AMERICAN SYMBOLS: From Lady Liberty to the Stars and Stripes

The Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco is showing American Symbols: From Lady Liberty to the Stars and Stripes. This show explores the collection of Kit Hinrichs the renowned graphic designer and partner at Pentagram, San Francisco. The collection consists of a graphical history of the flag and seal of the USA as its used in design, folk art and craft. This intriguing collection of objects shows America from the patriotic such as flag quilts to the commercial with Campbell’s Soups advertising. Celebration and pride are show along with period of protest through the symbols of Americana. Kit’s collection is wonderful to observe and shows the many mediums that are used to show the symbols of America over time. If you are in the San Francisco area go check out this exhibit. It is showing now until August 3 at the MOCFA.

Signs From Above

I was recently back up in San Francisco for the weekend. What a beautiful city. I explored the Ferry Building this time. I found numerous small food stores within. This I expected but the unexpected was a beautiful renovation of this historic building. From a graphics point of view, I saw these wonderful signs for each of the shops. The signs where all well designed and hung above the portals of the stores. Each one was individual and gregarious. If you get a chance to visit the Ferry Building in SF, make sure you look up. You will be happy with the signs from above.

The Big Word Project

Have you ever wanted to say you own a word? Now is your chance at The Big Word Project. You can select a word, buy it then have it link to your website. The Big Word Project has been featured in Wired and many other outlets. So far over 5,000 words have been sold at a $1 per letter. Select here to see if your favorite word is still available. I just had to buy "anew".

Potential BAD Changes to Copyright Law with Orphan Works Amendments

There is currently a bill going through both the House and Senate that will change copyright law as we know it. This proposed change is titled the Orphan Works amendment. Currently when we draw an idea it is ours and it is copyrighted the minute we complete it. We own that copyright and it is ours. Under the new change that is proposed, copyright infringers would be excused from significant damages if they can prove they made a "diligent effort" to locate the copyright owner before they used our work. What a "diligent effort" is has not been explained in the law and will force the setting up of a database of some sort by the government. I believe we all know how well this will work. I urge everyone to read more about this at a NY Times op-ed here and read about the law directly here for the Senate bill and here for the House bill. On both of these prior sites you can contact your Senators and House Reps to let them know how you fell about this potential change to current copyright law. We as designers and artist need to take a stand and protect our vocations.

Legs, Legs and More Legs

If you love legs look at this Print Magazine article by Steven Heller on the "A Frame" Layout. Examples are show from book covers to records to film posters. The article has a link also to a Flickr slideshow. To view the article click here.

Political Election Logos

What is more red then blue and sometimes white or green? Check out this collection of political election logos put together by logoblink.com. They span from 1960 until today. To view the complete collection click here.

Rauschenberg Video

A short video on Robert Rauschenberg as he talks about one of his famous pieces. Enjoy.

Tiffany Lamp for Only 1 cent

Last week the price of postage went up to .42. To add the penny you will now need to mail a letter you can buy a Tiffany Lamp stamp for a penny. What a bargain. Who would believe you could get a Tiffany Lamp for a penny? I wish we could find a real Tiffany Lamp for any reasonable price today.

Book of the Week #5 > c/id - Visual Identity and Branding for the Arts

This weeks book is c/id Visual Identity and Branding for the Arts by Angus Hyland and Emily King. c/id stands for Cultural Identity. This book explores identity and branding systems for museums, theatres, and galleries. c/id looks at cultural facilities from around the world. Examples are explored from MoMA in Queens, Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Globe Theatre in London, to the Vitra Design Museum in Germany to name a few. The images and photos are both well done and well explained. Each example tells a story about the unique projects for the branding systems. You will find this book to show current solutions to cultural identities that will inspire you. To get a copy go to this link.

Dwell Design Conference

Dwell Magazine is holding the Dwell on Design Conference in LA this June. The show will be June 5th-8th at the LA Convention Center. It looks like it should be a good show. For a discount, use Code ADODED for the exhibition. For more information go to the website.

Robert Rauschenberg Dies at 82 (1925-2008)

Robert Rauschenberg helped to shape the world of art and design. He died Monday night of heart failure. Mr. Rauschenberg’s work was inspiring. He was a driving force in the creation of Abstract Expressionism. Mr. Rauschenberg’s work explored painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking. His works often featured his legendary texture and collage techniques. I saw a show of his works a few years back at LACMA. It explored his poster designs. It was a wonderful show that showed the printmaking experience at it greatest depths. Mr. Rauschenberg inspired me as a designer. The NY Times has a great article on Robert Rauschenberg’s life and influence. Mr. Rauschenberg’s work and inventiveness will be missed.

Pick Your Label

I saw this ad recently in the LA Times Magazine. It is for a wine. The interesting point is they are offering the wine in 12 different labels with the same variety of wine. You can pick the label you like best. This is a new direction for wine labels. The label design may not be the best but it will give the product additional shelf presence in an already crowded market. I also like the option of giving the consumer a choice in label. It help to personalize the product which is something we are always striving towards.

1/2 Hr. Photos

I observed today that the One Hour Photo has gotten faster now. It only takes a 1/2 Hour now. Life is moving so fast these days.

Art Auction - Huntington Beach Art Center

I have four photos that will be in the annual fundraiser for the Huntington Beach Art Center. I am showing a group of photos from my Bridge Series #1. The art auction will start this Friday, May 9th with a free meet the artists, hors d'oeuvres and wine reception from 7pm to 9pm. The silent bidding will continue all week ending on May 16th with a live auction, martinis and food from 7pm until 9:30pm. Tickets for the May 16th event are available at the HBAC. Come out and enjoy this fun event showing your support for this great local art center. For more information click here.

Tales, Toys & Tales Art Show > Mike Tracy

My dear friend and fellow instructor, Mike Tracy has a show currently running at the San Luis Obispo Art Center in San Luis Obispo, CA. The show "Tales, Toys & Tales" opened last month and continues until May25th. I have come to love Mike's work for its passion and stories. Mike's painting are powerful and expressive. They challenge the mind to open, to explore, to ponder, to enjoy. To see more of Mike's work go to his website. If you are in the San Luis Obispo area go check it out. Mike also got some great press in the local paper. See the article here. Mike tells me he was also interviewed for the local NPR. I will put up the podcast link when I get it.

The Start of Fire Season

In Southern California this past Saturday, the first major fire of the year started in the Sierra Madre area of Los Angeles County. I went up on Sunday as a captain on a Strike Team to help with its containment. I got back on Tuesday after a long 48 hours just in time to teach. Usually we don't have to worry about fire for a few months but if this is a sign of things to come, we are in for a long season.

The End of A Day

This past weekend started out warm for LA. It was in the mid 90s so I decided to head for the beach where it is a little cooler on Saturday. I ended up in the Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates area of the county. I found this beautiful sunset to end the day then it was off to dinner. The beautiful design of nature must be observed to refresh us as designers.

Book of the Week #4 > Graphic Design – A New History by Stephen J. Eskilson

Graphic Design – A New History covers our trade in a well written 464 pages. This history of graphics covers it all from the origins of the craft to contemporary design. Graphic Design – A New History by Stephen J. Eskilson explains each area of design in wonderful detail and makes a great basis for understanding how graphics has evolved especially over the last 100 years or so. The chapters cover Art Nouveau, Art Deco, The Bauhaus, Revolution Design, The International Style, Postmodernism, and Contemporary Graphics to name a few. This book is full of wonder examples that are large and easy to see. The attention to details in the history helps you to understand how each movement relates to the other. Graphic Design – A New History is a great update to the Meggs books that most of us grew up using. It is only by know where we came from that we can know where we are going. I highly recommend picking this up.

Six Tips to ALWAYS Do - Digital Portfolio

Last week Core 77 had several tips on what not to do in a digital portfolio. (See earlier post) This week is what to ALWAYS do. Check it out here.

It's EARTH DAY - 2 Ways to Help

I believe we need to act wisely for the future of those to come. This Earth Day check out these two great ways to help make a difference. It is the small act that can make a big difference.

WE CAN SOLVE IT
There mission is to Help bring the Global Warming Issues to the public for-front. Founded by former VP Al Gore, We Can Solve It is getting backing from many fronts including some of our leading politicians, finally. Check out the site, see what you can do, and sign up.

THE DESIGNERS ACCORD
The Designers Accord is a coalition of designers, educators, researchers, engineers, business consultants, and corporations, who are working together to create positive environmental and social impact. Join them and help to provide and educate on "green" solutions for the design industry.

Book of the Week #3 > Print and Production Finishes for Promotional Items by Scott Witham

This week's book, Print and Production Finishes for Promotional Items by Scott Whitham is full of exciting ideas. This book showcases over a 100 examples of "bells and whistles" that we can use in the productions of our designs. Print and Production Finishes for Promotional Items is broken down into sections such as Formats, Folding and Binding, Specialist Printing and Finishing and Sealing. Each example is photographed, explains the finish, gives the design studio and website and the printer for reference. The layout is well done and inspiring. Pick this book up if you are looking to add that "extra" in your next design.

Happy Passover

Yehuda Matzos is my favorite this time of year. Try it with butter and honey. Happy Passover!

Six Tips to Never Do - Digital Portfolio

Core77 has a few tips on what not to do when designing your digital website portfolio. It is informative and keeps it real. Happy reading and click here to view the article.

The Rather Difficult Font Game

The Rather Difficult Font Game test your knowledge of fonts. Give it a try, I scored a 31/34. Must have missed the comic sans. Click here to have a go.

Book of the Week #2 > The Layout Look Book, Max Weber

The Layout Look Book written by Max Weber is a great new book published in 2007. The book is broken down into several sections that include: Magazine, Book, Poster, Music and Miscellaneous. The work and projects presented in this book are fresh and current. It covers works from around the world. The designs shown range in style and the book inspires. If you are looking for a book that covers layout and is fresh, add this one to your design library.

Stefan Sagmeister Video

The film crew at Hillman Curtis have released a video about Stefan's gallery show last month in SOHO based on "Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far." You can see several of the works that are included in his book. The video also included brief words by other great designer that where at the opening for the show including Milton Glaser, Debbie Millman, and Massimo Vignelli. The video is well produced as has been done in the past by Hillman Curtis. (be sure to check out their other short videos too) Watch and enjoy the video by clicking this link.

Book of the Week #1 > Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far, Stefan Sagmeister

This latest book by Stefan Sagmeister is wonderful. It is based on thoughts he noted in his diary during a yearlong studio sabbatical in 2000. Some of the thoughts included “Everything I do always comes back to me”, “Trying to look good limits my life”, “Helping other people helps me” and “Everybody always thinks they are right”. When he returned to the studio he had clients ask him to “just design”. He went back to his diary and started to visually show his thoughts. All the designs where commissioned by his clients. The book is a series of these thoughts shown through photos of the final piece and an explanation of the project. The book design is made up of folios that you can read then placed behind the cover to create a new cover. The design of the book is wonderful. It is not a “how to” design book but a book that lets you understand one of our great designers working today. I had the chance to meet Stefan last August while taking a class from Milton Glaser. He presented this series. Stefan is a wonderful person, full of passion, and I hope he continues to push the boundaries between art and design.

Polaroid Coming To An End

The end of an era is soon approaching. Polaroid is going to stop making its instant film this year. I venture to say that most us grew up with the Polaroid photo.

I remember as a kid going to my grandparents home for holidays and birthday and out would come the camera. My grandfather had the large fold out kind you can see above. I wish now it had not gotten thrown out years ago. We would all stand close for the photo, the flash would blind us, he would pull out the film, his model had a fancy timer that buzzed after the 60 or 90 seconds you had to wait, then the peeling back to reveal the photo. I would rush over to see it being careful not to touch the image since it still was drying. Those photos would get placed on frames in front of last years “professional” school photos. Some how the Polaroid was always better. My dad continued this tradition after my grandfather passed away. He would bring his Polaroid to all the family events, vacations and activities. He would take the photos and give them to all in attendance. At the time I was a bit older and it seemed embarrassing but looking at those old Polaroids now I am glad they where taken. My dad loved to pass them around and watch the reactions they gave. You had the only copy, the one and only. In today’s age of digital pixels, with copies sent on email and on CD, having the one and only copy seems well, special.

Polaroid announced it is making film that should get everyone through 2008 but after that the era ends. Some are trying to keep instant photos alive at savepolaroid.com. For now, stock up on your film and after that, I guess we will have to add the Polaroid border to our digital photos to kinda keep the tradition alive.

Winter 2008 Portfolio Show

Today marked the end of the quarter for my Graphic Design Portfolio students at the Art Institute of California - Orange County. They presented their portfolios and displays to the public, family, friends and potential employers. I would like to wish them all the best in the future and thank them for all the great projects they have produced. I know they put in many long hours over the past few years. Keep up the hard work and keep pushing yourselves. I hope your passion for design continues to grow in the years to come. Congratulations on completing this first stage in your design careers. Good luck!!

The NEW Color of Money

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing is issuing a “NEW” design for the $5 Bill today. The “NEW” $5 Bill will have many of the features we have seen in the past such watermarks and security threads. You will notice a second watermark is added in this new bill to go with the enhanced portrait of Abraham Lincoln but the most notable change is a LARGE 5 on the back of the bill in purple. The USBEP calls this the Low-Vision Feature. “The large, easy-to-read number "5" in the lower right corner on the back of the bill, which helps those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination, is now enlarged in the new $5 bill design and printed in high-contrast purple ink.”

I am not sure who is making the design decisions in Washington DC these days. This new Low-Vision feature is just ugly. Take a look at the purple color, the scale and sans serif font choice of the 5. I think a black would have worked for the 5. I know green would have worked (a dark green for contrast of course). Some how I am also sure the scale issue could have been resolved so the visually impaired could still see a 5. How about a font that compliments the currency’s design and does not look like it was cut and pasted from a Euro bill? I remember when U.S. currency was known as “green backs”. Maybe I am dating myself with that term and will be thankful for the new design when my vision fails for the LARGE PURPLE backed 5. Until then, I hope this design will not bring the dollar down further on the world market. I was hoping for a trip to Europe soon.