Crew Design

The Best Collages Ever

2009-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Greg Lamarche creates painstakingly thought-out collages and other works. I set one of his pieces as my desktop wallpaper a week ago, just because I thought it looked nice, and since then I find myself just staring at it. I begin to notice all the small connections between the pieces and how considered each move is. What appears to be just nice collage is actually a color and line study. Really great work. ••••

Going Under

2009-07-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I know we are all sick to death of talking about the recession (maybe this should have been an MJ post, but I already started writing...) HOWEVER— I couldn't resist sharing this really smart information graphic illustrating the Largest Bankruptcies in History, including all those that contributed to/resulted from the situation today. To summarize, Lehman Brothers:Titanic as Chrystler:Speedboat. Clever!

It was made by the Brooklyn creative team known as Always With Honor and featured in June's issue of GOOD magazine. I am really impressed ALL their work, but in particular with the flair they bring to information graphics. Just check out what the Obamas having growing in the White House lawn below. I have serious garden envy.

via Grain Edit. ••••

2009 Logo Trends

2009-07-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to fully comprehend how or why trends arise, but they do. Whether it's in fashion, music, or design, trends can dictate how we work, dress, talk and experience life. Logo design is no different. A logo might seem like a simple mark that doesn't amount to much, however, when building brand recognition a logo can be the most crucial component. As a direct result, certain trends in logo design gradually become prevalent throughout time. Whether a brand wants to update it's established look and feel, or create a new one entirely, a trend might be followed in order to stay current. That being said, I think it's important to follow trends as a way to stay up-to-date and relevant, but there is a fine line between being current and creating something that is timeless -- an attribute that I believe is key to "good design." Bill Gardner at Logolounge.com has put together a list of current trends in logo design for 2009. Below are a few examples of current logo styles; see the complete list here.

Varidot

Encrust

Concealed
Candy Stripe

Happy Friday!

2009-07-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Sesame Street - How Crayons Are Made. I will love this. Always and Forever. ••••

21 Top Design Books

2009-07-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

Computer Arts compiled a list of the 21 design books you must own. Unfortunately, I only own one of the books on the list (The Art of Looking Sideways)...Amazon might get a major order from me soon. Check out the entire list here. ••••

Chip Kid's Book Cover Picks

2009-07-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Love Chip Kid's book covers and love his picks of favorite book covers. (Except I disagree with his pick of A Heartbreaking Tale of A Staggering Genius...or maybe i don't like it because I don't like the book. hmm)

Click here to see them all.••••

Venice comes to Boston

2009-07-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I finally made it over to see the MFA’s current exhibition, “Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice.” Three of the four Crew members (sorry, Colvin) studied and lived together in Venice about 5 years ago, and while we were there we spent a large portion of our time visiting churches and palazzos throughout the city, seeing the incredible works of these three artists in situ. Since then, I’ve seen a Titian here, a Tintoretto there— but I never imagined I would have another opportunity to recreate my Venice experience to this degree. By partnering together with the Louvre, the MFA was able to amass 56 grandiose canvases for this show, transporting you back in time to this pivotal period in Renaissance Venice.

These guys could PAINT. The show is organized thematically, so you can compare and contrast works by all three artists, side by side, as they tackle the same subject matter: the Last Supper and other devotional works, portraiture, the bella donna, and so on. The three men were rivals who competed for patrons, but also great admirers of one another’s work, and the final room is a touching testament to how greatly they influenced one another throughout their careers.

There is also a fascinating portion of the exhibit where the underpainting of a large-scale Tintoretto is examined, revealing that a nativity scene actually had been reinvented from the scraps of a Crucifixion. Talk about doing a 180...

The show is WELL worth seeing for lovers of Renaissance painting. Read more about the exhibit on Boston.com, and the New York Times— both give glowing reviews.

WTF Kraft?

2009-07-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

Someone working for Kraft Foods is drinking the Kool-Aid again. A mere five months after launching this logo:

...Kraft has modified their whimsical burst of color and shapes to this:

Why? Why? Why, Kraft Foods? What is this new iteration of the logo going to do for your brand that the (five month old) logo didn't do? Maybe do a little more brand research and customer focus groups before you roll out a new logo that quite frankly didn't need to be re branded in the first place. Bring back the old! ••••

The New GOP, it looks familiar...

2009-07-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Rip off a successful identity from your rival party. But not just any identity, maybe THE most successful logo in the political arena. Step 2: Take hot pictures. Step 3: Win.

Via CNN ••••

Dina Goldstein - Fallen Princesses

2009-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was simultaneously taken aback and mesmerized by the work of photographer Dina Goldstein. In her series Fallen Princesses she explores the juxtaposition of fairy tale princesses against real life social issues, such as poverty, illness, self-image and addiction. Aesthetically, the photographs are beautiful in rich, saturated colors and strong compositions. Emotionally, the images stir up a wide range of feelings and respond to larger social issues. Personally, I'm not one to buy into the argument that Disney princesses, or Barbie, are causing girls to grow up with low self-esteem and body image issues. I grew up playing with dolls everyday and I happen to be plenty secure. I mean obviously I fully expect prince charming to come riding in on his white horse to whisk me away...I kid... That being said, I do think that Goldstein has taken a serious social concern and presented it in a clever and evocative manner. I am really drawn to the sharp contrast of an "idealized" princess against the dark and gritty real life scenarios. Genius! ••••

States United

2009-07-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of 4th of July this weekend I found this poster that seemed appropriate. Normally, I have an aversion to all things "heart shaped" but I admit, I like this. You can get a copy for yourself here. ••••

The CREW's Summer Plans...

2009-06-30T16:27:00.001-07:00

Boy Scouts go to camp. So do musicians, baseball players, and cheerleaders. So why should Graphic Designers be excluded? Fear not! There's a place for us too-- TYPE CAMP! Don't worry, it only brings an entirely new meaning to the word "designerd." Let your Type Freak Flag fly free! ••••

Sarah Illenberger

2009-06-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

I feel in love with Sarah Illenberger's portfolio today. I had to include more than a few example of her work in this post, but I highly recommend that you check out her portfolio...beautiful photography and editorial work. ••••

Hypnotizing...

2009-06-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson Face Evolution Spiral. Topical. Creepy. See closeups, via Notcot. ••••

A Little "Green" Irony

2009-06-26T15:00:00.001-07:00

Since plastic is now outlawed in San Francisco groceries store, I have to admit I've gotten on the "eco bag" bandwagon. But I do appreciate this little bit of humor in response to the trend. ••••

Art Students: Which one are you?

2009-06-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of going to art school, let me tell you now, you are missing out. Sure you're missing out on the opportunity to follow your passion and to explore your creativity. But moreover, you're missing out on being surrounded by some of the most "interesting" people in the world. Let's be honest, with the exception of the Crew (obviously) the typical art student can be categorized into a specific (and often eccentric) type of person. Chuck Dillon, a teacher at Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia, decided to poke fun at the typical characters that populate art school. Take a look at his amusing illustrations and figure out where you fit in. ••••

Meet Ya @ The Hut. TTYL.

2009-06-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

If I had to guess, I would say that I haven't eaten at a Pizza Hut in a good 16-17 years. I am fairly certain that the only reason my parents took me there in the first place was because they hosted some type of school related Book Club program in the early 80s. (Correction: It still exists! Book It.) But, I digress...
Because of a significant decline in sales, Pizza Hut is reinventing themselves to become 'The Hut'.

Brian Niccol, Pizza Hut CMO has said, "Design is a great way to create an emotional expression for your brand. But the pizza category has been a real laggard in doing that. Our red box is a game changer in packaging and design. And yes, we're also introducing another vocabulary word with Pizza Hut, which is 'The Hut.' That ties in nicely with (today's) texting generation. We wanted to make sure that Pizza Hut and 'The Hut' become common vernacular for our brand. Red is our mark and when you see that red roof, people will refer to it as 'The Hut' or 'Pizza Hut.' As we expand our online and mobile businesses, 'The Hut' is the perfect icon for our mobile generation."

I can't say that I will be texting my friends this weekend, asking them to "meet @ the hut," BUT I do like the new marketing. Yes, marketing campaign....Pizza Hut spokesman Chris Fuller has said that 'The Hut' is just a marketing effort and not a permanent name change."

Boom Boom

2009-06-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

A creepy/great new campaign from the Zurich Chamber Orchestra about the way music can make you feel. I don't like to think I have a percussionist in my heart, but that would make sense. This is a really smart idea. Via Fubiz. ••••

Design Scare Tactics

2009-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today President Obama signed new legislation that will heavily restrict the nicotine content and marketing of cigarettes, including the requirement that colorful ads and displays be replaced with black-and-white-only text. For a piece in its Sunday Perspectives section, the St. Petersburg Times asked DJ Stout, of Pentagram, what cigarette manufacturers like Marlboro might do to follow the new marketing rules.

“Over the years there has been an onslaught of public awareness messaging about the evils of smoking,” says Stout. “Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last 50 years you are very aware that smoking is not only bad for you, it could very likely kill you. All smokers know this for sure but it doesn’t deter them.

“Our marketing advice to cigarette companies in the new heavily regulated era is to fully accept the new aggressive anti-smoking restrictions and wallow in the government’s apocalyptic health warnings. Don’t make excuses or dance around the stepped-up marketing regulations, just transform the whole cigarette pack into a three dimensional warning label.”••••

Augustin Lesage

2009-06-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Came across this 19th/20th century Spiritualist artist, Augustin Lesage, but I don't remember where. There is very little information about him on the internets (some on flickr here), so I'm probably going to have to go to an actual library to get to the bottom of these awesome paintings. They look so detailed, like something I would set up and work on for 5+ years, if only I didn't have a job. ••••

A Very Versatile Bookshelf

2009-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

This takes me right back to Intro to Design class. Found on this list of 20 great bookshelf designs (plus a few others I would gladly put in my home). ••••

Good Morning!

2009-06-15T05:03:00.001-07:00

It's going to be a sweet week. Right?

1. New (to me) at Keep Calm Gallery

2. Shake it. ••••

Because I woke up thinking today was Friday...

2009-06-11T07:38:00.001-07:00

...I needed a laugh, and YourLogoMakesMeBarf.com achieved that goal.
P.S. Do not over look the logo for the actual site...Comic Sans AND Curlz. ••••

Evolution of Design

2009-06-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Take a look at how everyday design has evolved over the last half-century. Makes you wonder what will happen in the next half-century! ••••

[Via SwissMiss]

Now will you buy more things?

2009-06-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

The design world/blogosphere has been talking about this for months now... tough economic times = rebranding. The New York Times has come out with an article that simply summarizes all the changes we have been seeing in corporate branding for the past year or so.

The Times calls the rebranding “warmer and fuzzier— non-threatening, reassuring, playful, even child-like.” Silly, but true. A few interesting points from the article.

TONED-DOWN TYPE Bold, block capital letters are out. Their replacements are mostly or entirely lower case, softening the stern voice of corporate authority to something more like an informal chat.

FRIENDLY FLOURISHES Kraft Foods has joined Amazon.com and Hasbro, all represented by logos that smile. And to further lighten the corporate mood, whimsy in the form of sprigs and bursts has been appended to several big brands.

HAPPIER COLORS “The economy is the No. 1 influence this year,” said John H. Bredenfoerder, a color expert and design director at Landor Associates, the brand-consulting company that produced the new Cheer detergent emblem. Amid all the gloom, he said, “people need a little joy in their lives.”

Cue the new logos: electric blue type with accents in school bus yellow, red, purple, orange and green. Last year’s top influence, green for sustainability, remains; leaves still sprout across the corporate landscape