Watchman's Note

This is a journey to the best designs in the world of Zazzle.com. Handpicked and presented (along with my own artwork) by yours truly, the driving force behind Surreality designs. We'll discover great artists and special products -mostly with a taste for the eccentric. But let us not confine ourselves in specific genres: the possibilities are endless and so is the great art one can find at Zazzle.
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts

2/02/2011

All deck, no color

Stan skateboard
Stan by RAWdesigns
create skateboard decks at zazzle.com

I recently found these wonderful skateboard decks and I couldn't wait to write about them! They are almost monochromatic (apart from a slight yellow tint on Stan and a blue one on Angel). Both are true works of art: odd, dark, gritty, moody and so well-balanced in their design that they grasp your attention at first sight.

The first one is from RAW Designs (RAW standing for Ryan Anthony Wolper, a new designer from Maryland) and the one below is from 3131 Theory (aka B. Hayden Arban and Patrice Vandehey, Texan artists and designers). Their stores offer real treasures and they certainly deserve your attention!
Angel skateboard 
Angel by 3131theory
Buy skateboard decks at zazzle.com

I should note that all decks on Zazzle.com can also be ordered complete, with Independent Trucks, Ricta Naturals wheels, Bullet bearings, grip tape, and mounting hardware.

1/21/2011

Saving people, one molecule at a time


I wouldn't expect to find a t-shirt that mixes religion and chemistry but, over time, I've come to accept that people leave no stones unturned in their strife to find unique concepts. A nanojesus on a molecular cross is rather unique, don't you think?
This is a one-of-a kind mixture of science imagery and humorous approach to Christianity by the hands (and the brains!) of Kyle Finchingmate, a chemist with quite a few artistic ideas.

1/12/2010

Helvetica love

The neutral clarity of the Helvetica typeface not only makes it one of the most widely used of all times but also one of the most loved and respected. It continues to inspire designs, art and documentaries, having such an impact over our view of the printed letter that obscures most -if not all- other typefaces when it comes to being iconic! Developed by Max Miedinger in 1957, it was rejuvenated in 1983 with the creation of Neue Helvetica.
It's a typeface I love and it sure feels nice to see it used in cool typography designs such as this one. The store is I'mJustCreative and the talented designer is Graham Smith, a man passionate enough to maintain a great website about Helvetica. Typophiles and design lovers take note!

1/11/2010

Ice cream and cats

Luca Ionescu
Luca Ionescu "Ice Cream" by lucaionescu
Design a custom shirt with zazzle.com
The somehow hairy look makes this ice cream even more delicious! We may be in the middle of winter but such a great design cannot wait until summer to be properly appreciated. Made by the hands of Luca Ionescu (and found in his Zazzle store), designer, motion graphics director and overall creative man. His work is the ultimate proof that one color is enough to astonish people -provided you have Luca's talent, of course...
His Fat Cat poster is a study in simplicity. It reminds me of both the "fat cat in a top hat / thinks he's an aristocrat" verse from The Doors's Break on through (the Absolutely Live! version) and the Scat Cat from Disney's The Aristocats. Clear, well-thought lines make this design almost emblematic.
Luca Ionescu runs Like Minded Studio and publishes Refill magazine.

10/17/2009

Funky bussiness


The art of Akamundo is difficult to describe in one word. It ranges from the strikingly playful (like the gorgeous Alphabet t-shirt above) to more idiosyncratic stuff (like the exquisite poster below). In any case, his mixture of styles have some things in common: great composition, vivid imagination and a funky temperament obvious even to his most somber work.

Like a Leach, Woman in his Head print
Like a Leach, Woman in his Head by akamundo
Browse the other artwork on zazzle

I look again and again at this one (chosen among equally powerful prints). I do love the title and the overall underground feel. Remember this great gallery. We'll be coming back for more in the future.

10/16/2009

Frogaldry

WeeFrog Hoodie shirt
WeeFrog Hoodie by weemad
Make a custom tshirt on zazzle.com

Heraldry is so à la mode in today's shirt design that it's almost becoming unremarkable. Not in this case, though! In the hands of WeeMad Design, heraldry is fresh -especially when combined with... frogs! I like this cool hoodie with the golden frog in all it's glory, but there's more interesting stuff in this urban-cool gallery.


The WeeMad Dudes are a handful of crazy characters based on Weemad's mascot/thingie. They're all great but I vote for this mohawk-wearing WeeAnarchist. Cartoony and provocative, in the gallery's bold, modern and humorous style.

10/08/2009

Novus Ordo Curious


Most of the time, designs that tap on the conspiracy vein tend to be serious, grungy or fanzine-like. Not this one! In this case we have colors, humor and playfulness, in a t-shirt that doesn't take itself too seriously. Not much of a surprise, since we're dealing with George Curious, a designer (one of the talented Artsprojekt people and giant robot pilot, amongst other things!) with a clean, colorful and upbeat style that catches your attention instantly. Street art meets modern design in a blend that's addicting!
Here's another one of my favorites:

I just love that "ennui" on the monitor! This -curious- guy will be on my monitor again, that's for sure.

9/25/2009

Pop psychology

The Original Pink Freud T-Shirt shirt
The Original Pink Freud T-Shirt by Zoey_London
Buy a t-shirt online from Zazzle

Pink Freud? Oh yes! A striking design by Zoey London, makes a fantastic t-shirt. The surreality of this idea simply amazes me. And yet, it doesn't stop here. Our collective unconscious is attacked by more pop music/psychology/whatever eye candy:


I'll sure be keeping an eye on this designer. He may get really dangerous, you know!

The little monster in us all

A great design by The Monstery store, "Little Monster" seems to be conceived with children in mind. But let's not kid ourselves: there is a monster hidden in us all, sometimes scary and sometimes playful!
I love the strong, simple colors and the font used. Sweet but not cutesy. In the words of it's designer, QueenHare, "The perfect design for anybody who has ever broken the rules."
Yep, that's me, alright. Maybe that's you, too!
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