design Blog Review

traditional

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/nine-stylish-ways-banish-powercord-clutter

This blog shows a number of new designs for powercord that break the traditional ugly mold. I think when consumers buy a powercord the would ultimately  like it to have the added attribute of organization. Unfortunately the regular powercord treat organization and appeal as an afterthought. Above are a few examples of the new design approach that combines function and aesthetics! 

http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2009/05/guerlain-rouge-g-lipstick.html

This blog shows the new Guerlain lipstick packaging designed by Lorenz Bäume. This stood out to me not only because as a cosmetic consumer I think its brilliant but also because it relates to the first Law of Simplicity: Reduce from the book Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda. This law simply states that its important to reduce the physical size of a product and give the the consumer more in a smaller product. This does exactly that, the consumer gets a mirror and her lipstick in one small package. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/business/media/25yorker.html

This article talks about this weeks cover of the New Yorker magazine by artist Jeorge Colombo via IPhone. Colombo used the Brushes application to draw this typical New York scene of people gathering near a street corner hot dog stand. The flaws of the technology lend itself to the painting giving it a more dreamy look rather than bitmap and technological. This application is great for designers with IPhones allowing them to have a sketch pad on them with out having to carry a spiral bound black book and pencil. This also brings a new level to design and the ability  to use technology to speed up the process through convenience. Is this always a good thing? Im sure many designers who started when there were no computers would argue not to disregard the pen and paper approach.

Design Blog Review

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/cartography_hits_the_digital_age_awesome_warped_map_of_manhattan_13603.asp

This blog talks about the evolution of cartography in mapping Manhattan. It has been a challenge for cartographers to show the scale and three dimensionality of the Island. The newest digital evolution has been created by Schulze & Webb, London based designers.This warped map allows a map user to see where they are in the city  and through the city to where they want to go. When asked why they designed the map as such their response was, "Because the ability to be in a city and to see through it is a superpower, and it's how maps should work."

Design Blog Review

http://www.core77.com/blog/cartoons/coretoon_greenwash_13600.asp

This cartoon addresses the problem of Global Warming and Green Washing. It is very interesting to me how "being green" has become somewhat of a trend. With most trends their aim is to look or act in a cool way. This cartoon shows how the trend has gone into design and marketing. Even if the consumer doesn't have the good intentions behind buying a green product, package design can help give the appearance that they do.

Design Blog Review

 
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/05/nostalgia-is-a-basic-human-emotion.html
This blog talks about the importance of nostalgia in design and marketing. One example discussed is the brand that built their whole brand image based on it, Kodak. I too believe nostalgia should not be overlooked when marketing a product because of its power. As for design I believe its important to use discretion when using nostalgic type faces, images, treatments, and language. If used appropriately it produce great design but if not results can become kitschy.
The example I chose above is of good use of nostalgia paralleling Saks' call to action, "I want it!" campaign with old propaganda spirit in Constructivist design. Designs by Shepard Fairey

Above it is an example of not great nostalgia design for a novelty band aide product.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/fashion/28RETOUCH.html?pagewanted=2&8dpc&_r=1
This article discusses the "problem" of retouching in the media. The main discussion is on the negative impact magazine and promotional photographs have had on the audience's self esteem. Retouching can be as little as evening out a skin tone to as more complex elongating limbs and piecing together a new human from several different photos. An interesting proposal has been brought to light in France asking all magazines to list the extent to which the photos are retouched. While this law hasn't been passed it would certainly be a more provocative issue than seeing all the models fixed up.

http://emprnt.com/theshelf/never-sleep-graduating-to-graphic-design
This post is an interview of with the authors of the new book Never Sleep by Andre Andreev and Dan Covert. It describes the book which is a very interesting, and to me, relevant topic. The book is a semi-guide to gaining employment after graduating in the Graphic Design field. The book is unique in that is describes the big disconnect new designers feel when they leave school and join the work force. This is makes it more personal and relatable.

Design Blog Review

http://grainedit.com/2009/05/15/paul-sych-faith/#more-2302
This is a really cool entry about breaking the mold of type design. This type of design doesnt only use existing type faces. The designer Paul Sych challenges type design by creating his own. Its fun and full of personality.

Design Blog Review

http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2009/05/smartfood-popcorn-clusters.html
This blog article discusses the design of Frito Lays new Smart Food product line. It is interesting to hear the reasoning and marketing decision behind the package graphics. I agree with the article in that the use if the beautifully designed ampersand is appropriate for their target market and emphasizes the products competitive advantage; indulgence & health benefits.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/arts/design/15neto.html?_r=1
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/05/12/arts/10090512_NETO_SLIDESHOW_index.html
Ernesto Neto’s “anthropodino”
After reading this article in the NYT I went to check out Ernesto Neto's installation in the Park Avenue Armory. Interactive art is always a refreshing experience because it adds another level to your interpretation of the art and the total experience. It is interesting to listen to other peoples converstations while playing in the satellite portions and while walking though the main tent. Just thinking about how they managed to put the whole net like piece together is miraculous on its own!

Design Blog Review

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2009/05/bad_time_to_gra.html

Bad Times To Graduate For Creatives--Let's Change That by: Bruce Nussbaum May 16
This article is scary and brilliant all at once. Yes we are going through an economic crisis right now and who can really predict when it will end? But Nussbaum also sees a silver lining and what he suggests to Mayors and I think every smart business should listen to is that they take advantage of young talent. This is a great way to get fresh creative for a reasonable price and an fantastic opportunity for new talent to be used and discovered. It's a win win!

Design Blog Review

http://www.core77.com/gallery/photos_search.asp?album_id=80&context_id=1&page_no=1
As I entered the world of graphic design studies it look what seems like less than a minute to realize how important typography is! Every day since its been in my face 24/7. Its kind of like that strange thing tha happens when you learn a new word and suddenly you start hearing it everywhere. Now everything I read and everywhere I look words have a new meaning, its not only what they are saying but how they are saying it visually. This blog slide show is a preview of the Berlin Museum of Letters. When I can I try to find exhibits to see that have typography as an element but I think its a great idea to have a whole museum dessicated to letters.

Design Blog Review

http://www.core77.com/blog/book_reviews/book_review_new_skateboard_graphics_by_j_namdev_hardisty_13032.asp
I always found the relationship between skaters and designers very interesting. Skate boards are a great medium for any artists work and graphic arts have really become popular with the sport. I think it all really comes down to a common denominator of self expression. The designers create these amazing patterns that express their creative vision and the skater chooses the one that relates to their personality the most. This blog article talks about a book, New Skateboard Graphics by Hardisty, that showcases the art of skateboard graphics. Some Skate board graphics can really be collected and displayed as art.

A link to the Power Point presentation on the development of the Social Networking Site for Petticoat http://www.slideshare.net/karensalomon/petticoat

Social Networking Refernce

Millennial Reference Sites

Existing Site