After countless days and hours of design and production creating a plethora of marketing materials for the Florida Film Festival, it will finally be time to slow down — if only for a bit — to enjoy the great movies and events the Festival has to offer.

These next ten days of discovery are something I look forward to every year. Sitting in the dark with friends and strangers–probably with an adult beverage in front of me–watching stories unfold from aspiring and accomplished filmmakers alike. The documentaries are always fascinating, but I’ve heard from Festival folks, like Chris Blanc, that the narrative features this year are really strong. And the festival review I read in the Weekly backed up that claim.

Already on the agenda for this weekend is the opening night film, Paper Man, and party Friday night, where I know there’ll be good eats when I see that the Ravenous Pig and 4 Rivers (among others) will both be there servin’ up vittles. Saturday, I’ll start with seeing the Academy Award Nominated ‘The Secret of Kells.’ That might be the only movie I can catch because I’ll be at the Lee Bros lunch and talk. Then it’ll be on to the Tennessee Williams ‘Family’ Reunion dinner at 6:30. Sunday, I’ll miss the brunch, unfortunately, but I”ll try to catch No 4. Street of Our Lady and Con Artist that night.

What more can I san than, psyched!

Cover of this year's Film Festival program

Interior of the Film Festival program

Interior spread of the Film Festival program

The first screen printed poster by Laura Stauber, my protegé in the AIGA mentorship program. Nice job! I’m not certain, but I think Laura has been bitten by the gigposter bug. Fluorescent red and white on black stock.

We’re happy to finally see some samples of Poster & Process in the studio. It’s been a long time in the making.  It was an honor to design this book for our long-time friend and brilliant painter and illustrator, Larry Moore. The book features 34 illustrations Larry created for the Orlando Opera Company over a period of more than ten years. Through essays and sketches, Larry shares his creative process with the reader. It’s 72 pages, soft bound and 11.5″ x 14″ and will be available online soon.

Started the day with french toast, chicken and waffles, and good coffee at 24 Diner. Caught one of our new favorites, Sarah Jaffe in the middle of the day. Dinner at Guero’s on Congress. I had a cold so I ended up calling it early Saturday night and missed a great show with Band of Skulls. Sunday morning brought us to Moonshine for brunch, Waterloo for some record shopping, and a last waltz down sixth street before having to say ‘goodbye’ to Austin.

The amazing Sarah Jaffe

The quietly hilarious Jenn at Guero's. We love you!

A beautiful mess-o-food at Moonshine

Poster remnants on the Sunday after SXSW

So true.

First, we apologize for not having any show photos posted here. Our new camera is not welcome inside most SXSW venues. Bummer.

Day 1: Chuy’s for lunch with Amy’s ice cream (thanks, Jenn!) for dessert. Got wristbands. Started booth set up. Ran into Michael McRaney and Colleen at a great new place, Lustre Pearl, for a San Diego showcase. Met up with Tabie and Karen at Manuel’s for dinner. Show (or should I say party!) with Japanther and Andrew W.K. at Buffalo Billiards.

Day 2: Breakfast at the famous Maria’s Taco Express. Finish the booth set up. Tabie, Karen and Jenn watch the booth as Sarah and I go to Antone’s to see a fantastic, too short, set by Kashmir. Not to mention the free tex mex and free beer at the show! Yeah, free tex mex and  beer. Finished the afternoon at Flatstock and then off to another truly amazing dinner at Uchi. Head downtown to see Off! play about 8 fast, loud songs in rapid-fire ten minute set at Emo’s Jr. Then, down the street to Stubb’s where we worked our way up front for Band of Horses!

Michael McRaney at Lustre Pearl.

Jenn's list of shows to see and outfits

Maria, of Maria's Taco Express.

You guessed it. Breakfast tacos at Maria's.

Letterpress set up at F2 Design's booth.

Beautiful new print from the brilliant Jason Munn of Small Stakes.

Pork and cheese enchiladas with the best mole in Austin at Manuel's.

On 6th street.

My gracious hosts, Brett and Mae Mae Stiles.

Sarah and Karen at Uchi.

Hama chili

scallops

Grilled mackerel

You shouldn't play with your food. Octopus pops.

More octopus pops.

Brett and Mae Mae's dog, Rudy