Murals 2.0
Finally a look at innovative murals online that doesn’t involve a bevy of images of those “3D” street murals :)
Archive for March, 2009
Falling Up Fangs! and The Devil’s Forecast
Neat peek inside the creative process via Jessy Ribordy, lead singer and guitarist for the band Falling Up [Pure Volume , MySpace ] who recently released their new album FANGS! Even though this isn’t technically about “design,” it’s still a great look at the creative process and how to fuel your work with elements from your daily (or perhaps…nightly) life.
In related news: I figured it would be worth hunting this album down in the flesh since FANGS! is a concept album and I feel the packaging/booklet could add to the experience. I went to over eight stores over the course of two days, and only found one copy at a Borders for $18. Hmm…can’t find it anywhere, and the only place I do find it at, it’s $18? And the music industry is pulling their hair out trying to figure out why people pirate music… -_-
Designer’s Guide to Pricing
You can never really read too many of these. I kind of wish design had some sort of easy McDonald’s set rate for any type of deliverable, but alas we must wade in the murky waters of the expenditure everglade. Luckily GoMedia has posted another good pricing guide which answers all sorts of interesting questions like: Should I use a contact? Flate rate or hourly? What’s a kill fee? AND SO MUCH MORE! Pop over and learn your self some pricing.
You Be the Judge: 2009 Logo Trends
Check out Graphic Design Blog’s look at logo trends of 2009. In my opinion, there doesn’t seem to be very many solid “trends” that one can point out such as the recent years of globes and “gloop.” I also don’t think “typographic logos” are really a “trend,” those kind of strike me as something that exist all the time. But…those points aside, still an article worth taking a peek at. Thoughts? Other logo trends you’ve spotted. Get thee to the comments!
Also…for a graphic design blog, I feel the element positioning on the right should definitely be fixed in Safari. Is anyone else seeing that?
Diacritics: Typographic Depth Charge
Neat post up on I Love Typography about diacritics (which I assume some certain people will get a kick out of). What are diacritics? Well, let Apple dictionary tell you:
diacritic |ˌdīəˈkritik|noun a sign, such as an accent or cedilla, which when written above or below a letter indicates a difference in pronunciation from the same letter when unmarked or differently marked.
Or to the left you can see an image for all you “visual people.” Anyhow, the article is really interesting. For those of you who have conquered the difference between hash marks and quote marks and really want to take your type knowledge to the next level, make this your next endeavor.
6 Warning Signs of the Problem Client
Great post up at Freelance Switch by Mark Garrison detailing six warning signs that a client might turn out to be a problem. If you’re a designer you may be thinking, “what, there are only six?” or “every client is a problem client.” If you’re thinking either of these things then it’s probably worth reading the article. Unlike most client-based discussions, this one does not simply deteriorate into client-bashing and a wealth of horror stories: it outlines potential problems, but also presents advice on how to deal with these potential solutions. #1 is posted below, for the other 5, link on!
1. “I tried doing it myself, but…”
This is a sign of the frustrated artist. They fancy themselves creative, and have given it their best shot, but found that their skills fell short. Now they are turning to you, the consummate professional, to pick up the pieces.
Whether they are willing to tell you or not, this client has a vision in their head of what they want, and are unlikely to be satisfied with anything else. You may have trouble hiding your opinions on their bad ideas, and you probably won’t feel any pride in the finished product because you had no control.
The Solution: Some may avoid these clients all together, but there is a chance to really shine here. If you keep them happy they will gladly talk you up to everyone they know because you succeeded where they could not. If you choose to take on this project, get them to be completely explicit about what they want. Some clients in this situation are reluctant to tell you their ideas, so you may have to really coax it out of them. It is worth the effort though, because the alternative is a long process of trial and error until you stumble upon what they wanted all along.
The 8 Types of Bad Creative Critics
FINALLY. I found this online a couple of years ago, but I believe it was just the image and no credit.We had it hanging up on the wall of Studio 208 for a long while. Turns out it’s part of Tom Fishburne’s Brand Camp. Visit his flickr page for a trip through the archives for some other gems.
Probably the Best Sheep Video Ever
Caught a link to this amazing video this morning from @DesigningMinds. As I’ve always said, any video that ends with a sheep fin is a triple-A viewing experience. Prepare to be dazzled.
via Zoom In
Goofus and Gallant: Reimagined
I dig clever reimaginings of properties we’re all familiar with. This is for all the grown-up Highlights readers: Goofus and Gallant reimagined through the lens of Frank Miller.
Favorite line: One is exactly what a mother wishes for, the other is a real child.
via SlashFilm
Inflatable Skateboard
Neat idea for an inflatable/portable skateboard. Part of me wonders if this idea would work if you filled the board with water instead of air and used this as a portable water container in places where water isn’t readily available. Check the source for more pics.
