DG -  How did MITN start?
MITN – We’re the brainchild of Josephmark, a leading Australian design studio. We launched as a peaceful protest against some unfortunate hallmarks of the fashion industry – derivative design, mass consumption and irresponsible production. What started as a ‘can we make a tee each day?’ challenge has turned into a passion project run by people who love design.

DG – Could you describe the process as to how the shirts are created?
MITN – It’s thrilling! In an enjoyable heart-racing sort of way. Every morning, fans of MITN can vote via Facebook for the story they most want to see on that day’s tee. The designer then has under five hours to create a covetable design fit for a t-shirt. The end result goes live every day at 2.00pm (Brisbane, Australia time) and is only available to buy for 24 hours, before we do it all over again! A new day, a different story, a fresh designer and design to boot.
We practice responsible fast fashion, whereby we print our t-shirts locally and only after they’ve been ordered (thus avoiding wastage). We then post out our tees worldwide for free, using reusable packaging.

DG – Where can we find the shirts?
MITN – You can buy them through the website or via our free iPhone app. Sometimes we’ll hold a special flash sale, opening our back catalogue of shirts and Facebook competitions pop up now and again, so keep your eyes peeled.

In their beginning Iain and Vala studied photography before moving onto the more interdisciplinary approach they utilise today. The change came after visiting a bookshop called ‘Analogue Books’ in Edinburgh where the owners noticed knitted wrist cuffs made by Vala. Iain explains, “they suggested to us they could stock them, they needed packaging for them so we just began drawing pictures for the boxes they came in”.

ENTOMOLOGY STUDIES
“These came about when we came up with an idea to make a black beetle that would be displayed in the same way a museum would. They were originally going to be made from black paper and in 3D. While we were looking for references for the beetle we realised their amazing colours, and so that led us to adding in the coloured stripes. We did a series of them so you can buy a set and display them like a bug collection. I think the 3D paper ones will be something we’ll still do in the future”.
See all the Entomology Studieshere

HADRON
“We’re huge fans of the IKEA instructions, and we both love making up flat packs. We had read about IKEA making flat pack houses and wondered if they came with the same instructions. It would be hilarious to see a 2000 page IKEA instruction manual, checking to see if you have all the nuts and bolts. The Hadron Collider was on the news and it seemed the most extreme thing to make, so would suit the IKEA instructions. The cover of the zine is actually an IKEA lamp-shade that looked ever so vaguely like the Hadron.”
Hadron – the flat pack particle accelerator zine can be found here

PERIODIC TABLE – WOODEN BLOCKS – U, Ni, V, Er, Se
A set of 5 handmade wooden blocks decorated with the periodic elements.
Closer look at their store here

See their site here
The Lindström Effect blog here

Photo by Beth Wilkinson

A new Window Space exhibition at Craft by two inner-city creatives

Peaches + Keen’s The Hanging Garden
In the Craft’s Window Space
31 Finders Lane, Melbourne
On display until 5 May 2012

The Hanging Garden is Peaches + Keen’s new work exploring different methods of bringing colour, joy and leafy delights into the living space. The exhibition features hand-detailed prints suspended beside objects for the home, as well as limited edition books and of course a variety of bright and colourful hanging plants.

Peaches + Keen is Lily Daley, a graphic designer, and Lucy Hearn, a gold and silversmith. When they are not lusting over plants at Garden World, Lily and Lucy combine their names, skills, and love of all things bold and bright into the creation of tactile, one-off items that make people smile.

www.peachesandkeen.com
www.craftvic.org.au

Gallery & Shop
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm
31 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Saturday May 12th 2012
9.30am – 4.30pm
NMIT, Fairfield, Melbourne

The ‘Spotlight on Specialists Seminar’: where FIVE professional specialist illustrators talk about their work, processes, share experiences, and show their amazing portfolios.

The Speakers:
Dr Levent Efe, CMI – Medical illustrator  – Freelancing in Melbourne for the past 22 years. Balancing artistic appeal with anatomic accuracy for a wide ranging local and international clientele like medical publishers, product manufacturers, surgeons, and advertisers.

Angie Rehe – Fashion illustrator – Melbourne based with a background in the fashion industry as both designer and illustrator. Balancing freelance & commission work with teaching fashion illustration (in her own boutique-style classes and for RMIT University), has an illustrated blog Patsyfox (www.patsyfox.com). Clients include Penguin Books, Collection Magazine, The Age, Gorman, Bendigo Art Gallery.

Kate Nolan – Natural History illustrator – Worked as Scientific Illustrator for Museum of Victoria for then  freelanced for various public and private employers, also a Fine Artist, with natural history leanings.

Dean Gorissen – Editorial, Publishing, Childrens’ book illustrator – Melb based, award winning, clients include Boss Magazine, Sunday Life, Wall Street Journal, The Age, The Big Issue, AFP Magazine, Child, Affirm Press, Penguin Books, Lothian.

Jim Tsinganos – Editorial & Advertising illustrator – Sydney based, award winning, with over 25 yrs exp. Clients include Nike, Time, Random House, Anz bank, Westpac bank, Amnesty International, Sydney Opera company,, Houghton Mifflin, Qantas, Konami gaming, Sydney morning herald, LA times, American Express, and many more

Seminar date:
Saturday May 12th 2012
Registration 9.30am sharp
Seminar runs 9.30am – 4.30pm

Location:
NMIT, Yarra Glen Music Centre, Building G, Fairfield Campus, Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield, Melbourne 3078

Price:
IA members $55 (& ASA members) Non-members $70
Students $30 (must show ID) Student IA members $20

Includes light lunch and tea/coffee.  Join us afterwards for a glass of wine and a chat. Book 11s &12s will be on sale at a special seminar price

Registration:
You MUST BOOK AND PAY by Thursday May 1st to secure your seat.
Spaces are strictly limited

Please email IA to register: office@illustratorsaustralia.com
More information here

kapitza are a multi-disciplinary design studio, which is run by sisters Nicole and Petra Kapitza in London. The studio produces non-alphanumeric fonts and vectors comprised of abstract prints influenced by nature, minimalism and colour.

They have released two unique pattern resource books which act as valuable sources of inspiration for illustrators; animators; fashion/textile/graphic/interior/digital designers.

The books are packed with visual delights: each page is more eye-catching than the last. For those feeling a little uninspired at work or in the studio, take a look through ‘geometric’ or ‘organic’, even the quickest flick through, you’ll find yourself brimming with new inspiration and motivation.

DG: How did you start creating patterns in this way?

kapitza: We started creating patterns with pattern fonts when we started the Geometric font collection. For this collection we wanted to stick to basic geometric shapes which would move through the EM square or the Font software. As soon as we tested the first fonts we immediately realised the potential in creating an endless amount of individual patterns. Just by switching from one font to the next a whole new pattern would magically appear. The possibilities seemed endless and we had the idea for the Geometric book as we wanted to share this discovery and were curious what other people would create.

DG: Could you explain the process behind making the fonts?

kapitza: For the people and flower fonts we venture out and take photographs. The pattern fonts often start off in illustrator or some of the Organic pattern fonts are based on our drawings and experiments with tape, strings, which we scan in and develop in Adobe Illustrator and Fontlab. When creating the patterns we often go back and re-edit the font or even change the characters to achieve the desired effect.

organic
kapitza’s deep love of nature shows through in this book, with each page a bloom or flourish of shape and colour. ‘organic’ features over 200 artworks created using the patterned font creating an “exciting new visual language”.

The inspiration for ‘organic’ came from an “evolving fascination with irregular arrangements, formations and shapes found in nature and man-made structures”.

You can see throughout the book where the inspiration has come from: whether it is depicting trees, flowers, rock formations, etc.

geometric
‘geometric’ consists of 100 pattern fonts, which presents a never-ending resource for creating abstract patterns. The book is inspired by “movement and basic shapes; finding and testing the limitations of computers and software and the art of gif animations”.

‘geometric’ also features a step-by-step guide to using the fonts, plus ways of experimenting and combining them.

kapitza have also developed an iPad app for ‘geometric’, find it here

organic can be found here

geometric can be found here

VIVID SYDNEY directed this year by Fergus Linehan will be bringing together performances, installations, exhibitions and conferences of light, music and ideas. Commencing with the Lighting the Sails 25 May and continuing through to 11 June with outstanding experiences to be had: see all the events here.

The VividLive line-up features some incredible acts:
Karen O and KK Barrett’s Stop the Virgens; Sufjan Stevens; Nico Muhly; Bryce Dessner; Florence+the Machine; Amon Tobin’s ISAM; Seekae; My Brightest Diamond; Danny Brown; Tom Vek; Zola Jesus; Efterklang with the Sydney Symphony; Imogen Heap; Asylum; Jonathan Boulet; PVT; LCD Soundsytem’s documentary Shut Up & Play the Hits; Janelle Monae; the Temper Trap; Future Classic night; GoodGod night

More information here

L’ORÉAL PARIS RUNWAY 07
WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH, 9:00PM  

Alex Perry, Aurelio and Costarella, camilia and marc, Rachel Gilbert, Collette Dinnigan, MATICEVSKI and SCANLAN & THEODORE

Alex Perry: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Alex Perry
The first piece to head down the runway featured gold lace over mauve; the dresses were gathered and draped beautifully; also appearing were pieces in a black which appeared as if it had been sprayed lightly with gold, very eye-catching.

Aurelio Costarella: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Aurelio Costarella
Very exciting pieces by Aurelio Costarella, featuring: feathers and metallics. The feather sleeved jacket was definitely a stand out piece.

camilia and marc: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
camilia and marc
The quilted details and texture through pleats and gathering paired with a feminine colour palette presented as some confident pieces.

Rachel Gilbert
Rachel Gilbert’s pieces featured scalloped edges; a dress in full sequins head to toe; a highlight of the evening was the coral three-dimensional sequin dress; the art deco elements coupled with the bodycon style to make it bit more modern.

Collette Dinnigan: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Collette Dinnigan
The elegant pieces by Colette Dinnigan were comprised of beautiful gold foil lace over nude sheer; silver on white; black lace and sequins.

MATICEVSKI: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
MATICEVSKI
Using a slight frill in ‘v’ shapes  across the front plus interesting piping black on black for the dresses was gorgeously presented. Some with the frill becoming part of the shoulders, or coupled with leather fringe.

SCANLAN & THEODORE: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
SCANLAN & THEODORE
The ornate die-cut design over shimmering black and the feather cape were breathtaking, and beautifully complemented by the effortless sheer deep turquoise pieces.

More details here

L’ORÉAL PARIS RUNWAY 06
WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH, 7:00PM  

Alice McCall, bassike, Flannel, Kirrily Johnston, LIFEwithBIRD, Lisa Ho and Morrison

Alice McCall: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Alice McCall
Scalloped edges along shirt collars and short cuffs, complemented by scarf-like prints. The intricately die-cut jumpsuit and dress were simply amazing.

bassike: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
bassike
The oversize white shirt dress breezed down the runway, with many marvelling at its stunning simplicity. Nice highlights of red brought together the mostly white and beige colour palette.

Flannel: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Flannel
Opening with a green silk pant and top with slim orange trim, working through a leather patchwork skirt and dress, ending with a cable knit jumper plus pink ruffle skirt combination – which was then carried on to the final look of a nude full length ruffle skirt.

Kirrily Johnston: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Kirrily Johnston
Light brown tones; a beautifully uncomplicated leather shift: satin and velvet kimono jacket; similar kimono sleeves seen on dresses also.

LIFEwithBIRD: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
LIFEwithBIRD
The leather and wool trench had a balanced mix looking tough and cosy at the same time; blue and white abstracted leopard print was seen throughout on pants – paired with a minimal blazer, and also on skirts.

Lisa Ho: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Lisa Ho
The fragmented abstract floral prints were gorgeous, and appeared on highly covetable dresses. The tiger print pieces and navy cape were also hits, but it was the stud print seen in a dress and pant which drew gasps of delight all around.

Morrison: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: during the LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 14, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Morrison
Working with the ‘trench coat’ shape and creating it as a dress and also a cape were nicely inspired. These alongside some white and black blocked dresses with matching scarves completed a solid collection.

More details here

L’ORÉAL PARIS RUNWAY 05
TUESDAY 13 MARCH, 9:00PM  

Joveeba, Rodeo Show, Shona Joy, Talulah, Wayne Cooper and White Suede

Joveeba: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
(Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Joveeba
Different combinations of textures created through using velvet, fur and jersey side-by-side. Native American style prints on leggings and jackets were well received. The velvet shorts and blue fur were stand outs.

Rodeo Show: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. 
(Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Rodeo Show
Plenty of white lace with high necklines and low cut backs were taking over the Rodeo Show runway, followed by some effortlessly flowing pleated dresses with floral prints.

Shona Joy: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. 
(Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Shona Joy
Shona Joy used burnt orange with some feminine lace coupled with more masculine Akubra hats to great effect.

Talulah: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
(Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Talulah
Nicely layered textures were created overlaying some burnt orange strapped across a brighter tone of orange underneath. Beautiful patterns across shirt dresses and skirts.

Wayne Cooper: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Wayne Cooper
Beginning with a white cape dress, the show continued with equally bold pieces. Most notable the simple black long-sleeved mini dress which revealed a black tuxedo collar style open back.

White Suede: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: LMFF runway show at the Peninsula, Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. 
(Photo by Lucas Dawson)
White Suede
The desert landscape prints were coupled with some fluoro which was then bounced off the accompanying earthy tones present in leather minis and bodycon pieces.

More details here

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Amelia Agosta
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Anisha Bhoyro 
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Anna Langdon
Sydney Institute of Tafe, NSW

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Chris Ran Lin
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Courtney White 
University of Technology Sydney, NSW

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Ju Young.Seo 
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Laura HuiShan Li  
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Natalia Grzybowski 
University of Technology Sydney, NSW

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Rica Hardian
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Sally Edwards
Queensland University of Technology, QLD

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Stephanie McPherson
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl. Central Pier on March 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Lucas Dawson)
Tayler Ainley 
Curtain University, WA

Information on all fashion design courses in Australia at the:
Art & Design Education Resource Guide