Design Jones

This would be a really interesting project and quite challenging to think outside the box for something you live with everyday. I really like this idea for re-designing the US bills (notes to you and me!). Created by Michael Tyznik, you can read more about the process he went through HERE.

(Via The Best Part, a fantastic design blog well worth checking out!)

I know, I know! I seem to be posting an awful lot of these design studio interior sites but I just can’t seem to get enough of seeing other agencies creative spaces. Here’s another one to add the the list, Where We Design, you can check it out HERE.

I recently went to see ‘Up In The Air’ with Michelle, we loved it! I’ve always had an interest in movie credit sequences and this one really caught my attention. Grain Edit have posted an article about their creation HERE and you can watch a short featurette and listen to the team involved over at the Apple site HERE. “The title sequence is an opportunity to get the audience in the right frame of mind before the movie even gets started” – very true and perfectly executed in the case of ‘Up In The Air’.

Many designers strive to deliver high quality work. Chances are that it’s mentioned at least once on every agency or freelancers ‘about us’ page. We all like to think it’s one of our core values and yet everybody is human and at some stage mistakes or familiarity can creep in. So how can we ensure we deliver top quality, on time, every time?

I like to say that my work never compromises on quality. That the experience I’ve gained and the time I devote to projects sets it apart from the crowd. Hopefully that is true but is quality something that can be learned? Is it an attitude or are there concrete ways to make sure every project is as good as it can possibly be?

Recently I was challenged by a minor text error in an internal project. It was probably something that only 10% of readers might pick up on, but I knew it was there. I couldn’t in good conscience say that I had a keen eye for detail and devotion to delivering work without compromise whilst allowing mistakes like that to go unchecked. A reprint swiftly followed.

I was alarmed that something like that could happen. I spent some time thinking through my design processes and the checks that I use to ensure the highest quality. I thought I’d share them with you – hope you find them helpful.
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Yeah that title caught my attention too! It came from Simon Manchipp of London-based studio SomeOne and is part of a fascinating article over at LogoDesignLove HERE. It’s well worth checking out.

Whilst the statement is blunt and perhaps going a little far, there are many really good points here. Logos must be part of a brand and cannot simply be the ‘hero’ by themselves anymore. I think there are plenty of brands that can be built without the need of an accompanying icon or symbol but for others it’s a great tool to quickly convey the message and personality of a brand.

They also make comment about the need for brands to work across so many new platforms and the challenge of making something that can work on a 16×16 pixel favicon or Twitter avatar.

“The ‘favicon’ or ‘twibbon’ is now the equivalent of the ‘black and white fax’ that we all learnt (years ago) was the minimum requirement for a logo to be recognisable as. These are much smaller applications than we have ever had to deal with, and ones where traditional logos are struggling.”

“Lastly, the amount of platforms, media, applications (and now ‘experiences’) that need to be branded has multiplied significantly with technology. People simply get bored quicker and brand worlds allow the conversation to ‘flow’.”

Smashing Magazine have a nice roundup of some innovative and off the wall ways to make a powerful first impression HERE. Not always appropriate for every business but it does prove that being creative in even the most traditional of print items can get you noticed and make sure your business card is kept at the top of the pile.

I’ve metioned Graphic Exchange on this blog many times. I’m constantly blown away by the quality of work they feature along with other examples of excellent design work, interiors and branding. A few of recent gems include a link through to a set of great 90’s magazine covers (HERE) including RAYGUN, Grafik and Blah.

Some beautiful envelope calligraphy by eithersnow HERE, why oh why did I not practice my handwriting growing up?

And finally a great branding showcase for coalesse, created by Toleson HERE.

Would have loved to have been at Portland State University for Frank Chimero’s lecture “Love What You Do”. I really love the impact and simplicity of his slides, you can view them HERE.

(Via DesignWorkLife)

On Monday’s I’m excited to get started on the week’s workload. Some weeks there is a lot to get done, this week is certainly one of those. I found this desk that is just the ticket for focussed working. “Copenhagen designers GamFratesi have designed a prototype desk with a cave-like shield on top to create an intimate working environment called Rewrite”. Found via Kanye West’s blog you can view more images HERE.

OK, so my iPhone is yet to arrive but I’m pretty sure this will be one of the first app’s I’ll download. Love the interface design, ease of use and the simplicity of using the shopping list feature and handy videos if you get stuck. Very nice! You can find out more and see a sample video HERE.