Laurie, Author at Laurie Smithwick

etch a sketch?

By Lauriecaught my eye, design2 Comments

I mean, sure the double knob thing was sorta frustrating on the original Etch A Sketch. Diagonals were challenging, and curves were nearly impossible. But that was part of the charm, right? And it was also what separated it from, say, a Magna Doodle (which didn’t exist in my childhood). Or those static-lift drawing pads, which could not have been more annoying. So now they’ve replaced the knobs with a trackball, eh? And they’re calling it Etch A Sketch freestyle? Frankly, I’m not sure what to think. You? (Thanks sub-studio design blog)

January 19, 2010

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haiti, one week later

By Lauriehistory, news, photos, save the worldOne Comment

Haiti remains a place of profound need, anguish, desperation and danger, with a few glimmers of hope and slowly growing capabilities to receive and distribute the international aid now flowing in. Sporadic looting, sometimes violent, was met with force by security officials and ordinary citizens, resulting in a number of further deaths and injuries. The tenuous security situation has led to at least one temporary evacuation of a medical facility, to protect the care-givers. Despite the long time since the earthquake, at least five people were pulled from the rubble alive this weekend, including a young girl trapped inside a…

January 19, 2010

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what type are you?

By Laurieclever, design, thought provoking, typography6 Comments

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!)

January 19, 2010

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logorama

By Lauriecaught my eye, design, video

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)

January 18, 2010

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diy lens cap saver

By Laurieclever, design, make something, photosNo Comments

Got an empty shampoo bottle and some free time? Why not make yourself this fantastic lens cap holder for your camera! New-to-me inventor Benvelo has provided templates and step-by-step instructions for you to DIY. It’s a little on the complicated side, but with super cool results. Heck. You can even make it cute. Find the complete project here. (Thanks Wired Gadgets, via DIYPhotography.net)

January 18, 2010

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delurk

By Laurieannouncing, design9 Comments

My friend Aimee Greeblemonkey told me today was National Delurking Day. This means that you — the person reading but not commenting on my many, witty, interesting posts — need to let me know you’re out there and say hi. And since Aimee went to all the trouble to create that creepy flasher guy graphic above, I think it’s the least you could do to honor her (and Rude Cactus) and participate, right? The thing is, although I love writing and finding cool things to share with you even if you just look and read and move on, it sure helps,…

January 14, 2010

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valentype

By Lauriecaught my eye, design, typographyNo Comments

I love how plush and bursty this Valentype is from House Industries. The whole font looks just like that plump sumptuous heart. And it comes on 6×8 solid maple blocks. Yummy. I’d like the whole red set please. It would look great in the LEAP office.

January 14, 2010

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social media infographics

By Lauriecaught my eye, color, design, infographicsNo Comments

Found these on Kirtsy this week. Interesting, and sometimes beautiful, infographics related to Social Media. Form? Check. Function? Check. I love it when information is well designed. See more here.

January 12, 2010

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altitude design summit

By Laurieannouncing, conferences, designNo Comments

I’m a little late, as usual, but I finally bought my tickets to the alt summit and I am so freakin excited! Have you looked at the speaker list lately? Holy cow it just goes on and on and on with awesome. And I’m lucky enough to be speaking too! Moderating, actually. A panel about designing online and its inherent challenges. Where do we even begin? The bloggers and designers and tastemakers that are coming to this conference kinda make my mouth hang open with awe, like the neighbor kid in The Incredibles watching Mr. Incredible pick up his car….

January 12, 2010

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polaroid!

By Laurieannouncing, design, photos, retro vintage ephemera2 Comments

So I loved seeing the photos of all the cool CES gadgets flying around the internets all week. But this one made my jaw drop. Then I jumped out of my chair. New Polaroid cameras! That will work with Polaroid instant film! Have you heard of The Impossible Project? If not, go to that link and read. And be sure to click through the pictures and read the captions. It’s an amazing story about how Polaroid Instant Film is being resurrected. The film is supposed to be available in February. I assume the cameras will be ready to go then too?…

January 11, 2010

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