YiNSP!RAT!ON

Heineken Icone Pure

2010-09-03T12:57:00.000+10:00

Heineken and French designer ORA-ÏTO teamed up again after previous collaborations. Back in 2002 ORA-ÏTO received the ‘oscar for the best packaging’ for his aluminum Heineken bottle. The outcome of the latest collaboration is a new limited edition set of 100% sustainable aluminum bottles; the Icone Pure.

The new bottle is white with a green dotted inscription and featuring the iconic green logo of Heineken on the front and back. The packaging is successful in branding the bottle as “pure” and “green” while still maintaining the aesthetic of the Heineken brand.

ORA-ÏTO is the brand name of the designer Ito Morabito. Ito Morabito describes his style as simplexity. He says, 'All my designs look very simple, but I can tell you it is very complex to make it happen.'

Thanks to Minimalissimo for the info and photos!

KAWS x Dos Equis Beer Bottles

2010-08-30T01:41:00.000+10:00

Mexican beer company Dos Equis has collaborate with Kaws on a two special bottle designs. Each bottle is representative of Dos Equis’ two offerings, a Lager and an Amber, and featuring Kaws signature “X Eyes” all over. For the moment it looks like the bottles will only be available in Mexico, starting September 2010.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info!

Murasaki Sports x Nixon The Player & The Rubber Player

2010-08-15T00:58:00.000+10:00

Japanese surf and action sports retailer, Murasaki Sports, celebrate their 100th store opening with a collaboration with Nixon on two of Nixon’s popular models – The Player and The Rubber Player. Both styles come in black colorways, one in metal, the other one in rubber, featuring dark casing and faces with neon hands. Available now through Murasaki Sports.

I really love Nixon 'The Player' series. The reason I like these watches because of the simplicity. I think I'm going to get one soon!

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info!

Stüssy x Levi's – 505 Denim & Cargo Shorts

2010-07-10T18:24:00.001+10:00

Stüssy works with Levi’s on two exclusive pieces. The first items (above) are a pair of military inspired cargo shorts. The shorts are available in three different hues, and complete with leather patch and dual branding. The second items (above) are a highly distressed pair of 505 Denim, details include multi-colour patches, Stüssy logo hits on the coin pocket and woven inside the waistband, and a genuine leather patch. The jeans are available in indigo and black colours. Check out Stüssy Japan for further information.

Thanks to Highsnobiety for the photos and info!

OBEY x STRANGEco – Mr Spray

2010-07-09T23:31:00.002+10:00

OBEY x STRANGEco, are pleased to announce Mr Spray, a new limited edition toy series designed by Shepard Fairey, a famous artist.

Mr Spray is an original character created in 2004 as a street-art appropriation of an advertising character design of the 1950s, which first appeared in an OBEY print edition. Mr Spray is the first original vinyl figure design by the artist in eleven years and will be released in mid-July 2010.

Mr. Spray vinyl figure is produced in limited editions with four distinct color variants: Black and Red, available at select retailers and STRANGEcoʼs online retail store, plus two special editions: Gold, available exclusively through Obey-Giant and Silver, available exclusively through STRANGEco. Click here for more information.

Nintendo 3DS

2010-07-09T23:28:00.005+10:00

The latest generation in the DS platform has arrived as Nintendo releases information/imagery surrounding its new 3DS, yet another advancement for the video game giant. Highlighted features include: wireless communication, internet access, 3D view without the need for any special glasses, a “Slide Pad” that allows 360-degree analog input, one inner camera, two outer cameras, motion sensor and a gyro sensor. Click here for further information.

It looks cool to me! I really want to get one!

Paul Smith x Burton Vapor Snowboard

2010-05-23T21:26:00.001+10:00

British designer Paul Smith re-unites with Burton once again in a release of a snowboard slated for the 2011 season. The collaborative Paul Smith Vapor snowboard is an exemplification of both labels’ dictum for impeccable shapes and love for colors. On the upper, the snowboard is kept restrained and cool in black, with a pop of color in the channel which allows for use with both the Burton EST and Burton 3D bindings; and on the flip side, things get a little wild as Paul Smith’s iconic rainbow stripes are interlaced with bold Burton logo. The Vapor is a lightweight board which allows for an effortless ride.

The snowboard collaboration comes on the heels of three previous collaborations starting in 2005 which has revolved around on-hill apparel. The Paul Smith x Burton Vapor Snowboard will retail for $1,199.95 USD and be available in mid-August through Burton.com. So those who are thinking of upgrading their gear and look, here is a good option to consider before powder season kicks in.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo!

Innovative Apartment in Hong Kong – Gary Chang

2010-05-15T22:22:00.001+10:00

Hong Kong apartments are known to be quite small. Gary Chang, a talented architect from Hong Kong, has equipped his tiny 330 square foot apartment with a sliding wall and panel system that allows him to create 24 different room configurations. As the suspended wall units are shifted around, the apartment transform into a kitchen, library, laundry room, dressing room, and enclosed dining area or a lounge with a hammock.

"A small area means efficiency and user-friendliness."

Thanks to Toxel for the info and photos!

Double-park x XLarge x Fingercroxx 10th Anniversary Collection

2010-04-24T21:37:00.000+10:00

Hong Kong label double-park celebrates its 10th anniversary as street wearer's style and is teaming up with XLarge and Fingercroxx to create a small collection items which include a t-shirt and a pair of mountaineering boots. With XLarge and Fingercroxx having worked together in the past, the designs are a hybrid of each respective brand’s logo. Available exclusively through double-park.

PIXELS Short Film by Patrick Jean

2010-04-24T01:48:00.001+10:00

PIXELS is a very cool short film! It's directed by Patrick Jean and produced by One More Productions. The background of the film is present-day New York City. It is about the early 8-bit arcade characters such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Tetris pieces came to life and destroy us. I hope you guys will enjoy it! Thanks to Hypebeast for the info!

Jailbreak Collective iPhone Magnets

2010-04-21T01:15:00.001+10:00

Jailbreak Collective makes a really neat product that at first glance looks like a legit iPhone. If you look more closely, you'll see it's actually a package of iPhone-app-like magnets called App Magnets. They're not actually copies of Apple's designs. They're original artwork, done in-house.

The packaging is smart. It's incredibly low-cost and it's just a simple vacuum formed plastic insert and cover heat sealed to a simple iPhone-shaped card. (The package size is bigger than a real iPhone.) The minimal, copy-less design makes it all the more convincing. I also appreciate how they didn't over-package it.

For all the iPhone freaks, check out Jailbreak Collective. Thanks for TheDIeline for the info and photos!

PUMA Fuseproject Packaging

2010-04-17T00:16:00.005+10:00

Puma has teamed up with America designer Yves Béhar from Fuseproject to redesign the shoe box. They suggests to the consumers to think about sustainability with an eco-friendly packaging. After 21 months, 2,000 ideas and 40 plus packaging prototypes, the team finally came up with this 'Clever Little Bag' solution which combines the two packaging components of any shoe sale – the bag and the box – with high-tech ingenuity. It's not only reduces materials but also shipping costs.

The bag tightly wraps an interior cardboard scaffolding – giving it shape and reducing cardboard use by 65%. Moreover, without that shiny box exterior, there's no laminated cardboard (which interferes with recycling). There's no tissue paper inside. And there's no throw-away plastic bag. The bag itself is made of recycled PET, and it's non-woven – woven fibers increase density and materials use – and stitched with heat, so that it's less manufacturing intensive.

Puma estimates the impact of this design will slash water, energy, and fuel consumption during manufacturing alone by 60% – in one year, that comes to a savings of 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 264,000 gallons of fuel, and 264 gallons of water. Ditching the plastic bags will save 275 tones of plastic, and the lighter shipping weight will save another 132,000 gallons of diesel.

The roll-out is planned for next year. After that? Hopefully, the design will become ubiquitous. Also go to check out Fuseproject and PumaVISION for more info!

Arial and Helvetica – what are the real differences?

2010-04-06T23:53:00.002+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

Many designers like to use Arial and Helvetica in their designs. But do you know what are the real differences between Arial and Helvetica? I remembered I did talk about Helvetica on one of my posts before and mentioned about Arial is a very similar font to Helvetica, but Helvetica is somewhat more refined than Arial, even though each one has the same character width. One of the key differences is the strokes for each character. Helvetica uses primarily vertical or horizontal strokes, while Arial often uses diagonal strokes.

Above is a diagram showing the differences. Thanks to PULSE for the diagram!

Nike Air Max 90 Sneaker Advert Tutorial

2010-04-05T00:49:00.000+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

I eventually got some spare time to finish this tutorial. It's an awesome and useful tutorial! I especially like the part about teaching how to draw and customize the wavy lines, and how to use a variety of lighting effects in Photoshop. Click here if you want to learn this tutorial.

Incase Topo Flex iPhone Snap Case

2010-04-04T00:20:00.002+11:00

Incase has introduced its new Topo Flex Snap Case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The case’s flexibility is achieved by overmolding plastic and rubber, which come together to create a signature Topo pattern on the case’s exterior. A functional design element, the Topo pattern provides added grip to the exterior while coating the interior for an extra layer of protection and shock absorption. Other features include open access to the power button, ring/silent switch, camera, headphone port, screen, and Dock Connector port, push-through protectors for the volume buttons, an included s-stand for video viewing, and a rubberized interior. The case comes in three colours – dark grey with black, turquoise with bubblegum blue and white with medium grey, and is now available at Incase. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo!

Wicked Energy Drink

2010-04-03T21:49:00.003+11:00

This collectible packaging for Australia's Wicked Energy Drink is designed by Kian Forreal, a talented Sydney-based tattoo artist. Wicked is inspired by the body art phenomenon that is sweeping the globe, and it is an all new energy drink combining tattoo attitude with caffeine and taurine. It comes in a fully illustrated 375ml can, as well as a 475ml fully sleeved PET bottle. Click here to check out more info!

Quinze & Milan x Eastpak Furniture Collection

2010-04-02T20:22:00.001+11:00

I've heard of luggage that transformed into a sofa, but I've never heard of a sofa with built-in bags, until now! It's quite strange but certainly very useful for anyone who often put a lot of things around the sofa.

Industrial design studio Quinze & Milan has gotten together with Eastpak to work on a furniture collection that incorporates the bags of the brand. The collection combines Quinze & Milan shapes with authentic Eastpak product characteristics, including bags, zippers, handles, colorful strong fabrics and popular prints. This first range will include special pocket-padded versions of Quinze & Milan design classics ‘club sofa 01′ and ‘primary pouf 02′. Various pockets are incorporated onto the seats and provide storage for your books, magazines, reading glasses, laptop, ipod, headset, remote control, etc.

They’ll be produced in limited quantities with each individually numbered and will be presented at the Milan Design Week 2010 this year. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

Schweppes Limited Edition Slim Cans

2010-04-02T00:23:00.001+11:00

New limited edition for Schweppes Slim Can: metallic white with an explosion of simple geometric and coloured forms designed by french creative Fred & Farid. This special limited edition of Slim Cans are to be served only in clubs and bars and are treated to glow in the dark.

Thanks to TheDieline for the info and photos!

Google Android Toys

2010-04-02T00:09:00.000+11:00

Illustrator and toy designer Andrew Bell has teamed up with a few friends at Google’s Android project to bring their green mascot to life. Presenting Android mini collectibles series 01! Each 3” vinyl figure sports one of 12 different possible designs and features a rotating head and arms. Packed in “blind boxes” so you don’t know which design you get until you open it up. Pick one up and take a chance or grab a case for a near-complete set. Available in an initial limited release later this month from dyzplastic and specialty retailers.

Thanks to TheDieline for the info and photos!

Duck Sauce x Fool’s Gold Toy

2010-03-17T20:38:00.002+11:00

DJ heroes A-trak and Armand Van Helden have turned their musical collaboration “Duck Sauce” into an ultra-cool, limited edition rubber duck toy now available at Colette France. “Duck Sauce” is the 2009 EP that found A-trak and Armand Van Helden crafting brand new mixes inspired by their favorite vintage disco house tunes. The record sleeve to “Duck Sauce” and video to their widely popular single, “aNYway” both feautre a cocky, baseball-jacketed, vinyl-toting, duck mascot designed by Fool’s Gold art director Dust La Rock who also created the packaging. The beautifully sculpted, hand painted rubber duck is not only fun to look at, but it actually floats in water as well! There’s a limited edition of only 1000 pieces so be sure to act fast if you’d like to own one. For more information on the Duck Sauce toy and to purchase, be sure to visit Colette’s website. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

BAPE® “Ohasi” Chopsticks

2010-03-17T20:33:00.002+11:00

BAPE® has released another lifestyle product in the form of chopsticks. Made for BAPEEXCLUSIVE Kyoto, the chopsticks are highlighted with Ape heads and come in a classic green camo wrap. Available now via Cliff Edge.

Nice chopsticks! Street wear at the dinner table, you gotta love that! Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo!

Logorama: Oscar winner for animated short film

2010-03-15T23:16:00.006+11:00

The winner of the Oscar animated short film this year, Logorama. It is written and directed by H5 – Francois Alaux, Hervé de Crecy and Ludovic Houplain. Logorama takes place in a world full of corporate and brand logos (in which roughly 2500 logotypes and mascots), and it follows a few different stories that all intertwine with one another. In it, you'll see the Michelin Man, the Haribo kid, Bob's Big Boy, Mr. Pringle and Ronald McDonald. Honestly, it's bloody brilliant! Definitely an interesting short movie!

It's Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want to Be. By Paul Arden

2010-02-28T21:12:00.001+11:00

I just finished reading a book which is called "It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be". This book is great and gives you lots of inspirations. It’s a quick read and seems to the point throughout. It reminds you that you don’t know everything you think you know and to move forward in your career or life. You must open yourself up to criticism and make mistakes, and you control your own destiny. I like the thoughts about "It's wrong to be right. It's right to be wrong." I agree that being right is based upon knowledge and experience, but it's boring and is the opposite of creative. However, being wrong opens up the opportunity of trying new things and maybe becoming right.

I love the layout and the typo! The pictorial and the design is quite clever because not only conveying the message better, it also makes the book much more enjoyable to read. I strongly recommend this book to everyone, especially people working in design, advertising and marketing industries!

Here is some info about the book:

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world – a pocket 'bible' for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible.

The world's top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his wisdom on issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity, all notions that can be applied to aspects of modern life.

This book provides a unique insight into the world of advertising and is a quirky compilation of quotes, facts, pictures, wit and wisdom, packed into easy-to-digest, bite-sized spreads. If you want to succeed in life or business, this is a must!

Paul Arden began his career in advertising at the age of 16. For 14 years he was Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, where he was responsible for some of Britain's best known campaigns including British Airways, Silk Cut, Anchor Butter, InterCity and Fuji.

His famous slogans include 'The Car in front is a Toyota' and 'The Independent - It is - Are You?'. In 1993 he set up the London-based production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd where he is now a commercials director for clients such as BT, BMW, Ford, Nestle and Levis.

Star Wars x Medicom Toy C-3PO 400% Kubrick

2010-02-28T14:23:00.003+11:00

Here is something for all Star Wars fans!

Medicom Toy has collaboration with Star Wars once again on the toy project. The C-3PO may not be the most famous of the Star Wars series however the human like robot is characteristic with his personality and unique walking style. So to honor this memorable golden robot, Medicom Toy have produced a 400% version with great attention to detail and realistic construction.

From the face to the body the molding is made precisely giving the figure a life and it looks as though it may just start to walk and come alive. The golden complexion is recreated well mimicking the original character with multi colored wires showing around the waist region. It's around 12 inches tall and has a limited run size of 1000 figures. Collectors should definitely look out for this one as it is scheduled to release around late August 2010.

Thanks to Freshness for the info and photo!

atmos x Reebok Insta Pump Fury

2010-02-20T00:53:00.003+11:00

Japanese retailer atmos once again collaborated with Reebok on the Insta Pump Fury. The sneaker comes black colorway with hints of red, yellow and blue. The upper is a mixture of nylon and patent leather with the multi-colored and textured midsole and electric blue liner. Currently available for pre-order at atmos.

This sneaker looks really nice! I love Reebok Insta Pump Fury! Love the colour combination! Thanks to Sneaker Freaker for the news!

Cheeming Boey – Styrofoam Cup Art

2010-02-17T22:12:00.005+11:00

Incredible illustrations by California based artist Cheeming Boey, using styrofoam cups as his canvas. Employing one of our favourite pens – Sharpie Marker, he’s developed his own style, which is influenced by pointillism and Japanese woodcuts. All of his designs are one of a kind, and no two are alike.

I've posted a few of my favourite cups from Boey’s collection. There are more on his website!

Thanks to PSFK for the info!

ASICS 2010 SS Collection Doubleclutch

2010-02-12T22:28:00.005+11:00

A few years ago, ASICS introduced a series of models together with NEXTide with usability and design in mind to help those with disabilities enjoy the same everyday experience as the more able-bodied population. Models such as the Procourt AR and Run & Gun AR sprouted up thanks to the initiative with the Doubleclutch carrying on the legacy and representing the latest offering. Three colors each feature a double zippered back which allow you to use one hand to put on and take the shoes off. Available now at GETTRY.

These sneakers are really nice. I love the concept and the colours! Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

Oakley Frogskins – Valentine’s Day Sunglasses

2010-02-11T13:05:00.005+11:00

Oakley teases up with a peek into a special edition of Valentine’s Day Frogskins, made in a run of only 30 pairs. The shades feature a clear candy pinkish red frame that fades to white and boasts positive red iridium lenses to match. They also come in a classic bag with printed Oakley logo candy hearts. Unfortunately, it seems like they will not be made available to the public.

Thanks to Highsnobiety for the info and photos!

Hermès Voyage

2010-02-07T23:26:00.004+11:00

This is a new unisex fragrance by Hermès. The new perfume made by the luxury brand, is unisexual and will perfectly feature image of both men and women. The upcoming scent, based on musky and woody notes, developed by the major “nose” of Hermès, Jean-Claude Ellena.

He has created other fragrances Kelly Caleche, A Garden on the Nile or Terre d’Hermes. The new scent will be available in 35 ml and 100 ml in all Hermes boutiques in April.

The bottle was designed by Philippe Mouquet. Here’s what the press release says about the artist and his creation: “He would combine self-assurance with vivacity. This would be to the classic perfume bottle what the pocket magnifying glass was to the solid sort that lives in a desk, what a wristwatch is to a clock. It would open out at the touch of a finger, like pushing a door. It would turn on itself without going round. Not content with being merely mobile, it would be the incarnation of movement itself. Its material and colour would be aluminium, a material that reflects all others. Its contours would be those of a stirrup. Its axis a saddle tack. It would blend seamlessly with the hand. Would not be thrown away but kept. Refilled. And filled again. It would go away and stay on. Living a long time.”

Thanks to TheDieline for the info and photos!

Milk Carton Postcards Project

2010-02-06T17:17:00.008+11:00

A series of die-cut postcards from Malaysia-based design firm, Grass Studio, for Dasein Academy of Art that fold into miniature milk cartons.

As Dasein’s marketing communication demands more from postcard designs but production budget keep shrinking, they decided to recycle this die cut block & extend the idea into other low budget greeting occasions. Turns out, the project became a collection series that is highly sought after.

Thanks to TheDieline for the info and photos!

Kyouei Design – Liquid Lamp

2010-02-04T21:55:00.006+11:00

Japanese design company Kyouei Design launches this new Liquid Lamp as part of its latest range of lighting products. The lamp takes on an obvious liquid motif with a cool white shade offering a certain sense of normalcy to this wild creation. Available now through I.T. in Hong Kong.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo!

Helvetica

2010-01-30T16:40:00.012+11:00

Helvetica is one of the most popular typefaces in the world. Technically speaking, it's a Sans Serif Grotesque typeface, inspired by and based on the Akzidenz-Grotesk typeface created by Berthold around 1898.

In practical terms, though, it’s used by designers at independent firms, big corporations, and everything in between, from all over the world. Helvetica has been featured by MOMA in New York and has received a number of awards and worldwide recognition. There’s even a documentary and a few books about it.

But why is Helvetica so popular? What is it about this font that seemingly tries to be inconspicuous that has made it such a part of our culture and daily lives? We see it dozens of times every day, from product logos, to websites, to packaging, and numerous other items. Read on for more information about Helvetica and why you might want to consider it in your next design project.

A Brief History

The original Helvetica was designed in Switzerland in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann at the Haas type foundry (Haas’sche Schriftgiesserei). Haas was controlled by the type foundry Stempel, which was in turn controlled by Linotype.

Helvetica was originally called Die Neue Haas Grotesk, and was closely based on Schelter-Grotesk. It was created specifically to be neutral, to not give any impression or have any meaning in itself. This neutrality was paramount, and based on the idea that type itself should give no meaning. The marketing director at Stempel decided to change the name to Helvetica in 1960 to make the font more marketable internationally. Originally it was proposed that the typeface be called Helvetia (Latin for Switzerland), but the designers didn’t want to name it after a country, and so it was called Helvetica instead (which is Latin for Swiss).

Helvetica Variations

There have been a number of Helvetica variations created, including a number of language variants (Cyrillic, Korean, Hindi, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Greek among them). Others variations include:

Helvetica Light was designed at Stempel by artistic director Erich Schultz-Anker and Arthur Ritzel.
Helvetica Compressed was designed by Matthew Carter that’s similar to Helvetica Inserat, but with a few differences.
Helvetica Textbook is an alternate design with a few different characters.
Helvetica Rounded was developed in 1978 and includes rounded stroke terminators. It’s only available in bold and black versions (including condensed and obliques), plus an outline version that wasn’t available digitally.
Neue Helvetica was developed in 1983 and has more structurally unified heights and widths among its characters. It also has improved legibility, increased spacing in numbers, and heavier punctuation marks.

Rise In Popularity

Helvetica was designed in post-war Europe, and many companies were looking for a change. It was the opposite of all the kitschy, fancy, decorative typography that covered corporate materials and advertisements.

Helvetica’s sleek lines and modern sensibilities were just what companies were looking for to remake their identities and set themselves apart from the past.

Corporations stick by Helvetica because of what they have invested in it. Because of this, it has become associated with corporate culture and business to some degree. This is one reason why American Apparel chose to use the font for their own brand identity to poke fun at corporate culture in America.

Compared to Arial

Arial is a very similar font to Helvetica, and was developed in 1982. To an untrained eye, the differences between the two fonts is almost undetectable. But there are key differences among certain characters, notably G, R, r, t, a, and 3.

Helvetica is somewhat more refined than Arial, even though each one has the same character width.

One of the key differences, though, is in the strokes for each character. Helvetica uses primarily vertical or horizontal strokes, while Arial often uses diagonal strokes.

Technical Details of Helvetica

Technically, Helvetica is a very interesting font. There are a few things that set it apart from many other sans serif fonts, and make it unique.

Helvetica’s characters always have vertical or horizontal terminations on their strokes, never diagonal.
Helvetica is as much about the negative space surrounding the letters than about the lines that make up the characters themselves.
The negative space contained within the lowercase “a” closely resembles a teardrop.
It has monotone stroke weights.
It remains legible when in motion, one reason it’s popular for signage and automaker and airline logos.

On of the best things about Helvetica is its neutrality. It was designed specifically not to give an impression or have any inherent meaning. And because of this, it’s very adaptable to use for different design projects. That’s one reason why it’s been used by everyone from Post-It to American Apparel. It’s also widely seen online, as it’s a web-safe font on Macs.

If you’re looking for a font that rides the line between classic and modern, conservative and edgy, or elegant and relaxed, Helvetica might just be your answer.

Depending on the design elements you include around it, Helvetica can be any or all of those things. Because it’s a sans serif font, it does tend to sway a bit more into the modern category, but it’s simple enough to fit in within a more traditional design.

Helvetica is particularly well-suited to signage and other designs where legibility is key. This is further reinforced by the wide variety of companies that have used the font in their logos or other corporate identity materials (American Apparel, American Airlines, Target, the NYC Subway, etc.).

Another of Helvetica’s main advantages is that it’s a very “safe” font. If you’re unsure of how particular typefaces influence design, Helvetica can be a good fall-back option that will have little impact by itself.

This can be useful to designers who are just getting started or for those studying design. But just remember, because Helvetica is “safe”, you’re unlikely to win any awards for being edgy or daring when you use it, at least not for the typography itself.

Helvetica in the Wild

As already mentioned, Helvetica is used in graphic design and web design all over the place. Below are a few examples of Helvetica in the real world.

The NYC Subway system's signs and map were changed to Heletica in the 1970s by Massimo Vignelli.

U.S. Government forms all use Helvetica.

The commemorative Moleskine notebooks created fro Helvetica.

Target has one of the more recognizble Helvetica logos.

Click here for more info!

MEDICOM TOY - 2010 Valentine’s Day BE@RBRICK

2010-01-30T13:52:00.006+11:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner for this year and MEDICOM TOY have produced yet another BE@BRICK to celebrate the romantic occasion. This 100% BE@RBRICK might be a good way to show your love in a less cliche and fun way. On the stomach of the toy reads “Love & Happy Valentine” with many hearts all over the body. An unusual treatment has been added to make this BE@BRICK glow in the dark in pink color rather than conventional green color. Packaged in a heart shaped packaging with more hearts printed all over it. It will be available from January 30th on Project 1/6 online store (Japanese orders only).

Thanks to Freshness for the info and photos!

Short Animation – ALARM (HD 720)

2010-01-30T01:20:00.009+11:00

This short animation film created by MESAI, Korea. It's an absolutely awesome animation! The quality is great and the audio is flawless. Everything in this short film is amazing. The setting is really life-like. The storyline shows repetition, but it's executed very smoothly. Even though this is not a very exciting animation, you can still see the humor inside the film. I really like the look and feel of the character, especially his hair style! Click here to find out more!

Dream Ball

2010-01-26T00:10:00.007+11:00

This Dream Ball is designed by Unplug Design, South Korea.

To the children in The Third World: Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Congo and etc, who can’t enjoy football freely because of poverty, war and natural disaster, having a football means a lot and can be a dream and hope to escape from their poor life. However, the children are so poor that they can not buy a football. So, they play football with the ball made of plastic bag or coconut palm leaves, therefore giving them their own footballs which can give them hope.

This is the aim for this project. This Dream Ball made of relief boxes delivered to those poor children by recycling.

Create patterns that can help making a ball on the surface of an aid box.
Activities of giving aid boxes to children in The Third World.
The used aid boxes will be recycled as a football by children with the patterns on boxes.
By making Dream Ball with the children together, the aid organizations will get the chance to be friendly with them.

Aid Box
If children take off the paper from an aid box by following the patterns on it, and assemble those parts with the attached instruction, they can get a football. Those patterns can apply on any type of boxes - a square type, a cylinder type. When children get a cyliner type aid box filled with supplies, they can move it by rolling that box.

The Football
In the aspect of material, Unplug Design considered children playing football with bare foot. So, they use paper that can be recycled and its thickness changes the intensity and elasticity of the Dream Ball.

For more info, go to Unplug Design!

Hanger Tea

2010-01-24T00:11:00.005+11:00

Designer Soon Mo Kang came with an extraordinary idea in packaging – Hanger Tea. The tee-shaped bags are suspended in the box from mini colourful hangers, which can then be hung on the rims of mugs.

"Design that makes you smile and most likely drink more tea!"

Thanks to Yanko Design for the info and photos!

Krink Jumbo K-51 Markers

2010-01-20T20:43:00.005+11:00

Bring some colours into your life with Krink’s newest K-51 Jumbo Permanent Ink Marker. Available in CMYK colours (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black), these waterproof markers can be used for myriad personal projects such as your kicks or your shades. Since the markers are quick-drying, you can doodle on most surfaces, including canvas, glass, metal and wood. Each pen is handmade in the USA and has a large ink capacity (30ml to be precise). Click here for more info!

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

Swiss Army Knife Chocolate

2010-01-05T04:23:00.006+11:00

This delectable Swiss Chocolate Knife is made of the finest Swiss chocolate, and is filled with hazelnut praline. Featuring the Victorinox Swiss Army logo, this fine confection is modeled after the Swiss Army Spartan multitool. It is a wonderful treat for any Swiss Army Knife enthusiast!!!

Victorinox Swiss Army Spartan, Chocolate Edition Ingredients:

Sugar
Cocoa Butter
Powdered Whole Milk
Hazelnuts (13%)
Cocoa Fat
Vegetable Fat
Soy Flour
Emulsifiers
Natural Vanilla Flavoring
At least 35% Cocoa

Check out Swiss Knife Shop for more info!

Creative Heineken Beer Ads

2009-12-30T14:56:00.015+11:00

Heineken has always been one of my favourite companies for advertising. Their advertising is at times so simple and yet so powerful. The followings are the most creative and unusual advertising campaigns for Heineken beer.

Heineken Christmas Tree
A giant christmas tree was made with 1000 Heineken beer bottles in front of the Nanjing shopping mall in Shanghai. Click here for more info.

Heineken Beer Billboard
This outdoor campaign from Heineken in Amsterdam is an example of how an innovative idea can have a huge impact in a traditional approach. Click here for more info.

Heineken Rugby Shirt
Heineken: The official beer for Singapore Rugby Sevens. Click here for more info.

"Don't Drink and Drive" Heineken Ad
When you drink your reaction time slows down. Heineken: Don't drink and drive! Click here for more info.

Heineken Pizza Boxes
Heineken: "Made to Entertain" advertisement. Pizza boxes were cleverly used to promote Heineken beer. Click here for more info.

Heineken CDs
Heineken: "Made to Entertain" advertisement. Stack of music CDs was cleverly used to promote Heineken beer. Click here for more info.

Heineken Snow Ad
Heineken beer helps relax after skiing and snowboarding. Click here for more info.

Heineken Cities
Heineken is presented as the beer of choice for a Fresher World, with the cityscapes of Paris, Manhattan and Rio de Janeiro illustrated with Heineken bottles, cans and cartons. Click here for more info.

Heineken Chart
A creative chart used to promote Heineken beer. Click here for more info.

Heineken "Bottoms Up" Ad
Two bottles of Heineken upside down! The idea of a sexy woman long beautiful legs makes your mouth water and makes people craving a cold Heineken beer. Click here for more info.

Heineken: Drink the Music
This campaign has presented Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne and Elvis Presley in a unique avatar. The print advertising campaign while aiming youth customers has used the fame of these pop stars in order to reflect its natural association with music. Click here for more info.

Seen+Noted: Directions to a Heineken
Leo Burnett, Bangkok, wanted an eye-catching promotional idea to launch the Heineken GreenSpace Beer Park located on the rooftop of the CentralWorld Plaza in Bangkok. THe agency created 'green men' and formed them into the shape of the Heineken bottle and used it as a directional installation that pointed to the location of the bar day and night. Click here for more info.

SHIPS x Glenroyal x Victorinox Swiss Army USB Knife

2009-12-29T15:10:00.006+11:00

Japanese retailer SHIPS collaborates with leather goods Glenroyal and multi-tool purveyors Victorinox to produce a superior Swiss Army knife. The multifaceted knife is stored in a Glenroyal leather bound case. The most intriguing fact about the knife is that it has a USB thumb drive. The USB thumb drive stores up to 4GB which makes this knife even more relevant in a modern world. Available now at SHIPS.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo!

Coarsetoys "False Friends" Series

2009-12-04T15:03:00.005+11:00

Coarsetoys unveils their long anticipated “False Friends” series, a set of two original vinyl statues. The release incorporates key coarse characters ‘paw!’, a monkey cross rabbit, and ‘noop’, a human like being, as they portray another episode in the ongoing coarse story. The German artist duo behind coarse, once again showcase their distinctive aesthetic. Their forms are dominated by smooth curves, hard lines and sharp edges, combined to point of a unity. In past years, coarse has become renowned for its definitive style, its meticulous attention to detail and the vivid dreamscapes painted by its story line.

This rare edition includes ‘the colossal paw! and a freshly hatched noop, robed in his heavenly soft paw! suit.’ The 13” vinyl pair comes in glowing spring colors, put to sleep between two cotton pillows, every one embroidered with the individual running number. Safely packed in a hand crafted wooden box with a monkey rabbit nose handle and enclosed with a rubberband. Limited to 200 pieces with retail set at HK $4388 (Approx. $520 USD), the set will become available on January 7th, 2010 through Coarse HK and other select retailers. A limited Christmas pre-sale through Coarse HK online store will begin on December 10th. 2009 (Open for 24 hours with a shipping date of January 4th).
Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

LEGO x MUJI

2009-11-27T14:55:00.005+11:00

What if you could add flat and curved planes to your LEGO pieces? Would your head just explode with the possibilities? Well, you best get a hard hat on because MUJI and LEGO have teamed up to bring you a "think outside the blocks" experience that makes punching LEGO-sized holes into paper super easy.

The kit hits Japanese MUJI stores on 27 Nov. Check out some of the applications here. Thanks to Slamxhype for the info and photos!

Colourless Coke Can

2009-11-26T15:45:00.006+11:00

This "Colourless Coke Can" is designed by Ryan Yoon & Harc Lee, United States. A conceptual package design, which at this is unaffiliated with Coca Cola, created to drastically reduce the cost of both initial manufacturing and recycling.
“A convex logo substitutes colorfully sprayed can. Naked can help to reduce air and water pollution occurred in its coloring process. It also reduces energy and effort to separate toxic color paint from aluminum in recycling process. Huge amount of energy and paint required to manufacture colored cans will be saved. Instead of toxic paint, manufacturers process aluminum with a pressing machine that indicates brand identity on surface."

Thanks to Lovely Package for the info and photo!

A Spectacular Grass Text Effect

2009-11-24T16:12:00.007+11:00

Click here to enlarge!

Great~ I finally finished this "Grass Typo" tutorial. It's a good try to make text out of grass. In this tutorial, I learnt how to create a cool-looking grass typo using a photo of grass in Photoshop. But the annoying part was using the pen tool to outlining each letter from the grass photo.

Anyway, if you guys want to know how to create this awesome grass typo, click here to learn!

2009-11-20T16:07:00.005+11:00

On Friday November 20th sees the release of a pair of chronograph watches from Stussy Japan by the name of “Crewsader” Chronometer Watch. Powered by a Japanese made movement for precision, the quartz chronograph are produced in two colors of black and silver in brushed stainless steel finish. Both versions use a black face which is high lighted by an orange second hand. White Stussy logo is centered on the top surrounded by three small dials. On the back of the watch is also an engraving of the Stussy logo. These will be available at Stussy stores Japan wide, ZOZO online chapter and web chapter on November 26th.

Thanks to Freshness for the info and photo!

Sanaa "Rabbit Ear" Chair

2009-11-08T00:47:00.004+11:00

The Sanaa Architects group comprised of Kazuyo Sejima and Rye Nishizawa have released a new series of their “Rabbit Ear” chair. Complimenting the original online-only run in a raw wood style, the new capsule is seen in a series of colortones. The chairs were also a part of this year’s Serpentine Gallery Pavillon in London. The new collection of chairs is available now at the hhstyle store in Harajuku as well as nextmaruni online shop. Click here for more info about Sanaa "Rabbit Ear" Chair.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info!

Stüssy – Plaid Biz Card Holder

2009-11-05T22:56:00.005+11:00

Freshly pressed suit, matching tie, and starched dress shirt, in the corporate world, conformity is the dress code. However occasionally, there is some room for individual expression, such as the new business card holders from Stüssy. Polished aluminum enameled with subtle plaid patterns and Stüssy’s “Double S” emblem, the case received another layer of clear coat for that glossy sheen.
Comes in 2 plaid designs with matching money clip (sold separately), the Stüssy Biz Card Holder is currently available at all Stüssy chapters worldwide, along with Stüssy web stores.

Such a nice B-card Holder! Thanks to Freshness for the info and photos!

Lavazza Cookie Cup

2009-11-03T14:02:00.005+11:00

Venezuelan designer Enrique Luis Sardi has teamed up with Italian coffee company Lavazza to create a master piece of green design – Cookie Cup!

First you drink the coffee, then you eat the cup! Brilliant! Cookie Cup is an example of the results achieved from research into food design: it's not just about coffee, but also the container – because once you have enjoyed the dark beverage you can also eat the cup. The cup is made of pastry covered with a special icing sugar, which works as an insulator, and makes the cup waterproof hence allowing you to use the cup and then appreciate its taste, so to eat and drink coffee along with a biscuit at the same time.

It looks so cool! I also want to try this Cookie Cup with coffee! Check out Lavazza for more info!

Green Berry Tea – Origami Tea Packaging

2009-11-03T13:14:00.005+11:00

Cool tea packaging concept designed by Natalia Ponmareva from Russia. Each creative tea bag looks like a beautiful origami bird. Thanks to Toxel for the info and photos!

SOPH. x Tiffany & Co. 10th Anniversary Keychain

2009-11-03T01:02:00.004+11:00

When I think of Tiffany & Co. I think of silver hearts, blue boxes and diamond rings. I don't necessarily think of street fashion. That's why I'm surprised when I discovered this collaboration – SOPH. x Tiffany & Co.

To further celebrate their 10th anniversary, SOPH. join up with another outstanding partner Tiffany & Co.SOPH. ornament. No information pertaining a release date.

Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo! to create a piece of jewelry that combines the two collaborators fine talents. The U-shaped metal piece is actually a keychain with ball-bearings that can twisted off to insert your keys with a further

Creative Review Incredible Dissolving Bag

2009-11-01T22:28:00.012+11:00

Creative Review is the first magazine anywhere to trial a new packaging material called harmless-dissolve which was created in the UK by Cyberpac.

Take the magazine out of the bag.

Cut off the sealing strip – the glue of the strip is biodegradeable but will not dissolve in water.

Place the bag in a receptacle filled with hot water (60+ degrees recommended by manufacturer).

The clear plastic dissolves into the water almost immediately.

The printed area takes a little longer to break down.

After a couple of minutes, the printed area has broken down sufficiently for it to disintegrate when rubbed between finger and thumb – it's a bit gunky and sticky but washes off straightaway.

Pour the residue down the drain.

Any residue is perfectly harmless. Apparently you can even drink it, but it tastes horrible! Not recommend this!

A quick sluice around with water clears up any remaining residue both in the sink and in the receptacle.
Go to Creative Review for more info!

Michael Lau x MINDstyle – The Godfather Figurines

2009-10-25T13:20:00.003+11:00

The Godfather series of films are one of the most prolific gangster films to date with intense plot and powerful acting by actors involved. To tickle the fancy of a broad audience from toy fanatics to The Godfather fans, Michael Lau and MINDstyle have gotten together to produce these limited edition figurines of the Don.

The Godfather Version 2.0 is the white marionette figurine that is the same as a black version released previously that sold out fairly quick. This version is planned to be release in 300 pieces worldwide. On the other hand The Godfather Classic is a figure of the Don sitting down wearing a black suit. This version is available in 500 pieces and available worldwide as well. Thanks to Freshness for the info and photos!

Apple Magic Mouse

2009-10-24T22:50:00.007+11:00

It began with iPhone. Then came iPod touch. Then MacBook Pro. Intuitive, smart, dynamic. Multi-Touch technology introduced a remarkably better way to interact with your portable devices — all using gestures. Now Apple has reached another milestone by bringing gestures to the desktop with a mouse that’s unlike anything ever before. It’s called Magic Mouse. It’s the world’s first Multi-Touch mouse. And while it comes standard with every new iMac, you can also add it to any Bluetooth-enabled Mac for a Multi-Touch makeover.

Seamless Multi-Touch Surface

Magic Mouse — with its low-profile design and seamless top shell — is so sleek and dramatically different, it brings a whole new feel to the way you get around on your Mac. You can’t help but marvel at its smooth, buttonless appearance. Then you touch it and instantly appreciate how good it feels in your hand. But it’s when you start using Magic Mouse that everything comes together. The Multi-Touch area covers the top surface of Magic Mouse, and the mouse itself is the button. Scroll in any direction with one finger, swipe through web pages and photos with two, and click and double-click anywhere. Inside Magic Mouse is a chip that tells it exactly what you want to do. Which means Magic Mouse won’t confuse a scroll with a swipe. It even knows when you’re just resting your hand on it.

Laser-Tracking Engine

Magic Mouse uses powerful laser tracking that’s far more sensitive and responsive on more surfaces than traditional optical tracking. That means it tracks with precision on nearly every surface — whether it’s a table at your favorite cafe or the desk in your home office — without the need for a mousepad.

Wireless

Magic Mouse connects wirelessly to your Mac via Bluetooth, so there’s no wire or separate adapter to worry about. Pair Magic Mouse with your Bluetooth-enabled Mac and enjoy a reliable and secure connection up to 33 feet away. When you combine Magic Mouse with the Apple Wireless Keyboard, you create a workspace free of annoying cables. And because Magic Mouse is wireless, it can venture beyond the confines of your desk. A quick flick of the on/off switch helps conserve battery power while Magic Mouse is tucked in your bag. Even when it’s on, Magic Mouse manages power efficiently, by detecting periods of inactivity automatically.

Magic Mouse looks so cool and I'm going to get one soon! If you want to know further information, go to check out Apple's website.

MEDICOM TOY x Disney – Mickey Mouse Jack Skellington Edition

2009-10-24T15:21:00.004+11:00

With Halloween just around the corner, Japan's MEDICOM TOY CO. struck an interesting arrangement with Disney recently in creating a vinyl figure of world's most famous mouse, Mickey Mouse, in the likeness of Jack Skellington, the key character in Tim Burton's claymation classic 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. Each of the figure was casted in specific mold, then hand coloured and painted. Though announced through MEDICOM TOY CO. in time for Halloween, the Mickey Mouse Jack Skellington Edition will not be available till April of 2010. Thanks to Freshness for the info and photo!

Bill's Dairy Farm

2009-10-21T23:52:00.006+11:00

Bill's Dairy Farm in South Africa invited ilovedust to create carton graphics for their new range of milkshakes. Featuring strawberry, chocolate and vanilla flavours, each individual graphic features its own character and specific colour scheme. The colourful, funny and candy shop style packaging is designed to appeal to a young target market. Thanks to TheDieline for the info and photo!

Audiovox EarBudeez

2009-10-18T20:31:00.012+11:00

JayD
Jill

Zoie Jane

Emo
Rojo

BodieJDA, Inc. Retail Ready Design recently won the 2009 Gold Pentawards for these very awesome earphones for Audiovox.

Audiovox found that customers choose their earbuds like a fashion accessory and packaging is key to heir choice. JDA developed the earBudeez series as personalities with the earbuds as eyes in different positions to convey attitudes and emotions. These fun, eye-catching packages appeal to customers of all ages who want to express themselves with a unique product.

Thanks to Packaging of the World for the info and photos!

Neon Style in Photoshop

2009-10-18T13:18:00.005+11:00

Click here to enlarge!

Damn! I'm so sick these few days. Even now, I'm still not feeling too good. I didn't go to work and just only stay on my bed all the time. I went to visit doctor on Thursday and he said I've got gastroenteritis. Oh! Man! That's why I vomited all the food I ate before. I found that I especially miss my mum and my love during the period of illness. Haha~

I did this tutorial (see above) last week. This is a super easy tutorial to turn your types to neon style in Photoshop. It looks good and realistic. Click here to learn this tutorial if you would like to make your own neon style typo.

USUGROW x SECRETBASE The Rebel Ink Premium Silver Chrome

2009-10-11T14:09:00.007+11:00

US-based Japanese artist USUGROW and Janpanese toy-brand SECRETBASE are releasing another version of USUGROW's iconic "The Rebel Ink" figure. This latest version features a shiny silver chrome finish with black print. The use of the black on silver provides a nice contrast and allows USUGROW's artwork to really show through. Available soon at ARMTH. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

Paul Smith x Evian

2009-09-26T22:14:00.012+10:00

Following its annual trend in partnerships with Fashion Designers through 2010, Evian has linked up with one of the most creative designers, known for his sense of fun and optimistic attitude – Paul Smith.

The new exclusive Evian bottle is designed with a festive theme in vibrant colours – with a nod to the famous Paul Smith stripes – which elegantly underlines the purity of the natural spring water from the French Alps. Miles away from the traditional holiday themes, Evian offers an experience of youth in a multi-coloured bottle with five different caps to collect.
The new Paul Smith x Evian limited edition collection will be available pre-sale on www.ShopEvian.com beginning 22 September 2009, and available at fine dining establishments and gourmet retailers beginning in November 2009.

Thanks to TheDieline for the info!

A Bathing Ape "Baby Milo" Earphone

2009-09-20T23:19:00.005+10:00

Another interesting products released from Bape are these A Bathing Ape “Baby Milo” Earphones. With Baby Milo on the back of the earphones, who could resist wondering why there are monkeys stuck in your ears. Available now in two colours (black & white) at Bape Stores for 3,990 YEN. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photo.

Awesome Milk Typography

2009-09-19T21:47:00.007+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

What a nice Saturday!? But I don't know why I'm so sleepy all day. So, I spent all the time on my bed. Great! Such a lazy pig!

I did this milk typography tutorial (see above) a week ago, but I just can't find a time to upload it here. It's an incredible and awesome tutorial! Not just milk, you can try some other liquid photos to make this effect. Click here to learn this tutorial.

Common Typography Mistakes

2009-09-12T00:08:00.010+10:00

This post is to help designers to understand the importance of good typography and avoid some common mistakes. Below is a list of common mistakes used in type design or layout that can make a large impact in the effectiveness and appearance of your designs. It's good to avoid making these mistakes in order to save your time and money when dealing with printers. The info and images are provided by TDC. Thanks!

Not Enough Leading

Leading or line spacing can improve the overall readability of large blocks of text on a page, making it easier for readers to follow the lines of text without losing their place. Too little leading or line spacing may cause a cramped feeling. It's important to remember that different fonts need different line spacing. Varying heights in letterforms may demand more or less.

Not Enough Tracking

Tracking or letter spacing is applied to a group of letters. It prevents letters from running into each other, especially during print. It's similar to leading in which it can improve or hinder readability, flow of text and the density or weight of a block of text.

Getting Tracking Confused with Kerning

While tracking is applied to a group of characters, kerning is the adjustment of space between two letter pairs. Effective for headlines, text with ALL CAPS and logo treatments (it helps with readability at various sizes). Don't fall into the trap of letting your design software set this by default; it's character specific. Same applies to the above rules.

Lengthy Lines of Text

Reading many long lines of text causes eye fatigue. Readers are forced to moves their heads and eyes more often from one line to the next. Research states to keep lines of text under 50-60 characters long.

Mixing Too Many Typefaces and Weights

Too many typefaces on one page can become distracting and disconnecting (lacking unity). Try keeping your fonts choices to three or less per project. Too many weights can cause readers to be unclear where the important elements are on the page and create the possibility of readers missing something important.

Not Using Serif Fonts for Lengthy-Text Material

Serif fonts are known to make reading lengthy material, such as books and magazines, more sustainable for longer periods of time. It also helps with eye strain or fatigue, and we all know that we need our eyes! Although this can be argued, serif fonts seem to sit better on the baseline.

Printing Similar Values of Colour on Top of Each Other

For example, try printing a medium blue text on top of a medium brown box. Not just unappealing, but it makes it hard for eyes to read. It also creates a muddy effect.

Reversed Out Text on Less than 50% Tints
Much like the above, this also increases eye strain and hinders readability. The words get lost in the background and typically prints less visible than seen on screen.

Overusing Centered Text

Using centered text creates a jagged and broken appearance to text – very disconnecting! Can be viewed as amateurish in most instances. Save it for those wedding invitations.

Large Body Copy

Normally, designers and non-designers will immediately use 12 point size font for body copy. Smaller font size creates a more professional and modern look. Large body text can be clunky – think about the font size of a children's book. Clunky enough, right?

It's also important to note that viewing text on a computer monitor is much different than printing it. In most instances, type on a screen appears smaller and less crisp. Also, most printers will advise you not to use font size under 7 points due to readability issues.

Not Knowing What the Grid System Is

Understanding the grid is one important thing for a typography enthusiast. It's the basis for creating clarity and making your type and layouts more cohesive. Check out the site, The Grid System, for links and resources pertaining to grid systems.

Kidrobot x David Weeks – "Chiseler" Dunny

2009-09-10T22:55:00.005+10:00

Kidrobo t’s popular Dunny figure ventures into a new direction with a special piece created by Brooklyn-based designer David Weeks. Named "Chiseler", the figure is “modeled after Weeks’ poseable timber toys Hanno the Gorilla and Ursa the Bear”. The limited edition run of 5 Chiseler Dunnys include zebra-striped hard pine with sharped angular facets unlike the Dunny’s usual smooth plastic surface and free-flowing lines. Also including a swivel head and set of arms for some manipulative fun. This limited edition toy comes in a custom wooden-crate packaging and is set to release on 22nd September at Kidrobot NY and Kidrobot.com. Thanks to Freshness for the info and photos.

The East Kitchen's Posters

2009-09-08T00:30:00.011+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

Click here to enlarge!

I eventually finished working the A3 size posters (see above) for my uncle's restaurant – The East Kitchen. It's a modern Chinese restaurant situated in Dickson, Canberra. If you guys have time, should go and try it! It also offers self-service Chinese bakery food on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You can find all different kinds of Chinese-style buns. I especially like the BBQ pork bun, red bean bun and coconut-custard bun. Yum-yum! The address is Shop 2 Dickson Plaza, 28 Challis Street, Dickson, ACT 2602. The contact number is (02) 6262 6889.

Red Wing 8130 Classic Mod Boot

2009-09-06T15:32:00.004+10:00

Red Wing have announced their latest 8130 Classic Mod boot, to be available in black chrome, oro russet, portage and briar oil slick colourways. The shoes are oil-tanned and water-repellent, full-grained leather boots equipped with a Traction-Tred crepe wedge non-slip sole, a sweat resistant leather insole, silver eyelets and white contrast stitching. Made in USA. The boots are available at Blackbird. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info.

Common Photoshop Mistakes and Malpractice

2009-09-03T22:24:00.017+10:00

The aim of this article is to raise awareness and educate new Photoshop users and designers. It's not to make fun of or mock the one's who use the below techniques and practices. Below is a list of 12 common mistakes, misuses and various ways new users abuse Photoshop. The information and photos are provided by TDC.

Improper Extraction Methods

Many new and unexperienced Photoshop users rely on the magic wand, quick select or lasso tool to extract backgrounds or objects in an image. Photoshop's "easy" selection and extraction methods have come a long way, but it still doesn't compare to the precision you get with the pen tool. Click here to know more about pen tool.

The pen tool can be quite tricky to new users, but once mastered you will wonder how you ever used any other method. Click here to learn another method of quick masking or extraction. Just don't use the eraser tool!

Moreover, it's good to add a slight feather to your extractions to improve the appearance of your images.

Setting Body Copy

Photoshop can be used to create fantastic text effects, but that doesn't mean you should use it for large areas on text, especially for body copy. Doing large amounts of text should work in InDesign, Quark or even, Illustrator.

Your text will not print as clear and sharp in a raster-based program like Photoshop. Therefore, stick with vector-based programs for large amounts of text.

Using Rainbow Gradients

You know you've seen them a million times, and every time they get more jarring to look at. Just say no to rainbow gradients! Click here to see the awful rainbow colour.

It doesn't mean that you should stay away from gradients. Nowadays, there are a lots of designs and websites using tactful gradients. Try blending the gradients from a lighter shade to a darker shade of the same colour scheme, instead of blending two or more disconnecting colours.

Assuming K=100 is Black

Many new designers thought that setting K in CMYK to 100 would result in black. This is not right! It results in a dark grey. Try using C=90 M=60 Y=30 K=100 from now on. It will produce a much richer and noticeable black.

Overusing and Abusing Filters

Even though they're fun and easy doesn't mean they make you look professional and experienced. Oversuing and misusing filters can easily make you look like an amateur.

Creating Logos in Photoshop

Though this one can be argued, you should create logos in vector-based programs, like Illustrator, as mush as possible. Vectors are easily scalable and retain consistent clarity no matter how large or small you scale them.

Working Under 300dpi in Print

Many new users fall into the trap of working in 72dpi (dots per inch). While this is true for the web, IT SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN PRINTING. Typically 300dpi is best for print, but you should always check with your printer.

Besides, when working with images that are 72dpi in print, don't assume you can just increase the resolution or size of the image and everything will be fixed. The image will appear pixelated once printed.

Not Learning Shortcuts

No matter which program you are working in, learning shortcuts is a must. Not only increasing your work flow and saving your valuable time, but also most of the tools require additional keys for added functionality.

Not Using Layers and Folders

Everything in Photoshop revolves around layers. Many new Photoshop users neglect using layers. Working in layers is a good habit and it is much easier for you to edit, move, duplicate and delete, etc.

Also, naming your layers and structuring them into folders is essential, especially when dealing with large PSD files or if you're a web designer. It will help you to navigate around your project and save your time.

"Desaturate" to Convert Images to Black & White

This one is often over looked, even by experienced designers. Choosing "Image > Adjustments > Desaturate" to convert your image to black & white, often produces a flat and "lifeless" photograph. Try to convert your image by choosing "Image > Adjustments > Channel Mixer". Check off "Monochrome" and then adjusting the Red, Green and Blue channel slliders. This process will produce a much richer image.

Beveled, Embossed and Drop Shadows

Similar to rainbow gradients and abusing filters, beveled or embossed text can be labeled as uexperienced. Unless you have a valid reason, stay clear of these or use sparingly.

Drop shadows should also be treated properly and with care. When applying a drop shadow, pay attention to other lighting in the image. You don't want drop shadows coming from all directions causing an image to appear unbelievable or fake. Moreover, adjusting or toning down drop shadows is important as well. They should be subtle and soft, not dramatic and harsh.

Not Taking Advantage of Guides and Grids

You wouldn't believe how many designers "eye" things up instead of pulling out guides or using the grid in Photoshop. They're there for a reason! Use them!

izzue x Dr. Martens 1460

2009-08-30T21:07:00.008+10:00

As a brand situated predominately in the confines of Hong Kong, izzue teams up with Dr. Martens on their classic 1460 boot. Offering a popular touch of the moment, the usual smooth toebox is adorned with a wingtip motif throughout as well as a subtle pressed logo along the side. Available now at izzue for a suggested retail price of HKD $1299. Yeah! They are selling in Hong Kong! I think I better ask someone to help me to buy these crossover boots in Hong Kong. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos.

30 Fonts that All Designers Must Know and Should Own

2009-08-17T00:25:00.040+10:00

Here are 30 fonts that every designer must or should own sorted by alphabetical order. There are 15 Serif fonts and 15 Sans Serif fonts. These fonts will help you in your whole working career! The info and images are provided by Just Creative Design.

Adobe Caslon (Serif font)

Magazines, journals, text books and corporate communication.

Adobe Garamond (Serif font)

Textbooks and magazines.

Bembo (Serif font)

Posters, packaging and textbooks.

Bodoni (Serif font)

Headlines, text and logos.

Clarendon (Serif font)

Dictionaries and headlines.

Courier (Serif font)

Tabular materials, technical documentation and word processing.

Excelsior (Serif font)

Newsletters, reports and proposals.

Lucida (Serif font)

Low resolution printing, small point sizes and reversed out half tones.

Minion (Serif font)

Limited edition books, newsletters and packaging.

Perpetua (Serif font)

For displays with fine lettering, long pages of text and chiseled text.

Sabon (Serif font)

Books and corporate communication.

Stempel Schneidler (Serif font)

For displays and fine publications that need a legible text type.

Times New Roman (Serif font)

Newspapers, magazines and corporate communication.

Trajan (Serif font)

Books, magazines, posters, billboards and anything to do with the ages or religion.

Walbaum (Serif font)

Magazines, journals, text books and corporate communication.

Akzidenz Grotesk (Sans-serif font)

Large signage and all purpose for print media.

Avenir (Sans-serif font)

For books with large amounts of text.

Bell Centennial (Sans-serif font)

For listings and very poor printing conditions.

Bell Gothic (Sans-serif font)

For very small amounts of text that contains large amounts of information.

Din (Sans-serif font)

For signage, posters and displays.

Franklin Gothic (Sans-serif font)

Newspapers and where available space is limited.

Frutiger (Sans-serif font)

Large signage and all purpose font for print media.

Futura (Sans-serif font)

Large displays and small text in books.

Gill Sans (Sans-serif font)

Signage and all purpose font for print media.

Helvetica (Sans-serif font)

Large or small text and all purpose type figure.

Meta (Sans-serif font)

Text, number and especially corporate communication.

Myriad (Sans-serif font)

Large displays and all purpose media.

Trade Gothic (Sans-serif font)

Newspaper, classified ads, advertising and multimedia.

Univers (Sans-serif font)

Packaging, signage and text books.

Vag Rounded (Sans-serif font)

Instruction manuals and print advertising.

Kaikai Kiki Dokuro Ring

2009-08-14T22:38:00.008+10:00

Bringing a new dimension to the Kaikai Kiki range of design and its way into the world of jewellery. Featuring a fun and typically astute design from Takashi Murakami (村上隆), this piece of jewellery has its own unique feel with the smiling flowers combined with the skull motif. The ring will come in silver, white gold with diamonds and yellow gold with diamonds. Look out for a release soon in honeyee Store.

Vans Vault Era Wingtip LX

2009-08-09T23:18:00.006+10:00

Looking for something cool to rock with a formal shirt? If pretending to dress up is your thing then the Vans Vault is opening up to release these really cool Wingtip Era’s for you. The model is releasing in 2 colorways that we’re sure even the Brooks Brothers can agree on in materials that are very high quality. Available at Proper. Thanks Kicks On Fire for the info and photo.

ISST Organic Ice Tea

2009-08-03T23:31:00.007+10:00

ISST is a new drink concept, and organic ice tea in 7 surprising flavours. Designed and sent in by Poland based design firm ARTENTIKO. I like the colour scheme! They look fresh, clean and crisp. Click here for more info and photos.

Meat Text Tutorial

2009-08-01T22:08:00.009+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

I'm not feeling quite well today. My back is so sore and painful. I hate being like this during my lovely weekends.

I did a funny tutorial today which I think it's my highlight of the day. I think the result looks awesome! (See above) Click here to learn this tutorial. I hope you guys will like it!

Vans California Collection Era "Two-Tone"

2009-07-29T21:53:00.012+10:00

Vans drops some new two-tone colours of their popular Era. Hey guys! Which colour you prefer? (I like the neutral green one which is the first pair on the above!) The CA collection features a handful of different colours, the two-tone aspect is more apparent in some styles as some incorporate the contrasted use of materials to achieve a more understated two-tone effect. Available now at FLAUGE. Thanks to Hypebeast for the info and photos!

2009 Logo Trends

2009-07-08T21:33:00.045+10:00

Here is an article talking about logo trends in 2009 on LogoLounge.com. It's worth for designers to read it!

By Bill Garder

These are austere times, but the logos recently loaded onto LogoLounge.com – nearly 35,000 since 2008 – certainly do not reflect it. And that is how it should be continue to be. Wary homage may be paid to marketing in lean times, but not to identity design. This are two wholly different efforts with different goals. It should set a long-term course for clients, not fall into pits carved out by economic phases. The most recent uploads to the site still have a vibrancy of colour and energy that bucks what in past years might have been considered proper corporate behaviour. They set a very optimistic course.

This seventh annual trend report, as always, is as much a forecast as it is a study of the past 12 months. The past informas the future, and the recent past has such momentum that designers would be well-advised to stay this course, even when clients are only maintaining the brands they have, not creating new ones. Business may be slow, but it does not have to be dull.

In preparation for the fifth LogoLounge book, we studied and organized thousands upon thousands of new designs. As always, it's exciting to see new directions emerging. These lead to even newer meanders and connections.

One such direction is that the use of type and text is clearly more critical. Words carry a more concise message. They convey specific rather than generic information.

The increased use of text in identity design takes several forms. A designer may choose to create a wordmark, but also include the mission statement or tagline in the design. Or, he may fill a shape or symbols with more words. People are busy; money is tight. Logos must be interpreted, and interpretation takes time. Words deliver their message immediately.

Another clear direction is the increased chroma of colour. Everywhere, there is a brave use of hue, even in the most unexpected places, such as in the identities of very large and conservative clients.

There's another very small item on the horizon that may have a gigantic effect on logo design in the future. When Google introduced its new favicon at the start of 2009, it was a very visible reminder of how powerful that tiny piece of real estated really is. The favicon may turn out to be a measuring stick against which the success of any new logo design might be measured – as in, can this logo be made to fit in a 15 x 15-pixel square?

The 15 trends that follow are not instructions, rules or indeed any finite accounting of all of the logo trends currently in motion. Many trends shared in previous reports are indeed still in motion.

These trends are offered as an objective report of the newest, most relevant directions. They should serve as traction in moving you forward in identity design. Revisit the full collection of the past six years' worth of trends reports at LogoLounge.com for even more context.

PhotoFill

Photography is in no way new to visual branding, although traditionally images of this nature were iconic shots of a subject or a scene. Photo images have now partnered up and been hybridized with vector based images to create a new genre.

Technologically, this was an impractical union in years past. But the challenges of complicating an identity with a halftone image have for the most part now been put to rest.If AT&T and UPS can survive in the atmosphere of a halftone world, then why can't the rest of us breathe the same air?

Often the photo serves as a background or fill in a graphic icon, though some examples have vector elements that merge into the halftone image. Think about logos that for years have been pumped full with graphic pattern. This is just a different fuel-a photo-with a higher octane.

1) El Paso, Gleria de Comunicacion, Lazar Greenhouses. 2) TOKY Branding+Design, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. 3) APSITS, DIESEL. 4) Big Communications, Joe Muggs Coffee.

Concealed

Every generation has its own find-the-hidden-image puzzle, wthether it's Highlights Magazine or "Where's Waldo?". There is a certain fascination and visceral excitement when the viewer suddenly finds an image he has been staring at for hours. Once you've found it, you can't wipe your mind clean of it. This aha! moment is what creates the sense of ownership for the anyone who discovers the hidden level of meaning in any logo.

Ronal J. Cala II has developed a reputation for crafting compelling silhouette images such as the two young girls running hand-inhand, a white dove formed by their clasped hands. Or Duffy Partners' hidden gander and bass in the Tall Tales Cafe identity for Gander Mountain. years ago, FedEx discovered that the hidden arrow in its logo caused consumers to become evangelical in pointing out the hidden imagery to others.

1) Calacampania Studios, Calagraphic Design. 2) Duffy & Partners, Gander Mountain. 3) The Bradfor Lawton Design Group, REOC. 4) Felixsockwell.com, New York Times.

VariDot

Spotting a logo composed of dots has never been an issue: There is no lack of marks that contain dots in rows or grids, or that blanket an image with a Benday halftone pattern. Finding a trend here means identifying dots with unique characteristics and understanding why they are carrying on the way they are. Last year's Colurblind trend was easy to spot, but hard to explain. It may well have served as a launching point for this year's trend.

Note that the dots in these logos rely on a high degree of randomness. They seem to revel in a lack of consistency of size or colour. As opposed to previous years where the spots marched with conformity, these logos glorify individuality. But at the same time they still rely on linkage to create shape. Let the dots be roommates, just not good friends.

1) Alin Golfitescu, www.humanware360.com. 2) Thread Design, Head Count Asia. 3) Blue Sky Design, International Filter Solutions. 4) Lippincott, Zonik.

Candy Stripe

Like a stack of candy Necco Wafers or a row of crayons pushed together in no particular order, this trend has the scent of a fond childhood memory. Something playful and not terribly serious is taking place here. Multi-coloured ribbons in broad hues are laid together to create a field that is highly vivid but which in no way approximates the orderly nature of a rainbow.

High chroma stripes serve as the backdrop, inserted in a vector-based silhouette, or they stand on their own as a cohesive group with a like mind and message. This riot of colour seems to tweak its nose at the idea of a corporate colour. Diversity reigns here. This is an all-out celebration of plurality, whether as an inspired political statement or just to promote a restaurant's highly varied menu.

1) ORFIK DESIGN, DVA SA. 2) Liquid Pixel Studio, Delectable Chocolate. 3) juancazu, camara de comercio de bogota. 4) dache, Zipliner.

Texting

Text and icon combined effectively in a lock-up are nothing new. but now there's a new breed afoot. A rash of logos have been launched with not only the name of an organization but at times, the mission statement, tag line, and even location knocked out of the background.

This simplified solution can make for an economy of space, but it can also create some challenges of scale. If the design is displayed large enough to read the type, will the icon become too horsy? If the icon is kept to appropriate scale, will the type disappear?

Copy is playing an even more important role than ever in several trends this year. There is a pleasant simplicity of message here that evokes an honest nature that borders on naive in a good way.

1) Chris Rooney illustration/Design, Heavenly Ski Resort. 2) Bryan Cooper Design, Tulsa Glassblowing Studio. 3) Sussner Design Company, saint barts. 4) GDNSS, cheapairlines.com.

Encrust

"One of something ugly is ugly. Many of something ugly is beautiful." This long-standing design adage comes to life with this trend. Sometimes you can max out embellishment to the point where the viewer is simply stupefied. These marks certainly grab the consumer's eye with purposeful and symbolic texture that helps to finish the punch line of the logo.

Scale is critical to the success of this trend. Too small and textural messages will vanish, regardless of beauty. These are not filled with a traditional pattern but are often illustrated with a unique visual message that gives context and dimension to the shape. The eye can tell there is more than one layer to these marks and that always assures the second look.

1) Mattson Creative, Career Artist Management. 2) cogu design, Yvonne Coutinho. 3) Graphics & Designing Inc., MTK. 4) Jobi, Same and Shahir Ahmed.

Monolgue

Words have new roles here, redefined as visuals that swin in neck-to-neck competition for consumers' attention. When Landor redefined the YWCA logo four years ago, mission took top billing over the organization's name and the whole affair was crafted from an inauspicious Helvetica with no adornment.

Powerful words carry great weight. When a democratic graphic vehicle can be used to allow the professionals and the layperson to create from the same system, the odds of the message effectively reaching the public are multiplied. Think of these systems as a series of parts and pieces designed to interlink in a relatively effortless manner. This unassuming solution removes the hands off nature that could thwart progress, especially in a public movement.

1) Airside, Airplot. 2) Wolff Olins, Macmillan Cancer Support. 3) Base, Greene Hill Food Co-op. 4) Base, Greene Hill Food Co-op, Lockup Variation.

Doily

Logos served up on a lace doily like delicate confections are the most recent variant on precious embellishment and floral tracery that have been sited in trends from years past. The fine fretwork serves to create a gentle cocoon around a typically hard graphic center. The core is usually a letter form or symbol, kept straightforward with an encapsulating explosion of silhouette lace.

The dichotomy of harsh and fine balance the message of a solid entity with an approachable personality. Though this is an extension of previous trends which also expressed human tenderness and fragility, the continued use of these dainty silhouette is growing thin. The difference here seems to be the marriage between geometric pattern and organic embellishment.

1) Iperdesign, Inc., splurge dessert. 2) R&R Partners, Harrah's. 3) Diagram, Eligiuz. 4) Gesture Studio, Isaias Gil.

Flip Flop

In a year with the cinematic release of Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" expect and expanded appreciation and interest in inversion solutions. The veteran designer John Landon was contacted by the author and commissioned to create art for several words that would read the same right side up or upside down. This art was key to the storyline, and the bestseller has reintroduced this concept to the public.

There is an indefinable magic that occurs when a consumer sees art that only has to make half a rotation to apparently return to its point of origin. Some of these solutions work with a mirrored reflection, while others are only partial inversions. Whichever way they are designed, that rotating axis becomes the device that creates participation by the consumer and that builds an affinity with the brand.

1) MINE, Scheyer/SF. 2) Pearson Education Ltd, Pearson Education. 3) NOT A CANNED HAM, Graco. 4) Roy Smith Design, Shaun Saxon Photography.

Mosaic

E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one." This motto helps define these brilliant colour mosaics. They are like a roomful of diverse pixels pushed together so tightly that there is no room for a line of division. Adjacent colours simply merge together at their shared borders to fill a shape that helps define the visual message. Traditionally a problem for any logo that anticipated living in a black and white application, this challenge becomes a point of celebration.

Not so many years ago, in 2003, Altria's multi-coloured wquare grid logo broke ground for this trend. At the time, much was made of the designs inability to be cost-effectively reproduced in diverse print applications. Technology changes and the increased importance of an RGB environment for many companies has led to a reevaluation of reproduction concerns and a resurgence of this concept.

1) Team Y&R, Khalid Bin Haider Group. 2) Kommunikation & Design, Gartenwelt Manz. 3) dache, webmynd. 4) NATIONAL Public Relations, Greater Montreal.

Sequential

Economics, governments, and individuals continue to call for "greater transparency" in society. No longer a cry limited to the financial sector, industry is Bristol-scrubbing themselves and their products in preparation for full-body inspections. Though this is not a literal request for visual transparency, for several years, designers have taken liberties with the concept to deliver metaphoric solutions that consumers understand.

Depicting motion in sequential steps combined with transparency is the latest iteration to branch out from this trend family. Stop-motion pictorial steps created in clear, shifting colours help define process in a single un-animated image. The introduction of sequential colour steps help to further define the concept by demonstrating movement: time passage through seasons, temperature shifts, or just a rainbow-coloured transition that demonstrates order and harmony, not chaos.

1) Gardner Design, BiTemp. 2) RedBrand, LexPro. 3) metaforma design, RACE research for an alternative and clean energy. 4) Schwartzrock Graphic Arts, Design Center.

Recycle

Sustainability is no longer a corporate mantra to appease customers or the public. For a decade or better, companies have professed an allegiance to the cause and made every attempt to keep policy and practice as green as possible. An every greater segment of associations and industry are emerging with sustainability as the business, not just a byproduct.

The Universal Recycling Symbol, created 40 years ago for the Container Corporation of America, has graced products and corporate literature for years. Slowly these symbols have been on an upward pilgrimage from the bottom of a container to the priciest real estate on the package face.

This three arrow recycled symbol is in the public domain but now has graduated and is being redressed as the logo itself. Design varies as dramatically: The arrows might be filled with pattern relevant to the industry, or the arrows might be replaced with the environmentally conscious product. Reuse of this symbol as a logo proves the designers have truly mastered the art of recycling.

1) rylander design, Refabric, Inc. 2) Tyme Inc., Office Depot. 3) BrandBerry, non-commercial. 4) Kevin France Design, Inc., VF corp.

Dandelion

Though you may well curse and despise the dandelion, there is little denying the weed's prodigious ability to propagate. A single dandelion produces hundreds of parachute-wearing seeds just waiting for the slightest wisp of wind to launch a full-scale invasion. Despite understanding the insidious process all too well, who has never picked one of these tantalizing puffballs, blown and launch 100 more weeds.

It is our affinity with this process that makes this iconic symbol a perfect logo solution. The seed ball is visually striking and easily understood, especially with a few rogue parachutes in departure. The process is so analogous to the propagation of an idea that it can't be contained. The single drifting seed embodies the idea that every seed makes it's own unique journey and relies on the will of nature to determine where it will land and grow. Graphically, the ball is so ubiquitous that interpretation can be wide and, by no means, literal: It sells the idea of freedom.

1) Ulyanov Denis, linkeeper. 2) RedBrand, Barberschool. 3) LaMonica Design, Morningstar Communications. 4) Courtney & Company, IMC Group.

Circulate

Circles are simply the building blocks and mortar of design. Symbolically, they are the perfect multipurpose icon, representing everything from eternity, the cycle of life, the earth, centering and balance, perfection, the wheel and motion, and whatever else you may need to define. This utility player aspect also detracts from the pure circle: In attempting to mean everything to everyone, it can also mean nothing to anyone.

For these reasons, it is unusual to find the humble circle investigating new visual territory. These circles, however, are focused on the depiction of transition. Whether through the animated cycling of colour rotation, as in the Moving Brands solution for MindShare, or as in the static colour transition created fro MTK, cycles and motion and the given here. But the star of this trend is that the process of evolution does not disturb the revolution.

1) Porkka & Kuutsa Oy, Central Union of Agricultural Producers & Forest Owners. 2) FutureBrand, MasterCard Worldwide. 3) Moving Brands, Minshare. 4) Gardner Design, PBA Architects.

Gossamer

Evolution is perhaps most dramatic when two species jump the barriers and create a new line. Two previous trend categories, transparent logos and blur logos, have both been recorded and broken into subsets over the last several years as they have evolved. Here the two merge successfully to demonstrate motion or convey the blending of elements.

Transparency still delivers the dictum that a process is open to the public and nothing is obscured. It also continues to be novel enough to consumers that it plays a pretty important role as eye candy. The blur or out-of-focus edge in these marks works in a similar fashion as an optical illusion that is confrontational to the eye and has to be dealt with.

1) Michael Freimuth Creative, Tone Animation, LLC. 2) Roy Smith Design, Hooke laboratories. 3) Roman Kotikov, Soft cafe. 4) Alin Golfitescu, mobilink pakistan.

Minor Trends

Some categories emerged this year that did not qualify for their own lanes, but which are still worthy of mention.

Peepshow: Halftone imagery is increasingly being used for fill inside of vector images instead of solid colour fill. Wrijfhout, Clq.nl – City of Delft.

Psychosis: Another new sort of fill is more psychedelic-crazy lines and patterns projected onto other shapes. Valhalla | Design & Conquer, Adio Shoes.

Embroidery: There's plenty of what could be called dotted line or stitching at work. Either approach produces a sense of the hand-made. Squires and Company, Chico's.

Stained Glass: Imagine a stained glass window, but turn the lead white: That sort of mosaic of colour is taking shape. R&R Partners, Harrah's.

3D Curls: We're still seeing plenty of 3-D ribbons, although these are a departure from the "cause" ribbons that have been so prevalent of late. These ribbons take on new forms and shapes, like letters or a complete logo. Gardner Design, Surency.

Colour Ring: Think of a series of brightly coloured, transparent rings, loosely layered on each other to create porthole of many colours. Martin Jordan, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Brandenburg.

Celtic: Highly geometric yet handcrafted forms are appearing. Like Celtic letterforms or knots, they have nodules and serifs that are unique and have flourish, but which are also refined. These have a wonderful balance between the manufactured and the man-made. Karl Design Vienna, Burmahlife Austria.

Bill Gardner is principal of Gardner Design and creator of LogoLounge.com, a unique web site where, in real-time, members can post their logo design work; study the work of others; search the database by designer's name, client type, and other attributes; learn from articles and news written expressly for logo designers; and much more. Bill can be contacted at bill@logolounge.com. 2009 Logolounge Inc.

Chrome Hearts x A Bathing Ape Baby Milo Plush Toy

2009-07-06T21:19:00.004+10:00

Luxury jewellery and leather goods brand Chrome Hearts finds itself amongst some interesting company with this upcoming collaboration with A Bathing Ape on the Japanese streetwear brand's iconic mascot, Baby Milo. The collaboration product features Chrome Hearts' signature cross in pendant form as well as seen replacing the pupils of Baby Milo. Two colours are available and will release via both Chrome Hearts (exclusive black or grey version) and the BAPE® STORE (brown or orange version) on 6th July 2009. Click here for more info.

Giveme5ive Danie Ver. 001 Vinyl Figure

2009-07-05T22:48:00.009+10:00

Giveme5ive will soon release their latest vinyl figure creation, entitled Daniel ver. 001, created by Paul Leung. This hand-made figure will be limited to only 100 pieces and 50 pieces will set to release at TTF in Hong Kong. THe figure features a real down jacket with micro-weave badge, genuine leather hip pocket, and shoulder bag. Pricing is set at $2200 HKD (approx. $283 USD) + shipping. Overseas pre-orders start on 15th July 2009. If anyone interested in pre-ordering, contact them at sales@everylittlethings.com, they will put you on the list. Click here for more info.

Create a Simple and Professional Typographical Design

2009-07-05T21:29:00.007+10:00

Click here to enlarge!

Such a nice Sunday! But I didn't go out, just staying in front of my laptop all day. I did a Photoshop tutorial today (see the above picture). It's a simple tutorial, but with a very good effect. By learning this tutorial, you could create your own cool typography easily. Click here if you would like to learn this tutorial.