Graphic Design: A New History

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

I think the title says it all...

See it here:  ObamaBats

New York Times

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brands of the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.