Arlenetime

EAT PRAY LOVE

I am so so so excited for EAT PRAY LOVE to come out in theaters on August 13. It is an incredibly inspiring book which I am reading now for the second time before watching the movie.

The book cover design is so beautiful. It was created by  Helen Yentus and the photographs taken by John Saponara.  I love how she used objects directly relating to each country she visits throughout her journey to create the type for the book title. It’s simple and bold which seems to be her style. 

This lovely illustration of a chick with a fish strapped to it’s back is what greets you upon entering her website which is great. 

These are two other book designs of hers that caught my eye. 

I’m going to geek out for a second here but I love books.  

Go watch it. 

Summer in the City: 7.9.10

I’m finally living in New York City. The area I’m staying in is called Sutton Place in East Midtown. It is an attractive, clean, and safe place to live and some of it’s busy avenues  have some interesting flavors of contemporary city life. I moved into an apartment in an old & beautiful prewar building. Upon walking into the apartment the first thing I noticed was the beautiful black and white checkered floors. It was love at first sight. Elly, my room mate and I share the apartment with a sweet & lively New Yorker and her dog Valentine. 

There is a great little french restaurant/pastry shop right across the street which has quickly become my new favorite breakfast spot. Their Croque Monsieur is to die for. I must admit at first I was lured by their design and signage. Luckily the food lived up to my expectations and now I am totally hooked. 

My internship at MTV is right in Times Square. The entire Viacom building has such vibrant energy. 

It’s an incredibly diverse environment and it’s interesting how although everyone gets to dress in casual attire, they still maintain a very professional environment. All the floors are filled with fun design and bright colors as well as cool art on the walls. 

Forever 21 has just so happened to open a new store across the street from work just in time. It is four floors of pure senseless consumerism and I just cant get enough. 

I love walking to work. I get to soak up some vitamin D and get some exercise to start my day. People watching is always fun and I always see something new along the way. This city is pulsating with energy and it makes me feel awake and energized (especially after my morning double shot expresso). 

From going out in the city over the passed couple of weeks I have noticed not too many women wear bold lip colors or much makeup at all actually. It might be the heat wave which even makes me want to go bare. So I have been. Bare with a bold lip. I’ve been sporting magenta. I feel like it’s such a great color for the summer. 

I’ll be updating soon on all the cool nightlife I’ve had a chance to experience so far so stay tuned. Until next time, stay cool. 

Love, energy & imagination, 

Arlene  

This summer my friend Elly  and I are going to be interning in New York at MTV Networks in Times Square. Needless to say we are extremely excited. It will be nice to have a break from school and get some real world experience. 

I’m going to be working with Juan Carlos Pagan a very talented Art Director. I really admire his work. Especially his work with Zombie Dolls identity and packaging as well as his Naked Type poster series. 

Last fall I was chosen for a 10 student design tour of New York City and we had a chance to visit Green Team, Publicis, TBWA/Chiat Day, MTV, Push Pin, and more. It was an amazing experience and it’s what pushed me to apply for my internship in NY.    

Check out these amazing photos of the city and more on the flickr of Jens Karlsson. Jens is a Swedish photographer, designer, and creative director. He is the co-founder of the incredible creative agency Your Majesty. I am hoping to have a chance to visit Your Majesty during my stay. 

“Technique undoubtedly helps make photography magical, but I prefer to work with atmosphere. I think that the obsession with technique is a male thing. Boy’s toys. They love playing… but once you’ve perfected something you have to start searching for a new toy. I would rather search for a new model or location.”

Ellen Von Unwerth 

Photographer, director, bad b*tch.