While checking out 2 books I’m interested in, Daniel Pink’s “Drive” and Shankar Vedantam’s “The Hidden Brain“, I noticed something. It seems their book designers both love using shadows. Nothing new I suppose, shadows are a familiar design device. It was just curious seeing it used by books right next to each other, especially since they’re both dealing with the inner workings of the human mind.
Thanks to BFG and their Creative Seed Initiative, we had the opportunity to meet DJ Stout. Head of Pentagram/ Austin and long time idol (but then again who at Pentagram isn’t one of our idols?). While it was great listening to the thought process behind some of his iconic work the most useful aspect I thought came at the end when he answered a student’s question about what a new design graduate should do to distinguish themselves when interviewing in this compressed job market.
His response broke down to the following points:
When talking about your work, emphasize the process you went through, not the “prettyness” of the final product because ”You’re hired for the way you think.“ I couldn’t agree with this more. Heaven knows there are enough tutorials out there to teach you which buttons to push to get the latest and greatest visual tricks. So what’ll set you apart is your decision process. A quote I got from the book Don’t Make me Think that I use constantly is “Not just doing things right, but doing the right thing.”
To that effect, he recommended framing the work within the context of the problem you were trying to solve. So avoid the ever present “Well I did this for class” answer we’re all tired of hearing.
nuff said
This should come as no surprise, research the company you’re interviewing with. What’re their areas of specialization? Recent awards? Cool projects you liked? Which ties perfectly into his last pearl…
While it might seem a bit tongue-in-cheek, his reasons have a ring of truth in them. It keeps you from saying anything stupid for one (always a good thing). Secondly it gives you more insight into the company you’re interviewing with, not to mention shows you’ve done your homework and are interested in them. And which professional designer doesn’t like talking about their own work?
I think everyone who was there was duly inspired and appreciated the Pentagram swag. Of course, I wished we could’ve seen more of the work, but maybe next time, and we’ll make sure it’s a bit warmer for you when you come back.
Downtown natives have probably already noticed the newest addition to our restaurant selections, Leoci’s just around the corner from us on Abercorn Street. We’re always glad to see existing buildings being rennovated and reused, especially when they serve up sumptuous Italian food. But what really excited me (after I got over the smell of basil in the air) was their logo. Anyone know who’s responsible?
I am always brushing up on my technical knowledge of the printing process and color management, so I obviously have found this little field guide to be most helpful. Alex Cornell and Scott Hansen of ISO50 have put together an impressive and definitive Field Guide to Color Management.
Though there are literally thousands of guides on the web like this, ISO50’s is not only replete covering everything from lighting to print settings but also comes from a trusted resource plenty experienced with color management and printing.
Consider this advice for workspace color management:
An additional step you can take to ensure ideal lighting conditions in your workspace is to paint the walls with Munsell 8 Gray. This paint is specially formulated to have a flat spectral response with no color bias. Unlike other hues, this type of gray will not affect your perception of other colors in the spectrum. It creates a “pure” and neutral viewing environment. You may have noticed this color on the wall of photo studios and print shops.
Common misperceptions about RGB and CMYK are cleared up:
Illogical as it may sound, when working at home, you want to send your printer (which is a CMYK device) RGB images to print. The conversion occurs within the printer and the software addresses the printer as an RGB device. This is where — at least amongst the student population — much confusion is generated. Given the fact that the printer is technically producing CMYK output, it sounds like the logical mode to use is CMYK. This is not the case. Not only is the printer designed to receive RGB output from the software, but you would also be shortchanging yourself of certain colors that both RGB and the device can address that are outside the gamut of the CMYK color mode (within the software).
Calibration, color space, and color profile management are also covered. The guide concludes with specific instructions for printing Photoshop artwork on a local printer.
Hats off to Alex and Scott for covering the topic extensively and authoritatively.
I have always loved and respected artists that can excel in more than one creative field. To me it seems to prove that one’s creativity has no bounds, and that it is more than just learned mechanical processes (contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity). Scott Hansen is an artist and musician that I have followed for years (although only recently on twitter), and his distinct style has always been an amazing mix of the old and new. And now, in honor of the release of his newest album Tycho / Coastal Break, he has created some truly breathtaking pieces. Below are some samples of his work, including some glimpses into the new album, but if you really want the full experience, you should check out his site. Check them out on iTunes for some perfect design music.
» ISO50
» Scott Hansen Portfolio
» Tycho
Here are some desktop wallpapers for your computer or iPhone.
2K Limited Poster Wallpaper
This wallpaper for your desktop or iphone is a high resolution graphic based on the limited edition 2K Strong poster. Download it, share it, or if you are really adventurous, make your own and send it to us. Maybe we will feature it on the site.
» Download Widescreen
» Download Fullscreen
» Download iPhone
2000 Strong Abstract Ripples
This wallpaper for the 2K Strong campaign is here because I just wanted to have some fun. Again, this is a high resolution graphic for your visual pleasure. Spread the word and check out The 2K Strong Online, or follow them on Twitter. You can change lives right now.
» Download Widescreen
» Download Fullscreen
» Download iPhone
Another Free font for you all. Chunk is an ultra-bold slab serif typeface that is reminiscent of old American Western woodcuts, broadsides, and newspaper headlines. Used mainly for display, the fat block lettering is unreserved yet refined for contemporary use. It is featured by the League of Movable Type.
The free font Coldi is a personal project by Alessio Avventuroso, a young designer from Italy. COLDI is a modular typeface applicable for print, brand identity, posters, invites, t-shirt, motion-graphic and perfect for title in the book and magazine.
During our panel discussion this past Geekend we promised a list of sources of inspiration for the parched designer running out of creative juice. A complete list is impossible but here are a few of the places the team here uses for a bit of brain caffeine, categorized by our different interests for your browsing comfort:
Web Related
Package Design-related
Brand-related
Motion Graphics- related
Typography-related
Just Plain Design-related
Creatives
——————————————————————-
Writers & Communication Consultants
1. @AllenaT
3. @BobSchaller
4. @copyblogger
5. @EdGandia
6. @JennyCromie
7. @jewelsann
9. @kristenking
10. @menwithpens
11. @michellerafter
12. @milehighfool
13. @problogger
14. @quipsandtips
15. @stephauteri
16. @TraceyDooley
17. @WantToFreelance
Designers & Developers
18. @andrewyee
19. @azwebdesign
20. @BazDeas
21. @bdsexton
22. @benbrunt
23. @cgw3
24. @chrisspooner
25. @Cmonalready
26. @justcreative
27. @gracesmith
28. @HuddyDesign
29. @notoriouslb3
30. @Othella
31. @RibbonsofRed
32. @SBWebDesigner
33. @webfreelancer
34. @wFreelance
Other Freelancers (translators, photographers, videographers, stylists, etc.)
35. @BillCammack
36. @darkmotion
38. @languagenews
39. @louisechrystal
40. @nicholaspatten
41. @nj_linguist
42. @sarahdillon
43. @vincentvalle
Freelance Resources
44. @freelanceadvice
45. @freelance_jobs
46. @FreelancePulse
47. @FreelanceSw
48. @ProgrammerScoop
49. @theredstapler
50. @weblittlepieces
Hopefully this’ll get you started.
Last week the creative team over at Ellusionist released something simple and beautiful. A deck of cards that is the product of three top designers who have been working late into the night for the past 5 years. The deck is called Arcane, and it is the first in Ellusionist’s new line of Signature playing cards. I’m no magician, but I have always loved the artwork featured on playing cards and the changes that have been made to them over the centuries. What has always impressed me about Ellusionist is how much attention to detail is placed on the design as well as the execution of a final product. Their site features discussions and videos showcasing how closely they work with printers to get every last drop of perfection from them.
I was lucky enough to get an interview with one of the artists that brought us the Arcane deck, Jason Brumbalow.
