Hey kids! Not sure if you noticed or not, but I haven’t been here in a while. My 365 project got derailed a little bit. First it was because I was busy. Then it was because I was actually spending a lot more time away from my screen. Then I got busy again, and somewhere along the way, I decided to let myself off the hook and pick it back up when I had the wherewithal. Or not. We’ll see. Meanwhile… I thought it might be time for another story about something I stepped away from the screen and made….
I’ve been teaching design classes for my friends over at Alt Channel for about a year now. They’re one of my very favorite things, and, if you haven’t already, I hope you get to participate in one someday. For those of you who took my Graphic Design for Bloggers 201 class, here are some resources for you. Color: Smashing Magazine’s incredibly detailed and thorough series on Color Theory — Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color Color Theory For Designers, Part 2: Understanding Concepts And Terminology Color Theory for Designer, Part 3: Creating Your Own Color Palettes…
Having a hard time deciding if you should do that project for free? Now you can consult this extremely handy flowchart from the oh so great Jessica Hische. When I first visited I thought it was just going to be another well-designed, funny infographic. Which would have been great too. But as it turns out, it’s actually really helpful. Much to my surprise, Jessica agrees that there are times you should work for free. And the chart explains exactly when and why. Very smart. Check it out here. (Thanks for the heads up, Liquid Treat.)
Speaking as a lady (by genetics if not by behavior), I have to admit that I honestly appreciate a kind show of Gentlemanliness. Not that I need men to fall all over themselves fawning over me, but a door opened, nonchalantly but purposefully? Truly lovely. So when I stumbled today upon The Rules of a Gentleman, I was instantly charmed. One tip per day. So minimal. So well-designed with classic, old newspaper typography and styles. And so well written, straightforward, with a funny aside for each one. Enchanting. Please share with all the Gentlemen you know. And for what it’s…
This quiz from the mighty Pentagram has been cruising speedily around the interwebs, so if you’ve already done it, please share your type with us in the comments. If you haven’t, turn your speakers on and go find out what type you are. Then come back and tell us. (Edited to add: password is Character) I’m Van Doesburg. A creatively structural typeface designed by Theo Van Doesburg, an architect from the De Stijl era. (Thanks Debbie!)
Logorama by H5 is an short animated film about a world made entirely of logos and trademarks. The Pringles man drives a truck, the green and red dots in the Stop & Shop logo are actually stop lights, and Microsoft butterflies flutter across the screen. The plot sounds like an LA shoot-em-up (between the Michelin man and Ronald MacDonald), and from a visual standpoint, I can’t wait to see it. Check out the trailer here. Information about the film here. (Thanks Design Observer)
Fantastic snarky letter to James Cameron over at pr*tty sh*tty. Font snobs rejoice! (Thanks Adam)