Emily Vanderpoel / Colour Guide
American artist Emily Vanderpoel created this series of colour abstractions in 1901 – each an analysis of a particular setting or object: tea cup & saucer, Egyptian mummy case, Chinese porcelain vase, etc. See examples here.
2. Dopamine Decor / Interior Design
Dopamine Decor was all the rage in 2025. Bold colours, patterns and textures. As one design publication said, this style “is like bringing back the carefree joy of childhood into your home.”
3. Olivallo / Branding
Some amazing work shows up on Behance. Here is graphic designer Ahmad Fahmy’s design for an olive oil company he imagined. See the full brand expression here.
4. Penguin Music Scores / Cover Designs
A handsome series of music scores designed by German typographer Jan Tschichold and published by Penguin Books in 1949. Patterns illustrated by Stephen Russ.
5. Marina Anaya / Artist
Expressive paintings, prints, tiles, ceramics, textiles – this Spanish artist does it all. See Marina’s studio here and be sure to watch the video of her making a large print.
6. PENNY / Packaging
To show their commitment to keeping prices low, German discount supermarket chain PENNY made the price the star of their packaging design. The colourful and bold approach was a huge success. Learn more here.
7. Levon Biss / Photography
Macro photography is the art of looking at things very closely. Levon Biss’s photographs open our eyes to the minute details of insects, seeds, fruit and, in this case, the inside of golf balls.
8. Lark & Bower / Hand Weaving
Based in Southend-on-sea, Essex, U.K., Lark & Bower provide workshops in “off-loom” hand weaving. They take their inspiration from traditional French, Japanese and Indian textiles.
9. Olya Tsikhanchuk / Typography
A whimsical alphabet designed by Finnish illustrator and graphic designer Olya Tsikhanchuk. Take a look at her playful range of work here.
10. Pelican / Nature
Last, but not least, I’m always inspired by the colours found in nature. Here’s the spectacular Great White Pelican. Not so white, after all.
