MAY & JUNE UPDATES

Yes, it's been a aaawwwhiile since I've updated on my blog, but that doesn't mean I've stopped designing. If anything, I've never been doing as much design work in my life. These were some of the design pieces I did over May and June this year. Already, it now being August, by Art Direction has changed slightly yet again...











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The Basic Ethos of Veganism


"It's better to have your head in the clouds and know where you are.. Than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think you're in paradise."
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When I found Veganism I knew that it wasn't just some 'fad' lifestyle, it spoke to my core, and it was the truth I was seeking subconsciously my whole life. It's about living in peace with yourself but most importantly to everything your connected to; the birds, the trees, our rivers and lakes. This whole planet is being destroyed this very second, yet we are happy to support it with our dollar. The cute animals you see and love on Vine videos like baby piglets, kittens, llamas and baby goats even, are tortured into insanity behind closed doors, just so you can get your bacon, pets, fur blanket and Sunday roast. It's hard to watch but everyone needs to see Earthlings. I cried and cried and it hurt my very core to watch, but it was the wake up I needed. People think they're living in the reality, but until you stick your head above the clouds, your just another person abiding by government controlled standards (aka supporting intentional torture and murder towards innocents).

Whether your motive is weight loss, enhanced vitality or ethical eating, Veganism is gaining ground as the healthy and sustainable lifestyle that everyone has been looking for. Like with most trends that kick off, seeing the Celebrity world advocate something is a sign that it's gaining attention & popularity. From Jared Leto, Ariana Grande, Natalie Portman, Stella McCartney to Ellen DeGenres, new faces of Veganism are just what the movement needs.

However, unlike other fad diets & lifestyles, Veganism is actually sustainable because it is the way in which humans are designed to live. Ethics aside, it is important to look at the straight, cold, hard, scientific facts about human design. There is a reason that 65% or more of the world's population has problems with lactose, there's a reason why humans have developed heart disease and cancer and there is a reason why people turn to fruits & vegetables to detoxify their body. Simply because it's the way nature intended, humans are herbivores. Our body is literally designed to perfectly ingest and absorb plant nutrients. We don't have sharp, razor teeth to tear up raw animal meat, we don't have short intestinal tracks like actual carnivores and we don't have the proper enzymes and stomach acids to digest raw meat.

Going back to the quote above, I believe it demonstrates perfectly how it is better to know exactly who you are than to live life just following the crowd and letting them determine your beliefs. In this day and age, it so easy to go along with the common societal beliefs, but with information more available than ever, I feel as though this is unacceptable. People are using technology for amusement rather than as a digital library, and most importantly, not as a tool to which you can enhance and progress in self-development.

There is a certain euphoria when you realise you no longer contribute to the cruelty, to the unnecessary use of animals for meat. But what about your dollar supporting businesses that only have Vegan options and still support cruelty? It's a good question, considering it's impossible to only eat at Vegan only places in Sydney. However by supporting places with these options, they soon realise there is a greater demand for them and will continue to offer more plant based meals and realise the growing potential for making big dollars there, and thats what we need.



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Updated Natural Skincare Routine

It's been a while since I did a skincare routine, and it definitely has changed a lot in the last few months - especially now that it's Autumn here in Sydney & my skin just looooves to crack. Ever since getting off of Roaccutane my skin has never really been the same. It was a "quick fix" drug that yes, did clear my skin up temporarily, but left it with other conditions I now have to take care of. Thanks to going Vegan, most of these problems have gone away.


Getting off the dairy was a HUGE improvement for my skin, and I can't recommend it enough! It was causing the cystic and hormonal acne that even Roaccutane couldn't cure. However since then, my skin has been left in the driest of conditions so it's been important that I actually don't use "soap" to wash my skin. Soap not only strips away built up dirt, makeup and excess sebum on the skin but it clears your skin of its natural oils that are meant to be there as a natural moisturiser. Considering I already have dry skin, this was not doing me any favours. 

I learnt, thanks to this amazing woman at one of the Lush stores, that since I have dry skin, I should be washing my face with oils! As strange as it sounds, washing your skins with plant oils, removes all the dirt, dead skin and makeup but not your own skins natural oils. The product I use to wash my face at the moment is Ultrabland, and damn, it's pretty amazing. It leaves my face super fresh but highly moisturised too because it's so gentle. I usually use my Sukin toner after, followed by bit of coconut or rosehip oil to further moisturise my skin. Even with people who have combination or oily skin can use this method as well to rebalance their skin, since excessively striping away your natural skin oils only causes it to produce more.

As a body wash I use Dr Bronner's Magic 18-in-1 Hemp Rose Soap, which has a similar effect as the Ultrabland, but just for my body. While it sounds like I use a lot of products, all these brands are actually so cheap, eco-friendly and organic.


I had to post these beautiful little organic pink lady apples I bought at the food markets this morning - having easy access to fruit (even in my room) just makes it another way to get those fantastic vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients into your body to help you skin glow! These apples were just $3.50 for a bunch. It really doesn't cost as much as people seem to think to look after your body properly. 




EAT BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES! It does everything from making your skin glow by maximising iron levels to promoting shinier, thicker and fasting growing hair. Molasses is extremely good for you despite what 'other people' say in that sugar is bad for you. It's basically concentrated sugar cane syrup that retains all the super nutrients such as high levels of iron, b6, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium and potassium. You only 1 - 2 spoonfuls a day and it's also rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great in combating eczema, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions too!

Spirulina, Barley Grass and Chlorella are also amazing because it is alkalising and will help heal your gut. Since most acne is a sign of poor gut health, this will be extremely beneficial too. This particular mix has a blend of the world's top 5 most nutrient-rich superfoods and contains vitamin b12, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, chlorophyll, folic acid, iron and plenty more. I've definitely seen a difference with my skin ever since starting this diet and skincare routine. Also, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. The most simplest, cheapest and best way to get amazing skin. People seem to forget your body is made up of 70% water, so don't let yourself get thirsty!

 The only time I ever break out now is if I have a couple of cheeky ciders or drinks on the weekend, no more hormonal break outs finally! Whenever I see young girls going on The Pill, or saying they want to go on Roaccutane I absolutely cringe. It's not natural, and is only a temporary solution used to mask the real problem lying within. If you know someone who is suffering from acne or other skin conditions, feel free to send them this post & help them find their path to real health.

L A U R E N
x


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WHAT I LEARNT AT DESIGN SCHOOL



Since I am now in my final year of my Bachelor of Design, I thought it would be wise to reflect and look back on what has been a crazy 5 and a half years (YES, damn it's been a while). A lot of you might not know that I did a year of Fine Arts when I first started University at College of Fine Arts (COFA) in Sydney. I was majoring in Painting and Drawing, but also touched on Photography, Ceramics, Metal Work and Print Screening and Textiles. Having only had a little bit of experience in these areas, they were definitely difficult, especially in an environment where it felt like the students around me were at level 100 before I even began. Being intimidated definitely held me back and I slowly learnt the intense level of expected quality of work in the first 6 months. However, I can easily say now, being in my final semester ever of University, that my personal confidence in my designs and the pride I have for the work I create has increased by 100 fold. 

People don't realise that being in design school is a time to EXPLORE, UNDERSTAND and SEARCH within yourself, with what you want to create and especially how (the methods, the techniques, the aesthetic, the specific materials and the audience you want). After a year, I transferred from Fine Arts and felt my true calling. I knew that in the Art world you would always have to be selfish, you have to have that type of drive that actually drives you crazy, and in a way, it is a rather lonely path. You are the director, the creator and the audience all wrapped in one. As I transferred to Design, I loved having a brief, a client that I could work with and communicate to, to essentially solve a visual problem. As much as it was hard to give up bit of that creative freedom in a way, it fulfilled the need of me wanting to HELP others. Graphic design is a wonderful practise, in which you still highly utilise your artistic abilities but look at a situation or concept with the idea that it has to be viable, attractive and engaging to your consumer.

 If you are finding yourself struggling to maintain your motivation during study


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Studying a subject you love can AND will kill your creativity sometimes, because you're not 100% inspired or in the moment. For this very reason, I can't recommend highly enough that you always work on projects OUTSIDE of your university/ study. This is because the projects you get at Design/ Art/ Creative School will never 100% be the briefs you want to fulfil. This way you can start making a portfolio that your proud of. Not a single university project is in my actual graphic design portfolio.
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Start a creative online outlet to get feedback that doesn't actually come from a teacher for once. Sure, they have their advantages, but what I found is that current Art & Design teachers seem to lack the ability to understand current trends and aesthetics. Getting peer review is a great way to get feedback without the pressure of creating something perfect. It's all about that practise! So start up a blog, a Behance or Loop account or even Instagram! Utilise the technology around you.
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Consistency. People who are consistent in life will get the results they desire. If you go for a run everyday, you will soon become fitter than you were before. Start designing something small each and everyday, that may be something as small as a stamp or EP cover. Design a birthday card, a friend's Youtube banner, a band tshirt, whatever you want to do with your design abilities! Being consistent will GUARANTEE that your abilities progress and what you can design will then be boundless. For the first 2 years of university, I didn't do much with my time outside of class, except for extra life drawings classes. I relied entirely on the 6 hours a week that I attended and expected my skills to progress but, once I started putting in the extra work, I actually found it hard to stop. And thanks to that, I know have a portfolio I am proud of. Download my "Get Shit Done" To Do list >>> here <<< if you need that extra inspiration too!

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Create yourself an inspiring place to work in! As comfy as it is to sit in bed with your laptop, it isn't perfect for posture and nether your creativity. Hop on Pinterest to get inspired and create a clean desk space and surround yourself with the right tools. Check out my inspo for a great desk here!


Goodluck to you! & yes, studying is 100% worth it because it gives you that time to really discover yourself.
If you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at laurenvingilis@gmail.com.

L U N A H
x
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Astrology Graphic Sample


Graphic of the Week. 
Just sampling with random textures and layers I've had saved for a while. I did about a thousand different colour variations of this, and I'm kinda in love with the burnt orangey maroon against the faded mint green with hints of candy pink.

x
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Falling in love with Autumn



As I'm currently at my desk, sipping on some hot cocoa (which I'm now addicted too since giving up coffee) and thinking sadly of the new mauve tie dye short shorts (in which I purchased not too long ago and now I will never get to wear them), I realised that a change in season is also a new excuse to mix up my daily fashion too. To be honest, my wardrobe is more suited to a Autumn/ Winter weather anyway, and rugging up in layers is the only way to physically stay warm. The last few days in Sydney has been absolutely insane, with super strong winds blowing branches and debris in the sky and the sun hasn't been seen for days - instead it's been replaced by an eerie grey fog that is blocked out the sun, perhaps Dementors are breeding nearby.








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Coachella Dreaming









So I noticed I haven't done a design post in a while - I definitely have been food obsessed lately. But last weekend I did obsessively keep up to date with the #Coachella2015 hashtag on Instagram and stream live shows like Alison Wonderland, Vic Mensa and Tyler The Creator. With a serious case of FOMO, heavily lusting over the festival fashion and overall chill vibes of the weekend, I took inspiration to practise my own hand written calligraphy and see where it took me ...

Already putting together next years outfit to hopefully make it to Coachella myself, I plan to make a tie dye dress similar to the Rat & Boa one above!

L U N A H
X
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Does it take a certain type of person to go Vegan?

2015 Photography © Lunah Designs

As I sit here, waiting for my soy latte at one of my favourite cafes, I realised that as much as I am like other people, I am also very different. I am your average uni student, with a constant struggle for funds, ordering a simple cup of coffee. Yet as I do this task, it gives me peace knowing that with every decision I make, I am helping contribute to a better planet; a better system; a way of changing the network in which we as humanity have completely fucked up in a quest to satisfy personal gluttony. It only takes one second to make a choice which is either going to help or harm the planet.

Why is it that even though we live in a time where we have access to infinite amounts of information (in the form of medical studies, live lectures, free online documentaries and Youtube testimonies) and yet people still don't have a clue about what is a) destroying the environment or that b) you can help with every decision you make? Because most people genuinely don't seem to care at the end of the day. Not everyone wants to be the best version of themselves, has the desire to help other sentient beings or even give our planet the best possible chance for survival. But for those people who do have that fire within themselves to learn about the world and see outside of the societal conditioning they have grown up with, will view Veganism with appreciation and consideration. 


Watermelon frappe & photography by @EarthlingMaxi
Delicious Food from Sadhana Kitchen - Photography by @EarthlingMaxi

So yes, it does take a certain type of person to go Vegan. But that doesn't mean that no one can, especially when it comes to age. Like I said before, if you're reading this blog post now, your one of those lucky few in the world who has access to unlimited information to the world we live in. Earthling Maxi is a perfect example of someone who is conscious of her soundings, and thereby lives accordingly, at only 16 years of age! I wish I was that open when I was that young, but it took me 20 years to awaken. Cherie of @thrivingonplants is another perfect example as well. At just 16 too, she has not only embraced Veganism, but also inspired thousands to do so by demonstrating how easy, delicious and simple this lifestyle really is. Well done girls, for representing the Australian Vegan lifestyle - we really do have a choice living in first world country, to not only make a better future, but help support Vegan businesses such as new cafes and restaurants, make other businesses consider having Vegan options (e.g. plant-based cheese) and support the fruit and vegetable farmers of our country too!

Raspberry & Banana Nicecream! Made by Cherie of @thrivingonplants

And yes, while I am a raw till 4, plant-based eater,  I am trying to slowly give up coffee - but the simple act of swapping dairy cow's milk to soy or almond milk is a split-second choice when ordering one. Not only does it help your health, it tastes almost exactly the same but without the cost of murdering an innocent animals life (yes, all dairy cows end up at the slaughterhouse as meat consumption in Australia). So start changing up little things in your everyday life! Try ordering the veggie option out at restaurants, trying new foods like tahini instead of mayonnaise, or having coconut yoghurt or fruit ice-cream (frozen fruit blended) as your dessert! Not only will your body feel the difference and thank you, daily acts of kindness do not need to be announced to the world since all acts of kindness mean the world to the animal. 

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You don't have to eat less, you just have to eat right.

So what does a typical day look like as a Vegan? Well it truly depends. Some days are healthier than others, but I always strive for high carb and low fat, and fruit always, ALWAYS for breakfast. It makes you feel great, buzzing with energy, hydrated and satisfies your body completely. The more fruit you eat, the more your body craves it - because it is literally nature's superfood.





Fruit does digest quickly, so that's why I'm constantly eating throughout the day! With meals higher in fat (from nuts, oil, avocado etc) it's almost like your body notices immediately and you feel that tad more lethargic - even if they do taste amazing! So 99% of my cooking is done without oil, it's just steamed, baked or panfried quickly without much oil.



 Even if i'm on the run, i'll still get my fruit it! This was a litre banana smoothie - 7 spotty bananas blended with about 1/2 ltr of water!


Going plant-based is the single best decision I have ever made - for a number of reasons! Once you eat plants, you'll never miss anything else - Your tastebuds change every 2 weeks as well, so it's pretty easy to start getting hooked on the good stuff! x

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The 'V' Word

Going Vegan is the easy part .... dealing with everything else, is not.

At first looking into this lifestyle, I wasn't at all scared what it would bring, but more excited and thrilled to be helping my health, the animals and the planet with every decision I took on a daily basis. It is only until now that I have become fully Vegan, I have realised the daily implications that it has brought to my life. Of course nothing could ever deter myself to going back to the horrible way I was eating before.  Arguments with family members and slight differences in social settings were the only main issues before, and to be fair, they really didn't bother me. Only recently I encountered an unfamiliar emotion; stress. 

 Now, I have always interacted with stress on a minimal level in my everyday life, but this type of stress is unguarded and creeps up on me when I least expect it. For example, being in the movie theatres recently and noticing people had more of an emotional response with a robot character pleading not to be hacked up to pieces with a chainsaw. As the character begged not to be hurt, my heart immediately sunk and I felt quiet upset knowing that the people in the audience of the theatre really wouldn't know that this happens on a daily basis in real life, in what is really a living hell; your everyday abattoir. Or maybe what upset me further is that people do know what is going on, yet they absolutely disregard it because of a number of trivial reasons i.e. your fucking tastebuds are more important than someone's life. As the character in the film, had it's limb cut off (and let me remind you, it was technically a non-sentient being), it was a sad and ruthless moment, demonstrating that those with power in society, always get what what they want from the innocent, trusting victim. To see people in a theatre tearing up over a robot, I was also furious. Of course, the chances of being in a whole theatre of Vegans, would clearly of not been the case,  it just made me realise the LACK OF compassion we see in society towards real life events.

 What I've realised is once your eyes and most importantly YOUR MIND is opened, it's impossible to unsee what you have learned, and in turn it is quiet distressing. So few people in this world, ESPECIALLY in the Western world really know whats going on or even give a fuck. Yes, we are so very lucky to live in these parts of the world, and if you're reading this now, you are one of those lucky few. This miracle we call "Google", should be used to its full advantage and not just for connecting with others. It should be used to connect the dots in the world. There is a reason there is an obesity problem. There is a reason there is global warming. And there is a reason why slaughterhouses don't have glass walls.

In spite of this, I did something to help me feel proactive in my current state of mind. Being part of the Sydney Vegan Club, I went along to one of the free seminar's called "How To Inspire Profound Lifestyle Change in Others". It helped me to learn the importance of helping inspire those who are interested and showing early signs vs those people who have the utmost arrogance and "superiority" to any animal aka a Speciesist. Time is precious, and so is your sanity. And at the end of the day, some people really don't aspire to be the fittest, healthiest or happiest they can be. It was good to hear from someone who has tried and tested methods in helping people awaken from their ignorant slumber (aka watch Earthlings.com), and it made me feel more at peace and hopeful for the future. At the end of the day, it's not going to be the local butcher or CEO of McDonald's who advocates for the right's of these precious animals, it's going to be us. 

~ GO PLANT BASED, GO VEGAN - SEE & FEEL THE DIFFERENCE ~




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Graphic Design February/March









So yes, it's been a damn while since I've posted on my blog, so to make up for it - here are my recent designs! To keep up to date with my latest graphic designs, typography and other random samples, follow me at lunahdesigns on Instagram! Since I'm back at uni in my final semester ever and interning simultaneously, I'm trying to keep my own fun projects going just so I don't go too crazy.

Have a rad week!
Lunah x





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