Design anywhere digital culture NEWS // October 2004
Martin
Fuchs is a photographer whose style is very much along photojournalism.
His new site is comprises reportage and documentary photography in
black and white. High contrast and catching life where it happens without
a flashy fashion editorial bias. Most are up close and personal.
Some compositions are peculiar. I particularly like his self-portrait
below.
This
is i-d-e-a-l: an all around outstanding portfolio for this French design
firm: interactive-design-environment-architecture-laboratoire! Enough
projects to keep busy for a while. I like the bar code for navigation
and although this has been used often - the way they do it is original.
One of the great way to show your skills.
Lot's of 'empty' space - just the right amount of copy and good size
snapshots. Home of one of my favorite designer Julien
Moulin.
Ham,
sausages and paté never had it so good! Check |
Charcuterie Parisienne | to see how a family business goes mainstream
with the web. Especially like the 'stamped' area to display their products.
Surprisingly good looking.
Photojournalism
is not only a sometimes dangerous profession but one that exposes harsh
realities. Joachim Ladefoged is
a world traveller and history recorder. He also juggles other assignments,
lighter in nature. Some pictures are disturbing.
Breaking
news! I have been predicting for many years that Flash would become the
great aggregator for converging media projects. What I mean is that with
the great algorithms that compress all sources into slim files is and
will be the best way to broadcast across all devices.
Did you know that there has already been a first Short Films Festival
calling submissions for movies to be casted on cells phones and hand
held devices??? This am, proof is available.
Check the new Macromedia Video that takes one of Volvo sites,
this one was produced by xtra talented Forsman
& Bodenfors (both company and project were already listed on
netdiver) as the grand slam and first case study. Proof of concept and
paving the way to incredible visual feats! At last!
Remember this is flash - yepp - you still need to use the traditional
tools (digital video cams, animation, sound) to get the 'source' for
building a flash video, but this is the way to explore the design possibilities
of rich media. Wow that justifies Netdiver being supporting Flash projects
since the onset of the software years ago!!! Oh my! What the future hold
is truly exciting.
How
will globalisation affect your business?
It will increase competition and have a negative effect
on business. - 34%
It will increase opportunity and have a positive effect on business.
- 58%
It will not affect my business at all. - 11%
Check
the loading sequence for each section - cool, urban and grunge feel for
a collective DJ site, called AudioAfrodizzyaks.
Le
bo°k 8 d"aAlex: original and oh so cute illustrations
that are perfect for children' books.
Delfine 
is
a new powagirrrl and talented designer.
Recent
launch of a new bitmap font selling site called LegibleType.co.uk.
Nice sets. Brought to you by Newcirclemedia.
Recent
Doug Bowman presentation at Web Essentials 04, titled: “Pushing
Your Limits” (and other secrets of designing with CSS).
I
like pared down lines for (industrial) design objects, but also appreciate
this little extra that makes it stand out. Important to be visually pleasing
as well as useful. Gro Design has
got it.
All
in black and white Ichor Digital has an intriguing loading sequence and
navigational system. Horizontal lines across the screen are comparable
to that of old TV boxes.
Just
by the snapshot you can figure out that Kevin White via Unami is
into cartoonish and children illustration and character design. Don't
miss the sketch book to see more elaborated work.
Dreamy
and childlike OXCUBE is the repository
of extra talented animator and illustrator, Jin Young Kim, who in his
words
“I hope my work gives users who tire in the flood of the web and
multimedia program a rejuvenating rest.” I actually played some
of his educational flash games! FUN and well thought out throughout.
There is a sweetness and innocence that is very appealing visually.
See for yourself.
Have
a look at this drawing, what if I tell you that Victoria
Herrera is
4 years old!?!?! She is definitely the youngest artist to join netdiver
and a promising powagirrrl!
Serious
and fun flash design by Hybridworks!
Must see! Luv the little pixel based scene that shows a Summer and Winter
versions.
An
astonishingly well designed site for Di
Design Italia, which invites you to see through rapturing images,
the products they offer. Produced by X3 who
just launched their new website!
Are
you throwing a party? Or want to set up a particular festive ambiance?
This is an incredibly original idea by Kouichi Okamoto: balloon
lamps!
Must
read! Goes hand in hand with my new editorial costs of {Absorption}. Tips
to a prosperous Client/Designer relationship (or things NOT to do
when you hire a graphic designer by Ray Noland.
Promising
talent on the rise: Vitor Vilela 3D
animation and character designs are standing out.
Under
many aspects Scott's City would
fit many categories: excellent flash skills whereas the preloading is
actually filling up the items in a selected category. The illustrations
are by far what I find most striking. Sharp, urban, elegant and yet minimalist.
It tells well via an engaging personal story (he has the main character)
and his capabilities.
Comment:
Jobs boom, but people and skills missing. The digital media uplift
is here - but where are the skilled people and the right courses to
make it happen, asks Mike Butcher.
MAC
Rhino Fonts a new swedish type foundry!
Cool
Ts anyone? New Metrikkal | Clothing brand
by designers was one year in incubation. Nice site and limited edition
shirt designs.
Ah
the power of css layout design and the color pink! Seriously, Rapha stating
to be performance roadwear tilts more than one communication
rules. First, the highly contrasting picture gives it an intense feel
without being gloomy. Now using black and not being gloomy is a feat
in itself.
Then, you have pink... yepp shocking pink as the complementary color
which gives it an edge without looking 'pompom'. Now since we know that
sport is good for all well - they have zeroed in this and achieve the
objective. Luv the logo, luv the design and layout and the pictures and
visual elements are... perfect! Hats off to the folks at Message.
_ _ _ _ _ _
ndle:
BTW was reading recently concerning color theory that 'pink' became en
vogue right after the 2nd ww as a sign and proof of hope for a better
future. It was associated to optimism.
Carrie
Ford Hilliker claims that after way too many hours in front of this monitor...the
new fordvisuals site
is up. Intensely dense and atmospheric photography.
The
maker of the “Memoirs of Hijimaya” which is an experimental
visual narration and BA thesis, finally launches his site. Jonathan
Yuen master in becoming for mixing typographic elements with visual
design brings to his site the understated elegance and mininamilistic
feel that is his signature.
Just luv the nav and the beautiful animated boxes. Luv the fact that
the site is bilingual just by mousing over! Great idea.
Fireondesign
is back with a new improved version which includes using css + xhtml.
I like these portfolio sites that just show what you are good at. Remember
to choose your best work; in case of doubt, less is always best.
Dan
Velutici has got an intriguing navigation whereas the different projects
are written on one line nav and mouse over highlights and changes size.
Industrial
design + engineering = One & Co!
Although when you look at products or prototypes they often seem so simple
and easy. I think this discipline leads to this consumate art of hiding
complex functionalities into a simple package. Have a look at the engineering
process... gosh...
Smart liners indicate their wish to communicate and if you get my drift,
sometimes engineers... are... well... you probably know what I mean.
Martin
Schaefer... Photographer site? Actor site? Singer site? Try 'voice
artist' site!!! First time around I discover such skills. Certainly
out of ignorance... really interesting to 'hear' the impersonating
talent of this sprecher!
Swooping
3D illustrator! ..::cagnina work
has the precision of reality! For example the 'violin' is an extraordinary
piece. From Argentina with luv!
A
17th century Palazzo in Malta turns into The
Xara Palace Hotel. An as elegant flash site as the location itself
in particular the quiet palette with a background reminescent of the
French presence on the Island..
Simply
put: you've gotta see this! Flash movie... nothing more but wow this
is a great marketing piece for Telemig
Celular. The photography is outstanding and composition is conveying
exactly how in real life we do depend on cell phones.
The graphic treatment is truly original and the transitions and... have
a look!
An
amazing illustrator collective Repless
Abandon giving a lot of space for everyone to shine! Lots of talents
assembled here. I like how the mouseover brings up a small thumbnail
for each artist.
A
minimalist site for Brian Wilson who
is an all around proficient designer generating some stunning visual
ideas.
Design
Contents provides communication professionals with an indispensable
resource for searching, purchasing and downloading royalty-free. Got
to admit that some of the web 'templates' are really well-done.
New
powagirrrl illustrator with an exquisite edge: Hilit
Shefer
“What
some people mistake for the high cost of living is really the cost of
living high...” This thought and others are available in a one
of a kind murale brought to you by Allthingsfat
_ _ _ _ _ _
Where mixing art with social awareness and then, through the website
making it interactive. Kudos to the fab 4!
Open Position:
Professor of Graphic Design, School of Design, University of Quebec
in Montreal (UQAM)
The School of Design of the University of Quebec in Montreal,
Canada, seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in its Graphic Design
Program. This is a unique opportunity for becoming an active member of
one of Canada's most eminent and prestigious design educational institutions.
The candidate must be capable of communicating fluently in French. Preference
will be given to applications received by 15 October 2004.
Launch
of the new TYPO magazine that guess
what? Specializes in everything related to typography. From Mexico with
luv.
Looking
for CSS/Standards site repositories? Check:
/
The Weekly Standards
/
CSS Beauty
/
css Zen Garden.
Icograda
Seeks New Director. Following the decision to move the Icograda
Secretariat to Montreal, Canada, the Icograda Board will appoint a
new Director for 1 January 2005. Thierry Van Kerm will continue as
Icograda Director until 31 December 2004 and will assist the new Director
during the hand-over in early 2005.
English-speaking candidates with experience in business
management, business administration and international relations are invited
to e-mail resumes to secretariat@icograda.org no later than 11 October
2004.
A
little visual gem! Eatdrink Media has got this retro cool illustration
based site with smart liners and good projects. I really like the 'in
your face' approach that is both humoristic and serious. An outstanding
concept. Well done!
VISO -
Light is life *** / Outdoor and Indoor Lighting: Flash site part of this
pleasing trend whereas real interior photography are animated. The photographers
and art directors that work on such sites should be awarded as well.
This one won't disappoint you. The dark tones mixed with shiny chrome
elements gives good contrast and a spark.
Color
SynthAxis is a free online tool that offers an innovative interface
that allows to manage colors controlling every aspect of them, artistically
and scientifically. Transitions between colors and unique operators
(like the luminancy adjuster) make this the only color tool you will
need as a designer. Includes spanish and english tutorials.
Rex
and Joyce just finished brewing Inksurge version
2! Yours to enjoy. Don't miss the cool pictures from OFFF04. Lots of
faces and friends I miss.
You
and I Productions is a collection of galleries displaying the work
of various artists of multiple disciplines. Our artists have either
been invited by our editors or have been approved by our editors after
applying to join. You and I Productions' primary objective is to display
and promote the work of independent artists.
Integrating
CSS with Content Management Systems by Victor Lombardi
Open
for admission at the Politecnico di Milano. The Master in Strategic
Design is aimed at young graduates who wish to initiate or re-direct
their professional careers on the frontier between design and management.
Photographer
extraordinaire (though you have to go through a couple of screens to
get to the 'substance') it is worth it! Impressive composition quality
for both people photography and objects. Master of ambiance and light.
Subjects are in most cases, very at ease in front of his lens and don't
look like their 'plaqué' and posing.
_ _ _ _ _ _
Kudos to Uwe Krejci.
The
Artificial Dream is back! Interesting this site was hosted on a different
domain and was a long while back reported as 404. Sometimes when such
projects disappear... it is hard for me to accept what it might say:
the owner is gone out of business, out of the web or on to something
different to do... the domain is abandoned and it saddens me a lot.
The web is so ephemeral... sometimes I wonder why bother. Thanks Hamza
for letting me know :))
Online
portfolio for interactive/web design & music production company,
Revolver Creative. Swooping rendering! Luv the wood panel that really
looks real and the little windows lead you to excellent projects! Wow
I'm impressed. They sure know how to build attractive features and functionalities.
Good mix of design and technology savviness.
Breaking
news!!! Fahrenheit 1 Million: The
temp at which the web explodes! Firefox downloads are spiralling
whereas IE flaws are finally sending the message home to million + individuals!
This is exciting - join in the campaign.
Years ago I was an ardent supporter of Netscape before the whole freakin'
mess sent it down the toilet bowl. BUT did you know that behind the code
of Netscape was the original Mosaic code that became Mozilla and Mozilla
built Firefox! Do something about it - it's about time that the internet
is free of THE bugz filled browser. Support standards and open source
code!
_ _ _ _ _ _
ndle:
BTW I have permanently switched to Firefox (and
LUV it) and to Thunderbird for mail about 3 weeks ago. Tata M$.
You
simply gotta see this little pearl I just found in the gallery of Nick
Hall site. Flash can be so darn powerful in realistic metaphors...
now for a flying navigation - that one flies high. The visual metaphor
is absolutely on the money since artists all carries in one form or another
the 'envelope' (the portfolio) that contains their life accomplishments
and aspirations.
Scouts should treat these with a lot of care!!!
Shelf or
future media indexing certainly knows how to make the best of a minimalist
environment. It was just recently redesigned with a chrome fx. Sites
displayed look like mini cards you feel compelled to pick... Excellent
attention given in making the snapshots - they look like little jewels.
Interesting
new campaign from a long time shoes company, adidas
Y-3 is a well animated site - especially being able to see the models
from different perspectives.
LUV
the pitch of Supercapacity! Whereas
dreamy and velvetty meets lean and clean. These designers work speak
amply of their talent. Some projects carry this rare quality: elegance.
They don't over design.
These two are also behind a project mentioned earlier on netdiver, My
Urban Dig.
Freshly
redesigned site for xtra talented designer Julien
Moulin.
“Ray
Caesar was born as a dog in England, so the legend goes, and moved
to Toronto at an early age after his family offended the Queen. Not
many people commented on the fact that this precocious talent was a
pack animal, which meant that Ray could blend in and pursue a number
of fields, such as medical imaging and doing digital effects for Stargate
before turning his paw to creating art.”
_ _ _ _ _ _
Excerpt from an interview by
Pixelsurgeon.
_ _ _ _ _ _
ndle:
Make sure you read his design
method, quite interesting process indeed.
For
people who make websites:
Don't know if the similitudes are that simple to explain. Find out by
yourself: Art
Direction and the Web by Stephen Hay
This
is probably one of the nicest site I have seen in a while. All faint
blues but the grid is so spare and lots of room for all the elements. Ryan
Cramer accomplish a lot with less even sprinkling around his project
little eye candies dropped in just the right places to keep you interested.
For
the luv of industrial design you need to consult RE: Design
News related! Minimalist and really well done. Good reading.
Some
designers may see their work as 'just a job' or 'something to do to make
money'. Others may see it as a long-term professional career. And for
some, life simply cannot exist without design!...Is graphic design your
life?
Graphic
design is...
...just a job - 9%
...my career - 35%
...my life - 59%
Are
you ready for a new world? Motor Jeans v.2 have just launched their new
site? Oh my, you've gotta see this! Immersive, exquisitely storyboarded,
slick flash animation. When reinventing is a success. A must, from top
to bottom! Don't miss the intro. LUV the tagline: Live a real life...
Free
and cool pixel fonts from IamCAL available
for download.
She
is well travelled and her art depicts life in challenging installations.
Welcome Vera Greenwood our
new powagirrrl.
-> more
news
^
