View from the Zoo

Adzif has just introduced their new line of writable wall applications. Made of vinyl with a rugged surface, you can write temporary messages on them with ordinary chalk. Above and below are four of a dozen animal designs that I have created for Adzif. The photo of my studio is from a shoot that was used to illustrate an article on back-to-school supplies and study spaces for kids. It seems the space could easily be transformed into a children’s playground though the kids better not touch my Mao Dunny or my Tintin rocket (on the shelves in the background) or any other of my toys.

Before I head out fishing for lake trout today I want to present this great little letterpress outfit called Eggpress. Started up in 1999 by designer Tess Darrow, they produce greeting cards, invitations, t-shirts, and other delightful items like these Stitch Kits shown above. The animal graphics were originally designed by Tess. Clauss the raccoon, in bright red, has a great face and I, obviously, enjoy the fish pattern on the back. Magnus the monkey is a lot of fun. I think the way the arms and legs are positioned add to the charm of the design. He looks like he’s dancing, climbing or maybe caught in the act…

With a name like this how could I resist? Hotel Fox is in Copenhagen, Denmark and has 61 rooms, each one decorated by one of 21 artists in styles ranging from street art to Manga to fairytales.  Here is one room that I like a lot for obvious reasons (animal-themed) and also it brings back memories of camping out in the backyard. A wonderful inspiration for a playroom. Room 121, Sleep Seasons, design by Rinzen, the Australian collective. See all the rooms on Hotel Fox’s website. Judging from the mixed reviews on tripadvisor, it sounds like a great place to visit but not sleep.