Chutes Too Narrow

Okay, I just can’t get over how cool the Shins are. Check out the artwork on their album, Chutes Too Narrow:

Not only are the illustrations great, but it cleverly unfolds in all sorts of fun shapes! Artwork done by Jesse LeDoux, who’s also worked with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Elliott Smith, and Modest Mouse. Easily a new favorite of mine.

Sketches for your shoes

While editing my Zappos catalog, I came across these awesome Asics shoes:

It looks like they were sketched on graph paper! Hands down, coolest shoes I’ve seen yet. The bad news? I wasn’t able to find anywhere to buy them. Sad.

Nikki McClure

This is something I picked up a few years ago, an image I absolutely love. But I’d forgotten how much I like the artist: Nikki McClure. Her artwork depicts scenes of everyday activities and emphasizes the importance of simple things. Using paper cut-outs. They’re fantastic. I love the illustration style and amount of detail, all from a single sheet of paper. 

Her process starts with a black piece of paper, she then cuts away with an X-acto knife until everything is connected and lacelike. What remains is an intricate paper-cut, just black and white, then color and text are added later. Her words are letter-pressed or cut out by hand as well. I can’t imagine the patience that must take.

She makes her own posters, books, cards, t-shirts and a beloved yearly calendar as well as covers for countless records and books. Much of her work is influenced by the northwest, specifically her home in Olympia, WA where she talks to crows and lonely honeybees. You can buy her work here.

These are other samples of her artwork, click the image below to see more.