I’m making my way through the archives in my collection of “vernacular” type — or hand-painted letters and signage. It’s a secret obsession of mine that I’ve been slowly sharing on Plop! Clearly, “decay” isn’t limited to the urban environment, but you have to admire the efforts in repurposing in RaDonna’s signage.
Small pond views are always a little wacky and endearing all at the same time. I love this photograph. I took it several years ago in Macon, Mississippi. Macon is a typical small Mississippi town, and I happen to know it well because my parents live there. The photo was taken from the second floor of the old Noxubee County Jail. The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and was beautifully restored and converted to the county library. It’s quite an experience to visit the stacks inside the old jail cells and see the remains of gallows when walking through the hallways.
The back view of the lighted tinsel “Peace on Earth” spanning Jefferson Street captured from one of the jail cells’ barred windows is an ironic and poignant juxtaposition.
I’ve been focused on color palettes recently. I’m working on several logo development and advertising projects where I am choosing colors to create a brand, reflect a brand, expand a brand… You get the idea. Color inspiration can come from all kinds of places. I love to look at books, magazines, wallpaper and fabric patterns, paint collections, fashion photography, and even crazy things like game boards or my children’s drawings. Sometimes, I even step outdoors for the color inspiration nature provides.
With the month of October upon us (I can’t believe it either), I was looking through a collection of autumn photographs a few days ago. It reminded me, with delight, of the unique color palette found in Autumn in Mississippi. I was especially inspired by the yellows. It’s such a vibrant color among the neutrals that often present themselves this time of year. And, wherever yellow appears, the eye just seems to gravitate. A low sun and long shadows sometimes make colors like yellow literally shine when hit by the light. Also, because our winters are milder and many evergreens grown natively, our Fall season usually carries many shades of green along with the typical warmer autumn hues. That counterpoint of warmer color brilliance paired with one slightly cooler shade or a neutral is one of my favorite approaches to choosing colors in design work. The play of warm against cool can make for a very dynamic look.
Since October is only just beginning, we haven’t seen much of the real leaf-turning yet. That process won’t come in Mississippi for a few more weeks. But, I found these photos taken from late October of last year and thought I would share them. I hope it “colors” your view of the changing season.
Alliteration and barber pole marketing in Lena, Mississippi.
A recent stop in my observation of Small Pond, Mississippi was the town of Lena along Highway 31 South. You can read more of my thoughts on that particular winding road over at EyeJunkie, but as I noted recently, it facilitated me adding a few more photographs to my collection documenting hand-painted signs.
Downtown Lena, Mississippi didn’t have much of a Main Street to speak of, although you can see it wasn’t immune to the glossy red, white and blue political “yard sign”. Plus, you have to love the RCA dog and phonograph logo still in use. It takes me back. What made me pull over, however, was the City Hall slash Public Library building. I’ve seen countless mom-and-pop eateries and sale announcements boasting hand-crafted signs, lovingly created to communicate someone’s personal passion. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hand-painted City Hall sign. Lena, Mississippi was a first.
Rather than the typical etched-in-stone serifs, this City Hall boasted hand-painted letters. And, while the overhang-free architecture and concrete grounds didn’t exactly speak “antebellum South” like many public buildings do around here, I was smitten by the pride of place I imagine produced this signage.
The designer definitely took the minimalist approach. And yes, the kerning is a little off. But, there is something inspiring about considering a group of people (maybe only a couple of hundred) who determine to be a township in such a tactile way. What may be lacking in typographic consistency is more than surpassed by the sheer singular voice: “We are Lena, Mississippi.”
Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of Small Pond Graphics. I sometimes fancy myself a frog kisser— a documentarian coaxing poignant moments from unexpected places. This blog has evolved from those moments.
The small Pond FIELD GUIDE is part diary, part sketchbook, and part wish list – an archive of ordinary wonders. For years, this space has housed my stories – creative ideas, vintage inspiration, our forays into curious places, and the simple artifacts of quiet of conscious living. Through watercolor, photography, and illustrated tales, these pages uncover the blessing of ordinary days and the wonder found in authentic places and pursuits.
I invite you to open the boxes.
Peek into the drawers.
Rustle through the pages.
I’m honored to have you here.
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