Nature and art unite on this Scout Book by Theresa Joyce.
Scout Books, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, Blank interiors, Pantone soy-based inks.

Theresa Joyce is an artist and garden designer based in Sonoma, California. She created these charming Scout Books for her art and horticulture practice Twig Art and Garden. They feature a lovely owl illustration that reveals a handmade quality.

Straightforward, simple, and awesome.
Business cards, 2/0, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, Pantone soy-based inks.

Robby Hottois Construction created these straightforward business cards recently, and we’re big fans. There’s something so pleasing about chipboard and bold typography, don’t you think?

“Make Things Better.”
Scout Books, 1/0, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, Grid interior, Pantone soy-based inks

Douglas Shepherd is a Portland-based contractor specializing in residential remodels. His company, Maple Seed Renovation, created these lovely Scout Books that say, “Make Things Better.” We think that’s a pretty good idea.

Amy Ruppel in her studio!

Amy Ruppel is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer who makes beautiful, beautiful work. We can’t decide which we like more: her delicate, miniature beeswax collages or her bold graphics that grace everything from snowboards to Converse shoes. Really, we adore it all! We are pleased to release the latest edition of our Designer Card series featuring a new illustration by Amy! Pairs of state animals parade in symmetrical fashion across a 100% Recycled cover stock in a muted natural color. Amy took a moment to share her thoughts on creative practice and what’s taking shape in Portland’s art scene.

Designer Card #15 from Amy Ruppel!

What is your earliest memory of making art?

I used to drag my pencils and paper into the woods (Wisconsin) in a ramshackle fort I made and draw there…I was maybe 4 or 5? I forget. Was so long ago ;)

Do you prefer to think of yourself as a painter, illustrator, designer, artist, or all of the above? How do the different activities overlap in your practice?

All of the above. A “Jill of all trades,” so to speak! I enjoy doing them all, and I like combining them when I can.

Awesome little winged vinyl toy from Kid Robot.

When did you know that you had managed to create a livelihood from your creative output? Was it a gradual process? Sudden realization?

It was a bit of a process…I did work in the side during my 9 to 5 job, and then just decided I had to quit and desperation to pay my rent and bills would make me get my butt in gear. So, I had to figure it all out quickly just to stay afloat.

Deer, the Pennsylvania State Animal. Part of the State Animal series.

You are so amazingly prolific Amy! How do you tackle it all?

I really don’t know ;) I don’t sleep much. I love what I do, and it never feels like a chore, so…Being happy makes it all seem so easy. I never say “I wish I had more time to do –– .” There is always time.

Oregon Print by Amy Ruppel, available in her shop!

You work a great deal with themes from nature (Birds, of course! But insects as well, and trees, and many other natural forms). You are also a self-described science TV nut. Can you tell us a bit about your love-affair with nature and science?

I think growing up in the woods, surrounded by animals and wildlife, and near the Mammoth Ice Age Center, and always finding fossils on our land really sparked an early interest. Plus, when I was little I wanted to work with Jacques Cousteau on the Calypso. I even have a letter from him, when I wrote and asked what college I should go to so I could work there (5th grade). I actually went to college for Marine Biology, but ended up in the art program. Decided to stick to what I knew best when the math got hard!

Amy Ruppel Converse shoes for the 2008 Fall series.

Your monthly online art sales are such a brilliant idea. When did you first decide to do this? Is it challenging to juggle a “brick and mortar” presence with gallery shows, along with your online endeavors?

That harkens back to the desperation stage from question #3. I had to find some way to make money, so I thought why not post what I have and send it to all my friends? That was the start of that…been doing it ever since. That was 2000! Wow, time flies. And I’m still having the sales. So grateful they are doing well after all this time.

Super fun illustrations for EcoMotion, a Portland-based electric car company. (Do I spy Mount Hood?)

Name your top three inspirations so far in 2010?

I’ve gotten back into reading poetry by Billy Collins (brilliant, charming and funny), and have been writing again myself. That helps create visuals of a different nature for me to be inspired from. I am wanting to paint more realistically with acrylics again, so I am loving perusing the work of Josh Keyes (http://www.joshkeyes.net/paintings.htm). And the rest…it’s something new every day via the art and design blogs. Where would we be without the internet?

Card and stationery designs for Vigo

Favorite tools for focus? Favorite tools for distracting?

Favorite tools are my iMac, Adobe Illustrator and my scissors. My wireless headphones are a nice tool for distracting me when a rockin’ song comes on KEXP ;)

A self-portrait!

You are a very active participant in the creative community in Portland. Do you think there is something special brewing right now in Portland (ha ha, besides all the good beer and coffee)?

Oh, and I do my share of imbibing of said beer & coffee! ;) But I am loving the shows coming together at Together Gallery. Such talent there. This town is so creative. There’s something new popping up every week, artists moving here every week…If you close your eyes, you’ll miss it! So it’s best to just get out there and see all you can, when you can.

All images ©2010 Amy Ruppel Illustration

A lovely purple brochure for SE Portland’s community grocery store.
Self-cover booklet, 12 pages, Environment PC100 80# Text White, Pantone soy-based inks, Saddle Stitched binding

People’s Food Co-op created this handy brochure to celebrate local businesses that offer co-op members exclusive benefits. This lovely purple item was designed by Deanna Michaelson.

Shop local!

Metallic gold on chipboard, in a perfect square.
Custom packaging solution, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, 3.375″ x 3.375″, Pantone metallic gold ink, Pantone soy-based black ink

Leslie Yang is Feisty Elle, a one-woman creative accessories shop based in San Francisco. We printed these custom cards for her to use in packaging her jewelry. Check out her gorgeous handiwork over in her shop!

“Make Your Own” can mean so many things!

We just released DIY Scout Books into the Scout Books shop! Are you a printmaker? A pen-and-ink enthusiast? An embroidery expert? Why not take your craft and apply it to an eco-magnificent pocket notebook? Or maybe you’re an Etsy crafter who already customizes pocket notebooks. Perhaps you’ve been creating homemade pocket notebooks as Christmas gifts for years.

Well, the Scout Book is here for you. DIY Scout Books boast blank interior pages and a blank chipboard exterior. They can be found in handy three-packs over in the Scout Books shop. Find more images here on our flickr!

What will you make?

A selection of NYC skylines in blue.
Scout Books, 4 styles, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, Pantone soy-based inks.

Andy Pratt create these gorgeous illustrated Scout Books featuring four different views of New York City skylines, and I’m hooked. Two each of Manhattan and Brooklyn show the varied urban landscape in line-drawing perfection. You can find these books for sale in his shop on Supermarket! More photos after the jump.

Gorgeous gold and black pattern graces two new print pieces from Portland-based Ada Mayer.
Business cards, Environment 100# Cover PC100 White, 2/1, Pantone soy-based black and Pantone metallic gold.
Hang tags, Environment 100# Cover PC100 White, 2/1, Pantone soy-based black and Pantone metallic gold.

Dear Ada Mayer,

Great work! These business cards and hang tags are absolutely beautiful. Not to mention Future Primitive, the 2010 collection for your jewelry and accessory line, Immortal. Stunning! We can’t get enough of it.

Sincerely yours,

Pinball Publishing

Kym O’Neill’s new card is blue-jean perfect!
Business card, Chipboard 20pt. Kraft, 1/1, Pantone soy-based inks, 1/4″ Rounded Corners

Kym O’Neill is a NYC massage therapist, and designer Scott Devendorf created a beautiful and simple card for her. Chipboard and classic blue-jeans-blue make a terrific combination.

And look! It’s my favorite wash of denim!