Design news | Mar 08
Tavis Coburn post-industrial feel illustrations are masterly executed and reminescent of age of the machines era.
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Prints available in his e-shop too.
Barkley is accepting applications for the 2008 Summer Mentorship program. It's a paid mentorship for the summer, and it's open to college students in multiple disciplines. Students can appy before March 31.
Juno opening titles were hand-made by Shadowplay. Nice mix-media of live action footage and illustration.
Visual extravaganza and amusement brought to you by the Sauerkids which is an assemblage of irky, wild and messed up critters often missing a limb, print or painted illustrations, latex characters and other toys fancied by their vivid imagination.
“They've been accused of being on medication or sick (in a good way), but in the end their work is probably best described as a combination of innocent childhood imagery and the mental confusion of everyday life.”
A lovely minimalist portfolio for Sandy Lim aka Sandibee who is a graphic designer based in New York, NY. Currently, she is working towards a BFA in Graphic Design (by May '08) at the Fashion Institute of Technology and also has a degree in Fashion Design and Communication Design.
Wallpapers for iPhone? Want to submit yours? Here are a couple I like: on the top left designed by Camilo Carmona and the top right by Pawel Jonca.
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Following left, by Manuel K and on the right by Manuel Dall'Olio.
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via: Poolga
Clean and taking advantage of negative space Cammaert is a digital retouching and graphic design studio.
Found this limited edition LEVIs action figure. Isn't it hard to believe these are only 12" tall? The details and the human-like expression are quite astounding.
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via: Vinyl Pulse
Last fall The Urban Forest Project, an unprecedented outdoor exhibition, took root in New York City. One hundred eighty-five of some of the world’s most celebrated designers and artists employed the idea or form of the tree to make a powerful visual statement on banners that were displayed throughout Times Square.
The tree is metaphor for sustainability, and in that spirit the banners from the exhibition were recycled into totebags designed exclusively for the project by Jack Spade.
Yana Rudenko operating under Ravenconcepts has put up a very nice portfolio of various design, packaging and web work which she introduces by this quotation:
“I am not afraid … I was born to do this!”
--Joan of Arc
WE LUV EVERYTHING DESIGN is available for free as a .pdf print ready poster to inspire yourself. It is an original ad that appeared in IdN print magazine last issue.
Here is a bit of the creative process behind it. Digged in my stock photography - did some corrections to the original picture like removing a fire extinguisher on the back wall behind the couple snapped at Coupe Bizarre in Toronto, doubled it and integrated a pixellized color levelled cityscape extracted from a picture of a hotel lounge in Barcelona.
Shot one of my hand-drawn illustrations, live traced it, selected bits and pieces and finalized the layout. Some of the black and yellow items are spot color over-prints.
Finally, used horizontal boxes and set the copy of familiar tag lines we've used over the years.
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ndlr: Free to download and print.
MANNED CLOUD Cruise Airship, Paris, France
“Manned Cloud is an alternative project around leisure and travelling in all its form, economic and experimental, still with the idea of lightness, human experience and life scenarios as the guiding principles.It is a hotel with a capacity of 40 passengers and staffed with 15 persons, that on a 3-day cruise in 170 km/h permits man to explore the world without a trace.”
An original idea and design by Jean-Marie Massaud who mostly do product design.
Beam me up Scotty!
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via: Dezeen
His style of illustration is retro meets digital rich with details and saturated colors. Mostly using line art he owns a high technical knowledge of perspective. Ross MacDonald has succeed in carving for himself an undisputable niche with his versatility.
Hyper is a collection of floating people in a supermarket by Denis Darzacq photographer extraordinaire. Luscious colors and composition - I have no clue how he pulled this together but my guess, lots of photoshop'ing and image editing.
There is another collection - La Chute - which involved a hip hop dance company who were captured, floating as well.
Must see!
Far out! Check out what happened when someone took it on to render as Algebraic surfaces words, people and objects. The exercise seems to me completely geeky, click image to enlager to appreciate some of the visual results who are intricately shaped and colorized.
iA (Information Architects) is a strategic design agency in Tokyo, Japan. They analyze business goals, user needs and develop interfaces that match.
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They have release a Web Trend Map 2008 Beta which is a work in progress and contains 300 of the most influential and successful websites pinned down to the greater Tokyo-area train map.
Information design is a fascinating and fast-growing field and how complex informations are rendered are often almost art worthy. Current map is available for download.
That's a first for me. How about choosing to promote your work by showing all the (solo) exhibits you've done? Which means that your material must be gallery-ready. Well this is what Michael A. Salter has achieved and how he displays his work on his website.
Welcome to a world of mega sized characters most with in your face attitude and intricate robots of foam or cardboard and illustrations/paintings of all kinds.
I haven't been this excited about a website in a while. Calliope is an Italian fashion line - and no - they are not launching an internal magazine but have used the look and feel of a magazine to build the navigation for their Spring-Summer website!
That is such a fantastic idea - watch out for this trend setting! You wann bet we're going to see more websites picking up on this idea. Anyway - the photography is well manicured and splendid!
Can you believe these are plasticine sculptures about 6-8 inches tall??? The striking likeness of the original person, the captured character lines and expressions as well as attention to details, are impressive. Check Steve Job rendering for one and Benazir Bhutto - which are highly recognizable personaities.
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ndlr: More on Karen Caldicott website.
You may like or dislike his work - but I can assure you don't have to take any particular stand to appreciate David Carson take on being a designer! And how - as a self-taught one - he seized the opportunities and ran with them... far!!!
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The risks he took were phenomenal - and designing a new 'grid' for a magazine for each issue - is not your average joe graphic type assignment. It only points out to his will and capability of reinventing oneself and never standing so sure, as to having made it somewhere.
Explore his creative process and philosophy and how he thinks, we designers should approach same, and how litterally he did editorial design by reading the content and visually interpretating it.
The interview is is a pretty big quicktime file - be patient! It's worth it!
ndlr: Film produced by Hillman Curtis.
Just found this gem: a simple and very cool website for Marie-Hélène de Taillac who, perhaps you have guessed it - is an artisan jeweller. Her website feels as precious and delicate as her pieces are.
She likes colors and so do I. She favors the briolet shapes and so do I. She started her career in fashion and that I've never set foot on.
Making room for another colorful illustrator, Russell Brocklehurst who offers a wide range of business related concepts.
Jawa and Midwich (quite an interesting company name) likes white and so do I. They are a design studio based in the UK doing mostly corporate id, print work, product packaging. They've garnered both recognition and awrds for their work.
If you like, limited edition posters are now available.
Christeina McLean is a multi-faceted designer and artist who has since graduating held various positions, taught graphic design and was artist of the year at the Mutual Gallery.
I particularly like her well crafted print and textile projects!
Adobe AIR v1.0 & Flex 3.0 Released; New Adobe Open Source Site Launched
Continuing their march into the RIA space, Adobe announced today the official release of AIR v1.0 and Flex 3.0.
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via: Ajaxian
You have gotta see what Kristina Collantes does by using repetitive patterns to adorn photographs and build mesmerizing forms in her illustrations.
Manny Tan has been playing with flash probably in the very early versions. He is one of the first explorative sites to make it to the Flashware gallery under [ uncontrol ] which is - as he states - is his playground and you can download most of the scripts!
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You have gotta see this animation! On his website you can download the algoritihm based experiments. Respect!
Sorry, Boys, This is Our Domain by Stephanie Rosenbloom
“Geek chic: not just for guys. THE prototypical computer whiz of popular imagination — pasty, geeky, male — has failed to live up to his reputation.”
Although the clichés are still hanging on tight: girls are relational, boys are technological, there is definitely something going-on. What's the use of technology without content???
To the rise of all the Powagirrrls!
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via: Lauren Bessen
I would refer to the category of design for the Pasteleria ESCRIBÀ described as creator of illustions - a website that relies on visuals to capture visitors attention and right in the same line as Got Milk? - which collected a shelf full of awards this year.
I like immersive experiences - especially when there are numerous sections with content to integrate. Mouth watering and huggable critters man the interface. Exquisite attention to details.. pure eye candy delight!
From Barcelona with luv!
One Is the Loveliest Color by Joanna Goddard
“Commitment? Art project? OCD? Five New Yorkers who wear only one color all day, every day (and it’s not black).” Wow and I thought I was a bit extreme by wearing jeans and tees 365 days of a year.
These folks are definitely taking this dedication to a whole new level. Would you do something like this?
Rebecca Turbow wore turquoise for 8 years before switching to gray!
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via: CPLUV
cool flash advert website for T Mobile Sidekick3 that contains 30 original characters and backgrounds designed by talented studio
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ilovedust who have just relaunched their new website. Both must see!
I find it hard to come by that kind of talent, but then, isn't it what photography all about? Telling a story instantly? I mean shouldn't we get the vibe, the personality, the mood, the attitude upon first sight?
Well this is what Spiros Politis is capable of and if you dig into his portfolio, you will see what I mean.
Cookie is hiring! They are looking for hot shot PHP and Flash developers. These are full time positions and if you live outside of Gdansk, they'll help you relocate!
If you want to see an illustrator who has mastered his own style using quirky scrawled lines, collage-like compositions and makes a living doing it, see Martin Haake portfolio.
If you're guessing if this is a pixel characters experiment well to a certain degree it is, because, well the thumbnails are... but then again, you will be surprised. My Star Wars Collection is Joshua Budich display of his extensive collection of saga related toys which took 9 years to gather. I didn't even know that sooo many had been released.
Oh the craziness!
Give it up for Nomint motion design studio! Reaping full of talent, visual extravaganza, excellent storyboarding. Good! So much goods I suggest you view them all!
From Greece with luv!
She designs clothes for a living and her collections are as elegant as funky. “The brand marries the rich reservoir of textiles and handcrafts from India with the contemporary fashion trends to create ensemles for a clientele with a penchant for artistic and an elclectic lifestyle.”
Meet Nimita Rathod our new powagirrrl!
50 Networking Thoughts Everyone Should Read by Scott Ginsberg
“Talk to everybody. Don't sell them; don't probe them, just make friends. Make friends with everybody. Because people buy people first.”
Guillermo Damian Fernandez aka GFERNA has reloaded his website with new works and he keeps on extending the boundaries between art and design. He is also runs Bluevertigo, a design resource from Argentina.
Just found this far out advertising shorts for the Madrid metro (subway) which allows you to see the world from under. Gabe Ibanez is the brilliant mind behind the project and he specializes in animation and special effects.
Dating back to 2004, the technique and editing are impeccable as the camera moves from one surprising location to another. Produced by Peliculas Ponder.
Fanny Khoo and Tom Merckx partners as Me and Mister Jones and design, art direct and do stuff as in exhibits!
You're going to be blown away by the quality of their work!
Things I have Learned in My Life So Far is a compendium of philosophical introspection tidbits by the design community enfant terrible Stefan Sagmeister, now an exhibit and also available as a book and website.
It seems that some of these taglines were used for clients after his return from his sabbatical year back in 2000. Well in my view, if you can convice clients to play along - given how corporations rather go for profits first than values - shows a high level of persuasion.
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A list of my favorites:
- Helping other people helps me.
- Having guts always works out for me.
- Being not truthful always works against me.
- Everything I do always comes back to me.
- Assuming is stifling.
- Over time I get used to everything and start taking for granted.
- Money does not make me happy.
- Trying to look good limits my life.
- Worrying solves nothing.
- Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
- Low expectations are a good strategy.
- Everybody who is honest is interesting.
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ndlr: One of my top fav book.
The Rules of Digital Engagement by Jonathan Follett
“For contract web workers, consultants, and freelancers who work with far-flung collaborators, multiple clients, and constantly shifting teams, the rules of digital engagement—the way we interact with each other and resolve conflict in virtual space—are constantly changing.”
Otto Steininger is drawing funny little doodles for people who pay him to do that.
DesignSpotter.com - Modern contemporary design the web-based platform for publication and publicity for designer-makers. Simply upload an image of your work, a short description and a weblink and your product will be featured on the website.
BTW they're going to tour Canada soon.
Welcome to the Zune Journey... that wanders with no end in sight using a flash built visual playground loaded with psychedelia illustrations and user interactions.. Click and zoom in any directions on your screen and see what happens.
Fantastic way to reach your audience with a lifestyle widget!
Discovered a pearl: I Love Typography a beautifully designed blog where you can find reviews of typeface, fonts, and all things typographical.
For more fonts links, visit our toolbox.
12 Breeds of Client and How to Work with Them by Jack Knight
Dead on the money! You've gotta read this, it's definitely good laughing therapy for the overworked-overstretched designer.
Well during my career I have met ALL of these clients in some form or shape: the Low-Tech, Hands-On, Paranoid, Get-a-Good Deal, Always-Urgent, Decision-By-Committee, Budget, You-Should-Be-So-Lucky clients.. Nothing beats the Appreciative clients, without them we go nuts.
Another very simple interface and navigation system for Zion Graphics. Project information appears on the right side of page with good size project previews.
Ain't that a cool logo?
NB Studio is a multi-disciplinary graphic design consultancy, founded in 1997, based in Bankside, London. Does not come in any simpler form: huge graphics that serves as background to show a partial portfolio, available only on request. That's it!
Pretty smart uh?
The loading sequence of the portfolio projects is way too slow but Hawaii Design is still worth stopping by to see their works.
It looks like a puzzle and an heteroclite assemblage of unrelated black and grayscale thumbnails but in fact it is a one pager navigation for Welcometo.as portfolio where you get to see excellent work in the middle of the screen.
You gotta see this!
Found this cool Icon Watch available at the Funshop (Korea) via Digital Drops a brazillian blog. If you're into the latest product gadgets and technologies - this is a must bookmark.
When it rains - it pours. Another portal just disappeared: NTMY! Latest in a string of others such as MOLUV, French'N'Fresh. Pixelsurgeon, Lounge 72, NewsToday now returns as QBN, for a better tomorrow.
These shoes ain't made for walkin' that's for sure! You have gotta see Jethro Haynes mini-sculptures build from snickers: 1 - 2 - 3
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via: Creative and Live
Edko Kawa photography invites you into densely charged locations and stages. Very beautiful portraits! He totally makes it look so easy.
Site designed by xtra talented Group94.
There is enough originality in this next generation of flash website for Adhesive design agency portfolio to catch the eyes. The familiar content holders are nothing new but what perhaps is of value, the fact that it's fast loading and has a few functionalities - like the refreshing animated background - that cuts above the noise.
From Portugal with Luv!
