We're So Back

There is a bit of everything in this one.

Aaron Aalto

Aug 30, 2023

It’s been a minute and we have a lot to cover. So let’s dive in.

In today’s edition:

The Met Gets A Rare Painting
Going to see Vincent’s Cypresses
Designing a New Portfolio
Codex Design Updates
Final Reflections

1. A Layer of Paint

A rare painting is set to display at the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And for many years, the painting of three southern White children held a secret. Underneath a layer of paint, a naturalistic portrayal of a Black youth in the South was hidden. His name was Bélizaire.

Imagine all of the art that is still waiting to be discovered!

If you’re curious to read more.

→ Met Press Release
→ New York Times Article

2. Vincent’s Cypresses

Speaking of the Met, they recently held an exhibition focused on Vincent Van Gogh’s passion for cypresses. It was massively successful. Visitors had to be placed on a waitlist to enter. It was a delightful opportunity for me to get close to Vincent’s letters. If you went, please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

A letter from Vincent to his brother Theo

3. Designing a Portfolio

5 Tips For Design Portfolios:

Start organizing and writing the content and assets before designing
Show your process as much as possible (and Trust Your Process)
If you build brand equity with the color beige, avoid killing it
Take it as far as you can before asking for feedback
Accept that it will never be done and publish

For the past few weeks, I’ve been heads down working on a new personal portfolio. I think it came out great and I invite you to check it out if you’re curious about my design process. And if you have a portfolio to share or have any tips please tell me in the comments.

→ aaraalto.com

4. Codex Card and More

For the past year, I have together with Sandy Sanchez been working on Codex, the rare book society. I wanted to take a moment to highlight some things and hint at future things.

Wordmark

We had so much fun designing the new wordmark. It was a team effort that involved our community and the result is beautiful.

Each letter has been carved from a single block. The switch in the letter “E” is one of my favorite features.

Website

The new Codex website is now live and you’re able to browse a curated collection of 40 books.

Library Card

We made it possible to burn a Matchbook token and redeem a Codex library card. Right now, it is merely a collectible. I want to highlight a little easter egg in the bar code.

Final Reflections

I hope you’ve enjoyed this new edition of Still Life. I’m trying something new with how I’m organizing the content and I’m interested in hearing from you. Do you like it? If you made it this far thank you for your attention and support. I’ll see you again next week.