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SPDWest: Priscilla Witte

SPDWest: Priscilla Witte

SPDWest 12.23.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 13: Hand Rendered

On November 10th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Priscilla Witte after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Amy Martin

SPDWest: Amy Martin

SPDWest 12.22.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 13: Hand Rendered

On November 10th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Amy Martin after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Alisa Lapidus

SPDWest: Alisa Lapidus

SPDWest 12.22.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 13: Hand Rendered

On November 10th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Alisa Lapidus after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Katie Wilson

SPDWest: Katie Wilson

SPDWest 12.21.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 13: Hand Rendered

On November 10th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Katie Wilson after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Michael Rodriguez

SPDWest: Michael Rodriguez

SPDWest 12.20.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 13: Hand Rendered

On November 10th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Michael Rodriguez after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest Recap

SPDWest Recap

SPDWest 12.20.16 posted by The Editors

On November 10th, SPDWest gathered in Los Angeles, CA for the 13th installment of Unsung Heroes of the American West. The night centered around the "hand rendered" and the artists featured were Michael Rodriguez, Katie Wilson, Alisa Lapidus, Amy Martin, and Priscilla Witte and they were presented by Carly Hebert, Sheharazad Fleming, Julia Luke, Steve Banks, and Sarah Kissel.

Throughout this week, we will share the videos that were shown that evening by the artists. Stay tuned.

Until then, read on for more pictures from the evening...

Special thanks to the SPDWest team: Amy Feitelberg, Cat Jimenez, Audrey Landreth, Maren Levinson!

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SPD Yes to the West: Unsung Heroes of the American West - Vol 13: Hand Rendered

SPD Yes to the West: Unsung Heroes of the American West - Vol 13: Hand Rendered

SPDWest 11.05.16 posted by The Editors

A gathering and presentation of artists whose work

embraces an illustrative style and process.

Artists are revealed that evening and presented by

Carly Hebert, Sheharazad Fleming, Julia Luke,

Steve Banks, and Sarah Kissel.

Thursday, November 10

Beachwood Studio

1112 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90038

(Parking located at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery)

Doors Open: 6:30PM

Presentations: 7:30PM

SPD Members: Free / General Admission: $15

At The Door: $20 - Cash Only
(no refunds)

SPD Members Reserve Your FREE Spot - HERE

Powered by Eventbrite

SPDWest: HERCLAYHEART

SPDWest: HERCLAYHEART

SPDWest 08.12.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 12: Keeping It Real

On April 14th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out HERCLAYHEART after the jump!

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SPDWest: Peter Bohler

SPDWest: Peter Bohler

SPDWest 08.09.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 12: Keeping It Real

On April 14th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Peter Bohler after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Hiroshi Clark

SPDWest: Hiroshi Clark

SPDWest 07.18.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 12: Keeping It Real

On April 14th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Hiroshi Clark after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Joyce Kim

SPDWest: Joyce Kim

SPDWest 07.14.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 12: Keeping It Real

On April 14th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Joyce Kim after the jump!

… MORE

SPDWest: Annie Tritt

SPDWest: Annie Tritt

SPDWest 07.07.16 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West - Volume 12: Keeping It Real

On April 14th, SPDWest had a fun-filled night with presentations of curated videos from an amazing line-up of top talents. Check out Annie Tritt after the jump!

… MORE

SPD Yes to the West: Unsung Heroes of the American West - Vol 12: Keeping It Real

SPD Yes to the West: Unsung Heroes of the American West - Vol 12: Keeping It Real

SPDWest 04.01.16 posted by The Editors

A gathering and projection presentation of artists whose work embraces and celebrates the real.

SPD Members: Free / General Admission: $15

At The Door: $20 - Cash Only

RSVP to Reserve Your Spot / Buy Tickets: HERE

SPDWest: Paul Jasmin

SPDWest: Paul Jasmin

SPDWest 08.24.15 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West 11

On May 21st, SPDWest presented a fun-filled night of curated videos from an amazing line up of top talents. Check out Paul Jasmin after the jump.

… MORE

SPDWest: John Francis Peters

SPDWest: John Francis Peters

SPDWest 08.19.15 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West 11

On May 21st, SPDWest presented a fun-filled night of curated videos from an amazing line up of top talents. Check out John Francis Peters after the jump.

… MORE

SPDWest: Spencer Lowell

SPDWest: Spencer Lowell

SPDWest 08.17.15 posted by The Editors

Unsung Heroes of the American West 11

On May 21st, SPDWest presented a fun-filled night of curated videos from an amazing line up of top talents. Check out Spencer Lowell after the jump.
… MORE

SPDWest: Unsung Heroes

SPDWest: Unsung Heroes "Yes to the West" Recap

SPDWest 08.12.15 posted by The Editors

SPDWest celebrated their 11th Unsung Heroes of the American West event on Thursday, May 21st at the gorgeous Aesthesia Studios in Los Angeles.

The evening would not have been possible without the following stars picking up the baton and continuing the legacy of such a respected and inspiring speaker series on the left coast:
Amy Feitelberg, Cat Jimenez, Audrey Landreth, Maren Levinson, and Chris McPherson.

… MORE

SPDWest:

SPDWest: "Very Sung" Heroes Recap

SPDWest 10.22.14 posted by The Editors

We celebrated our 10th (and final) of the Unsung Heroes Event Series with a very dynamic tribute in Los Angeles, on October 9th at Studio1342. David Armario, Rip Georges, Sam Jones, and Wet Magazine were the "very sung" heroes from editorial art and design that received the spotlight.

Check out our heroes and guests after the jump...
… MORE

SPD Presents a Night of Cocktails, Schmoozing and Inspiring Work on the West Coast

SPD Presents a Night of Cocktails, Schmoozing and Inspiring Work on the West Coast

SPDWest 04.28.14 posted by The Editors

SPD West celebrated their NINTH Unsung Heroes of the American West event on Thursday, April 10th. We sold out the venue with a standing room only crowd of 150 west coast creatives. After an hour of drinking and schmoozing in the garden, we moved into the Studio 1342 space for the five presentations. And then back to the garden for more late-night partying.

The theme of the night was "Passion Projects." See the presentations and photos from the event after the jump.

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Unsung Heroes of the American West 8: The Recap

Unsung Heroes of the American West 8: The Recap

SPDWest 10.11.13 posted by The Editors

On October 3rd SPD and Studio 1342 presented their 8th Unsung Heroes of the American West night with the theme "How to win friends and influence people (without getting out of bed)"

Lawrence Azerrad, Charie Hess, Audrey Landreth, Alison McCreery & Everard Williams presented their favorite Cali-based artists and talked about how creatives can maximize social media. Great food, drinks and inspiring work were enjoyed by all who attended this sold out event.

See the videos from their presentations after the jump along with photos from the event.

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Videos from Unsung Heroes of the American West 7

Videos from Unsung Heroes of the American West 7

SPDWest 05.08.13 posted by The Editors

On April 18th SPD and Studio 1342 presented a fun-filled night of curated videos from some of our favorite Cali-based photographers and illustrators. We've been thinking a lot about the transition from static graphics, static pages, and static images to motion graphics, videos and animation. Our core West Coast Crew (Charlie Hess, Lisa Thackaberry, David Armario, Heidi Volpe and Carol LeFlufy) curated a night of video work. Turned out to be a pretty stellar lineup of photographers and illustrators. Here are the results:… MORE

Unsung Heroes of the American West 7

Unsung Heroes of the American West 7

SPDWest 05.01.13 posted by The Editors

On April 18th SPD and Studio 1342 presented a fun-filled night of right brain thinking on the left coast. It was a night of curated videos from some of our favorite Cali-based photographers and illustrators. Check out some photos from the event after the jump.

Photographs by Laurel Johnson

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SPDWest: Unsung Heroes 6 RECAP

SPDWest: Unsung Heroes 6 RECAP

SPDWest 10.25.12 posted by The Editors

On October 4th, SPDWest had a full-house of stellar talent featuring the Big Unsung Reveal:

Joe Pugliese, Jason Holley, Nick Cope, and Hugh Brown delighted the crowd with videos of their work followed by some great inside stories.

Huge thanks to LIsa Thackaberry, Carol Leflufy, Heidi Volpe, and of course Charlie Hess. Special thanks to Rebecca Cabage and staff at Smashbox Studios for the fantastic Big Box Stage.

Check out more after the jump...

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SPD West: Unsung Heroes 5 Recap

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 5 Recap

SPDWest 06.12.12 posted by The Editors

SPD West had another phenomenal night at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood. It was a full evening of LA talent on display. The night started with a tribute to Joe Kimberling, and ended with a keynote presentation by Joe Zeff.

Check out our Unsung Heroes: Photo Editor: Lisa Thackaberry, Photographer: J Benett Fitts, and Editor/Creative Director: Justin Tyler Close who showcased their compelling work. We love LA!

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SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "With Love, LA"

SPDWest 11.09.11 posted by The Editors

If you're hitting the Wednesday afternoon wall hard, we've got a dose of inspiration to get you sitting up a little straighter and back to work a little harder: five inspiring videos that kicked-off the presentations from our last Speakeasy West, Unsung Heroes 4. Ten amazing talents talked creativity and storytelling from a range of vantage points and experiences, inspiring all the Los Angelenos in attendance. So give yourself ten minutes of zen and follow us after the jump for your little dose of creative adrenaline this afternoon....

(Illustration above, "Pipe" by John Van Hamersveld.)
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SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "I Love Talking to Photographers About..."

SPDWest 10.20.11 posted by The Editors

"I love talking to photographers about other photographers they're into."

That's Heidi Volpe talking above, once again in an interview with the irreplaceable Rob Haggart of APhotoEditor, and Heidi is our final presenter to introduce to you here for tonight's Unsung Heroes 4 at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood. Hedi's been the art director and photo editor for magazines when they are at some of their most award-winning, including The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Outside, Men's Health, GQ... the list goes on and on. Her rolodex is huge, and she's chosen just one artist to present tonight as her Unsung Hero. So you need to come with us after the jump for information on when to come and to save some money on your ticket!
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SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "That's Why I'm So Happy."

SPDWest 10.20.11 posted by The Editors

Jeff Divine is a photographer, photo editor, and author who's been documenting the art of the surf world since before it was his career; in this interview he says he's been "shooting since '66..." and "I laid it down in the mid '70s. I was like, "All I'm going to be, because I'm good at it, is a surf photographer. That's it. I'm Jeff Divine, surf photographer. I'm not a portrait, bikini model photographer guy." I'm not going to strive to be something that I'm not. That's why I'm so happy." He's been photo editor at Surfer Magazine (and is still a contributor), and is now photo editor for The Surfer's Journal, as well as the author of "Surfing Photographs from the 70s" and "Surfing Photographs from the 80s."

His work for The Surfer's Journal might include an 18-page photo-essay on an outrigger canoe race in Bora Bora, or a 12-page story on artist and surfer Julian Schnabel--as well as his own photography. Join us at Smashbox Thursday night to hear a little about his own amazing career and even more from his pick as one of the West Coast's Unsung Heroes... all info after the jump.
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SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "The Journey Is a Medium In Itself."

SPDWest 10.19.11 posted by The Editors

Rebeca Mendez is a designer and artist who works in film, video, photography and installations, focusing on her travels to the unfamiliar and extreme where she explores the way cultures express themselves through the style of nature they produce, be it Iceland, Patagonia, Svalbard archipelago in the high arctic, or the Sahara. Just one of her recent projects (and subject of her TEDx talk), "Circumpolar," would be an impressive effort for any artist; for Rebeca, it's just one of many art and design projects she works on simultaneously (see her artwork for the "Alphabet, Reconsidered" project). Join us Thursday night at Smashbox West Hollywood to meet this electrifying artist and her pick for one of the West Coast's Unsung Heroes. All info after the jump...
… MORE

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "Making Art About Art"

SPDWest 10.19.11 posted by The Editors

Some people theorize that West Coast design is renegade, different and challenging, breaking with tradition, because the West Coast itself has a tendency to shift and shake, a constant reminder that nothing's permanent. We're don't know if that's true, but we do know we've got a tremendous lineup at Smashbox West Hollywood tomorrow night to talk about it, especially our keynote presentation: a discussion between West Coast heroes Lawrence Azerrad and John Van Hamersveld, talking assignments, typography, design, illustration and the power of art to communicate a bigger, permanent message, an emotional connection for the audience, reader or user. Now that we know is true.

We've got a little tease for you of what to expect from Lawrence after the jump, as well as a chance to snag some of the remaining tickets. You don't want to miss the cocktails, the networking, or the inspriation you'll get from us Thursday night.... … MORE

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4

SPD West: Unsung Heroes 4 "It's an art form to actually be able to do this."

SPDWest 10.18.11 posted by The Editors

That's the most important thing. That's truly the art form of what this is. The art form of being a commercial photographer is basically solving the problem creatively, putting your stamp on it somehow that people do know it's you, and then having the client be happy at the end of day. That's the art form. People forget that; that it's an art form to actually be able to do this.

That's from one of our amazing presenters Thursday night at Smashbox West Hollywood, photographer and director Frank W Ockenfels 3. Read the full interview with Frank by A Photo Editor's Rob Haggart here, and get all the information (and your tickets!) to Unsung Heroes 4 after the jump so you'll be there to see who Frank's Unsung Hero is... … MORE

Speakeasy West: Love for Illustration's Unsung Heroes

Speakeasy West: Love for Illustration's Unsung Heroes

SPDWest 04.12.11 posted by The Editors

Just a few weeks back we met up with our West Coast folks for a night of creative inspiration, fantastic Mexican food and, of course, a few cocktails. Thanks to the brilliant coordination of Charlie Hess, Carol Leflufy and Lisa Thackaberry and our friends at Smashbox West Hollywood, we welcomed David Armario, Lou Beach, Jim Heimann, Brian Rea and InJu Sturgeon and their choices for the Unsung Heroes of Illustration working in the LA area. Meet these Unsung Heroes, see pictures from our the night and videos of the heroes' work after the jump...

artwork above: Brent Couchman
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Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of IllustrationJim Heimann Introduces...

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of Illustration
Jim Heimann Introduces...

SPDWest 03.24.11 posted by The Editors

Tonight's the night at Smashbox: we're meeting a host of great unsung illustration talent, introduced by some of the great West Coast creatives who've picked them out as favorites. One of our presenters? Jim Heimann, Taschen's Executive Editor (or, as Steven Heller called him "a cultural archaeologist") and professor in Art Center's Illustration Department. You'll have to be there tonight (RSVP now! there aren't many tickets left) to meet the talent Jim's chosen as one of the unsung heroes of illustration, but until then, inspire yourself while you wait for the cocktails to start, and check out some of the books Jim's edited for Taschen (maybe to get you in the mood Los Angeles, Portrait of a City or Future Perfect (Icons Series) or LeRoy Grannis: Surf Photography or All American Ads of the 20's) -- and RSVP after the jump for great creative sparks, good cocktails and Mexican... … MORE

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of IllustrationLou Beach Introduces...

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of Illustration
Lou Beach Introduces...

SPDWest 03.23.11 posted by The Editors

Illustrations. Collages. Album covers. Stories. Lou Beach just about does it all, and at Thursday evening's SPD Speakeasy in LA at Smasbox West Hollywood, he's adding one more thing to his to-do list: introducing us to one of the Unsung Heroes of Illustration. To meet his unsung hero, and Lou? You'll have to be there (so RSVP now!). But we thought the least we could do was to give you look into Lou's world before you meet him in person. Get some inspiration and check out his illustration on his site here, or maybe his short stories here, or his book Cut It Out, and RSVP after the jump for great Mexican food, drinks and even more inspiration Thursday night -- not to mention, the chance to meet Lou's inspiring illustrator... … MORE

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of IllustrationInJu Sturgeon Introduces...

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of Illustration
InJu Sturgeon Introduces...

SPDWest 03.23.11 posted by The Editors

The story goes that in 1990, InJu Sturgeon, then the UCLA Extension Creative Director, asked Paul Rand to design the cover of the upcoming winter quarter catalog -- and after some persuasion, he did. Their collaboration started a collection of assignments that included artists from Bradbury Thompson, Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, Saul Bass, John Maeda and so many more. At Thursday evening's SPD Speakeasy in LA at Smasbox West Hollywood, InJu is just one of our West Coast creatives who will be introducing some of the Unsung Heroes of Illustration. To meet their picks? You'll have to be there (so RSVP now!). But we thought the least we could do was to give you a glimpse of some eye candy while you wait for Thursday night to get here. Check out even more of InJu's amazing collaborations from the UCLA Master Graphic Designer series here, and RSVP for Thursday night after the jump to meet InJu's inspiring illustrator... … MORE

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of IllustrationBrian Rea Introduces...

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of Illustration
Brian Rea Introduces...

SPDWest 03.22.11 posted by The Editors

Thursday night at Smashbox West Hollywood, we're meeting a host of great unsung illustration talent, introduced by some of the great creatives who've picked them out as favorites. One of those doing some introducing? Brian Rea, who's both art director and illustrator, and seems to be even better for it! You'll have to be there Thursday night (so RSVP now!) to meet Brian's unsung hero of illustration, but until then, check out more of Brian's work at his site here -- and RSVP after the jump for great creative sparks, good cocktails and Mexican... … MORE

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of IllustrationDavid Armario Introduces...

Speakeasy West: Unsung Heroes of Illustration
David Armario Introduces...

SPDWest 03.21.11 posted by The Editors

At Thursday evening's SPD Speakeasy in LA at Smasbox West Hollywood, our West Coast creatives will introduce some of the Unsung Heroes of Illustration. To meet their picks? You'll have to be there (so RSVP now!). But we thought the least we could do was to give you a glimpse at what they've been working on, and some eye candy while we're at it. First up, David Armario, who's held Creative Director/Art Director roles at magazines including Men's Journal, Esquire, Los Angeles, and so many more, and for companies including Pottery Barn and the Gap. The tiniest sample is above, but check out more of his work at his site here, and RSVP for Thursday night after the jump to meet his inspiring illustrator... … MORE

The Gold Rush

The Gold Rush

SPDWest 09.18.08 posted by The Editors

Legendary San Francisco designer Louis Friend once wrote, "Mistakes only happen once... Do it twice and you've created a great golden look!" In that spirit, we're happy to announce the first of many upcoming events to be held in the western territories. To kickoff the SPD West event series, San Francisco will host a night of social networking (nicely timed with the ASME American Magazine Conference).

Please join us: Sunday, October 5, 7-10 pm
DaDa SF Studio 86 Second Street, San Francisco
Located near the Market/Montgomery Bart Station

Featuring a hosted bar from 7-8 pm

See you there!… MORE

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