As a huge tennis fan I couldn't pass up the opportunity to create a submission for Wimbledon's poster call 2016. I have no idea how the entries will be valued, if the 'likes' will be a factor or not (check out my entry here, I believe you do need a talenthouse account to 'like' however)... Regardless, I am super-pleased with the outcome. It's hanging on my office wall and that's a win-win already, #designerperks I suppose. 
 
I worked up a few other concepts before choosing this direction but was late to the party, only seeing the call on their FB page late last week. So with finals, grading and a bunch of other things to accomplish, I am glad that I completed and submitted at least one design for the heck of it. (I hope to do a blog post at some point about thumbnailing and idea generation process, crowdsourcing, and design tips, stay tuned.)
 
A note on the maze: it's functioning, not decorative. I specifically designed it so it would be a viewer experience, carefully crafting only one path to 'greatness'. However, in my haste to submit I posted one earlier version to the talenthouse page with one blocked path; below is the correct version. The call states that the winner(s) could slightly modify the final submission if chosen, and obviously that would be my one tiny edit  of course it is a worldwide call, so there's a good chance the only place you'll see it is here. 

Overall, I believe the design would make a memorable poster keepsake for Wimbledon. Its modern, elevated aesthetic embodies exactly what this iconic tournament is, plus it's highly conceptual, what better way to graphically interpret 'pursuing greatness' by with the maze  experience. Not to mention a possible boost in sales, purchase multiples, one to keep and one to complete. I also have many additional ideas on other iconic tournament elements that could be maze-ivied, an entire series of poster and marketing elements to brand using this design. I'm excited about the possibility and remain cautiously optimistic. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but a woman can dream, right?... I don't envy those who must decide. Even if you don't have a Talenthouse account to 'like', make sure you click on the call link to view the entries from around the globe - some really awesome stuff! 
 
Game, set, match - enjoy!

-CG

 

(c) Christina Galbiati, 2016.  All rights reserved. 
 

I am a.graphic designer by trade, but my love for fine art and working with traditional media has never escaped me... "Vita Notturna" is an expressionistic, cubist iteration of a cityscape; whimsical and vibrant--an interpretation of sounds, emotions, movement in an urban setting. Enjoy!
​-CG

(c) Christina Galbiati, 2016.  All rights reserved. 
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Working diligently on new art. To date, 50+ designs, words and abstract expressive images, complete. More to come. Big plans ahead. You'll have to wait and see. #2016 

Much love.
-CG 

While I love creating professional graphic design work, my innate aesthetic is abstract, expressive art...

Even though I've crafted a body of collage artwork, and am still doing so, over the last several weeks I've returned to one of my first loves, expressive line work.

​i'm very much inspired by modern art, specifically cubism, futurism and dada. The emotion, unintended meaning that eminates from fluid strokes is exciting. I feel so much energy as I blindly, expressively, continuously draw with my stylus. Its's freeing to me. 

Below is a small preview of the many I've created thus far.

Creatively,

-CG

#inktober #type #expressive #abstract #dada #cubism 
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Follow me on Instagram @tgalbiati

For more info visit www.lv.psu.edu/gallery

Robin Williams brought us joy and laughter as a comedian and actor. 

Those who personally knew or worked with him are expressing how special he made them feel.

It's a shame he didn't have the ability to realize how special he was to all of us.

One thing is certain, no one knows what occurs in the heart and mind of someone battling their own personal demons.

RIP Robin Williams.

Your journey on earth may have ended, but your spirit and energy will continue to live on.

- CG

(note: as a designer, it's my natural instinct  to visually communicate thoughts and feelings. As a fan of his work, creating this image was therapeutic as I believe many are experiencing similar emotions, tears of sadness for this amazing star. )

Image © Christina Galbiati, 2014.

Penn State Lehigh Valley presents the work of campus students who studied studio art during 2013 and 2014 in its Student Art Exhibition, which runs from July 7-Aug. 15. The annual exhibition highlighting excellent student work takes on new meaning this year as the campus recognizes one of art education’s talented artists and ardent supporters, Ronald K. De Long.

During the reception, to be held from 5-7 p.m. on July 23, the public is invited to celebrate the students; the generosity of instructor, advocate, artist, and now benefactor, Ron De Long; and the establishment of the Charles R. McAnall III Scholarship. The dedication ceremony and unveiling of the new gallery name begins at 6 p.m. 

The exhibition features pieces created in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Metalwork, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Film and TV Broadcasting courses under the instruction of Chris Bonner, Katina Bozikis, Greta Brubaker, Ron De Long, Liz Keptner, Christina Galbiati and Ann Lalik.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 610-285-5000 or contact Ann Lalik at [email protected]. www.lv.psu.edu.

It was 1995, graphic design was in the thralls of experimentation, much thanks to the advancement of computer technology and the evolution of the Macintosh computer. With a "no holds barred" attitude, using unconventional fonts and breaking the "rules" of grid design, designers were embracing the Ray Gun / Emigré-esque design attitude, creating expressive work that embodied the 1990s postmodern era of design.

Design historians credit David Carson with bringing this unconventional age of editorial experimentation to the masses with the design of Ray Gun magazine, but another publication was breaking ground as well. Wahine, founded in 1995 by Elizabeth A. Glazner, was a wonderfully designed magazine that accompanied this experimental time period.

I do not quite remember how I came to know about Wahine (since the web was in its primary phase), but I did. And I became obsessed. Yes, I was not (am not) a surfer, but it did not matter. I purchased a subscription purely based on my love for this esoteric design period. After all, it was the '90s, I was a recent design graduate just learning and trying to emulate everything that was "in vogue" about this era. (I even wrote an email to the Art Director in 1995, Shari Fournier, telling her how much I was in awe of what she created. Much to my surprise I received a personal reply, which was so inspiring—as a young designer, I was so thankful she took the time out to answer my email.)

The inaugural issue (far right in the first pic) is apparently somewhat collectable.Regardless, I don't think I'll ever sell my collection as they are a wonderful keepsake to commemorate this amazing era of design. 

Below are layout pictures of the first issue of Wahine. I wanted to share with everyone because this magazine has not received, in my opinion, the appropriate recognition it should have.

Enjoy!

-CG