Friend and former co-worker James Tolentino always impressed with his artistic and graphic talent. From his early wizardry with a spray can working walls to his more recent foray into more traditional canvas-based works, he has developed a unique style which evokes another era, but is solidly current and relevant, stylistically.

His current series, Ellay, presented in a stark black on white, displays a unique view of snippets of L.A. life. As part of Filter Magazine’s Barker Block Sunset Series, his work is on display The Barker Block on July 10 in Los Angeles.

Giving a new twist on the old stock resource site, newcomer Graphic Leftovers presents itself as “a haven where professional designers and illustrators sell or donate their unused, unsold or unfairly rejected pieces of art online.”

I think the idea has merit because most designers have elements or comps they’ve created that will otherwise go to waste. This gives them a way to re-purpose some of those “lost” elements and ideas and perhaps make enough cabbage to go buy a low fat, extra whip, no foam, extra hot double carmel Macchiato. A good idea whose time is past due, I hope G.L. is around to stay.

Good interview of the fabulously funky Chuck Anderson over at iStock Photo. I’ve been following his work since he started and find it impressive that he not only carved his own niche with his unique style, but also spread his roots deep early on in his career by making the right connections, and through sheer talent and hard work. Be interesting to see his work in 5-10 years and how it evolves, if so.

Science Machine from Chad Pugh on Vimeo

Vimeo’s Chad Pugh has posted a feast for the eyes. It’s a stop motion (screencaps every 5 seconds) piece that unravels a fully-realized and richly detailed Illustrator vector composition. If you want to see a larger version and I’m sure you do, click here. 

Some sweet visuals over at URTD. Head on over and see Slovakian designer Ondrej Jób’s body of work.

This 1968 Oscar-winning film on the creative process comes from legendary graphic designer Saul Bass. I saw this as a kid and it inspired me deeply. This is the kind of work that sticks with you for generations. It doesn’t have the slickness of today’s design, but instead has a core simplicity that transcends style and trends, making it universally good in the same way that modernist architecture stands the test of time.

Unfortunately, this is only a 5-minute preview and you can’t queue it up in Netflix. The only version to buy is apparently available for $125 as a DVD series set.

No, having a cool name isn’t enough, Leesa Leva is one fab illustrator. A self-described “illustrator, insomniac, and puppy cuddler,” she can also apparently design a mean web page as well, as evidenced by her “I Love Birdy” page on Virb, which has drawn a lot of attention. Head on over and browse her portfolio now or skip on over to her blog instead.

By illustrator Charles Tevis and Deanna Lowe. Check out more of Tevis’ work here.

Artist/Illustrator Alex Cherry has a unique, gritty style which is all his own, but what really drew me in is the presentation of his work. It’s a new take on the tired old portfolio gallery. Go have a look.

Designer and illustrator Onesidezero from Leicester, U.K created his site as an “output for experimental design and illustration.” His work is up there with some of my faves, including Emil Kozak and Brian Gossett. Though his style is fundamentally a little similar to other artists/illustrators of that ilk, he manages to keep it completely his own.

Lifted from Cool Hunting.