OHH DEER

As the title of this blog post suggests the words, 'oh dear' pop into my head. They may in fact pop into your head also. To be honest, oh dear may be putting it a little mildly. Replace the word 'dear' with a word that rhymes with 'duck' and you have more of a realistic idea of what phrase swirls through my brain roughly 10 times a day. But on this occasion I shall be putting my swear book down and 'oh dear' will have to suffice. But I'm actually not here to explain myself as to why I haven't blogged in three months (you may have noticed...oh dear), I am here to inform you lovely readers of an online illustration company called Ohh Deer.  

I have been aware of this company for a few years now but only recently gave into temptation and purchased a few items from the website. All sorts of quirky and unique products can be found on this website. Some cheeky, some cute and some down-right honest illustrated gifts await for you to explore. One of my favourite illustrations is of a cat (surprise surprise) with the title 'Cats don't give a f**k' attached. In turn, you can get this illustration on a mug, cushion or greeting card!   

The company itself was founded in 2011 by a guy called Jamie Mitchell and business partner Mark Callaby. The company employs 35 illustrators from all over the world and Ohh Deer just keeps on growing and growing. I have to admit some of the products are a little bit pricey, but you are helping independent illustrators and you are getting something that is a bit more different than what you might find on the high street. And who doesn't love getting stationary as gifts?! 

Also, calling all students, you can benefit from 20% off all year round at ohhdeer.com. You have no excuse now!

Now, here's hoping I don't take another extended holiday from blogging any time soon. Remember you can keep yourself updated via my Instagram page if you fancy giving it a wee peek! Just click on the link in the side bar. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone! And my wee cat Lottie (as pictured above) would just like to remind you to CALM THE HELL DOWN!

x

HitRECord

Are we recording?

You may or may not be familiar with this tagline. The photo above may just give it away a little. And if you are completely unaware of what the hell I am raving about then prepare yourself for heaps of inspiration and creativity. My plan is that after reading this blog post you will know all about the wonderful production company that is HitRECord. I first became aware of this company roughly three years ago when my good friend Debbie bought me my very first book of Tiny Stories as a gift! I have been pretty much hooked on all things HitRECord ever since! And thanks to my lovely boyfriend I have now obtained volumes two and three of Tiny Stories to add to my collection, as well as a very cute t-shirt! 

So lets get down to the logistics of HitRECord. The production company was set up by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother over four years ago. I, myself, have been a, lets say, "pretty big fan" (to put it mildly) of Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since the movie, 500 Days of Summer. So when I first heard of his company I knew I had to check it out. This open collaborative production company is definitely a cut above the rest. Artists of all kinds from all over the world are asked to contribute their work to HitRECord. You don't have to be a famous animator or musician to contribute. You can simply be scribbling away or writing a mini-novel in your bedroom and decide to share your work or set up your very own collaboration. You can find out more in-depth information about HitRECord by clicking on this link http://www.hitrecord.org/ or you can watch a video of Mr Levitt describing the premise of his company at the very end of this post!

The Tiny Stories collection is definitely my favourite concept to be released by HitRECord. I love an illustration book and these books are packed with beautiful and meaningful doodles and whimsical artwork. To be honest sometimes I relate more to a drawing than words on a piece of paper. The books are almost keepsakes to me and something I would pass down through the generations. They are also a very special gift to anyone who is appreciative of illustration. Below I have included a few of my favourite pieces of artistry that are included in the tiny books. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Now all you have to do this weekend is doodle until your heart is content! 

Robot Love

Dandering down the high street it's difficult not to notice the shop windows awash with copious amounts of the synonymous red and pink decor. This only means one thing in retail. Pink and red are the new key colours this season OR, most likely, the big V-day is approaching. 
So yes, Valentine's day is imminent (one week left everyone!) and some of you may be wondering, "What the hell do I get my very handsome or beautiful partner/ gorgeous friend/ cute pet?" 

 Are you fed up with the same soppy, sickly, heart-fuelled greetings card that dominates the card isles in the shops? I know bloody well I am. Well guess what? I have the answer! And it comes in the form of some very cute and charming robots! Yes, you heard me correctly, ROBOTS! And the genius behind these rollicking robots is the very talented and clever Debbie Montgomery.

Debbie set up 'Debmon Design' 5 months ago and lets just say her online business has taken flight! Everybody wants to add one of Debbie's whimsy robots to their lives. 

Personally, I know Debbie from our university days. We hit it off pretty much instantly when we began our foundation year in art and design together. Debbie is a fantastic painter and we first encountered each other in a painting module, bonding over mostly very silly things! One painting in particular brought a lot of entertainment to both of us, without meaning to. But it would be too rude to disclose that information here. Sorry!

Below are a collection of Debbie's Valentine's greeting cards! Each card is originally hand-drawn and professionally printed onto high quality paper. Not to mention you are receiving a very quirky and unique robot print. Additionally if you fancy something a bit more exclusive Debbie provides a custom-made service where you can contact her via her Etsy store and she will rustle up a print that is personal to you! How brilliant is that? 

I love you too Mr Robot!

Yes, even robots have hearts!

Cloud 9, where you will find a robot friend!

Debmon Design caters for all needs, not just Valentine's day. You will find robots watching movies, giraffe robots, baby robots and even elephant robots. Oh yeah!

Also, Debbie has very kindly provided me with a coupon code for you all to use in her Etsy shop! Simply head on over to Debmon Design (click the 'Dd' thumbnail below) and type lifenistyle20 when prompted to do so to receive 20% off any of her custom couple or custom family portraits! Now what are you waiting for?! If that's not a perfect incentive to buy a very unique and personal gift for your loved one this Valentine's day, I don't know what is! 

Also if that's not got you excited for Valentine's Day, and if not, then what's wrong with you?! Debbie is running a competition on her Facebook page giving you the opportunity to win your very own custom couple portrait. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is 'Like' Debmon Design's Facebook page and share the post. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on February 9th! Simply click on the image below and it will whisk you straight to the Debmon Design Facebook page. You haven't got much time robot enthusiasts! Get liking and sharing!

Happy Valentine's Day Robot Lovers!