Blog – Page 33 – Holly Whittlef

November 17, 2014 — Comments are off for this post.

WISCONSIN CHEESE, PLEASE

I totally lucked out in college. During my junior year, I scored a PR internship with Wisconsin Cheese. I don't know why, but I remember having a good feeling going into the interview that day. Maybe it's because that fateful interview happened on my 21st birthday, or because I was wearing my lucky navy blue wide-leg trousers ( seriously, way more flattering than skinny jeans will ever be ). Whatever it was, I am grateful, because now—almost 10 years later—my Wisconsin Cheese-loving heart still beats as fervently as ever.

Anyways...they've kept me around freelancing all these years, and last month, I developed a few cheese board combinations for the month of November. Because I mean, duh—Thanksgiving is almost here, and how am I going to eat myself to the point of self-loathing if I don't shove my face with a cheese board before and after the big meal?! Aged cheddar, you own me.

If you're into it, these cheese boards are for you. Most self-loathing happens post-turkey, and cheese is totally worth hating yourself for. For my combinations + tips on putting together the perfect cheese board, visit Eat Wisconsin Cheese. You won't regret it.

Published by alphablossom in food, Photography, writing

November 11, 2014 — Comments are off for this post.

GETTING INSPIRED / 02

There is perhaps, no work I'm inspired by more right now than artist + illustrator Oliver Jeffers.

You'll know his work when you see it. It's whimsical and fresh. Funny and quirky. And his type! Oh man, his hand-lettering is perhaps my favorite thing about his work. Oliver is more widely known for his children's books, which—no big deal—have been New York Times bestsellers, but his paintings, hand-lettering and various other side projects are just as lovely.

Working in mixed media, he's known for combining gouache, watercolor, ink, pencil, acrylic and endless other mediums into his pin-legged picture book characters. It all makes me want to get out my art supplies, and have some fun. To me, that's the best indicator of inspirational work.

Belfast born but Brooklyn dwelling, Oliver just released his latest book, Once Upon An Alphabet, and it's a beauty. His latest appearance on NPR is a must listen. He reads excerpts from the book in his soft Irish accent, so yeah...you're going to need to check that out.

And then get the book here. I'll be buying one of each of his books for my nephew, who'll make his grand entrance into the world this spring. That kid needs Oliver Jeffers in his life, me thinks.

[ photos courtesy of Oliver Jeffers ]

Published by Holly Whittlef in getting inspired

November 2, 2014 — Comments are off for this post.

WORK / A NUTRITIONIST EATS

Please let it be known I have the best clients. And that most certainly includes my lovely friend Emily, the writer, photographer + recipe developer behind the blog A Nutritionist Eats.

Earlier this year, I was so excited when Emily came to me looking for a branding refresh. Not only does the girl whip up a mean brats, sauerkraut + potatoes ( she's from Wisconsin, after all ), but she also has killer style. Together, we decided on a hand-lettered logo that's classic but has a bit of fun California girl thrown in ( see initial moodboard below ). We kept a neutral color scheme with a pop of peach, and I gouache-painted a breezy logo that has just enough quirk.

Take a look at her blog to see it live! And while you're there, the Lentils with Curried Tarka are delicious and the very first recipe of hers I ever made. She's a good one, that Emily.

Published by alphablossom in Design, hand-lettering