This book contains the majority of content from the books Hola Amiga books 5,6,7. (approx. 108 pages)

Hola Amiga is an ongoing project that metamorphoses from zines to art shows to products. It’s a playground for unfiltered thoughts, illustrations, patterns, and imagery that doesn’t have to explain the “why did you do this?” It’s just me, exploring my subconscious, free from the constraints of ROI and focus groups.

With an intention to celebrate imperfection and unexpected discoveries in an era dominated by data, the endless race towards increasing productivity, and algorithm-curated attention, its primary objective is to let the mind wander, question, explore, play, and discover.

It’s about embracing spontaneity, exploring the subconscious, and the beauty of the unexpected—unfiltered, imperfect, and always curious.

Thank you for your interest in my work. I am grateful.

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I'm inspired by the charm of retro design and the tactile nature of analog printing, especially screen printing and risograph techniques. I love the character of imperfect textures, bold typography, and halftone patterns layered together in a way that feels craft-inspired and human. The minimal color palettes of vintage style and mid-century modern poster art fuel my creativity.

"Memento Mori" said the mayfly

HOLA AMIGA – "Memento Mori" said the mayfly continues the first "FIVE" books, an intention to celebrate imperfection and unexpected discoveries in an era dominated by data, the endless race towards increasing productivity, and algorithm-curated attention. Its primary objective is to let the mind wander, question, explore, play, and discover.

Victoria Cipolla, my mother, passed away from ovarian cancer at 56. She was full of life and left behind countless funny, memorable stories. She often spoke lovingly of her grandmother Nani, who remained an abstract figure to me. Now, ironically, she has become the "Nani" to many important people in my life.

I wish that my wife and children could have met her - her sense of humor was incredible, and their laughter would have brought her such joy. Her death taught me life's brevity, inspiring me to chase my dreams. I sold my house, quit my job, and planned a 3-month stay in South America. That adventure stretched into 10 years, mostly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with some time in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

I'm grateful for where this path led me - to my wife and children. To stay grounded, I reflect on what stood out from five years ago, keeping 3-4 truly important things in focus. A lot of the time we get so caught up in going at a fast pace, saying yes to things that are not important, living life without intent, and letting our environment dictate our next move that we end up frantically traveling, but forgetting where we are even going — halfway to nowhere. "Memento Mori," said the mayfly.

HOLA AMIGA – AUTOPILOT is a continuation of the first THREE books, with an intention to celebrate imperfection and unexpected discoveries in an era dominated by data, the endless race towards increasing productivity, and algorithm-curated attention. Its primary objective is to let the mind wander, question, explore, play, and discover.

“AUTOPILOT”

I have always been amazed at how humans can navigate complex situations while barely being aware of their surroundings, making several intricate decisions simultaneously. Have you ever driven somewhere and barely remembered the journey, all while stopping at traffic lights, merging, and reacting to things in your environment?

In an effort to conserve energy, humans are programmed to find the path of least resistance to accomplish goals. However, much of life’s magic happens when we are forced to come off autopilot and notice the present moments. Boutique hotels do this particularly well by tweaking the expected with something new, so you take notice. This can be as simple as serving cone-shaped sugar with your espresso or surprising you with something you didn’t ask for.

One of the best ways to come off autopilot is to travel or, better yet, live in another country. The mundane becomes special as the slightest changes in expectations transport you to the present. In these situations, even everyday occurrences can feel remarkable, pulling you out of your routine and into a state of heightened awareness.

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Here is some work inspired by a common theme in my portfolio: the power of perspective. Am I a pathological optimist? There is always something to be grateful for. Gratitude is a special vision that unlocks the value around us. Your point of view is the most valuable thing you own. You only truly possess what you can appreciate. This isn't about ignoring negative feelings, being unauthentic, or being blissfully ignorant. Instead, it's about understanding that a good portion of your reality is shaped by how you interpret the world. It requires practice and I often have to revisit this idea, but it's a perspective that has helped me many times in my life.

Input: Coffee with Eric, Sam Harris, scooter rides in the mountains, hammock, podcasts, pocket articles, weather, Mudita, Richard Heart, Crypto, Grass Valley, sunsets, open skies, homeless, aging, currency, BJJ, Gordon Ryan, autumn, hot tub, Patsy, Pancho, Meg Smaker, Alpha Coffee, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Texas Clover

here is your “s“ ;)

Rhubarb & Hibiscus is getting a new look! The third edition of pink gin bottles, features Nate Williams, @n8wcreative, an illustrator and artist from Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Nate's mission as an artist is simple: he hopes to make a positive impact through his ideas, work and connections with people. ⁠⠀