Musings of a Graphic Designer

WordPress

2009-07-28T11:49:00.002-04:00

I have decided to move my blog over to WordPress...

Please update your bookmarks to the following - http://skleberdesign.wordpress.com/

15 Things a Designer Should Never Say

2009-07-10T20:50:00.002-04:00

Interesting article - how many are you guilty of?

15 things...

Matt Webb on the Role of the Designer in the 21st Century

2009-07-05T10:18:00.002-04:00

An interesting talk by Matt Webb in Copenhagen. (Courtesy of The Design Observer)

Matt Webb

Cool Bookend

2009-07-03T09:29:00.002-04:00

I love this - I really need to start putting more "clever" into my design work.

Bookends

Pringles Banner Ad

2009-06-30T21:49:00.001-04:00

This started floating around Twitter, and no lie, it could keep me entertained for a while. It is a banner ad for Pringles...click once, click twice...keep going...

View it here - Pringles Ad

Chip Kidd's Favorite Recent Covers

2009-06-29T22:07:00.002-04:00

The link is from the Design Observer - a brilliant cover designer identifies other brilliant cover designers... Read it here: Chip Kidd's Picks

Nassal

2009-06-07T21:47:00.003-04:00

This place does themed design for parks and attractions - they've done some really sweet work... They just finished the Hard Rock Theme Park (now Freestyle Music Park) and are starting work on the Harry Potter Park in Orlando.

Check them out - Nassal

Design Observer Letter

2009-06-04T12:14:00.003-04:00

Great letter to all levels of students - love the last statement...

Letter to Students

PostSecret DC

2009-05-30T08:57:00.002-04:00

I also got the opportunity to check out the PostSecret exhibit in DC. If you are in the area, there is a small display at the Hillyer Art Space. Probably my favorite part was that they left out postcards so that guests could write their own secrets and put them on the wall. It added an even more human, connected quality to it.

Tabletop in DC

2009-05-30T08:55:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of visiting DC this past week, and found an awesome store in DuPont. The website only begins to do it justice. Its called "Tabletop," and I feel like it is somewhat of a designer's dream. Quirky calendars, handbags, shot glass ice cube trays, and a million other things for you to use and display...

Check it out here - Tabletop

OrangeArt Miniature Letterpress Books

2009-05-24T20:38:00.002-04:00

Found these at a boutique store and thought they were sweet - all tiny letterpressed minibooks with titles like "Love," "Incomplete Book of Dog Names," and "Cheerful Thoughts."

Check them out here - OrangeArt

Keep Calm and Don't Sneeze

2009-04-30T19:40:00.003-04:00

Designers never miss a beat when it comes to putting their skills to use in current events. Check out this poster for the Swine Flu - Keep Calm and Don't Sneeze

Snickers

2009-04-28T21:14:00.003-04:00

I saw some billboards out for Snickers, and you know what I love about them? They envelope the style of Snickers without using the name anywhere in the ad. It shows the power of good branding, as well as that Snickers is willing to take a chance on something that is not the same old song and dance. Very cool.

View an article here - Snickers

North Carolina Aquarium

2009-04-28T20:05:00.002-04:00

Saw some billboards for the North Carolina Aquarium and LOVE them... The theme? "What's your fish face?" All the billboards have the catch phrase with pictures of kids making fish faces. I really like that it is smart, and I like that they did an aquarium ad that doesn't necessarily show fish... Apparently they did a whole internet campaign on it as well. It definitely seems to have legs.

See the internet contest here - NC Aquarium

Rules of Facebook Etiquette

2009-04-20T16:04:00.004-04:00

A friend posted this on Twitter and I thought it was great - Rules of Facebook Etiquette

Is it sad that we now judge our dating status based on whether or not we are "In a Relationship" on Facebook? It was even on "The Big Bang Theory" this season. View that clip here - Facebook Status

Ism - Blog

2009-04-19T21:22:00.008-04:00

Ism also had a blog entry on social networking that I found interesting.

Your Tweet is Very Important to Us

I guess what struck a chord with me was the commentary on the evolution of everything. In reality, I have a similar view. When things get too popular, they die out. I am still fairly young - part of the crowd that remembers when facebook started, and was for college students only. Now, it is starting to hit big with high school students and baby boomers...and honestly, I am beginning to wonder how long it will remain the "in" thing. Already facebook itself has made a few highly unpopular updates to its own look and feel. It is trying too hard for something that started out quite inspired.

I just joined Twitter, and already I can see all the companies latching on to it as well - to advertise, to connect with clients... I am not sure how I feel about it yet, but I can see the advantages of it. Then again, maybe it is expanding too quickly for its own good too? Already I have tried to view my home page and gotten a "Twitter is overloaded" type message, more than once... Who knows?

What does everyone else think?

Ism

2009-04-19T21:19:00.002-04:00

Some interesting travel marketing from the Boston area. I like that they have a niche too, instead of trying to cater to everyone... Their name: Ism.

Check it out here - Ism

I especially love the piece with the giant ampersand. See the partial photo below...

Seth Godin on Graphic Design

2009-04-09T15:16:00.002-04:00

At one point, I worked at an agency that based itself on Seth Godin's purple cow principal. What makes your business "purple" and how do we market that? It seemed like a pretty good theory... In fact, its an incredibly popular one. But recently, Seth Godin published his ideas about Graphic Design on his blog...and THESE I am not so sure about...

Check it out here - Why aren't you (really) good at Graphic Design?

Trust Me

2009-04-08T11:08:00.002-04:00

So there is a new show that I stumbled upon on TNT called "Trust Me." It is all about the cut throat world of being in the ad business. I am kind of wondering what agency they are basing it on - any thoughts? Yesterday they mentioned Ogilvy as a competitor.

They even set up a website for the "agency." RGM

They were having a contest to art direct a Dove Commercial - I wonder if those actually IN the ad business were allowed to compete.

Visit the show here - Trust Me

Outliers

2009-03-09T17:08:00.002-04:00

For anyone that doesn't read Malcolm Gladwell's books, I highly recommend them. I started reading his latest book, Outliers, last night, and I find his books fascinating. This particular book is talking about how it is not only innate skill, but the advantage of birth date, time, place, etc that makes successful people rise to the top. For example, the first section talks about how almost all the major Canadian hockey players were born in the first months of the year...because the cutoff is in Jan, and therefore these boys will be bigger and more mature, and will be seen as more skilled therefore getting the advantage of extra practice and encouragement, thereby becoming more successful... What advantages do you have that have made you who you are?

Daniel Bowman

2009-03-05T19:55:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite Southern designers/artists is Daniel Bowman from Wilmington. I think his prints are really simple, yet detailed. He truly has an eye for shape and color.

See his work here: One Twice

This is the one I have a small print of I believe:

Electric Mini Cooper

2009-03-04T09:59:00.003-05:00

I saw a bit on the Today Show about the new all electric Mini Cooper. The car itself is cool but what got me was a short clip on the car in London. They showed charging stations (called something like Juice Stations) on the side of the road where you park, so you can charge up your little electric car. I thought that was an interesting idea for the future of the auto industry. Instead of gas stations and metered parking, now we'd have charging stations... It would take quite a while for the car to be functional in the US, because everyone would have to install them. But it is definitely an interesting solution...

Virgin Megastore Times Square

2009-03-04T09:54:00.002-05:00

So I found out today that they are closing the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. It is truly the end of something. The Virgin Megastore is like a fixture in Times Square, and I can not even imagine the area without it. Tons of artists have launched CD's there. It also makes one question if the end of the CD is near. I am a sucker for package design, but will all those who exclusively design covers be out of a job in the near future due to digital music downloads? It would be a terrible shame.

Anyways, read the closing article here: Virgin Megastore

The Fray

2009-02-06T21:43:00.004-05:00

So I fell in love with The Fray and their new song "You Found Me." Since I am a designer, and still like to go buy the actual CD to see the cover design, I went to Best Buy to get it today. Its actually really interesting - it is the first CD I have seen that is done without the plastic - a fully cardboard case. I am wondering if it is somehow a "green" thing. It has pockets for the book and CD, although I would like to make a suggestion on the CD pocket - it runs entirely to the edge and makes it slightly difficult to get the CD out. Overall it has a real nice feel to it - nice paper quality. And the book on the inside has a gritty photojournalism feel to it, with the names of the songs written in neon and put into different landscapes.

Is neon the thing this year? The Express bags referenced a few entries ago were a similar style, though they have recently switched over to bright spring bags (not nearly as impressive).

Guitar Hero Commercial

2009-01-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

I think that the new Guitar Hero commercial with Heidi Klum that mocks Risky Business is an absolute stroke of genius.

Check it out on YouTube - Guitar Hero

Advertising as an Experience - Victoria's Secret

2009-01-11T12:01:00.004-05:00

Everyone knows how certain brands dominate the market - Coke and Pepsi, Fuji and Kodak, Cannon and Nikon... We talked about Brand Loyalty when I was in school - things that you will only buy in one specific brand because you feel it is the best. But a lot of this is centered not around the advertising, but the development of the brand as an experience. I learned this when I worked at Ann Taylor for a short time - repeat customers were loyal because we were trained in the experience of the brand - outfitting the customer, being aware of different shapes, etc. You aren't buying the clothes as much as paying for the experience of buying the clothes, and that makes you loyal.

Yesterday I discovered another brand experience - Victoria's Secret. Most people are aware that they do fittings, but has anyone else heard of a "bra box"? For the customer that is new to the brand, they keep a box of bra's in the fitting room, categorized by size. Each size box has one of each of their most popular bra to try on, so that you can determine what works for you best without rooting around the store for one of each. To ad to the overall experience is the care they take in their promotions and ephemera items - for example heavy duty shopping bags, and purchases wrapped in tissue. And their boxes are by far the easiest to put together... Overall, they are a thorough and well thought out brand that thrives on providing the experience to the customer in ingenious, but effective ways...

Tea Bags

2009-01-04T11:01:00.003-05:00

I found these on a blog and I ADORE them. I really wish I had thought of it - people hanging off tea bags. I will attach a picture, but check it out here - Tea Bags

Express Bags

2009-01-03T22:11:00.002-05:00

Apparently decorating the inside of shopping bags is in this year - not only was I impressed by the Saks bags (referenced in a previous post) but I went to Express today and found that they too have new bags! "EXPRESS" in neon lights on the outside, and then a yellow neon star pattern on the inside. I am pretty impressed. I tried to find a picture online to put up, but haven't stumbled across it yet, so if you want to see it for yourself, stop by the store. There is a killer sale going on, regardless. Happy shopping!

Graphic Design: A New History

2008-12-26T19:12:00.003-05:00

I received this book for Christmas and I am looking forward to pouring over the information in it. Thought I would share -

This Tree Needs You

2008-12-16T19:24:00.004-05:00

Urban Outfitters has made available my absolute favorite piece for the holiday season - "This Tree Needs You" - a replica of the tree from Charlie Brown Christmas. This is totally on my Christmas list this year. They also are selling the Linus Blanket to wrap around the bottom. The best part of that is that all proceeds from the blanket go to Project Linus, an organization that delivers blankets to kids in need of comfort. Relive your childhood for a good cause.

Saks Fifth Avenue (Cont'd)

2008-12-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

A follow up - apparently they also made jewelry from her snowflake drawings... How great is that? The artist has put both the drawings and the pieces inspired by them on her site for comparison. I think it is interesting to see how the different craftsman interpreted her originals.

See it here: Jewelry

Saks Fifth Avenue

2008-12-05T11:01:00.004-05:00

So, I was lucky enough to stop in Saks yesterday and spy their new Christmas look. Everything this year revolves around hand drawn snowflakes, and it looks amazing, as usual. There is an article about it online. I pulled some photos off for everyone to see, but to see the whole article, go here: Marian Bantjes

It is always fun to see something cool, and then get to read the story behind it. And I adore the bags - especially the detail on the inside...

Veer Capital Letter Scarf

2008-12-03T08:56:00.003-05:00

So I have found a new favorite product at Veer - the Capital Letter Scarf. It is a scarf made entirely of jumbled letters. I don't know how warm it is, but I would totally love to see someone walking down the street with that...

Thomas Kinkade

2008-11-21T13:18:00.002-05:00

So, I was on the Design Observer today, and there was a link entitled "Thomas Kinkade's Guide to Making Things Suck." And I was brought back to a class I took in college - a writing class on Contemporary Art. We had a very lively debate (art students versus non art students most likely) on art versus kitsch, and what Thomas Kinkade would fall under. It makes you wonder why designers and artists see differently than the general public. Most of your average, non-art clientelle, would consider Thomas Kinkade a wonderful artist. They look at what we consider art, for example Pollock or Duchamp, and can't understand where we get it from. And artists and designers often look at Thomas Kinkade and think, to quote the design observer, it "sucks." So what does that say about artists versus the general public? If his work really sucked, would he have been able to make such a sizeable living on it? And what separates Kinkade from someone like Rockwell, who's prints are well loved by the public and have been highly used commercially (and are considered fairly ideallic as well)? I have the utmost respect for all the artists mentioned above, but it makes for some good debate.

Here is the link to Kinkade - Kinkade

Good is Dead

2008-11-16T21:03:00.002-05:00

Though he's been around for a while, I thought I would do an entry on Chip Kidd. I picked up his book, Chapter One, a while ago - actually got it signed when he was touring - but have recently begun to read it again. One of the stories that got me last time I read it was regarding one of his most well known covers - Jurassic Park. If I remember it right, he drew the dinosaur graphic for the cover, then sold it to the movie people, not realizing it would literally become the icon for the movie. It was on everything, and they got the rights to it for a steal.

See his website here: Chip Kidd

Obama Dingbats

2008-11-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

I think the title says it all...

See it here: ObamaBats

New York Times

2008-11-06T23:17:00.006-05:00

Again I am astounded how we as designers have the ability to be a part of history, and how much people value what we do (so to speak). I found out today that the New York Times from yesterday (Nov. 5) is going on ebay for over $100 because people want a piece of history - and who created that piece of history? Designers. Also, it is said that it is one of very few times (3-5) that the NYT has run a headline in a font size that big. I also appreciate the brevity - nothing but "Obama" and yet that says it all. Just some things to think about next time we are all sitting at our desk thinking that what we write/design will just end up another piece of propaganda that gets tossed aside - sometimes, people appreciate it. And you never know when you will have the opportunity to be a part of something big...

Vote!

2008-11-02T17:24:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder to everyone - democrat or republican, get out and vote this Tuesday! This election came in with a bang, and lets send it out with one as well. The polls are so close it is impossible to tell, so lets get out there and support a side. Be a part of history.

Halloween Candy Code

2008-10-31T18:58:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of Halloween, I found this on one of the websites I frequent... It's a Halloween Candy Code for kids - if you can get the whole neighborhood behind it, maybe it will work! And, for those of you who don't want tricker-or-treaters at your house - try drawing the code for fruit on the sidewalk out front. I bet the kids will stay away...

See it here: Halloween Candy Code

Map of Endorsements

2008-10-29T14:43:00.001-04:00

The Design Observer linked to a map that shows which newspapers in which states are supporting Obama vs McCain, and is also comparing it to who they endorsed in the last election with Kerry and Bush. A surprising number have switched from Republican to Democrat this election... Now what I would like to see is a comparison of what the paper promoted vs how the public voted...

Check it out here: Papers

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-25T19:13:00.002-04:00

I think a graphic designer got into my pumpkin carving kit...lol I found this pattern in there - only a typographer would want to do a ;) on a pumpkin.... I love it...

Etsy

2008-10-23T11:51:00.003-04:00

With the holidays coming up, this is going to be a shameless plug...hehe I think Etsy is great, not only because I have my own store, but the idea that you can buy and sell hand made unique items - a market for those of us that can't afford an entire table at an art show, or only want to sell select items as a hobby.

Visit my store here: My Store

And then browse everyone else's as well...

Georgia Aquarium

2008-10-16T16:46:00.004-04:00

I think their logo is highly ingenious and very, very fun... Two thumbs up!

Brands of the World

2008-09-24T14:44:00.003-04:00

Today is going to be a more functional design post. I learned about this website at my last job, and I think it is a must for any designer. It is called "Brands of the World," and they have a database with vector art or pdf art of various commonly used logos that might be needed for jobs. It is also a good database to search when looking for inspiration.

Check it out here: Brands of the World

One Sentence

2008-09-15T22:26:00.003-04:00

Found this website today called "One Sentence: True Stories Told in One Sentence." Thought it was an interesting idea, and it is amazing the emotion you can convey in one sentence. Some of my favorites:

"I knew God had a sense of humor when I hesitantly answered the ringing K-mart payphone, only to hear my best friend, who misdialed my home phone number, on the other end."

"When asked to name the one person absent from her life that she missed the most, she responded, 'The person I hoped I'd be by this point in my life.'"

"It was one of those exams that you absolutely must pass if you want to continue in this program, and I failed the set-your-alarm-clock-properly portion."

"From the moment her arms wrapped around my chest and her head found its place on my shoulder, I knew beyond a doubt that I would never think of five feet as too short ever again."

Check out more here: One Sentence

Where's George

2008-09-07T14:44:00.001-04:00

Got this written on one of my $5 bills the other day - its called "Where's George" and allows you to input the serial number on your bills to see where it has been in the past. Mine was pretty much new and only came from a few miles away, but you never know!

Check it out here - Where's George?

Paperback Swap

2008-08-31T21:24:00.001-04:00

My newest obsession - post a list of the books you want to get rid of and trade with people. All it costs you is a few dollars postage. For every book you send, you get one credit to use to "buy" someone else's book. Finally I can replace my old books with some new ones and not break the bank...

Check it out here: Paperback Swap

The World's Smallest Book

2008-08-29T21:38:00.001-04:00

Apparently, Selfridges has created the world's smallest book. Very cool. However it does not come at the world's smallest price. The limited edition is 70 pounds - the equivalent of about 140 US dollars.

Check it out here: Smallest Book

BAD Studio

2008-08-20T22:21:00.004-04:00

BAD Studio is an Atlanta based studio that has a section where you can get free posters and cards designed by the company. Who doesn't like free stuff? Their client list is nothing to sneeze at either... (Cartoon Network. TBS, DC Comics)

Check it out here - BAD Studio

Design Army

2008-08-08T23:02:00.002-04:00

Here is a design company in DC that I absolutely adore called Design Army. As I was going through the Print Regional from last year, it just seemed like everything I liked in the DC area came from them. Check out the branding they've done for themselves in their portfolio...super cool... I also love that they have a separate section in their portfolio just for invitations. I think I need one of those...

See it all here - Design Army

A3 Design

2008-08-06T21:19:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of some of the research I've been doing lately, I'm going to post some of my favorite design studios in areas other than NYC. My first one is A3 Design in Charlotte. Make sure you check out the work they did for the "Visit Info Center." I like the idea of not having a name, but just a symbol to recognize the building.

See their website here: A3 Design

Zoomii Books

2008-08-05T15:53:00.001-04:00

Great new website that allows you to browse books online like you are in a bookstore. And it is connected directly to Amazon! This could be dangerous for me...lol

Look here: Zoomii

Kubota Imaging Tools

2008-08-03T09:46:00.003-04:00

I know, I am so far behind on this blog...

But anyway, a photographer friend recently told me about this website, Kubota Imaging Tools. They have these amazing filter effect packs you can buy. The one she uses is a skin softener/blending tool (not sure the exact name), and it gives her photos this wonderful airbrush effect that is just beautiful. The power of retouching never ceases to amaze me, especially when it is done right.

Check it out here: Kubota Imaging

Veer 2008 Activity Book

2008-07-14T18:28:00.002-04:00

I got my Veer 2008 Activity Book in the mail today. This is the first year I've gotten it, and I think its great. Not only is it something clever and fun to advertise their services, but I always enjoy when they wink specifically at designers - for example the game that asks you to identify the word set in Futura...lol

If you missed out, you can buy one for $2 on the website - Veer

Typographer's Handwriting

2008-07-11T08:15:00.003-04:00

Another great find from the Design Observer - samples of some famous typographers' handwriting. I feel like there would almost be this stigma where you expect their handwriting to be perfect - almost lyrical. I have always wondered why my own is less than stellar, when, as a graphic designer, I use so much type and drawing... Some of them are fancy, some of them are messy, all of them are interesting. But anyway, it is fun to see the handwriting of those who create the typefaces we use to communicate every day.

See it here: Handwriting

My Penguin

2008-07-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

Penguin has this great idea - you design the cover to one of their classic books and order it, and they will send you the book with your custom cover. They even have a gallery of books other people have created. Anything from Dracula to Animal Farm. So they say, "That cover is naked - put something on it." hehe

Check it out here: My Penguin

Pick of the Week

2008-07-08T11:15:00.002-04:00

I'm a little behind on this, because apparently it was announced a few months ago - but Starbucks and iTunes are once again doing "Pick of the Week." Go to Starbucks and receive your card each week with a new emerging artist, then go to iTunes to redeem your free song. I think its a great concept - free music, publicity for artists, and another reason to go to Starbucks. Sweet.

goodreads

2008-07-07T17:17:00.002-04:00

Thank you to Adam for introducing me to "goodreads" - a social networking site for people who like books. Link to your friends, see what they are reading, and swap books with them. I have a feeling I will never again be without something to read.

Check it out here: goodreads

NYC Waterfalls Follow Up

2008-07-06T10:25:00.006-04:00

Here are some photos I took of the NYC Waterfalls Exhibit. I found it really interesting that in all of the falls, you could always see the structure behind it. I wonder if this was intentional - a way of marrying the man made with the natural. If anyone is interested, the website has a number you can call to sign up for a free half hour boat tour of all 4 structures.

New Logo for Miller Coors

2008-07-06T10:06:00.004-04:00

Pentagram has designed a new logo for MillerCoors. Again, a brilliant piece of logo design. So different from the way most beers are branded - very clean and contemporary. And I love the way the r and the o subtly fit in to the C in Coors - very careful use of typography.

See the new logo here: Pentagram Blog

Mr. Picasso Head

2008-07-05T15:24:00.001-04:00

A find from the Design Observer - create your own "Mr. Picasso Head" using elements from different Picasso drawings. They even let you put in your signature in Picasso's handwriting...hehe

Play here: Mr. Picasso Head

Change the Margins

2008-06-25T12:53:00.001-04:00

An interesting look on the little things we can do to be "green" - for example using less paper by printing with smaller margins.

See it here: Change the Margins

Yapta

2008-06-23T17:17:00.003-04:00

Now, I haven't actually used this website yet, but I saw it on the Today Show a while ago and thought it was an interesting concept. They track flights to destinations you want to go, and then help you get a refund on a ticket if you previously purchased - at least that is the way I understand it. My only hesitation is, if you have a previously purchased ticket, you have to give them quite a bit of information on it. I'm not ready to put that much of my travel information on the internet. If anyone has tried it, let me know your thoughts!

Check it out here: Yapta

Emigre

2008-06-21T21:36:00.003-04:00

Emigre is a great website for fonts. You can also sign up for a free catalog - they send them every once in a while, and they are always fun to flip through. Once, I even got a short pamphlet with a history of a typeface. Definitely worth taking the time to put your name in.

Check it out here: Emigre

401 Design Meditations

2008-06-17T13:00:00.004-04:00

I found this book by Catharine Fishel to be really inspiring. There is a quote for every occasion. Some of my favorites:

"Designers have to be brave pioneers" -Art Chantry

"If we are lucky we will work many days doing things we are not so thrilled about so we can spend hours doing what we love." -Robert Louey

"Practice safe design: Use a concept." -Petrula Vronkitis

"Frankensteining: The process of collecting graphic parts from different design options and compiling them in to one option. You end up with a design solution worthy of a mob carrying torches and pitchforks." -Von R. Glitschka

Checkland Kindleysides

2008-06-13T17:06:00.002-04:00

I love their website design - the way the paper peels itself up and down from page to page... Definitely something to think about that is different from the normal template-looking or over-flashed pages that seem to be popping up...

Check it out here: Checkland Kindleysides

The Girl Effect

2008-06-12T20:53:00.002-04:00

Very cool video made completely of typography to promote the education of women, and the effect it will have if we educate even one girl at a time to get them out of poverty... Not only do I love the type, but I love the message of strength and the way it promotes the empowerment of women.

View it here: The Girl Effect

Modern Press

2008-06-10T22:16:00.002-04:00

Some AMAZING invitation design ideas. They do some great letterpress and even advertise light-weight wood carved invites. I swear when I get married, somehow I am gonna end up spending insane amounts of money on the invitations...

Check them out here: Modern Press

42 Awesome Business Card Designs

2008-06-09T15:52:00.005-04:00

I did a lot of business cards recently - this site compiled a group of business cards that will serve to make me try harder to do something different when I fall in to a creative block on how to make a 2" x 3.5" rectangle interesting...

Check it out here: Card Designs

One of my favorites is this one...so simple, yet so smart and witty...

The Way I See It

2008-06-07T09:49:00.002-04:00

A few years ago, Starbucks started putting quotes on their cups - "The Way I See It." The quotes range from famous quotes to quotes submitted by you or I at the different Starbucks location. They are all compiled online, and being the quote-junkie that I am, this is my link for you all today...

Get inspired here: The Way I See It

Missed Connections

2008-06-05T17:32:00.002-04:00

Everyone knows craigslist by now, but one of my guilty pleasures is the "missed connections." There is just something so hopeful about the idea that you might have a chance encounter, post it online, and get the opportunity to meet again. Here is a link to NYC, because there are tons of them to look at every day, but you should definitely check it for your own city. Maybe someone saw you today...and you don't even know it...

Here: Craigslist NYC

Cinematypography

2008-06-03T19:21:00.002-04:00

No - it is not movie title fonts. It is much cooler than that. David Corti has started something that will keep designers busy thinking for quite a while. He started matching movie titles to typefaces, a challenge that only a type-geek will truly appreciate - and he's invited everyone to post their own creations as well. I love it. Everything from "Georgia of the Jungle" to "Back to the Futura." I know, I'm hopeless...hehe

Check it out here: Cinematypography

Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far

2008-06-02T16:22:00.003-04:00

Someday I hope I am a famous graphic designer...and when I am, I hope I can have fun pet-projects like Stefan Sagmeister... His website, "Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far" is equal parts fascinating and inspiring. It is like Post Secret for creatives. I think the best part is he even includes some of his own.

See them all here: Things I Have Learned

And in the mean time, here is just one of the many I like...

Worst Website Ever

2008-05-31T21:01:00.003-04:00

I have had many discussions on this at work - what works, what doesn't, when it is appropriate to use web 2.0... Now someone has saved me the trouble of compiling all the mistakes that can be made when you let someone who doesn't know design take control of a website...

See here: How to Make the Worst Website Ever

Helvetica Notebook

2008-05-29T21:19:00.003-04:00

This is on my wishlist from Veer...the Helvetica Notebook. I love how it is double sided, and the lines inside are actually made up of quotes in 3 point type. I think I would almost feel guilty writing in it...

Check it out here: Helvetica Notebook

NYC Waterfalls

2008-05-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

Found this online and thought it looked pretty cool. They are even doing tours! The waterfalls will be on display in NYC June 26th to October 13th. How crazy is it that they are even utilizing the Brooklyn Bridge? I don't know if they've done anything on this scale since "The Gates."

Read about it here: The NYC Waterfalls

Throw Rocks at Boys

2008-05-27T20:23:00.004-04:00

This is one of my favorite websites for guy troubles or just pent up frustration with the stupid people of the world...lol It is based on the David and Goliath t-shirt designs. Sorry boys...but there is probably one for girls out there somewhere... And it is just too good to pass up.

Visit the website here: Throw Rocks at Boys

Kate Voegele

2008-05-26T14:18:00.001-04:00

Kate Voegele is what's in my CD player right now. She played an aspiring musician on "One Tree Hill," but her CD proves her to be more than that. She's currently touring with Natasha Bedingfield and the Veronicas, but it wouldn't surprise me if we see her on her own at some point. Her first single is "Only Fooling Myself," but I recommend "It's Only Life" and "Might Have Been" or even "Kindly Unspoken."

Kate Voegele

Tag Galaxy

2008-05-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

So I've decided to give this blogging thing a shot. For my first post, I want to share a website called "Tag Galaxy." It is kind of a six-degree of separation for Flickr, but the visuals are really cool. When you visit - make sure you pick a couple of words. Once you have a thread, click on that same orb to be brought to your selection of photos.

Visit the site here.