"In Computers" by Alan Lightman

This video poem project for a Media Design class was chosen to be used in a student showcase at a recent University of Baltimore Board of Regents meeting. One viewer shared these kind words:

"[President] Bob Bogomolny did a splendid job of capturing the excitement of the 'new' UB in his welcome at the BOR meeting. But there was one thing that took my breath away. The video interpretation of Alan Lightman's poem was stunning. It was one of the most successful and affecting marriages of word and images I think I've ever seen. Please pass that along to Bob and to the creative artists who did the work." -- Nancy Shapiro

Maybe Lee can help

Lee Silber has written a series of books especially for creative thinkers. Many of his ideas are very helpful, especially in the realm of organization and management -- traditionally, a real stumbling block for creatives.

The best thing about Lee is he's a creative guy himself, and "gets" what it's like to be a right-brained thinker living in a left-brained world. Some of his books overlap information, but they're written in very digestible nuggets, which is a good for artsy types (If things get overly-systematic, I usually check out).

http://www.creativelee.com/

Beautiful Evidence

Earlier this week, I attended a day-long course given by Edward Tufte, a former Yale professor who publishes and teaches information design. I was first introduced to his work through an article he published in WIRED -- "PowerPoint is Evil."

The content is dense, but it is worth taking a look at what this guy has to say to designers -- especially those of us who are called upon to create information and/or statistical graphics.

If you have the chance to attend one of his day courses, I would highly recommend it. Included in the registration, you get all 4 of his books (which are pricey, but beautifully done), and several hours of his personal insight.

Thought-provoking and challenging, Tufte's message is an important call for clean, sensible design. His site has a great blog thread with lots of meaty topics.

www.tufte.com

Bumper Sticker Design

Newsweek ran a brief design analysis of the current presidential bumper stickers. Written by one of the partners from the Pentagram Studio, it was nice to see something like this running in a mainstream mag. Good to see that design does matter . . . So, who's your favorite (bumper sticker, I mean)?

Typeface Article in LAYERS

I've never perused LAYERS magazine (Adobe products), but it looks kinda cool. Thought this was a nicely written, brief article on typefaces for "body text."

Typeface Article

Simpsonized!

So, one of my co-workers (who clearly has too much time on his hands) sent me this lovely portrait of me as a Simpsons character.

Not sure how I feel about it . . . apparently, in Springfield, I'm perpetually stoned.

If you are really, really bored, feel free to Simpsonize yourself and your friends.

www.simpsonizeme.com

Words of wisdom

"Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso."

(Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick.)

Spanish proverb

An informative read

Becoming a Graphic Designer
by Steven Heller and Teresa Fernandes

I picked up this book on a whim during my last visit to the library. Technically, it is a vocational guide, written for those considering a career in design. But it has some interesting content for those already in the field.

Most enjoyable are the many interviews with leading designers. It is a nice break from "how-to" design books . . . this one explores the ideology behind design, how rapidly-changing technology affects the way we create, and the individual process/approach to design work. There is a remarkable range covered, from book cover designers, to interactive and television/motion artists.

Another bonus -- it's easy to read in "bite-sized" pieces, as the interviews are typically only two or three pages long.

"Speak Up" Design Blog

It's worth it to spend some time poking around this blog . . . by designers, for designers.

http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup

I really enjoyed the entry in which designer Armin Vit self-analyzes logo designs that didn't get used:

http://www.underconsideration.com/speakup/archives/003536.html

Poe in a Party Hat

Casting recognizable historical figures in a playful environment usually works for me. There's just something really funny about it. Like Poe in a party hat, used on the U.B. English Department end-of-semester party flier.

This link is my take on this technique, which I used for a Flash Animated banner project. I attempted to bring Shakespeare into the current scene by making him the quintessential lover-boy.

Shakespeare Flash Banner

It's a short process

Check it out . . . found this ad for a Sobee beverage that employs a simple process diagram as the main concept.

The use of briefcases just made me laugh (and think of Kerry's project).

Remember when . . .

. . . doing two "Phase 4" projects in a week seemed like a good idea?

Paper in 3D

Real Simple and HOW magazine have recently featured the work of Matthew Sporzynski, who describes himself as a "pretend structural engineer." His paper sculptures are very creative and, frankly, pretty freakin' amazing.

Real Simple Slide Show

What I used to believe

OK, class. Getting in touch with our inner child can only help us be more playful and daring in our design choices. Especially for those of us tending toward a "corporate" look [raises hand].

So . . . sharing time. I'll go first.

When I was a kid, I used to believe the animated "scrubbing bubbles" on the TV commercials were quite real. Since cleaning the bathrooms was my primary chore around the house, I used to beg my mom to buy this product, because wouldn't that just make my life a whole lot easier.

I'd like to think this belief was the result of really terrific marketing rather than me just being a dimwitted kid.

Now I know I'm not alone. When you have a few minutes, you gotta visit this website -- a wild list of things people used to believe as children. Pretty amusing stuff. I found there are others who had the same conviction regarding the "scrubbing bubbles."

http://www.iusedtobelieve.com

Admit it -- if those bubbles really did what they did in the commercial, it would be totally kick-ass.

The gift that keeps on flipping

I came across this website that creates flip books out of your short video files. I have no idea what the quality is like, but I'm going to order one as a Mom's Day gift for my wife (with a clip of Jordan, of course).

Thought you might like to check it out for yourself.

http://www.flipclips.com/

No Doubt goes Victorian

Due to popular demand (Jill), I've finally posted my narrative project. Enjoy!

Doncha wish your Bratz doll was hot like mine?

This article showed up on MSN.com this week.

Those opposed say: “The dolls encourage girls to think about themselves as sexualized objects whose power is equated with dressing provocatively."

Those in favor say: “Adults see sex in everything, but kids don’t. Bratz dolls promote diversity and creativity.”

The article is posted here (at the "Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood" website).

Eat PES and smile

Wanted to share the work of this artist/animator. His work seems particularly relevant to recent discussions regarding narrative, "moving pictures," and using found objects. He excels in these areas. I really admire his creativity and innovation -- very imaginative, but extremely low-tech (mostly just standard stop-motion technique in building his films).

This is one of his photos, a model based on the classic video game, "Frogger." His short films are a lot of fun. One minor disclaimer: his work is definitely a little twisted and just a tiny bit graphic (I'm sure you can handle it).

A short bio:

Animation wizard PES has been called a "master storyteller" with a "glittering imagination." He has created some of the most talked about short films on the Internet, including "Roof Sex" (XXX Chair-on-Chair action!!!) and "KaBoom!" (A war film created entirely with household objects).

PES's website EatPES.com receives a million hits a month and his short content is licensed around the world for theatrical, internet, television, and mobile phone.

PES's films and photography have been featured in Black Book, Punk Planet, Time Out, Dazed and Confused, RES magazine, and Screen International. He recently shot commercials for Diesel, Bacardi and Coinstar.

PES is based in Harlem, New York.

Here's his website:

http://www.eatpes.com

Be sure to check out the "making of" videos.

Bunny Reenactments

In honor of our iMovie projects, take a few moments to watch some of these parodies. Your favorite movies in 30 seconds -- and reenacted by bunnies! Narrative at high-speed!

Bunny Parodies

Design a Pepsi Can?

I have mixed feelings about this contest. In general, I hate design contests. They devalue what professional designers do by lumping them in with any lug who's got a pen and a cocktail napkin.

What is interesting about this particular approach is the way PEPSI plans to maintain the brand while allowing diversity on the can design. Also, they've asked certain music groups to contribute, giving them the opportunity to link their identity to a national product.

They provide online Flash tools, or you can download the template and specs and do your own work in Photoshop. I have to admit, the suggestion is kind of fun and a little tempting. Could a design firm or freelancer submit in an attempt to get a little extra recognition? Compelling notion.

Eh . . . but it's still a damned contest . . .

The Press Release (and link):

DESIGN OUR PEPSI CAN CONTEST

Beginning this week, consumers may enter the Design Our Pepsi Can promotion by going to http://www.designourpepsican.com/. Once registered, participants will have the option of using their own design programs or the tools available on the site to bring their ideas to life. The top designs, as determined by a panel at Pepsi, will be posted on designourpepsican.com where consumers will vote for the winner.

CELEBRITY PEPSI CAN ARTISTS
Some of the world's top musicians are also showcasing their artistic talent on the Pepsi can. The All-American Rejects, Big & Rich and Pharrell Williams have each created unique designs for the Pepsi can that will be in market in the upcoming months. The three special cans will feature a Website address that will take fans to exclusive footage of the artists and will offer information on their new projects. "Pepsi called and said they wanted us to design our own can, pretty sweet," said The All-American Rejects. "We finally saw it the other day and it looks AMAZING! We can't even believe that our design is gonna be on over 500 million of 'em!" "Our very own Pepsi can will be seen around the country and turned up high by millions in the coming months," said Big & Rich. "When Pepsi presented this opportunity to us, we thought it would be a great way to share our love of music with everyone while they're enjoying a Pepsi." "I was intrigued by this opportunity because it allowed me to be creative and innovative, which is something that I try to infuse in all of my endeavors," added Pharrell Williams.

These designs are a part of Pepsi's global brand restyle. The iconic Pepsi globe logo and name lettering remain the same -- just like Pepsi's great taste -- but the background graphics change every few weeks. In its 109-year existence, Pepsi-Cola's look has changed just 10 times, but this year alone, it will change more than 35 times.

ComicSans Hell

Just imagine . . .




Join the fight.

http://www.bancomicsans.com/home.html

Writing Memoir

A little something for the writers out there. Slate has been running a series of articles on the process of writing memoir. I haven't read all of them, but it's an interesting perspective -- writers facing challenges of recording real-life experiences. I've enjoyed reading about the process of different writers, and how they handle issues such as writing about those who've passed away or announcing to loved ones their life story is soon to be published.

http://www.slate.com/id/2162677/fr/flyout

Title Sequence Design

In thinking over ideas for the iMovie project, I went back to a bookmarked site I'd forgotten. This page features the work of famed designer, Saul Bass. When you have a moment, check it out. This particular site focuses on his title sequences, and it's put together nicely. You can watch the sequences in a series of stills, which is great for studying the various elements he uses (both typography and image) to create drama and motion.

This work also demonstrates Bass' ability to capture a client's vision -- an extremely valuable skill for any designer. Reviewer Jason Woloski explains:

"Bass’ most consistent gift may have been his ability to recognize complexity in others’ work, coupled with an ability to simplify complexity without reducing the impact or breadth of the ideas being examined. In this sense, Bass was a true collaborator. He never imposed themes or obsessions onto his title designs, but rather used his creations to accent the larger works his sequences were a part of, by drawing out the most relevant and interesting aspects of a film, most often before the feature has even begun."

Saul Bass Title Index

Just for the fun of it

OK, I know there is more to Jackson Pollock's work than what is represented here, but this little Flash program has amused and even inspired me upon occasion. It's a great "mindless" activity while pondering your own artistic and design solutions. Have fun!

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

To the tired and downtrodden, I offer . . . bubblewrap!

Just a little stress relief for any and all overwhelmed by their work load this week. I highly recommend the "manic mode."

Click here.

Typography Title Sequence

The opening title sequence for the recent film "Thank You For Smoking" made great use of typography -- a wide variety of styles creating a series of classic and current cigarrette boxes. I wasn't crazy about ALL of the typfaces they chose, but the overall result was effective. You can see it here.

Typography as Image

When designers use type to create the illusion of image, it usually gets my attention. These are some examples that caught my eye lately.

They are both headlines for magazine articles. One plays on the "eye chart" theme. I liked the idea and the composition, but I thought the message was a little muddy, considering the context. The article is for men dressing to impress women, but this treatment suggests it's going to be something about eyesight or "looking closer."

The sandwich headline works very well. Whimsical, easy to read, and telegraphs the article content perfectly. And I love the byline serving as a toothpick through the olive. What a way to put your type to work.

Speaking of the RED Campaign

Hmmm . . . marketing and charities (this morning on IMBD).

Bono's Red Campaign Slams Financial Assessment

Sources close to rock star Bono's charity campaign Red are slamming media reports claiming the organization has spent more on marketing than raising funds. The high-profile campaign raises money for the Global Fund to Fights AIDS in Africa by selling red products such as iPods, clothing and mobile phones. Advertising Age reported the campaign "raised a meager $18 million" despite a "marketing outlay by Gap, Apple and Motorola (which) has been enormous - with some estimates as high as $100 million". A source close to the campaign slams the report, telling the New York Daily News, "First of all, Red didn't launch products until mid-October. And they raised $25 million. "Before that, the fund had taken in about $5 million over a four-year period. Before that, they had one T-shirt out and a pair of sunglasses. And on marketing, Bono's Red campaign didn't spend anything. "The companies they work with spent a few million each. The $100 million is a phantom number Ad Age pulled out of thin air. It's off by tens of millions of dollars." But Red director Bobby Shriver has put a positive spin on the controversy: "This can only help us all stay focused on the fact that 5,500 Africans are still dying needlessly of AIDS every day."

Old WW Recipe Cards

OK, I'm posting this link because it's hilarious. But I think it's also relevant to designers and image makers. Interesting how not just personal style and tastes change over the years, but also trends in composition, color, and layout. Learn while you laugh!

http://www.candyboots.com/wwcards.html

Classified Gifts

This series of spreads appeared in Newsweek magazine around the holiday season last year (these are just some sample pages). The items are classified by dollar amount. I liked how the class was clearly and colorfully defined at the top of the page and how the items were in a "scattered" layout. It had a window-shopping, "grab bag" effect, but it was still orderly and easy to follow.

More Cause 'n Effect

I saw this ad in a magazine last year . . . this cause and effect approach worked on me (I supported this charity). Not only is the call to action specific, I thought it created immediacy by giving you a form to fill out on the spot. Maybe a little old school in this technology-driven world, but probably a good move for the target audience (I think this ran in Newsweek).

I don't have a visual example of it, but I've seen variations on this ad that show a "before" and "after" photo of the child. Made me wonder if using just the single image has more power, as Stephanie said in class. What do you think?

Good times rolling

How's this for cause-and-effect as a strategy? Give money to the Knights of Columbus, and this guy gets a wheelchair. It makes him so happy, he gives a "thumbs up." I'm sure there is a lot of good being done, but something about the visual and the headline made me laugh.

However . . . I think the call to action is effective, because it is specific. "Each $75 donation will deliver a wheelchair to a child, teen or adult without mobility." I've seen other charities use this approach, specifying a dollar amount and equating it with a direct result. Seems to me like a pretty strong tactic, since it's human nature to know where your money is going.

A Florist's Take

This is a description pulled from an upscale floral gift catalog. I thought the references to the classic screen were particularly effective in eliciting an emotional response.

Harlow Bouquet

Our bouquet of Erica orchids seems destined for a star's dressing room or sweetheart's table. The 15"-18" stems are covered in blooms petaled in the whisper-pale pink of a marabou powder puff. Their throats are a darker, lipstick shade, the result of a cross between dendrobium and cattleya orchid varieties. Our creamware vase dresses them up in a style benefiting the beauties they are, its form echoing the satin evening gowns of bygone luminaries of the silver screen.

FEMA presentation disaster

I came across this blog entry recently, related to a discussion we've been having at work. The Daily Show recognized the fuzzy logic of FEMA's disaster response graphic and found it great fodder for comedy.

As graphics professionals working the Baltimore/Washington area, it's likely that we'll work with government agencies at some point, and will probably be called upon to work on "quick response" graphics such as this (the government LOVES these corny little charts). I thought this was an excellent example of why good design is so crucial for effective communication.

http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2005/10/fema_chart_beco.html

One of these things is not like the other . . .

Just adding a couple of ads that use comparison and/or contrast in their design and concept.

The ad for Vytorin invites an interesting comparison between food and people. Obviously the asparagus on the left and the woman on the right have some things in common. The green in her shirt matches the green of the vegetable; her red hair is similar to the red asparagus tips; her red apron drapes around her much like the thin slice of meat wraps around the stalks. I liked this example because it shows how very different things contribute to the same issue (cholesterol). The visual adds comic effect while reinforcing the message of the ad copy.

PBS uses comparison and contrast to promote two of their more popular programs. The contrasts between the two main images are immediately noticeable: the color, the setting, the subject. However, the similarities are also cleverly included. The trees of the jungle correspond with the two columns of the building. Not only is the ape the animal most similar to man, the gentleman in the photo is covered in a black trench coat, comparable to the "coat" of the ape. The blurred, motion effect of the leaves is echoed in a similar treatment of the microphone windjammer blowing in the wind. What is the implied message here? Seems to me that what we consider the wild jungle is not all that different from the so-called civilized world we live in and witness on a daily basis.

The toolbox

Yes, I've done it. I've given my Blog a name that requires an explanation. So . . .

As a kid, I thought one of the coolest things to do was work with my dad in his wood shop. Since I really didn't inherit my dad's skill at woodworking and general "fix-it" abilities, I ended up being the helper, but I didn't even do that well. Once, in the middle of a rather intense project, he barked out an order to me: "Get me the monkey wrench." I ran to his tool box, rummaged through the pile of what I considered completely foreign objects, searching for the holy grail. My only problem -- I didn't know what the hell a monkey wrench looked like. In that moment of panic -- desperate to please my father and, even more so, not wanting to look like a complete idiot -- I learned an important lesson: know your tools.

Now I know, regardless of our profession, we all have our own personal set of tools. They don't necessarily look like the ones in my dad's red Black and Decker, but they're just as valuable. In gathering my own tools, I've seen the importance of having them close by. Knowing what they look like. How they feel in my hand. When it's appropriate to use them. When to add to the collection.

It's been said that the tools make the man. I'm not sure if that's true, but I think they definitely make THIS man a little more useful. So I'll keep working on sharpening my skills and looking for ways to improve the way I work.

At the very least, I now know what a monkey wrench looks like. (Thanks, Dad.)