Matt behind Gamepaused is easily the most talented graphic designer I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  I don’t say that likely. His passion is computer games and is putting together a brilliant book dedicated to the art and design of said games and how they’ve inspired other designers, artists and musicians. A couple of nods to Grime’s greats in here. Looking forward to this one dropping.

More info HERE.

Check out the work of Malaysian artist-architect Hong Yi. Who recently embarked on a great project titled “31 Days of Creativity with Food” over on her blog, Oh I See Red!. The title is pretty self explanatory, she basically puts together different creative narratives with food over a period of 31 days. The only rules she has set herself are: 1 only use food, 2 only use white plate.

Hong Yi is currently on day 18, check out a few of the plates so far below. Keep up with her challenge via her blog here. Or better yet check out her website here.

This one is for my graphic information students around town. I came across this pretty cool site which was set up to serve as an dedicated archival space for the first edition New York City Transit Authority Graphics Standards Manual, which was designed by Massimo Vignelli of Unimark International. The manual was found in a locker beneath old gym clothes. Check out the full book over here.

Kate Bingaman-Burt is a illustrator from Portland, Oregon. Kate has drawn every single item she has purchased since February 5, 2006. Nothing to small is not worth documenting, everything must get put in her book. The illustrator started drawing her credit card bills in 2004 as a way to help herself visualize getting out of post-grad debt; in 2010, she was debt free and had taken on the new daily series, aptly named Obsessive Consumption.

I’m definitely a big fan of this, Its a pretty solid way to keep up those illustration skills. I think its something I might pick up myself. Holdtight my main girl mama tony starks for putting me on.

Check out more work from Kate over on her website here.

My girl Poppy Chancellor is a absolute beast with a scalpel, cutting mat and some card. Creating some of the most intricate paper cut outs I’ve ever seen. She has a wide range of design work from type to illustration which you can check out HERE.
Ps Poppy and her curly haired friend continuously shut down instagram with their pictures uploads so make sure you follow her @blucaramel

We caught up with Kara Messina of Y’Oh during the Olympics as she was a part of the miadidas customisation crew which were putting together some creations live at their specially designed space in East London. Kara took on an adiPower boxing boot in celebration of sisterhood and for the first time at the Olympics women entering the boxing ring.

Being at the Olympic lounge with adidas, you’ve been fortunate to meet some great athletes, what inspired you most about 2012?

Olympic athletes in general fascinate me. I guess the Olympics allow you a closer look at athletes in the sense you can really appreciate that they not only challenge themselves physically but also mentally and emotionally. The 2012 Olympics has been very moving to watch. I’m also inspired by the faith and perseverance to challenge anyone who has come before them. Each games we have new heroes, world records and historic moments.

You’ve become famed for your pattern work on your first release and that’s crossed over to the shoe you’ve created with adidas, can you tell us a bit about it?

adidas approached me to design a shoe for the adidas Originals Consortium range. They chose 10 creative people from the Olympic city to tell a story of their city through their shoe. My work as a whole is a representation of my experience of London, including the use of African print. I wanted to push the boundaries with my print placement, for this reason it’s on the laces, stripes side AND the tongue. I thought if I am going to make a shoe with a print on it I might as well be full on. adidas were very encouraging to me to be as bold as possible with it.

During the Olympics you’ve been working on customisations and unique creations. What’s this been like? Have you thought about doing anything wild, couture runway style just to push the boundaries which couldn’t be worn on the street?

Totally not wearable! I have approached the project as an opportunity to make art pieces. Miniature structures or concepts for ideas, as opposed to wearable trainers. I’ve accepted a while ago that I’m quiet a practical / wearable designer. I like doing stuff that serves a purpose, but nonetheless it has been great in challenging me to work with different materials and tools (plastic tubing, rubber, drills). Plus the other customisers and the production team have been amazing to work with. It’s definitely been an all round memorable experience.

Y’OH goes from strength to strength, certainly a few biters out there, who’ve replicated and ripped off your style, do you take that as a compliment or makes you more hungry to switch it up?

It’s definitely a compliment. I have only been around a year and people are watching what I’m doing. That’s dope. I have no fears that they can emulate what I do because streetwear is more than the product. It extends to the brand as a whole. I want Y’OH to develop slowly over time not be different each “season”. It’s not solely about the designs or what print you use, but the context in which you present it. Say with the African fabric I used. That was authentic, bought from proper African shops. The whole point was to show people how great the fabric in its true form is, to change their perspective on it. The way in which I presented it allowed people to connect it too. I will always be switching things up, not to out do anyone else but more so to out do myself. I’ve got ideas for days don’t you worry.

We’ve got a great range of jackets from you in your first season, we’ve seen the introduction of Y’OH sportswear with a range of tees, what’s next?

I’m actually much more subtle in my own personal style so I want to reflect that in my work. I guess it might be surprising that I’m planning on doing something very simple. The concept behind the design is what makes it distinctive as opposed to the garments themselves.

As discussion surrounding the Olympics often centres in the next generation, who should we be looking out for who’s on the come up?

To be truthful I have been that preoccupied these passed few months that I have missed anyone coming up in music, fashion and art. I have no idea “what’s hot”. In terms of design I anticipate an eventual change in how the fashion industry runs it’s seasons. Also the emergence of the online store has the potential to give designers more creative freedom. All of that stuff even though it sounds very “business” could have a positive impact on design. It could be more immediate and less saturated.

A 136 page book about a newsagents in Brockley Rise, South London.  Find out more about Son Emirali and this project HERE.