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).