1/31/10 Spill Happy Birthday!


Last night was the Birthday bash for a great friend of mine, Alexandra Beguez (Check out her wonderful work at bisforbeguez.com). It was a blast to get together with some great friends I hadn't seen in a while at the cool little hotspot in the West Village, Alibi Lounge. The music rocked and Vodka was a plenty. Get a bunch of artists tipsy and dancing = Spillage.

This photo is a little rough, as it was dark and taken with the non-flash iPhone. But this is the result of a happy spill onto Monica's pants. She was excited to find a FACE IT, so I agreed to upload it in honor of her!

Today's photo was found courtesy of Melinda & Monica's keen eye.. At Alibi Lounge in the West Village, NYC. ON HER PANTS!!

1/30/10 Hungry!! Breadfactory Makes Me Less So.


Sorry to everyone who links directly to the blog, But I had to post yesterday's photo directly through the Facebook & Twitter Feeds because Blogger didn't want to work for me on my iPhone in terms of uploading photos. Before Alexandra Beguez's birthday and after a long day of working on some Illustrations, I was famished and starving. So aside from my better judgement, I ate two wonderful slices of pizza. Mmmmm!

Today's image was found at the Bread Factory in Hell's Kitchen, NYC! This is exactly how the plate looked after I finished devouring.

1/29/10 Feeling Accomplished :)


It's the end of a long week, but I feel i've kept true to all of my New Year's Resolutions. I've continued to get my life in shape, organize my presence and have a weekend that will be filled with great friends. Happy Birthday to Alexandra Beguez! Check out her work if you have a chance, it's some fantastic schtuff! bisforbeguez.com

Today's photo was found in Midtown, NYC courtesy of a New York City Fire Hydrant! Jolly aint it?

1/28/10


After a day of feeling blah and also having a rough time finding A photo to fit my mood, Here it goes... It's what I would think is self explanatory.

Todays photo was found in West New York, NJ. Just outside my best friend's apartment.

1/27/10 To iPad or Not To iPad?


This is the question on my mind, as I sit in an office fool of eager folks (myself among them) awaiting every little detail on Apple's latest breakthrough product. I love the damn thing. The videos were enticing, the product design beautiful (albeit a giant iPhone), and the iBook feature is damn amazing.. But for such a hefty price, will I be able to get the mileage and usage out of it that I'd need? The answer seems to lean towards No. I already have an iPhone, iTouch, and MacBook. When will I really use another Apple product that in essence does what I already can do on these other platforms and make the best out of paying ANOTHER monthly fee for Wi-Fi & 3G? I don't know.. But as soon as I'm a billionaire, I will buy everything Apple oriented. And LIKE it!!!

Today's photo was found courtesy of a disarrayed Doggie Dish & Pad set in Midtown, NYC. Aroo?

1/26/10 Need Caffeine! :-/


After such an energetic and uplifting few days, it seems as though my body has decided that it's going to retract. So now I long for as much caffeine as I can intake to allow me to stabilize! Ugh! Why do all good things have to come to an end! Bah humbug.

Today's photo was found on the handle located inside of a NYC Taxi Cab. This handle definitely has "wah wah wah" written all over it, eh?

1/25/10 Feeling Like a Double-Take!


Today continues my unchallenged happiness from the weekend! It's so crazy to me that even my worst enemy (New York City rain) couldn't affect my good mood! I'm doing a double-take at myself folks! Sorry, this is starting to go overboard. :)

Today's image was found inside of a NYC Taxi Cab. It's like a cheery little optical illusion!

1/24/10 Nervous.


Feeling a bit on edge this weekend. It's going to be quite the week of hard work and new experiences, and I'm feeling it may all come together nicely. Overall, I tend to be the typical bundle of nerves. Thinking positively, I know it'll all be good and fine!

Today's image was found on a random wood panel in Midtown, NYC. Felt just about right for the evening's feeling!

1/23/10 So Happy & Accomplished.


Today was one long and busy day but for the first time in a while, I feel more than satisfied with the outcome. Great ideas and visions can become reality, and today this is true. Thanks to the powers that be! Now, I need some sleep!

Today's image was found at the base of a streetlight in Midtown, NYC. It made me happy just looking at it and thought it was perfect.

1/22/10 TGIF!!! :-P


This week has been seemingly endless. So TGIF to everyone! Unfortunately, I'm in for a long and busy weekend!!

Today's photo was found on the back door of my Job's building. He's feeling as gleeful about it being Friday as I am.

1/21/10 Allergies=Not Feeling Too Sexy!


You know what's awesome? Being allergic to fruit! And what's even better is when usually I can drink sangria, but wake up the morning after looking like Sloth from the 'Goonies'. That's just awesome! Sunglasses this morning? Nah, I survived the day and now don't feel nearly as ashamed to be out in public.

Today's photo was found on the rivets of a lamp post in Midtown, NYC. This face was hidden, as I would have like to have been this morning! Ha!

1/20/10 I Could Just Scream!


Ever get into one of those moods where everyone you encounter just makes you want to punch a small animal? Well that's the type of place I'm in today. Just as an example... I find it disgusting to walk into an elevator where a woman is eating pork-rinds right behind you loudly and grossly. On top of that, another man attempted to use his love of pork-rinds to flirt with her. Like, really?

Today's photo was found thanks to a Bose Ipod Sound Dock. This port surely feels the same, he's constantly having a damn ipod rammed into his mouth!

1/19/10 Wowza. Social Media Update Frenzy.


So after a crazy day yesterday trying to figure out how to link this blogger blog to Tumblr (which people have recommended) which I already link to and from Facebook & Twitter, I think I have it all sorted out. I'm hoping that I've found a way to really maximize the efforts and get this blog out and allow everyone to enjoy it. But yea, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of linkage it's required. Phew!

Today's Image was found in a Soho apartment in the form of scrap material from a TV. New York City.

1/18/10 Hungry Like A Wolf.


One of my many New Year's Resolutions was to start eating healthier and although I have been going through waves of sticking to my plan, I have been ravenous. I feel as though the more I eat, the less it really seems fulfilling. But regardless, I will stick to my guns this week and get fit again! Next step? Joining a new gym!

Today's photo was found along Boulevard East in Guttenberg, NJ. This one was just too hillarious of a find, considering it's promoting picking up & disposing of your dog's droppings.

1/17/10 Waiting..


The Golden Globes are nearly a few hours away and I await the premiere. I wish I was able to be more patient. But alas, I am not.

Today's photo was found on Prince Street in Midtown, NYC. This perfect face was at a construction intersection. Love it!

1/16/10 Hmmm, What to Do?



It's a Saturday and I have yet to figure out what to do with the day. Kinda feeling like doing something different and creative to keep my last couple of days fueled. But what?

Today's photo was found in the back of a Garage in Midtown, NYC. Can you tell I'm so short that I couldn't reach this one at eye level? Maybe I should invest in stilts.

1/15/10 Feeling Silly At Work. :-P


It might be the 3 cups of coffee I've had today, but I'm feeling more eccentric than usual. I absolutely cannot stay in my seat at work. I suppose that caffeine thing DOES work.

Today's image was found outside of a parking garage in Midtown, NYC. Is it odd that I find metal pieces on the street adorable now?

1/14/10 Much Better! :)


This is more like it! I feel like my magic creative mojo is back as of today. It's amazing what the combination of comic book day and a good night's sleep can do! Now all I need to do is get cracking on some work today and I'll be set.

Today's image was found in the trash area behind my job's building. Another doomed printer seems mighty happy, all things considered.

1/13/10 Ugh! Creative Block Is Evil.


It's pretty simple, I'm having one of those days where I want desperately to create something and nothing is either turning out the way I envision or nothing is popping into my head for solutions. Bah!

Today's image was found on a gated door in North Bergen, NJ. The door feels my pain.

1/12/10 Grumble, Grumble.


Today, I'm just feeling a little off kilter. My throats scratchy and my creative juices aren't flowing as well as they tend to. I guess we all have off days, but I want my mojo back by tomorrow , damnit!

Today's image was found on the corner, near my bus-stop in West New York, NJ! This drain is definetly feeling the strain.

1/11/10 Crazy Hyper.


Not sure why it's hitting me so hard today, but my morning cup of Java has made me uber hyper today. The good thing is that I've been on fire with getting my deliverables done and then some. If only coffee always had this effect!

Today's image was found in the trash on the street in Midtown, NYC. Another man's junk is another man's treasure and I respect this broken down printer for helping me out!

1/10/10 Oh Dear!!


Seriously, this is exactly how I feel right now! I have not stopped all weekend and still have tons to do before tomorrow. Looks like i'll be pulling a late-night. Has anyone learned how to stop time yet?

Today's image was found at my friend Jeff's apartment in West New York, NJ. I wonder if this doorknob ever thought he'd be on the internet?

1/9/10 Feeling Nosey.



I just want to know what's going on with everyone and be up in everyone's business. That's what working all day on a weekend alone can do to you.

Today's photo was found near the United Nations in Midtown, NYC. Sure as heck looks nosey to me.

1/8/10 My Brain is Frazzled. :-/



For more reasons than I can even conceive right now, I'm just a little burnt out. Maybe it's due to the first week back and lack of a good night's rest, but frazzled is what I feel. Well, although it'll be a busy weekend, I'm sure my creativity will spark some adrenaline and energy.

Today's photo was found on 43rd and 7th avenue in Midtown, NYC. I thought he looked like a stressed out little robot, so he's gracing the page today!

1/7/10 Cold Weather = Blah!


Although the weather in New York City is slightly higher than usual, it's still pretty darn cold. So needless to say, I'm feeling pretty 'Meh' due to it. Plus, I would have rather kept snuggling with my comforter this morning.

Today's photo was found outside of 'The Amish Market' in Midtown, NYC. The Tomatoes were not happy about the cold either.

1/6/10 Reality Shell Shock. :-O


Although I shouldn't admit this, I do fall under the raging influence of Reality Television once in a while. Having had way too much free time on my hands during my Holiday Vacation, I allowed myself to be numbed by the likes of such shows as: 'Jersey Shore', 'The Real Housewives' and 'The Real World'. Each, perfectly crafted to bring every ounce of disgust and shock out of my mind and on to the screen. Yet once I'm tuned in, I'm stuck. Apparently, I have not yet mastered the power of this little known device called a 'remote' and it's ability to change channels.

But I was even more surprised to come across a new gem thanks to my co-worker Nicky yesterday. 'Conveyor Belt of Love'. We've all seen the template of the "Finding Love" show. The typical story of a man or woman going on national television, basically admitting they have too terrible of a personality to find a date. But this one takes the cake. 5 Women on a panel desperate for love. 30 guys coming out on a conveyor belt with 30 seconds to sell themselves. Oh yea, and the women can fight over them. No joke. The night was filled with 30 men, only about 2 that seemed remotely genuine. The rest were either dim-wit models, magicians or terrible musicians. Plus, more than a handful seemed like they were cast straight out of a mental asylum. It was the most annoyingly crazy thing I'd seen in a while. How the frak do they pitch a show like this, nonetheless approved by a network? But what's more shocking? The beefy guy in his speedo holding a pomeranian or the fact that I even wrote a post about reality TV?

Today's everyday emoticon found on a ladder at a health store in Midtown, NYC.

1/5/10 Organizing my life = :-)


So I have finally begun to get my online presence in order. The latest being the re-launch of my website: www.lazmarquez.com! My most current work has been updated and i'm just relieved and happy to have it done.

I have to say, It's handy having an iPhone when I catch these things.
Today's everyday emoticon found on a pipe directly outside of Jittery Joe's on 45th street. Midtown, NYC.

1/4/10 Vacation is OVER.


After a relaxing couple of weeks in San Francisco, my vacation is over. Although I'm happy to be back in NYC, It's sad to be away from the constant 65 degree weather and in the 20's of current. Back to the routine.

Today's everyday emoticon found right across the street from my job in Midtown, NYC.

1/4/10 Face It. Daily.

Throughout a refreshing Holiday vacation, I kept thinking about starting a Daily Design initiative. I wanted to find something that would not only keep bloggers and myself engaged, but also something that acted as a challenge in itself.

I kept thinking about how we express ourselves in this new digital era. How we show how we feel in e-mails, on blogs, on chats. We're all familiar with the ways. We use typography in our everyday online convos to express these feelings. I'm feeling silly or wanting to show I'm making a joke. ( :-P ). I want to show that i'm feeling sorry for myself or sad about something. ( :-( ). It's a way of our online existence. And who can forget the main star for online emoting, the emoticons. And this is where the story really begins.

This led me to my decision. I would take a look around me everyday and try and find the devil in the details (so to speak). So with that, I'll be finding objects in my surroundings that look like they're a face or expressing something emotionally. Real life Emoticons in my surroundings. Everyday, I will be finding an emoticon that best describes the mood I'm in at the time and share it all with you.

So with that, I'm off to search the streets of my home-base, New York City! Check back, participate and enjoy! Stay Tuned!

-Laz

About The Blog :-)

We use typography & emoticons in our everyday online convos to express how we feel. It's the new way to communicate. But what happens when one graphic designer decides to mix this digital common way with everyday life? This blog, of course. Daily, I will be finding an emoticon in my everyday surroundings that best describes the mood I'm in at the time and share it all with you.

About Laz :-P

Laz began his career as a Graphic Designer, studying at The School of Visual Arts in New York City. At the School of Visual Arts, Laz majored in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. Currently, Laz is a forward thinking art director residing in NYC. Laz has worked in Entertainment Advertising, Multicultural Advertising, Publications and Interactive Design and continues onward.