing way - with the influence that inspired his project.

How rare it is, to see both the result and the original idea, in fact, David also shows the process, the presentation boards he has created to sell the idea to the non-visual, the client. Believe me, often brilliant ideas slink away once presented to the 'committee' for whatever even one is planning. Hooray for David, and look at the results!
The Party in the Garden at MOMA was inspired by David Starks passion for Marimekko and Liro A Ahoka's pattern, below. Digital meets green, with a retro splash.

Iiro A. Ahokas designed pattern for Marimekko. Iiro himself is an interesting talent in his own right, with a degree in glass and ceramics and as a designer for Marimekko, he also is an artist and a designer, certainly one with a bright future.
A pattern by designer Iiro A. Ahokas for Marimekko
Iiro A. Ahokas, designer

David's design for the America's Society Gala last month in New York City, is an excellent example of how he shares his influence. How many times are we challenged by trying to communicate a cliche? Image such themes as globalism, or being global, or "reaching for the stars". How innovative can we be? But look at what Davids team created with postcards from all over the world.

It is always about light, color and atmosphere first, I say. THen, the big thing....whatever it is ( the big weenie in my Disney days- a castle, a spinning globe, a giant tree- whatever, as long as it is huge, dynamic and makes people go WOW)/ Here, it manifests itself as giant of giant chandeliers, made out of postcards from all over the world. Talk about being global without showing a spinning globe, and it is beautiful, stunning and goosebump material. I want to go to the event.


David was inspired by the recent windows at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City where the window displays were constructed with thousands of Post-it notes, to create a pixelated picture. (I'm sure a bit of artist Chuck Close was added too!).