I first connected with artist and Rhody transplant Jeff Palmer on Instagram — after seeing my friend Erika of the I Heart Rhody blog posting a distinctive logo, one that Jeff had obviously created specifically for her.

He and I started chatting via IG and we thought it would be fun if he created something for me.

Now, fast forward two months later and Jeff has hand-crafted the marvelous design below.

Get his take on what went into creating it and in addition, he’s also sharing some of his favorite local places and things.

Behind The Scenes Of This Collab

This was such a fun and challenging project. I definitely pushed myself in ways that were creatively rewarding, but also had me wondering if I could pull it off. After a major mess up on my part (always check spelling!) it took a few days before I had the mental courage and carving spark to get back on the horse. At the end of the day, it all worked out!

I wanted the overall design to look like the cover of a timeless travel or adventure book. Patty surrounded by iconic Rhode Island settings seemed like the way to go and the shape of her hair helped add to the landscape: one side flowing into the sea, the other blending into a road.

We both hope people enjoy exploring this print and maybe you’ll be seeing it on totes, tees or travel journals for your own journeys around this beautiful state!

Get To Know Jeff Palmer

Whether it be in abstract painting, screen printing or linocutting, I think the main reason I enjoy creating art is making connections with people. Having spent many years in film and graphic design, reaching an audience with some form of meaningful message or idea is what I believe makes the arts such a satisfying pursuit.

Since discovering the medium of linocutting this past November, it’s been a treat carving portraits of celebrities, musicians and pop culture icons. I love when people have an immediate reaction to my work, especially with prints like the vintage banana phone, Pee-wee Herman or Amy Winehouse. It’s really all about letting ideas flow freely, finding what feels right and simply having fun in the process of discovery. Honestly…I just do what the voices tell me to do. :)

Rhode Island Favorites

Having spent 10 years in California, when we moved back to New England we missed going on wine tasting day trips. Good thing there are a fair amount of wineries in Rhode Island and this area! When we can squeeze in some exploring we really enjoy checking out these places and meeting the owners and wine makers.

The Bridge in Westerly is one of our favorite “get out of town” destinations for a lazy lunch in the sun on their deck. Wickford Village is another spot we’ve recently discovered, too! Boulevard Pizza on Narragansett in Cranston always hits the spot.

For the latest from Jeff, follow him over on Instagram @PixelPalmer, and check out his site TaftStreetStudios.com,

Photo Credits: All Images Above Are Courtesy Of Jeff Palmer.