You Are The Map Maker

This is one of the best books I've read all year, and I am so excited to share this with you.

'You Are The Map Maker' is a project by Bernadette Jiwa, bringing together insights from 13 of the most creative and resourceful entrepreneurs on the planet. Jessica Hische, David Airey, Mark Bloom and Chris Guillebeau are just some of the creatives who have contributed their stories and their advice.

Starting up littlemiso and working as a freelance designer is one of my happiest achievements, but the reality is that it is not easy at all - and sometimes the smallest hurdle is enough to fill you with self doubt and slowly etch away your confidence to be a 'creative'. How many times have I started a project and not gone through with it because I didn't think it would work? Or even worse - I can't even count how many times I've had an idea in my head and thought it was brilliant, but never made it into a reality because of that tiny inkling of self doubt that eats away at my confidence. (Is it really worth spending $X on it? Is it really worth all that time?)

Reading these insights from successful creatives is a reminder that every hurdle I have been through or am going through is exactly what they have experienced through their journey - and through honesty, self reflection and persistence - they have gotten through to where they are now. Sounds like common sense, but when you're in these situations - it's the best type of advice you can get…and it's DESIGN related.

Working in a creative field is always going to be different in a bank or engineering firm. This book is filled with advice from designers we look up to, have the same mindset and similar likes and dislikes.

Now enough love for the book - just GO READ IT. For FREE.

Let's do Lunch (free card)

12 o'clock, who's up for lunch?

If you've been meaning to meet up with somebody but just haven't had the chance, why not send them an invitation to lunch, instead of a 160 character text message, fb poke or let's-catch-up-soon email?

Download and print out this little lunch card I designed, send it off to your friend (or Mum) and have a long, lovely lunch :)

Download the littlemiso Let's do Lunch card here.

Shop Update

*Mini Shop Update*

Old favourites are now instore, prints and jewellery alike! Please check it out: www.littlemiso.etsy.com

Two illos

TITLE: Dark Depths

MEDIA: pencil + ink

TITLE: Failure

MEDIA: ink + gouache

Handwritten typography

Watercolour and typography combined - what more could I ask for?

Perfectly precise ink letters and intricately drawn pen letters by Sasha Prood - 'Designer, illustrator, artist and devotee of all things paper', currently working from Brooklyn, New York. 

Her portfolio shows an amazing amount of patience, dedication and talent, and has worked with clients such as J.Crew, Juicy Couture and WIRED Magazine UK. But there's definitely more to come - she's attending Type@Cooper to further develop her typographic skills. One to watch!

Lovely Lace

Beautiful, unique lace jewellery made by two sisters from Detroit who 'love handmade items and the mix of vintage materials'. They run a successful Etsy store White Owl, showcasing delicate handmade pieces that are cleverly styled and photographed. Perfect for the romantic.

Handwritten letters

I love messages behind projects - and this one applies to all of us. Craig Oldham writes, "There is always something nice about receiving a letter. Especially today when the way we communicate is governed by a text or a tweet, the ping of an email or a social network poke, leaving many to lose sight of the things that have been around for a while - like pen and paper."

So he started the Hand Written Letter Project, inviting designers and creatives to share their thoughts with a handwritten letter on their own letterhead. Milton Glasner, Wally Olins, Bob Gill, Vince Frost are just some of the 100 that have responded, and now the letters have been converted into a book and will be exhibited at KK Outlet in London.

Isn't it funny that letter writing has become so abnormal that it's treated like art now and displayed in galleries? Either way, it's great that letter writing is getting more exposure - it's definitely something I miss.

TITLE: Envelopes

MEDIA: pen, ink, watercolour
Little pouches that contain those special messages.

THIS is it

It's perfect. Loads of light, white, wood, neutrals and just the right amount of whimsy. (Stacked magazines to make a coffee table, masking tape rug...) Object collected from different places around the world bringing memories, photos/magazine clippings bringing inspiration. Look at that painted park bench in picture 3...isn't it just right?

Photographed by Philip Karlberg, styled by Nanna Lagerman for Elle Interior.

probably lost.

These same stars

This man applies his work to an amazing amount of things. I especially love this hand spun silk scarf, because from afar it seems like a nice, decorative pattern, but on closer inspection it becomes a wonderland of intricate hand-cut words, flowers, nature, patterns, meanings, stars... the longer you linger, the more you discover.

He's recently done a t-shirt for Vogue's Fashion Night Out, and has a crazy Etsy store selling ceramic tiles to packing tape (the best!) adorned with his art.

Sweet Salads

How amazing is this food styling? All the ingredients look so fresh and mouthwatering..dancing freely around the page, so pleasing to the eye! Styled by Paul Lowe from Sweet Paul, the images are from his Summer 2011 Sweet Paul Magazine. Boy I wish summer would be here already!!

Split Personality

TITLE: Split Personality

MEDIA: ink + collage + photoshop

Peggy Wolf

I'm rather enjoying the work of German illustrator Peggy Wolf. Her unique mix of collage and illustration is so surreal but beautiful and polished at the same time. See more of her work here.

The Good Side

TITLE: The Good Side

MEDIA: ink + photoshop

Inspired by a friend that will only ever take photos of the 'good side of her face' ;)