I had never visited the West Coast so earlier this year Jim and I decided that this was the year to do it. The week before last I took my first real vacation that didn’t involve parents, my job, or the internet. Southern California seemed to be a solid bet for good weather and good waves so Solana Beach in Northern San Diego was the perfect spot. Before I jump into my backlog of posts to be written (including a recap of Refresh Baltimore, I promise that is next) I wanted to share some quick highlights from my trip.

Typography

Mollusk’s sign was done by Jeff Canham who’s work is featured in my Surf Typography Post .

Moonlight Glassing & Other Beautiful Surf Boards

Moonlight Glassing is known to be the place where some of the most beautiful surfboards are born, many of Tyler Warren’s boards make their way through this shop. Everyone there was so friendly Jim and I really appreciated our tour. For more surf culture from Moonlight check out their blog at http://www.surfysurfy.net .

Best Smoked Tofu EVER

Mao’s Venice Beach. Amazing.

For all of my SoCal Pictures check out my flickr set.

Surfers are constantly thinking about catching their next wave. A secret spot is when they find an awesome break that is hidden from the world….. where they can float amongst the waves, relax, be inspired, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the better known beaches. Just as surfers are looking for that wave, I am always looking for that typographic groove… that spot where all the elements come together in harmony to give a design that little extra something.

People look for inspiration all over the place; there are countless web galleries, flickr sets, lists, and design magazines, but when I really just want to get away from it all and find something different I turn to the surf community. Already known as a place for great design and fantastic photography, there is some really interesting typography being used. Here are some of my favorite spots…

I am a big fan of Jeff Canham’s retro style. His t-shirts, fabric prints, logos, and signage throw me back to another time… a time that I am too young to have actually ever experienced…perhaps that is why it is such a warm and fancifulness feeling that I get inside.

Thomas Campbell is about to release his 3rd surf movie (The Present) in a series of films that take a unique approach to documenting surfing as a lifestyle. When watching Sprout its hard to not notice the carefully crafted handwriting all throughout the film. Check out the lettering in the trailer for a taste of what the movie is like.

With bookshelves full of surf magazines (Courtesy of Jim), its hard to ignore the fantastic type throughout every issue. While I love the clean classic layout of The Surfers Journal, Surfing Magazine has a wide range of really creative typography. Check out this flickr set I put together.

When in Virginia Beach Jim and I go to this fantastic little surf shop called Freedom Surf. A shop that embraces all the ideals of community that I value in a culture, they support local surfers and artists by carrying unique products and sponsoring events. Freedom Surf believes that surfing is more than just a summer activity, they promote it as a lifestyle and an experience. Though I don’t surf I still can become mesmerized for hours by the fantastic unique products they carry throughout their store. One of my favorite artists regularly featured is Andy Davis.

Andy has a very distinct style with flat two dimensional figures elongated and contorted to fluidly mimic the motion of the ocean waves. His imagery is seductively playful using rich earth-tones accented by strokes that elegantly very to sketch out rich female figures. It all looks so effortless, capitalizing on the negative space around each fantastic sketch for emphasis. In a way his work encapsulates the art of surfing, making the incredibly difficult task of catching a wave look like anyone can do it.

Andy has a clothing line called Ando and Friends that I suggest you check out here. Andy’s online presence is a pretty static one. But who can really blame him… I mean hes pretty busy with surfing and drawing. Here is an excerpt from his Bio:

If someone had invented a 25-hour day, Andy Davis might have had a website a year ago. But everyone has a choice to make. Andy’s is drawing, surfing, and spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Noah. Much preferred options fora guy who admits he can barely send an email.