August 9, 2004

A New Look!

Inspired by a 1940s postcard I found at a flea market in June, I decided to remake my blog with elements of mid-century Los Angeles as well as the orchards that dotted the landscape when I was just a boy.

The inspiration for this site.

Echo Park, Los Angeles: the 1940s postcard
that was the inspiration for this redesign.

While the original postcard was the genesis for the new header, it needed to be reversed and then extended to complete the landscape. I photoshoped the left side, adding the rest of the palm tree, the sunset and the sky. And I drew the entire right side, fading to night with a bit of Hollywood klieg light glamour.

Many of the other visual elements came from real fruit crate labels I began to collect. I studied the type treatments of these labels and began to look for a font that, while reminiscent of the type used during that period, had a contemporary flair. The type I chose is called Fox and distributed by T26 type foundry.

I will be tweaking the design here and there over the next few weeks. I’ve still got a few ideas I am testing out. But for now, I am happy to get it up. As always I will continue to bring you “farm fresh” writing at just a fraction of the cost! Enjoy the new site.


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Comments

Beautiful design.

Posted by: Beerzie Yoink on August 9, 2004 5:50 PM

Looks great, Jeff!! Very fresh :o) I love the hand with the peeled orange.

Posted by: Kate Morton on August 9, 2004 10:19 PM

I love the design. Brilliant use of color!

Posted by: Keith on August 10, 2004 12:13 AM

I’ve been waiting for someone to do something with the old citrus designs from yesteryear. Excellent!

Posted by: Greg on August 10, 2004 12:53 AM

What a beautiful thing this is. A sight for sore eyes…

Posted by: Mel on August 10, 2004 1:15 AM

Holy vivid oranges, this is great!

Posted by: Adam Khan on August 10, 2004 5:39 AM

Very nice. And so rich in Vitamin C!

Posted by: steve on August 10, 2004 1:34 PM

Very nice - like it!

Posted by: Euan on August 11, 2004 5:23 AM

Simply wonderful.

Posted by: vanderwal on August 12, 2004 10:49 PM

Forgot to mention, I love the new look! Job well done! :)

Posted by: Chris on August 14, 2004 2:04 PM

Love the new look, Jeff.

Posted by: Dona on September 10, 2004 10:55 AM

Comments are now closed for this post. But there are a few other entries which might provoke an opinion or two.