Seen&Done®

Cosmicity Logobot EVOLUTION

2011-02-19T01:43:00.002-05:00

As Mr. Nicholas continues work on his forthcoming 2011 electronic release, the Cosmicity maschine is ramping up. The Logobot is part of that crescendo. Last year we worked together to develop the little digifellow.

With the release of a modest selection of apparel (even Keds sneakers) on Zazzle.com I thought it would be cool to revisit the evolution of our little friend. In all honesty I'm fond of all of Logobot's ancestors. I hope to find some kind of use for them in the not too distant future.

OUR TIME THEATRE Mailer

2010-12-03T10:26:00.002-05:00

I recently completed a mailer for Our Time Theatre. My good friend and colleague Iris Brown was kind enough to refer my services to Our Time and I had a blast doing this piece for them.

Our Time Theatre is a highly respected non-profit organization that uses the arts to improve the confidence and communication skills of children who stutter.

They're a fantastic group of people and I hope they enjoyed my work as much as I enjoyed doing it for them.

Be Informed ZOMBIE ATTACK

2010-12-01T00:23:00.004-05:00

"There's no escaping the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Are you prepared? Learn to recognize the signs with this handy readiness-guide from the Bureau of Homeland Undead Protection (BHUP)."

Long one of my most popular designs, the "Be Informed Zombie Attack" print has finally made it to my Etsy shoppe. The illustrations have been updated and finessed for a high quality ink jet print on velvet fine art paper (13" W x 9.5" H).

PRINT Ready

2010-10-06T14:40:00.004-04:00

So I've finally managed to get my new prints up on Etsy. For homemade prints these are super swank. Printed on acid-free, 100% cotton rag. Its brilliant white surface sets off the colors and contrast of the designs.

Living in Antichrist

2010-08-30T19:23:00.015-04:00

"Hey what do you want to do tonight my friends? Say, isn't that new Lars Von Trier film 'Antichrist' showing down in the Village? Ooh Charlotte Gainsbourg, love her! And Willem Dafoe too! Both of them directed by Lars! How can we go wrong!" Ahh what a night in the cinema that was, as Dafoe's shrink attempts to ravel (or unravel depending who you ask) the unspooling mind of Gainsbourg's griefstricken motherwife. It's got woods, it's got a cabin, it's got an antique grinding wheel and a chaos worshipping fox.

Yellow raincoat $40, Aran Cable Turtleneck $90, antique screwdriver $22, Misogyny: The Male Malady $19, vintage grinding wheel $100, distressed leather journal $20, Prozac anti-depressants $varies based on coverage, Timberland work boots $155

I grew up watching slasher films full of lovers in the woods being hacked to pieces by some deranged, soulless psychotic. Antichrist takes that classic movie archetype and refocusses it through Von Trier's unique vision. As a bonus we get a delightful selection of great vintage and rustic interiors to draw inspiration from. Ideas aplenty for vacation home decor, travel and camping apparel, vintage tools and sundries of every kind. Remember the rusty wrench Gainsbourg's character unhinges the grinding wheel with? Beautiful. And who could forget her blood-stained floral blouse. A delicate classic. There's just so much to take in, the only challenge is deciding which of Von Triers gorgeous aesthetics to emulate.

Miley Cyrus Floral Blouse $6, Plush Fox Neck Wrap (Chaos Reigns!) $36, Decorative Acorns $24, Artificial Fern $40, Medieval Witch Trial Woodcut $NFS, antique lantern $42, vintage monkey wrench, $20.

Of course, this is all in good fun. I wish to offer my support and admiration to the folks over at Design Sponge. Without their inspiration I would not have had the opportunity to work up this little satire. It was a hoot to juxtapose their "living in ____" idea with a movie no one would ever want to live in. Chaos Reigns!

Print Prints PRINTS

2010-06-27T15:31:00.006-04:00

Long hiatus from my design blog. And I can admit it, I was led astray by another. And then another. But not to worry design blog, you're the steady player. I'll always come back to you design blog.

Lately I've been getting back into illustration to balance out my client work. Illustration with me usually leads to a desire for prints. (As mentioned above it also means apparel, and greeting cards.) However, with the taming of my printzilla Epson some high quality inkjet prints are back in the mix. I've been exploring a number of ideas...

Techno.

Subways.

Groceries.

Some or all of these designs already (or will) cross-reference on my card and apparel outlets but I really want to put these prints out there. Naturally I'll keep everyone posted.

ISO50 Lecture

2010-04-12T08:58:00.004-04:00

I've been a fan of Scott's work (and music) for some time so it was nice to actually see and hear him talk about it. This video is from his lecture to the Academy of Art. Be sure to check out his blog + site if you've never done.

ISO50 | Academy of Art Lecture Clips from ISO50 on Vimeo.

A 4GB Photoshop file... that's some compositing.

F.Ted & J.Crew

2010-04-11T01:25:00.005-04:00

No longer king of the dipsh*ts, Anthony Michael Hall's "The Geek" from Sixteen Candles has come full circle. Not only has this classic character reached pop culture icon status, he's now sparking fashion trends. Jake Ryan's look is so Abercrombie, so 2003. Go for geek.

Little did Ted know, as he slid in behind Samantha on the bus that fateful afternoon, that his inimitable style would find its way to the shelves and racks that Jack Knows Best. As of this spring, you can completely recreate the Farmer Ted look at J.Crew. Stop by J.Crew men's and find...

...everything from the pink oxford shirt, to the Levis and Stan Smith Adidas, right down to the green windbreaker; his entire ensemble is present and accounted for. Don't devastate your reputation as a dude, pick up your geek essentials and bag a babe.

P.S. Don't forget to make fresh breath a priority in your life.

Pr1mary Space POSTERS

2010-02-15T00:03:00.004-05:00

After an extensive review and redux process, the commemorative Pr1mary Space exhibition posters are complete and up on my Flickr site.

Certainly one of my favorite parts of the design work I did for the gallery, it was really cool to revisit and refresh these designs. I'm hoping to make them available as 1-off prints for sale on Etsy and the gallery's web site.

Art for SALE

2010-02-14T14:41:00.004-05:00

After owning an art gallery for several years you end up with quite a collection. It's the primary (no pun intended) perk of such work. When I lived in Detroit I had the resources to keep everything I collected, even if it wasn't hanging. Now, living in New York, storage (and wallspace) are at a premium. How do you choose what stays and what goes?

In the last decade I've become increasingly less sentimental about possessions. Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes just to lighten the load I carry through life. Fortunately this tendency does not clash with my art collecting ideology. Works of art can be a lot like friends and acquaintances: they come in and out of your life. Things that moved me 5 or 10 years ago may not hold the same allure today. This shift does not diminish the value of those works naturally. Indeed they may be more valuable to others now, than they were at the time of their original purchase.

As my work focus shifted over the past 4 years following the close of Pr1mary Space, so too has my taste in artwork. I'm drawn to design-focussed work more and more and my interest in illustrative painting has waned. Don't misunderstand me, I still have a great number of paintings and illustrations in my collection - some from the same artists whose work I am here selling - and most of those I will never sell.

Still, things do change and different responsibilities and priorities emerge. I'm honored to have had the privilege both to represent and to collect these artists' work. I hope to enjoy that privilege again before too long.

PANTONE Kicks Up Heels

2009-12-18T11:32:00.003-05:00

For the several last year Pantone has been expanding into consumer products with gifts like mugs and peppermills, home items like house paints, and even eyewear.

Now a partnership with shoemaker Sevees and J.Crew has yielded Pantone colored oxfords! But with such a spectrum to choose from why such boring colors?!

I Heart GIFT GUIDES.

2009-12-03T09:01:00.005-05:00

They're the answer to my gift dilemmas every year. Normally people tell you, "Hey, don't get any ideas." Well not this time. Here's some lists I've culled for the 2009 season that are just jam-packed with ideas.

MUJI. While Muji isn't necessarily known to all, it should be! This no-nonsense Japanese purveyor of sublime yet nondescript sundries and accessories has been one of my favorites since first encountering it in Japan in the 90s. Check out the cities in a bag.

Bought in Detroit. Detroit, despite it's constant press malignment, is hip. Don't listen to what anybody else says. There's some cool-ass stuff going on in Detroit and hey! You can buy it! PLEASE buy it. My friends and colleagues need the business!

Core77. Every year Core77 does an amazing gift guide of reasonably priced designy things. Well... almost every year. Despite a couple Detroit-based listings this year (like this and this), this year's list let me down a little so I suggest hitting the previous year's list. And the year before that. And the year before that. Sure some of the links might be down or unavailable but it will still give you IDEAS. You're savvy. You can find em.

Cool Hunting. Made moreso by the fact you don't have to hunt so much. Cool Hunting is a Cool Blog I like to Cool Read. Lots of Cool Things to give you Cool Ideas. (That's enough.) What? (With the "cool".) Oh.

Pitchfork. For you musos out there Pitchfork put together an eclectic list of ideas for the musically minded. Everything from Kraftwerk and Warp to the Grateful Dead and Throbbing Gristle.

A MODERN Holiday Greeting

2009-11-27T17:34:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to do these kinds of holiday designs since I bought my first MoMA holiday cards 15 years ago. Odd that it took me until now to really get it going! I just don't see the kinds of holiday cards I'm looking for these days, even at MoMA.

These kinds of modern and abstract representations really appeal to me, especially when applied to traditional imagery like the Christmas Tree and other holiday elements. It's not something I see nearly as much as I'D like in the holiday card market. I admit that while I call them modern, they're a little retro too. The ambiguity of that is appealing to me as someone who appreciates the "modern" design of the mid-twentieth century.

I'm just printing these myself for now and I'm going to see how they do. There's several more at my Etsy store so please go check them out! You can pick up individual cards and sets too!

MELTOR Returns

2009-11-13T08:22:00.004-05:00

Just as we start to chill out it's heating back up with the return of MELTOR! Get yours for the holiday season today!

Illustration by Steve Sholtes. Graphic design by me.

Today New York, Tomorrow the WORLD

2009-11-08T20:18:00.004-05:00

A friend and artist here in New York, Brian Hogan, has taken on an exciting art project. Since October and until December (10/08-12/08) Brian will be teaming up with KickStarter.com to raise funding for a large painting installation he is working on. The project is called "TODAY NEW YORK, TOMORROW THE WORLD" and it will be 20' x 10' x 2' installation of around 350 painted panels built into one large painting environment.

Brian's work is a striking combination of shape, color and dimension, and since encountering his unique art I've made frequent visits to his site to take them in. I'm constantly wishing I still co-owned an art gallery.

KickStarter is an exclusive invitation only website where artists can post projects and bring in funding through pledges. Anyone can pledge any amount, from $1 - $1000+, and in return the artist, in this case Brian, will provide some excellent gifts that pledgers will receive if he hits his funding goal. There are original artworks, silk-screened posters, photographs, a cool book and more, that Brian and his collaborators (Ryan Inzana, Jack Aguirre and Jesse Koechling) have put together especially for this project. If Brian does not hit his goal then you don't have to pay, it's that simple.

Brian has asked me to pass on the word and though the project is halfway through it's funding cycle I encourage you to check out his work, and consider contributing. Every cent and dollar counts! Equally helpful is reposting his project to get as many eyes as possible in on it. I think this is a really exciting project and what KickStarter is doing is a great way for artists to realize larger projects than they'd be able to complete on their own.

Just head over here to pledge. Price of a cup of coffee... don't let this opportunity pass you by... won't you please help... don't make me come over there... choose your motivation. Thanks for reading.

MAD MEN on... YouTube.

2009-09-24T16:42:00.003-04:00

We thought these were amusing.

2009-09-14T09:17:00.003-04:00

The Standard, New York. Illustration by Andrew Holder.

For me this illustration captures the excitement of the High Line-straddling Standard hotel in a unique way. A good color palette and the weathered & worn style never gets old to me.

[via: Design Sponge]

SWISS Precision. SWISS Type.

2009-09-05T15:35:00.005-04:00

Recently I was on the hunt for a military style watch. Oh sure I started with the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVI, but who wants to be that ostentatious. So I set my sights to modest and noticed J.Crew's custom Timex reproduction. Not bad, not bad.

But then something hit me. Wouldn't it be cool to have a watch faced in Helvetica? Or Futura? Or some other beloved typeface. (Not Verdana. Ok, sorry I couldn't help it.) An intensive internet search was begun and I found...

...so little.

Enter my new Chronotype series of watches. You know the Swiss are known for their timepieces, yet I find so few that combine their love of precision time and precision type design.

Yes, I did a Futura one too.

Each of these designs are loosely based on existing styles I admit, but isn't it high time we designers had timepieces that turned the hours to minutes and the watch face typeface to Helvetica.

What a delightful little sideline this was. I've never designed a watch before and I have to say I have enjoyed giving it a try. I'm sure to the well-trained, watchful eye there's oodles of glaring errors I've made but I sure did enjoy the exercise.

[EDIT: My good friend Misha has opened my eyes with these German works of art. Drools.]

P.S. In the end, I opted for a Timex T Series Perpetual Calendar Watch (T2M453) from eBay.

The BookEND

2009-09-05T13:50:00.006-04:00

Phew! I'm spent after that last post. Let's get back to some fun. Like this bookend. Which is awesome. Sure it's made the design blog rounds already but I need a bookend so that makes it ok to post again.

Why Verdana, Why IKEA, WHY?

2009-09-03T09:24:00.009-04:00

On an introductory page of IKEA's new 2010 catalog it says,
"We're constantly striving to cut costs without compromising quality."

Well, they got the first part right.

The typo-religious fervor over IKEA's recent design change from their customized variant of Futura to Microsoft's ubiquitous Verdana is gaining momentum. As a big fan of both IKEA and Futura I was dismayed at the news. Who'd have thought we'd lose IKEA to the typographically mediocre. After all, this is IKEA, they're part of the good fight, striving to bring good design into our lives for over 60 years.

A friend, who does translation work for a company in Asia, had a practical perspective on the switch. Like the TIME article below, he cited the flexibility of fonts like Verdana with regards to foreign language translation. The option to easily convert Verdana for the multitude of other countries IKEA services is a cost-saver no doubt about it.

Like many other critics of the switch I would counter that Verdana was specifically designed for use online. Why didn't IKEA just switch to Verdana online and keep the typographically superior Futura for their print applications? I shudder at the thought of hovering Verdana-emblazoned billboards and bus stop ads. If the varying details of other languages and alphabets is an issue for IKEA, could they not commission of custom typeface to include such details? I'm also forced to wonder what the long-term cost of replacing their signage and other printed materials will be, assuming they make across-the-board updates.

It's tough, I get it. We have a faltering economy across the globe and no one is immune, not even IKEA. Any cost savings is worthy of consideration. Still, IKEA is a design focussed company. Good design has always been one of, if not chief among, their primary goals. It's hard to see them compromise something so central to their identity and brand.

Additional Info + Reading

IKEA Petition - Click here

TIME Article - Click here

Daring Fireball posted some good stuff as well. - Click here

City Council CAMPAIGN DESIGN

2009-09-01T19:26:00.006-04:00

Over the summer I began a brand new project with my dear friend Melanie Piana. Melanie is running for city council in Ferndale, Michigan. This has been my first opportunity to work with campaign graphics and materials. It's harder than you might imagine!

At the start of the project, like any designer, I had all kinds of ideas about how to present something different and innovative for Mel's campaign. As you get into this kind of work there are a lot of parameters to consider and you really have to shoot for the middle in order to appealing to a candidate's potential constituency. Ferndale is a broad mix of demographics let me tell you.

Naturally Mel had her own ideas about how her campaign was to look and I think we've collaborated beautifully, creating a look and feel that is both vibrant and appropriate. I'm anxious to see how my first time out in this particular design world stacks up against her competitors.

Learn more about Melanie's campaign at her web site or on her Facebook page. And if you're Ferndale resident get out and vote, November 3, 2009!

Love BIRDS

2009-08-23T21:24:00.003-04:00

Finished these wedding invitations recently for my friends Jeff and Lisa who are an amazing couple; hilarious, attractive, and totally crazy (for each other). They sent me some examples of designs they'd liked in part, including some avian imagery, natural textures and so forth. I did my best to distill their ideas into a modern design that complimented their style and personality.

The birds are a tribute to the Charles and Ray Eames design. I think they work nicely with the hand drawn wood grain, my first attempt at creating such a texture in Illustrator.

Say it in QUOTES

2009-08-21T20:18:00.004-04:00

Having collected a number of design-related quotations myself (see right above for a fave of mine) finding this site was like hitting the mother load. Chris Coyier has compiled a healthy sampling of great quotations of or relating to art and design. Read and enjoy.

[via: SwissMiss]

Who doesn't love CUFFLINKS?

2009-08-21T20:03:00.006-04:00

I love cufflinks. They're the perfect subtle signal of sophistication. Oh I know it's the French cuffs that make them possible but what you choose as your cuffly closure is what sets you apart. Many fellas I know agree whole-heartedly. Like hats, tie-bars, and pocket watches many people consider them unnecessary or for formalwear only. Well not me. Not real men.

Tonight after toodling around online I spotted the superb Detroit-themed links above. Find these and more at Cufflinks.com.

Below I've added a bonus selection. Yes, I realize they're meant to symbolize Chicago's Michigan Avenue but as a former resident of Dearborn and Ypsilanti (both of which are connected to Detroit by Michigan Avenue), and just a general friend of Detroit and Michigan at large, I choose to see these as MY beloved Michigan Avenue. After all, who should possess the true Michigan Avenue but Michigan?

Some GOLDFRAPP Bloggings

2009-08-02T11:55:00.004-04:00

There is nothing interesting here. Unless you like hearing random updates and musings from Alison Goldfrapp occasionally, which... I do.

Is THIS What We Signed On For?

2009-08-01T11:15:00.005-04:00

This poster, which includes the signatures from The Declaration of Independence, is designed to suggest that the founding fathers of the United States might not have lent their signatures to any document that would have led to such an issue. Or at least that they would never have stood by to see it endure.

A couple more of these are here. They focus on buzzwords/issues that came to prominence during the previous 2 presidential administrations. I realize they aren't the hot-button topics they once were but they're obviously still more than relevant. I've been working on them and several more I haven't posted for about 4 years on and off. I've never quite known what to do with them.

The FANTASTIC Mr. Fox

2009-08-01T10:54:00.002-04:00

Finally a trailer for Wes Anderson's upcoming project, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox." I have to say it has a lot more visual atmosphere than I expected and the lighting (in the trailer at least) looks amazing. The voices are the usual cast of characters plus George Clooney and Meryl Streep (sounds odd noting them as add-ons). It looks very entertaining and I.am.excited.

help™ I have a new web site...

2009-07-16T23:57:00.005-04:00

Like they say over at Help Remedies, "some health problems are large, complicated and frightening," but then again "most problems are not the end of the world. A kind word and a little help can get you on your way." Wisdom and pharm goods seldom go hand in hand. Thankfully someone is on the job, saving us from our whiny, hurty selves.

After I posted about their deliciously minimal and witty headache meds a while ago, the super nice folks over at Help were kind enough to give me a heads-up on their new web site! With even more wit and a perfectly clean and non-achy site layout, they've brought us more simple, clean product design. I'm especially pleased to find so much fun and earnest writing on the site. You can have a beautiful looking site, but that extra bonus of some good content is a real treasure these days.

The product images on the home page are like a game you can play around with. But don't go crazy, you might end up with serious issues.

Viva SNAIL MAIL!

2009-07-01T23:37:00.003-04:00

Melissa Lohman Wild, filmmaker, poet, blogger and champion of the snail mail, just posted an online interview with me to her blog, Viva Snail Mail. After seeing the above card in my Etsy store she was kind enough to contact me about design, greeting cards, and mail. Check it out now!

2009 Annual Report, SUBURBS ALLIANCE

2009-06-21T12:53:00.005-04:00

I recently completed the 2009 Annual Report for my client, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance. I think this is by far our best book to date. We had so much great photo this year, a resource we'd previously been somewhat light on, and it made a huge difference to the layouts. Special thanks to the staff of the MSA for all their help and talent.

Some selected spreads:

521 DESIGN in Brooklyn

2009-06-21T12:03:00.003-04:00

521 Design is the multi-disciplinary studio of self-taught designer and artist Chris Ferebee, producing all manner of design from furniture to skate decks to print design. I spotted 521's "Joseph Felt Bench" (pictured above) at the Cooper-Hewitt's "Fashioning Felt" exhibit and decided to check out their other work. Including the 32/30 Seating Unit (below). Check em out!

A Hard Drive with CLASS

2009-06-20T12:03:00.007-04:00

Finally, a portable hard drive that Connery's Bond or even Hemingway could appreciate. Toss it onto the café table in Marrakech next to your tattered Moleskine journal and absinthe champagne cocktail. Keep it on the night table beside your nightcap Vodka martini and Walther PPK. Set it down on the credenza next to your smoldering Cuban cigar and 25 year-old cognac.

Or just keep it on the IKEA flat pack desk next to your Diet Coke and Funyuns.

Soul POWER

2009-06-14T22:49:00.005-04:00

A trailer for Soul Power, a "verité documentary" about an epic 1974 series of concerts in Kinshasa, Zaire, featuring some of the most revered R&B acts of all time. The concerts were held as a combined event with Don King's epic "Rumble in the Jungle", the fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman (which was the focus of the Oscar winning documentary "When We Were Kings"). Soul Power is directed by Jeffery Levy-Hinte—who produced "13".

Featuring: James Brown, Bill Withers, B.B. King, The Spinners, Miriam Makeba, The Crusaders, The Fania All-Stars, and Sister Sledge. Plus — I'm guessin' — Muhammad Ali.

OREO + RITZ

2009-06-12T17:34:00.004-04:00

Spotted the Oreo packaging in Target this week and was waiting to catch a glimpse of the new but retro Ritz box as well. I had heard they were on the way to Target shelves for a short promotion. The wait is over for both thanks to TheDieline.com

According to their blog, the packaging was designed "by Baker Associates," and "the Retro Oreo/Ritz look was an exclusive for Target and will be treated as an in and out for the summer."

I think it's awesome that a firm called Baker Associates does packaging for things like cookies and crackers. They couldn't have planned that better. Personally I wish they'd just keep these designs permanent.

I love FRENCH TOAST

2009-06-08T17:29:00.011-04:00

...and Trish Grantham too. Check out these amazing marushka dolls she did with a French Toast theme. You got your recipe right here, and it's art too! (It could use vanilla though. And cinnamon. But I'll let her slide on that.) Makes me want to get to the kitchen right now...

...and make French Toast. Get these while they're hot!!

While you're at it, check out my friend (and Trish's) @my Ruppel's new birds, also on Etsy!

I have one of Amy's birds and a painting by Trish. If you want to be cool like me you better get over there and get yourself some.

My Dream DESIGN STATION

2009-05-07T23:10:00.003-04:00

Finally getting around to some advertising here in New York. In addition to some online ads I have planned, these well-placed cards will hopefully begin the long process of getting my name out in the city. I'm also working on a mailer version.

By the way, if you're a contact or friend of mine in New York and are interested in a few of these cards to hand out to friends and colleagues please let me know and I'll get some to you.

The only thing yet to decide is the fate of my beloved 313 phone number. On one hand I feel like a non-NYC exchange may give potential new clients pause. On the other hand my current clients back in Detroit don't deserve to have their long-distance loyalty rewarded with a long-distance phone number. Woe is me, what to do...

ZOMBIES!

2009-05-05T00:49:00.003-04:00

After witnessing the success of my "Be Informed Zombie Attack" greeting card I set out to create some witty, odd zombie-themed cards for my Etsy store. 4 new cards, including the design shown above, have been added.

In addition most of my greeting card designs are now available on 100% recycled (PCW) paper, so they're as green as the zombies themselves. Check em out today!

RECYCLED Line

2009-04-22T15:55:00.003-04:00

Spotted these new recycled paper and stationery products from Willoughby on The Dieline. Gorgeous products for home, office and school, and they'll be available at Target and other easily accessible outlets.

[via: The Dieline]

Pride & Prejudice.... and ZOMBIES.

2009-03-30T08:45:00.003-04:00

NPR recently reported on a new literary adaptation by Seth Grahame-Smith. As my s.o. was working in the apartment yesterday she had the BBC tele-series version of Pride & Prejudice playing in the background so I found this particularly interesting this morning.

The new adaptation sees the undead, or as they're called in the book "unmentionables", invading the grounds at Longbourn. It seems no place and no time is immune from the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Read/hear the story here.

SHHH! Cards

2009-03-28T15:51:00.007-04:00

If there's one thing I'm continually on about, it's the decline of refined manners in American society. One specific aspect of this decline is inappropriate cell phone usage. I spotted these today while reading about Coudal Partners' "The Deck".

"SHHH!" is the "Society for HandHeld Hushing". Sure most American's don't call them "handhelds" but you get the idea. It's for those people just a little too unaware of the noisy cellular disturbance they're causing; a problem so far out of control at this point there may be no stopping it. Unless...

...Those brave enough arm themselves with these and seek to alert society's offenders. For the bold and willing, these cards might be the perfect social "citation". Print out your own using this handy PDF.

Anytime design solutions can be used to create etiquette solutions, this designer is right on board.

A Touch of SESAME

2009-02-21T14:48:00.003-05:00

After reviewing some landmark albums for a recent Facebook meme (25 Albums) I quickly noticed how cool the album art for some of my favorite Sesame Street LPs is.

The influences are undeniable, from Motown to Blue Note to Broadway, Sesame Street album covers were as hip as any children's record art could have been. Bold colors and photography, great type and font choices, and just plain fun.

DEMF Theme Contest Entry

2009-02-06T20:50:00.009-05:00

Ok. I know the contest rules stipulate local designers only. But as someone involved in 6 of the 9 festivals I felt compelled to throw my disqualified hat into the ring. I have a suspicion I'm not the only one to do so either.

After my friend Mark got on my case about the contest and my lack of entry I decided to go ahead and see what I could come up with just for the experience. The contest aside this was a really great little project. Since working on the Millennial Mayors Congress poster last year, and a few other projects, I've really been enjoying compositing more pixels in with my vectors.

For the DEMF theme I wanted to create a schematic with an info-graphic feel, coupled with imagery I've developed for previous festivals (i.e. the record rainbow). I'm especially proud that all of the photography in this image is my own. I typically have to rely on stock photography for specific content and textures. This composite utilizes 3 of my own photos for texture and a shot of the Detroit skyline I took 3 years ago.

If ONLY...

2009-02-03T12:59:00.002-05:00

So I'm designing new pizza boxes for my client in Detroit. Naturally I can't have the kind of fun I'd LIKE to have.

This is lacking pretty much everything the client asked me to put on the box. So obviously I can't pursue this. However... I may try to bridge the gulf between my dreams and his needs. You never know. It could happen. Maybe? Please?

Oh C'MON

2009-02-03T10:35:00.003-05:00

Srsly kids? That's the best name you could come up with? Well what if I end up liking your band and then have to NOT listen because your name is so dumb? What then? You haven't thought this through.

The HAL Project and Beyond the Infinite

2009-01-31T09:48:00.007-05:00

My good friend Mitch tipped me off about The HAL Project recently. And being a Kubrick and "2001: A Space Odyssey" junkie like so many others I was suitably impressed.

The interface is very well done, with superbly enhanced images and illustrations. Especially worth noting is the HAL-9000 simulator (which does need some audio samples added in my opinion) and the downloadable screensaver which recreates the cryptic, technical graphics of the HAL-9000 monitors on your computer. Working from a 2-monitor station as I do, makes this particularly enjoyable as the screens alternate graphics automatically.

You can also review "The Jupiter Mission Report", an animated synopsis of 2001, part of the opening sequence from 2010, the Peter Hyams sequel. And don't forget to switch on the site's built-in Györgi Ligeti "Lux Aeterna" soundtrack to enhance your visit.

A MADNESS to this METHOD?

2009-01-27T16:01:00.006-05:00

I admit freely that I was beguiled by this giant, futuristic jug[gernaut] of soap. It feels otherworldly, like I was bringing home some futuristic home fusion reactor fuel. This is 96 fl. ounces of soap. The container itself is almost a foot tall. On the back of the jug Method even makes suggestions for what to do with the packaging after the soap is spent.

However, something about Costco/Sam's Club size portions, even of products as cool as Method's, gives me a brief back of the brain pause. Does suggesting a few hip, alt-recycling uses for such a huge container (flower vase, piggy bank) offset cow-towing to the cultural trend of massive over-consumption? Discuss.

Eat [From] WARHOL

2009-01-26T11:28:00.005-05:00

While CB2 might not be the most cutting/edgy/innovative design, they do have flights of fancy from time to time. Having just finished The Philosophy of Andy Warhol last year, and just generally being a fan, I found these plates pretty cool. And in the future, everything will be famous for $1.50.

I Got SERVED

2009-01-22T10:45:00.003-05:00

Then again maybe it's just a case of great minds, thinking alike, that sort of thing? Maybe? C'mon please?

Look at this AMAZING "The Shining" tribute print by TesOne. Spooky that I spotted this not one week after creating my little Danny vector.

Veer FPO Shirt

2009-01-21T14:04:00.006-05:00

I've scored 1 or 2 Veer t-shirts over the years. They always have quarky - OOPS, I mean quirky design-related themes and this new shirt is no exception. For me, this image of the familiar FPO placeholder goes all the way back to my first day in the design industry. It's an oldie but a goodie for sure

Cheers to Veer.

[via Veer & SwissMiss]

360 Risk Management LOGO

2009-01-21T09:17:00.003-05:00

The recently completed logo for my client, 360 Risk Management, an insurance company in Northville, Michigan.

STAR WARS Mighty Muggs

2009-01-20T18:56:00.002-05:00

I guess I'm guilty of a little ignorance when it comes to hipster vinyl toys. They've been bestowed a double whammy of "pop art" AND "collectible" status, shooting the price of most really cool figures sky high. That's not to say I don't like them. I've certainly admired a lot of what I've seen, but just in passing. That is until I passed by these in Target tonight. For around $12 or $13 you can add these Star Wars characters to your KidRobot collection and unite your inner geek with your outer hipster.

CONNECTions

2009-01-19T12:22:00.008-05:00

A recent card design of mine found its way into another design blog. Poesia-Design included my "What is this Thing?" mailbox card in her post about the curiosities and joys of mail. Check out her blog!

I love making connections like this with other designers. I need to initiate more of such intersections myself. Thanks again to Poesia-Design for the mention.

OBJECTIFIED by Gary Hustwit

2009-01-19T10:31:00.004-05:00

Gary Hustwit, director of the documentary Helvetica has finished his next film which is set to debut at the SxSW Film Festival in March.

Objectified is a feature-length independent documentary about industrial design. It’s a look at the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets. It’s about the people who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability. It’s about our relationship to mass-produced objects and, by extension, the people who design them.

The film's website also reports that special screenings will be scheduled in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London.

NEW Cards

2009-01-18T16:00:00.005-05:00

Two recent additions to my store on Etsy.com.

I had designed this image some time ago and until I started making cards I'd had nothing to do with it. I realize it's a little late maybe, but I think the satire is still relevant. I'm also working on a poster version. The card is available here now.

I've always loved this shot in Kubrick's "The Shining". The graphic pattern of the carpet, the perspective, and of course Danny himself as the tennis ball rolls in from out of nowhere. Haunting, but so beautiful. It makes for a nice design. Or playdate invitation! Available here.

Le CORBUSIER pour CHIEN

2009-01-09T18:09:00.004-05:00

"Chairs are architecture. Sofas are bourgeois."

So true, so true. But what about chair architecture for your mid-century modernist pup to appreciate? Why shouldn't your Dwell Dwawg enjoy the finer things in life? Though I doubt very much if Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, a.k.a. Le Corbusier, in his wildest dreams imagined his designs used as chairs for dogs. Still, these are darn sharp. Yeah they're not licensed reproductions bearing his chic name, but they are chic just the same.

If you ask me - a proud cat owner - these seem more suitable to the temperament of felines. But I suppose if you have Weim or an Italian Greyhound you'd be ok. Those breeds have a striking biological architecture. Most other breeds? L.C. said it best: bourgeois.

P.S. French Poodles ok. Heritage counts.

COLLAGES by Emily

2009-01-08T14:49:00.003-05:00

My darling dearest, Emily, has entered the world of online commerce with her new store now open for business on Etsy.com. Stop by and check out her wares. There's more to come too! She'll soon be adding purses, wallets, and even jewelry.

M3L7OR Attacks

2008-12-05T14:31:00.006-05:00

Now, in the true spirit of the holidays, you can share your favorite arctic automaton with all your friends and nemeses with this handsome holiday card. A collaboration between painter and illustrator Steve Sholtes and myself, this wintery scene folds to 4.25 x 5.5" and is offset printed on 100% recycled paper, post-consumer waste. The eye-catching envelope, in metallic silver, lets the recipient know that something extra-special has arrived.

Buy now on Etsy. Cost is $3 per card, 5 for $12.

RISE. Millennial Mayors Congress

2008-11-11T23:04:00.007-05:00

Design work can be a mystery sometimes. I often wonder how visionary designers like Scott Hansen, Lance Wyman and James White get the jobs they do. But there's no mystery really. Visionary designers create visionary work. They do so, I think, with two things: a deep, abiding passion for design, and a lot of hard, nonstop work. One thing Bethany Shorb has shown me is that even great creatives with great ideas have to work their arses off.

For some time now I've been searching for a way to feel as though I'm more than just a working designer. In my work, clients present a need, and I fill it. I work hard and my clients are happy. I am compensated accordingly for my work and there we have my job. My job. So what's missing? What's missing is – maybe "missing" is the wrong word - what's not where it should be is the abiding passion. Not a passion for admiring design, but a passion for producing it.

The aforementioned search took a big step this week when I decided that doing the kind of work I want to do will, not may, will require doing it for myself and possibly no one else. (That's not to say someone else couldn't find it desirable someday of course.) With that in mind I set out to create the above poster. This poster was not requested by any client. I will not be paid for it and it may never be produced. However, this poster and the impetus for creating it are two of the first things I've created since closing Primary Space in 2006 that I am truly excited about. It represents for me a step that has to be taken every day. The willingness to produce design that could not only meet a client need, but that meets a need in me as well.

["RISE. The Millennial Mayors Congress", is a teaser poster for a new organization created by the Suburbs Alliance (see earlier logo post).]

First NEW YORK Job

2008-11-11T22:52:00.002-05:00

I have just completed an identity design for my first client in New York City since moving here over the summer. Daniel A. D'Ordine contracted me to design his consultancy's logo. He provides investment and financial planning. We discussed the modernization of the financial industry's identity trends and agreed that Wall Street has been moving away from more conservative logos and branding. See Morgan Stanley and TIAA/CREF as examples. It's no longer the serif rich, engraving style fonts that front finance house and partnerships these day.

Dan wanted to appeal both to his established, elder clientele as well as expand his client base to include young professionals including creatives and artists. With that in mind I set out to create a logo that was both contemporary, keeping pace with modern identities, and professional so as not to startle any of the establishment.

MILLENNIAL Mayors Congress

2008-11-11T21:38:00.008-05:00

The recently completed identity for the Millennial Mayors Congress, a program from the Suburbs Alliance. Quite possibly one of the most difficult logo challenges I've had in the last 10 years. It may look simple enough, but getting here was no small task.

The client wanted a meaningful, but abstract expression of this org's tenants, without using overt imagery like initials, or iconography that directly represents the name itself. The process required 8 rounds of designs and revisions, most rounds containing 9 or more concepts. I don't normally create that much imagery for a logo design but, as I said, this one was a monster. Why couldn't it just be a simple "MMC"?

I know the answer of course. And I'm damn glad for it.

GREETING Cards

2008-10-25T11:09:00.002-04:00

More from the Greeting Card Design Department.

First, I finally completed the 3rd card in my trifecta of mixed message cards: "Sad You Went Away"

Next was a birthday card inspired by Roy Lichtenstein.

You can see all my greeting cards, here on Etsy.

VOLKSWAGEN Ads

2008-10-05T12:31:00.004-04:00

Classic, humorous Volkswagen television ads.

Before the DARK TIMES, Before the EMPIRE

2008-09-20T10:38:00.007-04:00

This is where the fun begins.

[via: Ironic Sans and A.Ruppel]

New York City FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

2008-09-18T17:48:00.006-04:00

Yes, call me repetitive. Call me predictable. But I'm a sucker for anything New York Subway design related. This take on the current MTA subway route map turned wine glass is the newest in a line of great designs inspired by great design.

The New York City Food & Wine Festival will be held Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12. The logo, seen on the festival's web site and on light pole banners around downtown Manhattan, takes the multi-hued routes of the various New York subway lines and re-works them into an abstract wine goblet. Even praised designer Massimo Vignelli might appreciate this distant relative to his ground-breaking subway map work. [Shown below]

Designing your PERSONAL CHECK

2008-09-18T17:48:00.005-04:00

I have ALWAYS wanted to custom design my own personal checks. Standing in line at the bank this week it occurred to me again. It had been a long time since I thought about it and I suddenly got excited!

"It's been so long," I thought. "What if the online custom printing world has caught up with my imagination and started allowing you to custom design your own checks??"

But to no avail. Sure you can posit your own image of puppies in the background. And you can have your choice of Block, Contemporary, or Old Style lettering. You could add a slogan, or a monogram. But to truly design your check, from scratch, remains out of reach unless you contact a form printer and jump through a number of regulatory hoops. Sigh...

If any of you know of an easy way to make my dream come true... by all means contact me.

[Edit: As one of my colleagues so deftly put it, "What's a check?". It's true, the check is rapidly becoming the tender of a bygone era. Still there's something romantic about the written check. I suppose that's what I'm clinging to with this pipe dream of designy check-ness. C'est la vie.]

GREETING Cards

2008-09-10T00:17:00.004-04:00

I've been saying it for a long time, "I'm going to design some greeting cards." Somehow it never seemed to get done. I spoke to local gift boutiques. I played around with designs. I even gave out some test card designs as gifts. Yet I never got around to putting any on the market. Until now.

I've put my first two card designs where your money can go. They are now available online, at Etsy. Yes Etsy. Heavens to Betsy, they're on Etsy. No need to get upsetsy, you'll find them on Etsy. Hey watch your mouth Mr. Tourettesy, you can get my cards on Etsy. Get my cards on Etsy, and then put 'em in your shirt pocketsy. Ain't no regretsy, if you buy mine on Etsy. Ok I'll stop.

Margaret KEANE

2008-09-08T14:09:00.005-04:00

One could argue that countless modern-day artists and illustrators (Fawn Gehweiler, Mark Ryden, for example) have been inspired by the doe-eyed characters Margaret Keane creates. Keane is to be portrayed in an upcoming film titled Big Eyes. Actress Kate Hudson will star as the American artist who's incredible success in the 1950s was eventually overshadowed by her second husband, Walter Keane.

Her then dark and gloomy paintings -perhaps a sign of her unhappy marriage - were widely believed to have been painted by Walter. Keane fought her way through bitter divorce proceedings up to the Federal Court level before she was able to reclaim credit for her work.

Movement08 APPAREL

2008-09-04T00:09:00.004-04:00

Just a few apparel pieces from this year's Movement 08: Detroit's Electronic Music Festival. I created several designs for use on t-shirts, hats, messenger bags, and stickers.

"Listen to Detroit Techno" continues to be a popular design, now in it's 3rd year of production. Hard to believe a t-shirt I designed in 2006 is still selling at this year's event. The other 2 designs were created new for this year. According to Paxahau, the festival's producer, merchandise sales sold like fury this year with Saturday's take alone outselling the entire weekend last year.

It continues to be a thrill to design for the festival and working with Paxahau is always a pleasure.

Jezewski/Folland INVITATIONS

2008-08-27T15:35:00.008-04:00

I recently completed custom wedding invitations for my friend Sara Jezewski and her fiance Matt. Sara and I became friends while working together on the Hamtramck DDA. She was kind enough to hire me to design her invitations. You may recall the Bridal Shower Invites I did a while back.

Sara requested I include an illustration of the church where the wedding is to take place, historic St. Josaphat's in Detroit. To achieve the illustrative look I was after I contacted Aimee Zoyes at AC Illustration in Birmingham. She was able to generate a perfect illustration from a photograph I provided. Combined with a careful setting of type (various faces of the Futura family) and floral illustration, the invitation - forgive the pun - married classical imagery with a modern design style.

For the RSVP I carried the floral illustration over from the invite. In addition, I continued a new trademark of my invitation design, the alive and barren RSVP responses. Those responding in the affirmative have their answer flanked with a living-leaf-laden branch while those unable to attend see theirs withered and without leaves. A little designy comedy never hurt anybody.

The WARHOL Boat

2008-08-11T11:17:00.003-04:00

Anything but TEETH

2008-07-22T22:29:00.005-04:00

I recently took on the challenge of my family dentist's identity. This is a situation where the son was taking over the business from the father and wanted to update things a little. He knew he wanted something more modernized but still clean and conservative enough to fit into their affluent community. After checking out some other examples he liked, I went to work. My only goal was to avoid teeth and tooth imagery. I failed.

Or did I?

It's true that sometimes when you fail, you succeed. As I conceptualized I kept coming back to abstract representations of teeth. I couldn't get it out of my head, like a challenge I had to face. I endeavored to hint at the letters for the business, primarily U and D, for "Uday" and "Dentistry", while trying to evoke all things dental. When I put them together, bold and clean, they worked. It's abstract enough to hint at dentistry, and modern enough not to be cliche. The client agreed. Sometimes the taboo becomes the rule.

New RECRUIT

2008-07-22T14:27:00.004-04:00

I'm considering joining the Freelancers Union and the New York chapter of the AIGA.

The Freelancers Union is an organization united to make sure independent workers have access to quality health insurance and the benefits of advocacy. Considering my decision to continue freelancing in New York until the right full-time position comes along, I figure it's smart to give myself the best shot at viable local business. Who knows, freelancing may turn out to be just as lucrative. It certainly did in Detroit.

The AIGA is just a good idea. It's been a good idea but I've been reluctant to shell out the cash to join. But let's face it, it's tax deductible, and professional associations carry with them many benefits.

Namely, a cache of networking events and growth opportunities currently hard to find as a New York newbie. I have to say it's long overdue. I think it will also make me feel a little more credible as a member of the design community.

HELP I need HELP

2008-07-14T18:06:00.006-04:00

Help's web site might say it best: "Many companies enjoy packaging their goods inside nasty materials covered in gaudy graphics.That’s because many companies are controlled by crazy people."

With a majority of their packaging made from 100% recycled materials like molded paper pulp, Help products look more AIGA than CVS. Started by Richard Fine and a partner because they found common drug store packaging more pain-inducing than pain-relieving, Help's white yet "green" packaging was designed by Chapps-Malina Design Studio and clearly steps out of the garish pattern of modern drugstore packaging.

All ABOARD

2008-07-03T09:30:00.005-04:00

My good friend Sara Jezewski has asked me to design her shower and wedding invitations. First out of the gate was this amusing train ticket styled shower invite. Sara loves trains, as I do, and while she didn't want to do a train theme for the wedding invite, the shower invite was fair game.

We found a number of train tickets online and chose some examples we liked. Then I set about creating a facsimile for her. This is it.

PANTONE Eyewear

2008-06-27T00:06:00.003-04:00

PANTONE has the big time color thing as we all know. You've got your swatch books, your tabs, the whole color matching system. Then you've got the paint, which is an unassailably cool idea with an outrageous price. (Doesn't that decrease its coolness?) Where oh where could Pantone go next?

I think some dudes and babes at PANTONE were thinking, "Hey, what if people can't see our awesome colorificness? What can we do about that?" And voila: PANTONE Eyewear

The coolest thing about this little product is the sets of colored arms you get with your new frames. So you're never stuck with - horror of hue horrors - JUST 1 COLOR. --GASP--

POWDER COATING and YOU

2008-06-26T23:37:00.005-04:00

Do you like powder coating? I sure do. It's provides a kind of tactile joy that paint can't even begin to touch. But you can begin to touch powder coating. Just pick up a Noguchi Prismatic Table.

That's powder coating.

"Huh?" you say.

Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers.

Well... the "powder" used for this process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces (like the aforementioned Noguchi Prismatic Table) until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10% of all industrial finishing applications.

"Ok sure, but is there a foundation or organization to represent this new finishing industry?" you ask.

Yes indeed! The Powder Coating Institute (PCI), represents the North American powder coating industry, promotes powder coating technology and communicates the benefits of powder coating to manufacturers, consumers, and government. So there you go!

DYSON Cyclone

2008-06-18T10:59:00.003-04:00

"I mean, the Cyclones for my vacuum cleaner took over 5000 prototypes. That's 5000 failures before I'd cracked it. So the moral of the tale is keep on failing. It works!" - James Dyson, talking about the process behind a successful design.

SUBURBS ALLIANCE Annual Meeting

2008-05-06T17:22:00.004-04:00

Have a working concept for the Michigan Suburbs Alliance Annual Meeting materials. The above layout came to life in a cover sheet I did for another MSA project but it's got a lot of depth and meaning in my opinion — enough hopefully to craft the org's annual report from.

More soon...

HAMTRAMCK DDA Online

2008-04-29T09:59:00.006-04:00

The new online home of the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority is live. I created the visual design while Lindsay Karty performed the technical magic. I think this site was an essential step for the HDDA.

As a former board member of the HDDA I am very excited to see that step taken. I know the board is pleased to have a broader public face to help support and bolster its endeavors. Downtown Hamtramck's modest but completely unique presence is bound to increase exponentially — both in the ether and in the real world.

Luke BUTLER

2008-04-08T01:11:00.005-04:00

_{Captain Crew, acrylic on canvas, 2008}

If there's one thing I miss about running the gallery – besides all the brie, baguette and wine – it is of course all the new artists I got to meet, work with, and enjoy the work of. It has been a severe drought since November of 2006 when we shut the PR1MARY doors. Today I got that rush again.

I spotted the work of Luke Butler on my friend Marci Washington's Flickr account. Marci and Luke are both seeking their MFAs from CCA (California College of the Arts), and had open studios recently. The painting above, Captain Crew was among the work shown.

What a great representation of an abstract but certainly familiar fixture of Star Trek — the incapacitated crew. It's one of my favorite subjects in painting, the re-purposed [pop] cultural iconography. Like Damien Loeb's paintings of the HAL-9000 D-Gama (screens), this painting repositions an element of classic science fiction, as an abstract artistic statement. While I'm not sure of Mr. Butler's exact purpose here, I find the image of the crew lying either unconscious or dead in a limitless space extremely provocative. The average Star Trek fan might want an image of Kirk or the Enterprise in action, but this more somber image appeals to both the sci fi kid in me, and the adult who's attracted to the underside of familiarity.

Be sure to check out both Luke and my friend Marci as soon as you have a chance. For good measure, stop by Deth's as well.

One more for depth.

_{The End, transfer letters on paper, 2007}

Senz RAIN DEFLECTION SYSTEM

2008-04-01T09:15:00.003-04:00

Mine eyes caught this unusual umbrella design by Senz in a recent update from [what is now] Detroit's own Mezzanine.

[From Mezzanine:] The Senz Mini Umbrella is aerodynamically designed so it turns itself to the best position in the wind. The spokes of the umbrella have unique eye-savers so there are no opthalmic mishaps on the street, and there is a perfect view from under the umbrella. The patented reinforced rib construction means the umbrella withstands up to 40mph winds without inverting. And it all collapses to a little 11" baton for easy transport.

As I prepare to head to New York at the end of the typically rainy April, I'll have to keep my eye open for this unique umbrella and see if it appears to be deflecting the rain in exemplary fashion. And if you haven't been to Mezzanine in Harmony Park yet, I highly suggest stopping by.

SAUL BASS and STAR WARS

2008-03-30T21:43:00.009-04:00

Check out this awesome re-imagining of the Star Wars opening credits in a the title style of Saul Bass. With a Buddy Rich soundtrack no less!

All we need now is a Martin Scorsese version of the script.

Ray Liotta [narrator]:
Now Han's got Jabba as a partner. Trouble with Gredo? He can go to Jabba. But he's gotta come up with Jabba's money every month! No matter what!

Hyperdrive on the Millenium Falcon break down? Fuck you, pay me.
Oh you got boarded by the Imperials? Fuck you, pay me.
Some old fossil and his snotty farm boy drag you into their galactic rebellion? Fuck you, pay me.

The MoMA PROHIBITS...

2008-03-20T17:23:00.014-04:00

Cigarette smoking. Mobile phones. Apples. Champagne.
[also: Champagne flutes]

MORE ICONS! On a recent trip to the MoMA in Manhattan, we noticed these hip icons denoting the items prohibited inside the museum. While they are certainly cool representations of cigarette smoking, mobile phones, food and drink, we found the last two amusing to interpret at will.

After going inside, we kept noticing the MoMA's icon-hipness throughout.

When I pointed out the male and female icons by the restrooms, Emily quickly noted that they were all "jaunty". You got your supermodel strides going to the lavatories, puttin' out fires with a mod extinguisher, and facilities that are Murderball/handicap accessible.

UPDATE: These icons were designed by Brooklyn designer, Kevin Dresser of Dresser Johnson in New York.

SHOWER the Third Nicholas

2008-03-12T21:24:00.005-04:00

A new invitation just completed for my friends Sara & Mark. This is an amalgam of my own design details and little fun from the pantheon of Wes Anderson production design. Sara and I adore the look of his films and related design so I thought it would be fun to work in.

And besides, you can't go awry with Futura.

Fun with FOLIOS

2008-03-12T19:18:00.005-04:00

About 11 months ago I started on a design odyssey. One that, in general, I detest: creating my portfolio. For the past 10 years I have been using vinyl-bound books of plastic sleeves. I'd tape samples and design work to the black, acid-free slip sheets and lug this ramshackle collection of JLD to interviews and such. And it did the job.

But poorly. Without any style at all. Shameful really.

Early last year, as the likelihood of a job search in New York City gradually became inevitable, I came to a somber truth. Taking this poor, vinyl-clad excuse for a designer's portfolio into interviews would be like shooting myself in the foot and then telling myself I wasn't bleeding to death. So after nearly a year of tinkering and experimenting; after a tedious search for the blessed vessel of my design; after agonizing over what at first seemed merely to be a collection of postcard flyers and business cards, my portfolio is finished.

Many thanks to Jim Piana, Dean Zoyes, and anyone else who provided feedback.

Let's CONVERSE at a DINER

2008-03-12T01:43:00.004-04:00

How many midnights have you spent in your local diner mulling over the latest round of client changes or that pesky creative block on a collateral design odyssey. Why not walk these dogs into your favorite greasy spoon, order a coffee, some bacon, and revel in the comfort of diner-honoring Chuck Taylors, complete with built in menu (menu graphic reflects 1950's pricing).

Mini PORTFOLIO

2008-03-07T00:22:00.005-05:00

In order to have a portable, leave-behind portfolio for my Manhattan job search I have been working with Dean Zoyes at Zoyes East Inc. in Ferndale to bring a portfolio design of mine to life. Seeking a degree of "wow-factor" I asked Dean to help me prepare these laser-cut collateral items.

The aluminum case and veneer business card will be the centerpieces for an 8-12 page mini-portfolio. I am producing an initial 10 pieces and may create more at a later date if necessary. When I hit the pavement running in New York next week I'll have this piece to leave with HR and creative directors.

I'll edit this post when I have the printed "pages" back from the printer.

Martin MILLER'S London Dry Gin

2008-03-01T17:30:00.001-05:00

What is more refreshing than a good gin? Cool and reviving in the summertime, elegant and hearty in the wintertime, gin has a year 'round character for me. I've tasted many excellent gins but one stands out to me purely for its winning ability to woo gin lovers and critics alike.

I was on a press check in 2005 when I spent a fair amount of press downtime in the care of my b+b's cozy, rustic bar. There I waxed alcoholic with a refreshingly knowledgeable barman who introduced me to a sublime new spirit. After ordering my standard Sapphire and tonic, we waxed alcoholic. We talked about the classics; Winston Churchill and Boodles, Casino Royale and Gordons. We chatted about the current marquis players; Sapphire, Tanq Ten. Gradually I could see he was making a case for a bottle he had up his sleeve. Out came Martin Miller's London Dry Gin.

Never heard of it? Me neither. Miller's has the apparently rare distinction of being batch distilled - like single-malt Scotch for example. The spirit is distilled in Great Britain and after is taken to Iceland where it is blended with the region's glacial waters. According to Miller's, the soft purity of the region's waters aids in the drinkability of the finished product.

He poured it neat for me to taste. I was blindsided. It has a bountiful bouquet for a gin. Floral, sweet, but complex with a make-up of several essences. My second glass I had on the rocks with no mixer. It's that smooth. (That's frequently how I pour it for the uninitiated.) The flavor derives from juniper of course, but includes a range of other ingredients like citrus, liquorice, and coriander. Imagine a silky, easy drinking spirit without the hard corners and eye-squinting finish of typical gins. This isn't a power-gin, it's more subtle, but the flavor is undeniable and unmistakable.

You can find Miller's London Dry Gin at Holiday Market in Royal Oak or wherever fine liquors are sold.

DESIGN 99 & Laith KARMO

2008-02-29T11:58:00.003-05:00

Design 99 is pleased to present their first solo exhibition: the sculptures of Laith Karmo. Please join them on Saturday, March 8th, from 6–10 PM for the artist's reception.

Also on display will be a lighting installation by Mitch Cope and Graem Whyte, vinyl artwork by Jeff Karolski, furniture and lighting from MAP, Peter Dunn, PLY Architecture and our Mid-Century Time Machine collection, not to mention all of Design 99’s greatest hits.

Design 99
10022 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212, 313'576'6941

SPOONBILL & SUGARTOWN Booksellers

2008-02-29T00:04:00.007-05:00

Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Every time I get off the L-Train at Bedford or Lorimer it happens. I know I'm supposed to be in this hamlet of hip but it always seems more like New York channeling my neighborhood in southern Hamtramck. Being a directionless Detroiter lost in the mysterious broadways of Brooklyn I had merely missed the mark. This month I finally found the strip as it were and toured W'burg's cafés and shoppes aplenty. This is a hipster hub to be sure and while I didn't think it was the end-all, I did make a splendid survey of Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers.

This fantastic(ally small) bookstore is a haven for the arts and culture book lover. S&S specializes in used, rare and new books on contemporary art, architecture and various design fields. What I found most delightful though, and their website makes note of this, was the serendipitous mix of odd finds and specialty publications. Over here is Paul Felton's The Ten Commandments of Typography. On this table over here is a selection of current and back issues of Cabinet magazine. On that shelf over there is a copy of J. Muller-Brockman's The Graphic Designer and His Design Problems. Everywhere I turned was something I admired or desired.

It was packed in there but it was worth it, even among the throngs of scenestery patrons. Stop by when in W'burg.
Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers
218 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211, Tel. 718.387.7322

REGIONAL RECEPTION Card

2008-02-29T00:00:00.002-05:00

Recently finished this little nugget for the Michigan Suburbs Alliance sponsored event that will coincide with the Brownfields 2008 conference being held here in Detroit, in May. I was please with how it came out.

Converse Mobile No. 1 (Emily)

2008-02-18T18:38:00.003-05:00

JAMIELATENDRESSE.com

2008-02-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

Please visit my newly designed website. There you will find a broad spectrum of my design and creative endeavors, with more to come. I welcome any feedback as well.

DETROIT TECHNO FOUNDATION Logo

2008-02-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

Paxahau contracted me to create the logotype for their new Detroit Techno Foundation. This is a custom typeface I created specifically for the DTF. I don't always use custom typefaces for my logo designs so it's always interesting when I get an opportunity to do one.

In this case, Paxahau really liked the custom typeface I'd used for one of the Detroit Techno shirts I did for Movement '06. The typeface on the t-shirt was a customized version of Eurostile from the Italian Nebiolo Foundry. (The modern-day font family can be found at the Linotype Foundry.) I basically took that same customized version and altered it completely. Changing character height and line thickness and replacing specific characters gave the typeface an entirely new, and original appearance.

Next on my plate for the DTF is a set a new t-shirt designs. Look for those in the next few weeks.

ROBOTS

2008-02-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love robots? My good friend Steve Sholtes brought the artwork of Eric Joyner to my attention.

Cantina Blues, Eric Joyner 2007

The bulk of Joyner's work is with tin robots, the toy kind. And donuts in many cases. Apparently robots love donuts. And why shouldn't they? It just proves what robot lovers like myself have always believed: robots are intelligent, and possess style and good taste.

Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't showcase the work of another of my favorite artists, Mr. Sholtes himself.

Meltor Attacks, Steve Sholtes 2007

Check out Steve's other work here.

What are we watching here, Kenny? Robots. - Mr. Mom (Michael Keaton)

SOLUTIONS FIRST Logo

2008-01-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

I recently completed a logo design for my client, Solutions First. The identity design went through several drafts, more than usual, but the end product is something I'm very pleased with. As is the client. Some of the early concepts are below and reveal the wide spectrum of ideas (though there were many, many more than this) that were considered before arriving at the final logo.

Solutions First wanted to express a couple things with their identity. They wanted something creative and not too conservative, but they also wanted to stay in the business ballpark (given that their mission is to provide sound financial direction for their clients). Initially the design focus for me was the word "first". Accentuating "First" would remind customers of the company's focus and priority, while giving me a wealth of options for creating the visual look of the logo. Eventually as I went through various designs it became clear that expressing the whole name visually was the key. The trick was finding a visual icon for "Solutions". I landed on the puzzle imagery. This particular representation of the cube gave me a way to keep the logo modern and to incorporate the "1".

From Round 1:

From Round 2:

From Round 3:

The Mini JUNKTRUNK

2008-01-25T15:08:00.000-05:00

Everybody seen the MINI Clubman? I have to say, it is ugly. I'm not sure why the added dimensions bother me so. But they bother me. It's just a peculiar looking car suddenly. Medium Mini. Semi Mini. Mini-ish. Hm.

Expensive AIR indeed

2008-01-18T09:46:00.001-05:00

The Apple Air is a mystery to me. Ok it's thin. Amazingly thin. It's lightweight, durable, high-end technology. Very cool.

Here's the thing I don't get. It's smaller than a MacBook, has virtually no expandability, less memory capacity, no optical drive, no ports save one USB, can't run a second monitor, and is $700 more than the cheapest MacBook. (From $1800-3100). I get that it's an amazing tool, and probably the first step in an ever-innovating stroll toward more amazing tools.

Yet these amazing tools are what people like me need for our work and our creative endeavors. We don't use them as little toys that "make computing fun". They're tools that streamline our work, intuitively mesh with our creative processes, and keep us sane by cutting out hassles that inhibit PC users. They are tools, first and foremost.

And we are raped in order to possess them. Why isn't the might of Apple creativity being used to create this technology at a lower price? Do we need ultra-thin before we need slightly-affordable? We've been supporting Apple's incredible string of expensive innovation for years and I keep waiting for them (with their stock at $160.89/share as of 1/17/08) to give its die-hard, almost cult-like users and supporters something of a break.

Hit that $999 laptop price point. Hit it with a machine that does more than store my photos and music. Give us a great tool at a great price. That's the innovation I want to see. We've earned it many times over.

Mark Nicholas and his PERVERSIONS

2008-01-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

Next week will see the release of a new remix collection from my friend and client Mark Nicholas. His album "Perversions" will feature a selection of tracks from both incarnations of his music; Cosmicity and Mark Nicholas respectively. It also includes some excellent new material.

The design for this album was born of some 3 or 4 initial concepts I did for his review. Mark had pretty much given me the go ahead to do what I liked for this album. At the onset I was going to do something very minimal but the album's title pushed me in other directions. Below are some of the early ideas I generated.

In addition to the above designs was what would come to be the final layout for the album sleeve: a retro-inspired, worn album cover. Because this was a limited pressing, Mark chose to package it in a simple cardboard sleeve. That sleeve lent itself perfectly to a worn LP record sleeve look. In addition I tried to choose imagery and iconography that would contrast "perversions" as much as possible. A homey quilt, retro recording label graphics and layout, etc. I scanned in a number of old record sleeves to obtain some of the "wear and tear" for the design. Here's the final layouts:

This is perhaps one my best album designs to date in my opinion. I really enjoyed how this came together. Certainly the design gift I presented to my friends Peter & Katie Pasque after their wedding was practice for this design. However in this usage, I think the retro-imagery has a new, additional layer of depth to it.

FLICKR/SCHMAP!

2007-12-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

Flickr users may be familiar with Schmap. Schmap is an online travel and destination guide that happens to mine Flickr users' photos for their online imagery. It's pretty cool. They search tagged photos on Flickr looking for imagery of the destinations and travel services they list. Once they've pooled relevant photos they contact the respective photographers and request that they submit those photos for use in the Schmap online guide. Final photos are selected by Schmap and the photographer gets a credit on the page. It's a great example of using networking sites like Flickr as legitimate design resources.

The above photo they chose from my Flickr set of shots from the Pod Hotel (né The Pickwick Arms Hotel) where I did a few setups in our room. I had thrown in a PowerBook as a prop and the composition must have caught their eye.