The Lustigs: A Cover Story features nearly 500 of Alvin Lustig and Elaine Lustig Cohen's book, magazine and catalog covers designed and illustrated between 1933 and 1961.

App to the Future challenges designers to imagine an app for Windows Phone that helps create, connect or delight your future self.

The Design Museum will open its permanent collection on January 30, 2013, revealing intriguing insights in the most exceptional of everyday objects.

Burgopak have recently teamed up with leading design agency BERG to design and produce the packaging for their first connected product, Little Printer.

Wallpaper* Magazine's 'Next Generation' January 2013 issue, showcasing the best and brightest of tomorrow's emerging talent, is on stands today.

Bloomberg Businessweek Design 2013 will gather together the world's top designers and creative executives to present, discuss, mingle, show off, and perhaps learn something about how to make the world better, smarter, cooler, and more innovative.

Leading Norwegian baby brand Stokke has just launched two, new innovative strollers designed in collaboration with Permafrost.

Adobe has today released Lightroom 4.3 and Camera Raw 7.3, adding HiDPI support within the Lightroom Library and Develop modules.

Fjord has released its annual trends predictions, showcasing 10 trends that will shape digital services in 2013.

The Happy Show offers visitors the experience of walking into the designer's mind as he attempts to increase his happiness via mediation, cognitive therapy, and mood-altering pharmaceuticals.

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Wink: Instantly Share Your Photos With Friends So They Stop Bugging You" href="http://gizmodo.com/app-of-the-day/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">appoftheday</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5967645/wink-instantly-share-your-photos-with-friends-so-they-stop-bugging-you" title="Click here to read Wink: Instantly Share Your Photos With Friends So They Stop Bugging You"> <img alt="Click here to read Wink: Instantly Share Your Photos With Friends So They Stop Bugging You" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18820j7rv2do7png/original.png" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Wink: Instantly Share Your Photos With Friends So They Stop Bugging You" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> E<em>mail me that photo. Hey don't forget to Facebook those pictures.</em> That kind of nagging you hear over and over from your friends gets annoying. But if you all download <a href="http://winktheapp.com/">Wink</a>, then they no longer have a reason to beg you to post your pics. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5967645/wink-instantly-share-your-photos-with-friends-so-they-stop-bugging-you" title="Click here to read more about Wink: Instantly Share Your Photos With Friends So They Stop Bugging You">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/2694fa13/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883355872/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2694fa13/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883355872/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2694fa13/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883355872/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2694fa13/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/R-TTe6slShU" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read You Can Buy Original Art From the Woman Who Ruined That Jesus Portrait" href="http://gizmodo.com/ebay/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">ebay</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968317/you-can-buy-original-art-from-the-woman-who-ruined-that-jesus-portrait" title="Click here to read You Can Buy Original Art From the Woman Who Ruined That Jesus Portrait"> <img alt="Click here to read You Can Buy Original Art From the Woman Who Ruined That Jesus Portrait" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1889bfp7xm2cvjpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read You Can Buy Original Art From the Woman Who Ruined That Jesus Portrait" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> Monkey Jesus lady, you gave us one of our favorite things of 2012: the botched restoration of a 19th century fresco called "Ecce Homo" in an old Spanish church. If you, too, are a fan of the work of Cecilia Gímenez, here's some welcome news: You can buy her <a href="http://www.ebay.es/itm/CUADRO-DE-Cecilia-Gimenez-Restaurado-del-Ecce-Homo-/261141247968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_186&amp;hash=item3ccd3b37e0%C2%A3ht_886wt_1156#ht_914wt_1068">original art on eBay</a>. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968317/you-can-buy-original-art-from-the-woman-who-ruined-that-jesus-portrait" title="Click here to read more about You Can Buy Original Art From the Woman Who Ruined That Jesus Portrait">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26947e51/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883466786/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947e51/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883466786/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947e51/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883466786/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947e51/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/pWf_dKOe6qs" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Organize Your Desk With a Boat" href="http://gizmodo.com/daily-desired/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">dailydesired</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968279/organize-your-desk-with-a-boat" title="Click here to read Organize Your Desk With a Boat"> <img alt="Click here to read Organize Your Desk With a Boat" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18894x4fm2e5njpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Organize Your Desk With a Boat" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> You should see my desk. It's a goddamn nightmare explosion of pens, business cards, empty coffee cups, and random crap. These modular <a href="http://mocoloco.com/fresh2/2012/12/10/desktructure-by-hector-serrano.php?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+mocoloco/KGTY+(MoCo+Loco)">Desktructure Organizers</a> would more than do the job of sprucing things up. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968279/organize-your-desk-with-a-boat" title="Click here to read more about Organize Your Desk With a Boat">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/269445e9/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883550192/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269445e9/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883550192/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269445e9/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883550192/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269445e9/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/5v1h-7Kfp-w" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Are There Any Side Effects of Masturbation?" href="http://gizmodo.com/sex-science-fact/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">sexsciencefact</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968314/are-there-any-side-effects-of-masturbation" title="Click here to read Are There Any Side Effects of Masturbation?"> <img alt="Click here to read Are There Any Side Effects of Masturbation?" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1889bbn7ohuzmjpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Are There Any Side Effects of Masturbation?" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> The most common "side effects" of masturbation are ejaculation (mostly among men, but sometimes among women); relief of boredom; fun; pleasure; relief of tension; easier time falling asleep; relaxation; and general happiness. No, you are not going to go blind. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968314/are-there-any-side-effects-of-masturbation" title="Click here to read more about Are There Any Side Effects of Masturbation?">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26947707/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883465730/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947707/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883465730/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947707/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883465730/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26947707/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/wwwI9iUMLtc" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read The Most Important Laptops of 2012" href="http://gizmodo.com/best-of-2012/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">bestof2012</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5967988/the-most-important-laptops-of-2012/gallery/" title="Click here to read The Most Important Laptops of 2012"> <img alt="Click here to read The Most Important Laptops of 2012" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1885mha3nmiq1jpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read The Most Important Laptops of 2012" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> 2012 was a big year for laptops. Windows 8 came along with its touch-centric worldview, Intel kept plugging away on its ultrabook crusade, and Apple finally started pumping out Retina MacBooks. Here's our list of the most important machines of the year.<!-- %JUMP:More &#187;% --> <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5967988/the-most-important-laptops-of-2012/gallery/" title="Click here to read more about The Most Important Laptops of 2012">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26942041/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883374283/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26942041/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883374283/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26942041/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883374283/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26942041/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/hglil-XHINQ" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Boozy Gifts for Merry Drunkards" href="http://gizmodo.com/gift-guide-2012/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">giftguide2012</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5964680/boozy-gifts-for-merry-drunkards" title="Click here to read Boozy Gifts for Merry Drunkards"> <img alt="Click here to read Boozy Gifts for Merry Drunkards" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/186xfab2c5u53jpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Boozy Gifts for Merry Drunkards" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> Yup, some people love to drink. And people who really truly love getting ripped can always appreciate a gadget that make knocking one back a little easier. Here's some loot your thirstiest pal would love to find stashed away in a stocking. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5964680/boozy-gifts-for-merry-drunkards" title="Click here to read more about Boozy Gifts for Merry Drunkards">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26946f31/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883464672/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26946f31/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883464672/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26946f31/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883464672/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26946f31/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/DuA37TGOjwQ" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Major Brooklyn Gang Taken Down by Cops on Facebook and Also by Extreme Stupidity" href="http://gizmodo.com/bad-ideas/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">badideas</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968234/major-brooklyn-gang-taken-down-by-cops-on-facebook-and-also-by-extreme-stupidity" title="Click here to read Major Brooklyn Gang Taken Down by Cops on Facebook and Also by Extreme Stupidity"> <img alt="Click here to read Major Brooklyn Gang Taken Down by Cops on Facebook and Also by Extreme Stupidity" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1888st6jpxac4jpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Major Brooklyn Gang Taken Down by Cops on Facebook and Also by Extreme Stupidity" width="190" /> <span class="play_icon"></span> </a></div> </div> <!-- videoId: ksvnXraTYh0 --><!-- /videoId: ksvnXraTYh0 --> In the second season of the nerdiest adaptation of <em>The Wire</em> to date, New York City police have <a href="http://bushwickdaily.com/2012/12/cops-took-down-a-major-bushwick-gang-using-social-media/">busted up a violent 41-member gang</a> in Brooklyn using&#8212;you guessed it&#8212;Facebook and Twitter. Again. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968234/major-brooklyn-gang-taken-down-by-cops-on-facebook-and-also-by-extreme-stupidity" title="Click here to read more about Major Brooklyn Gang Taken Down by Cops on Facebook and Also by Extreme Stupidity">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/269438d2/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883548397/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269438d2/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883548397/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269438d2/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883548397/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/269438d2/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/CCdzG1yUlZY" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read Samsung Galaxy Camera Review: Android Franken-Camera, You Are Absurd and Almost Wonderful" href="http://gizmodo.com/lightning-review/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">lightningreview</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5967855/samsung-galaxy-camera-review-android-franken+camera-you-are-absurd-and-almost-wonderful" title="Click here to read Samsung Galaxy Camera Review: Android Franken-Camera, You Are Absurd and Almost Wonderful"> <img alt="Click here to read Samsung Galaxy Camera Review: Android Franken-Camera, You Are Absurd and Almost Wonderful" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18885ykkuipgvjpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read Samsung Galaxy Camera Review: Android Franken-Camera, You Are Absurd and Almost Wonderful" width="190" /> <span class="play_icon"></span> </a></div> </div> "Android camera." It doesn't even sound like a real thing. That's why the Samsung Galaxy Camera could easily have been a nonsense concept&#8212;two desirable things hurled together in hopes that the result will be a revolutionary hybrid, and not a catastrophe. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5967855/samsung-galaxy-camera-review-android-franken+camera-you-are-absurd-and-almost-wonderful" title="Click here to read more about Samsung Galaxy Camera Review: Android Franken-Camera, You Are Absurd and Almost Wonderful">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26940658/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883463625/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940658/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883463625/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940658/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883463625/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940658/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/QVDBtmMvapY" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read These Deceptive Camouflage Cans Are Your Stoner-Channel Deal of the Day" href="http://gizmodo.com/dealzmodo/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">dealzmodo</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968245/these-deceptive-camouflage-cans-are-your-stoner+channel-deal-of-the-day" title="Click here to read These Deceptive Camouflage Cans Are Your Stoner-Channel Deal of the Day"> <img alt="Click here to read These Deceptive Camouflage Cans Are Your Stoner-Channel Deal of the Day" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18891ukqbn5cujpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read These Deceptive Camouflage Cans Are Your Stoner-Channel Deal of the Day" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> Let's be honest: you've got some possessions in your room that would be, let's say, <em>a sticky situation</em> if someone found them. Locking your hideables in a safe just draws more attention and seems a bit like overkill. Pros cut out the center section from a book, but you're a dummy and you don't have a library. The answer? These clever stash cans look like everyday objects, but they're hollow, and you can hide your contraband in them. You've got two options: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Southwest-Specialty-Products-30007C-Barbasol/dp/B000HZ8RN0/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_z">one that looks like shaving cream</a>, and one that looks like a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009ZEXJU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0009ZEXJU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=gmgamzn-20">Dr. Pepper can</a>. At stores that sell&#8212;ahem&#8212;tie-dye, I've seen these handy stash spots go for $20 or $25. Today from Amazon they're both under $10 with free Prime shipping. To be blunt, that's a pretty good deal. [<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Southwest-Specialty-Products-30007C-Barbasol/dp/B000HZ8RN0/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_z">Amazon</a>] <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968245/these-deceptive-camouflage-cans-are-your-stoner+channel-deal-of-the-day" title="Click here to read more about These Deceptive Camouflage Cans Are Your Stoner-Channel Deal of the Day">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/2693ee79/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883351532/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2693ee79/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883351532/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2693ee79/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883351532/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/2693ee79/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/OAxiMmN6w0c" width="1" />

<div style="float: left; padding-right: 10px;"> <!-- div style="background-color: #B3B3B3; width: 190px; padding: 1px;"><a title="Click here to read This Polygamist Mouse Can Partner with 9 Devices" href="http://gizmodo.com/mice/" style="background-color:#888888; color:#FFFFFF; font-size:12px;text-align:right; display:block; height:14px; padding:1px 2px; text-decoration:none; text-transform:uppercase; width:156px;"><span style="color: white;" class="hash">#</span><span style="color: white;">mice</span></a></div --> <div><a class="pp_image" href="http://gizmodo.com/5968224/this-polygamist-mouse-can-partner-with-9-devices" title="Click here to read This Polygamist Mouse Can Partner with 9 Devices"> <img alt="Click here to read This Polygamist Mouse Can Partner with 9 Devices" height="120" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1888qboi8w6bsjpg/original.jpg" style="border-color: #B3B3B3; border-width: 0 1px 1px; border-style: none solid solid;" title="Click here to read This Polygamist Mouse Can Partner with 9 Devices" width="190" /> </a></div> </div> Besides a lack of unruly cables, the other big advantage to using wireless accessories like a Bluetooth mouse is that they can be easily swapped between devices. And Elecom is betting that there are enough consumers using nine different devices at once to profit on its new <a href="http://www.elecom.co.jp/news/201212/m-nv1br/index.html">9nove wireless mouse</a>. Good luck with that. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5968224/this-polygamist-mouse-can-partner-with-9-devices" title="Click here to read more about This Polygamist Mouse Can Partner with 9 Devices">More&#160;&#187;</a> <br style="clear: both;" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://gizmodo.feedsportal.com/c/34976/f/647164/s/26940e86/mf.gif" width="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883371776/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940e86/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/151883371776/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940e86/a2.img" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/151883371776/u/49/f/647164/c/34976/s/26940e86/a2t.img" width="1" /><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/dQpkZggNF3w" width="1" />

<p class="intro">Back in July I posted some of my <a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/07/27/recent-web-design-work/" title="Recent Web Work">recent work</a> for <a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/07/29/comedians-in-cars-getting-coffee/" title="Jerry Seinfeld">Jerry Seinfeld</a>, <a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/07/11/sweetn-low-website/" title="Sweet N Low">Sweet&#8217;N Low</a>, <a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/06/01/energy-kitchen/" title="Energy Kitchen">Energy Kitchen</a> and now six months later, I have a few more web &amp; branding projects to share with you. Thanks for looking!</p> <h2>Ruff Club</h2> <p><a href="http://ruffclub.com" title="Ruff Club NYC">Ruff Club</a> is a dog-friendly social club and contemporary pet care hub based in East Village, New York City. I had the pleasure of branding this new business from the ground up, creating their logo, overall look &amp; feel and web site design.</p> <p>The positioning of the brand shies away from the &#8220;boutique hotel experience&#8221; and instead, true to the East Village, offers a laid-back environment where dogs and humans are treated with dignity and respect but never pampered or infantilized.</p> <p>Ruff Club is built on the idea that people can channel the love and humility their dogs provide, into new relationships and collective community engagement.</p> <p>Ruff Club will be opening their doors very soon. I&#8217;ll share more photos once they become available.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone"><img alt="Ruff Club Logo" class=" " height="457" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/RUFF-Club-Logo-640x457.jpg" title="Ruff Club Logo" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club Logo</p></div> <div> <div class="mceTemp"></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone"><img alt="Ruff Club Logo Reversed" class=" " height="457" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/RUFF-Club-Logo-Dark-640x457.jpg" title="Ruff Club Logo Reversed" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club Logo Reversed</p></div> </div> <div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11470"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ruff-Club-Website-Home-Page.jpg"><img alt="Ruff Club Website Home Page" class="size-large wp-image-11470" height="421" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ruff-Club-Website-Home-Page-640x421.jpg" title="Ruff Club Website Home Page" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club Website Home Page</p></div> </div> <div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11471"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ruff-Club-Website-SubPage.jpg"><img alt="Ruff Club Website FAQ Page" class="size-large wp-image-11471" height="655" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ruff-Club-Website-SubPage-640x655.jpg" title="Ruff Club Website FAQ Page" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club Website FAQ Page</p></div> </div> <div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11465"><img alt="Ruff Club Letterhead (Logo Stamped On) &amp; Business Card" class="size-large wp-image-11465" height="477" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ruff-Club-Stationery-640x477.jpg" title="Ruff-Club-Stationery" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club Letterhead (The logo &amp; text are stamped on) &amp; Business Card</p></div> </div> <div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11438"><img alt="Ruff Club Pre Launch at the NYC Halloween Dog Parade " class="size-large wp-image-11438" height="480" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ruff-Club-Launch-640x480.jpg" title="Ruff Club Pre Launch at the NYC Halloween Dog Parade " width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ruff Club pre launch at the NYC Halloween Dog Parade.</p></div> </div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11439"><img alt="Ruff Club Store" class="size-large wp-image-11439" height="480" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Ruff-Club-Store-640x480.jpg" title="Ruff-Club-Store" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Outside of the Ruff Club store front, providing support for pets effected by Hurricane Sandy.</p></div> <h2>Coffee Shop Restaurant, NYC</h2> <p>When Ammirati (the agency I work at) was asked to rebrand &amp; refresh the iconic <a href="http://thecoffeeshopnyc.com" title="The Coffee Shop NYC">Coffee Shop</a> restaurant in Union Square, our stomachs growled at the opportunity. We designed a sexy new website that visually reflected their 23 opening hours, both for the desktop and mobile.</p> <p>Each of the 23 squares on their home page represents 1 hour of the day and a photo taken within that hour is randomly displayed each time the page is loaded. The website is scalable ensuring that screen sizes are used to their maximum potential. Viewing the menu and ordering online is just one click away too.</p> <p>My role in this project was coming up with the 23 hour grid concept and the overall UX / UI design for the desktop and mobile versions of the site.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11391"><img alt="Coffee Shop Website" class="size-large wp-image-11391" height="468" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Website-640x468.jpg" title="Coffee-Shop-Website" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Coffee Shop Website</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11295"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Final.jpg"><img alt="Coffee Shop Union Square, NYC" class="size-large wp-image-11295 " height="445" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Final-640x445.jpg" title="Coffee Shop" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The home page for the 'Coffee Shop' Union Square, NYC</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11296"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Menu.jpg"><img alt="Website Menu Page for 'Coffee Shop' Union Square, NYC" class="size-large wp-image-11296" height="445" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Menu-640x445.jpg" title="Coffee-Shop-Menu" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The menu page for 'Coffee Shop' Union Square, NYC </p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11321"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CoffeeShop-Mobile.jpg"><img alt="Coffee Shop NYC Mobile Website" class="size-large wp-image-11321" height="354" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CoffeeShop-Mobile-640x354.jpg" title="CoffeeShop-Mobile" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Coffee Shop NYC Mobile Website</p></div> <h2>Au Natural <em>In The Raw</em> Facebook App</h2> <p>The Au Natural <em>In The Raw </em>app allows users to upload their own food photo, censor it, and then share their successful creation. Friends can then click on the shared photo and &#8220;reveal&#8221; the sweet creation via an interactive slider. Users can then share their own photo, view the Au Natural gallery and gain access to secret <em>In The Raw</em> recipes.</p> <p>My role in this project was the interaction design for both the mobile &amp; desktop versions of the Facebook application; including the overall architecture of the app, the user experience &amp; user interface design. Designed &amp; developed at Ammirati.</p> <p>The mobile version can be seen here (must be viewed on a Mobile device):<br /> <a href="https://www.hotintherawaction.com/mobile/" target="_blank">https://www.hotintherawaction.com/mobile/</a></p> <p>The desktop version can be seen here:<br /> <a href="https://www.hotintherawaction.com/" target="_blank">https://www.hotintherawaction.com/</a></p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11312"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ITR-Mobile.jpg"><img alt="In The Raw Mobile" class="size-large wp-image-11312" height="457" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ITR-Mobile-640x457.jpg" title="ITR Mobile" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">In The Raw Mobile Facebook App</p></div> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/02-Au-Natural-Facebook.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural Food Porn Gallery Facebook Cover Photo" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11204" height="560" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/02-Au-Natural-Facebook-640x560.jpg" title="02-Au-Natural-Facebook" width="640" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/03-Au-Natural-Home.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural App Home Page" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11205" height="962" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/03-Au-Natural-Home-640x962.jpg" title="03-Au-Natural-Home" width="640" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/04-Au-Natural-Censor.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural: Censor Your Food Photo" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11206" height="856" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/04-Au-Natural-Censor-640x856.jpg" title="04-Au-Natural-Censor" width="640" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/05-Au-Natural-Success.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural Sweet Success - Food Photo Censored" class="size-large wp-image-11207" height="1059" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/05-Au-Natural-Success-640x1059.jpg" title="05-Au-Natural-Success" width="640" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/06-Au-Natural-Slide.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural Food Photo Slider Reveal" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11208" height="1447" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/06-Au-Natural-Slide-640x1447.jpg" title="06-Au-Natural-Slide" width="640" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/09-Au-Natural-Recipe.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural Food Recipe Page" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11210" height="1253" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/09-Au-Natural-Recipe-640x1253.jpg" title="09-Au-Natural-Recipe" width="640" /></a></p> <div> <a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Au-Natural-Mobile.jpg"><img alt="Au Natural In The Raw Mobile App" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11211" height="410" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Au-Natural-Mobile-640x410.jpg" title="Au-Natural-Mobile" width="640" /></a></div> <h2>Vero Water</h2> <p><a href="http://verowater.com" title="Vero Water">Vero Water</a> is the industry leader for the finest still and sparkling water and is based in Miami, USA. I created this logo / brand identity / bottle design back in 2009 however they&#8217;ve just had a photo shoot and thought I would share some of the new shots.</p> <div><img alt="Vero Logo" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11091" height="457" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Vero-Logo-640x457.jpg" title="Vero-Logo" width="640" /></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div><img alt="VERO Water Bottles" height="372" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/vero-water-bottles.jpeg" title="VERO Water Bottles" width="600" /></div> <div></div> <div><img alt="VERO Water Bottling System" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/vero-water-bottling-system.jpeg" title="VERO Water Bottling System" width="600" /></div> <div></div> <div><img alt="VERO Miami" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11093" height="408" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/vero-miami.jpeg" title="vero-miami" width="612" /></div> <div></div> <div><img alt="VERO Restaurant" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11094" height="342" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/vero-restaurant-640x342.jpg" title="vero-restaurant" width="640" /></div> <div></div> <h2>Appex</h2> <p>Another client, <a href="http://appex.no" title="Appex">Appex</a>, that I designed the brand identity for in 2009 has been expanding very fast. Here are some snaps showing their identity in use, from yo-yos, to soccer jerseys, to 8-foot high signage. Great to see it all come alive!</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11329"><img alt="Appex Front Desk with Yo-Yos and Balloons" class="size-full wp-image-11329" height="427" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Front-Desk.jpg" title="Appex-Front-Desk" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Appex Front Desk with Yo-Yos and Balloons</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11330"><img alt="Appex Lobby" class="size-large wp-image-11330" height="427" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Lobby-640x427.jpg" title="Appex Lobby" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Appex Lobby</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11328"><img alt="Appex Welcome Chair" class="size-full wp-image-11328" height="800" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Chair.jpg" title="Appex-Chair" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Appex Welcome Chair</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11332"><img alt="Installing The Appex Signage" class="size-large wp-image-11332" height="427" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Signage-Installation-640x427.jpg" title="Appex-Signage-Installation" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Installing The Appex Signage</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11333"><img alt="Appex Signage" class="size-large wp-image-11333" height="427" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Signage-640x427.jpg" title="Appex-Signage" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">8 Foot Appex Signage</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11331"><img alt="Appex Newspaper Ad" class="size-large wp-image-11331" height="480" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Newspaper-Ad-640x480.jpg" title="Appex-Newspaper-Ad" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Appex Newspaper Ad</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11334"><img alt="Appex Football Team" class="size-large wp-image-11334" height="338" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Appex-Soccer-Team-640x338.jpg" title="Appex-Soccer-Team" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Appex Football Team</p></div> <p>Thoughts and comments are always welcome. Thanks again for looking!</p> <p>As a heads up, the Just Creative blog may be a bit quiet over the December holiday break as I will be traveling. Happy Holidays all!</p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=VDJFQ0wBdDQ:pG9baofuqzo:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p><em>*This is a guest article contributed by Aniya Wells.</em></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Charles and Ray Eames</strong> were the design power couple of the 20th century. Their Eames Lounge chair for Herman Miller, shown below, is one of the most lusted-after furniture designs in the world, and is only the best known example of their vast output.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11415"><img alt="Eames Lounge Chair" class="size-large wp-image-11415" height="357" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/eames-lounge-chair-640x357.jpg" title="eames-lounge-chair" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Eames Lounge Chair</p></div> <p>For over 35 years, Charles and Ray lived as husband and wife, but also as partners in a design practice that put forth such remarkably varied fruits as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eames_House" title="Eames House">Eames Case Study House</a>, the film <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powers_of_Ten" title="Powers of Ten">Powers of Ten</a>, and the exhibition Mathematica, still on view today at the Boston Museum of Science.</p> <p>Though slogan writing was not one of their advertised areas of expertise, Charles had a particular knack for the pithy, memorable quotation. I have drawn on some of them, published in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Quotes-By-Charles-Eames/dp/B003CMTHQQ" title="100 Quotes from Charles &amp; Ray Eames">100 Quotes by Charles Eames</a>, in order to suggest a handful of lessons we can learn from the Eames Office:</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11413"><img alt="Charles Ray Eames" class="size-full wp-image-11413" height="443" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/charles-ray-eames.jpg" title="charles-ray-eames" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ray &amp; Charles Eames</p></div> <h3>1. “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”</h3> <p>This quote from Charles Eames succinctly sums up the couple’s philosophical approach to design, and it explains the charm, detail, and accessibility that characterize so much of their work. The word “guest” is tossed around so much these days as a euphemism for “customer” that it’s easy to lose track of the original meaning of the word.</p> <p>The Eameses, as global travelers and enthusiastic amateur anthropologists (indeed, they saw this as part of their role as designers) learned firsthand the value of hospitality, and the role of a designer in smoothing the way for people to live and work. This means not only making things more functional, though that’s of primary importance. It also means making them more pleasing. As Charles often admonished designers:</p> <div class="superquote"> &#8220;Take your pleasures seriously.&#8221; </div> <h3>2. The more you do, the more you can do.</h3> <p>Perhaps the greatest secret to the success of the Eameses was that they refused to specialize. By taking commissions and launching new projects of their own for architecture, film, furniture, toys, games, museum exhibits, textiles, magazines, and more, they developed a comprehensive, even universal approach to their work. “We work because it’s a chain reaction, each subject leads to the next,” Charles said. A varied career has a way of cross-fertilizing from one domain to another.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11414"><img alt="The Eames House" class="size-full wp-image-11414" height="480" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/eames-house.jpg" title="eames-house" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Eames House. Photo by Thomahalk1.</p></div> <h3>3. “Innovate as a last resort. More horrors are done in the name of innovation than any other.”</h3> <p>Great designers are voracious scavengers. In this age of sampling, mashups, and copyleft activism, we can look back and see that Charles and Ray were far ahead of their time in their collage-like approach to creativity. They disapproved of the cult of originality in their time, and saw that often the best solutions come from the ground up.</p> <div class="superquote"> &#8220;Eventually, everything connects &#8211; people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.&#8221; </div> <p>This should extend to your interactions with fellow designers. Being competitive is natural, but try to create a space for idea incubation, exchange, and riffing. After all, “Ideas are cheap. Always be passionate about ideas and communicating those ideas and discoveries to others in the things you make.”</p> <h3>4. A partnership is more than the sum of its parts.</h3> <p>While most of us are not married to our professional colleagues (and if we are, we know it certainly presents complications absent from our romantic daydreams), nevertheless this is true of even purely creative relationships. Think about how you can create this type of nonzero economy in your own interactions. When working with a client, don’t impose your own vision from outside, but consider what unique qualities you can draw out from them.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11425"><img alt="La Chaise" class="size-full wp-image-11425" height="480" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/la-chaise.jpg" title="La Chaise" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">La Chaise Lounge Chair</p></div> <p>With all their diverse accomplishments, the greatest example the Eameses left us is their dynamic, symbiotic life together. As Charles put it, “Any time one or more things are consciously put together in a way that they can accomplish something better than they could have accomplished individually, this is an act of design.”</p> <p>For more Eames, this <a href="http://fuckyeahrayandcharleseames.tumblr.com/archive" title="Ray Charles Eames">Tumblr has a nice visual overview</a>. <strong>Do you have a favorite Eames piece?</strong></p> <p>&#8211;</p> <p><em>*Aniya Wells is a freelance blogger who primarily writes for  <a href="http://www.onlinedegreeprograms.com/" title="Online Degree Programs">www.onlinedegreeprograms.com</a>. She also enjoys investigating trends in other niches, notably technology, traditional higher education, health, and small business. Aniya welcomes reader questions and comments.</em></p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=fMLskbSeW1Y:q3UwEFRP93c:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">Here are a few interesting links that I tweeted this week. <a href="http://twitter.com/justcreative" title="Just Creative on Twitter">Feel free to follow @justcreative for more</a>.</p> <p><img alt="Twitter Bird" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11182" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/twitter-bird.gif" title="twitter-bird" width="640" /></p> <ul> <li>Pretty solid advice and tips from <a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/teehanlax">@teehanlax</a>: 10 Years of Teehan + Lax <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/9BvpYvZl" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/Py3RRP">http://bit.ly/Py3RRP</a></li> <li>Did you know you can save paths within JPGS? Here&#8217;s how. <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/B1Vv7jwl" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/PGKs19">http://bit.ly/PGKs19</a></li> <li>Instagram gets profiles, here&#8217;s mine &#8211; <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/fISJZ03O" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/RJOy6L">http://bit.ly/RJOy6L</a></li> <li>A neat little stunt releasing the new Sony Xperia phone &#8211; <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/bKSThrni" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/WBR2Kq">http://bit.ly/WBR2Kq</a></li> <li>Appex, a client I designed the brand identity for has recently installed a rather massive sign on their building. <a dir="ltr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/appex/7985402043/in/photostream" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/RFh8q4 </a></li> <li>Hurricane Sandy is &#8220;likely the most digitally captured event in history&#8221;. 1.3 million photos were tagged with <a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sandy&amp;src=hash"><s>#</s>Sandy</a>. <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/4yUr5UAi" target="_blank" title="http://on.mash.to/Wr8Wzj">http://on.mash.to/Wr8Wzj</a></li> <li>Although Hurricane Sandy was bad, I certainly wouldn&#8217;t wanna come across a fire tornado! Damn! <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/2E98BpWk" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/YyRmaQ">http://bit.ly/YyRmaQ</a></li> <li>ikonic 150 vector icon set by <a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/rakeshdesign">@rakeshdesign</a> looks pretty neat <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/ovJlzJ2m" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/VXHq6N">http://bit.ly/VXHq6N </a> Free 25 too!</li> <li>A sneak preview of the new <a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/RuffClubNYC">@ruffclubnyc</a> website that I created the brand identity / website for. <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/JF8WYrQX" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/XP6q3L">http://bit.ly/XP6q3L</a></li> <li><a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/NRL">@NRL</a> Rugby League launches new brand logo <a dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/4t5k2RZk" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/Rfz74f">http://bit.ly/Rfz74f </a></li> <li>A Year In Full Colour stop motion video &#8211; <a href="http://youtu.be/7Q9XvlMITrQ" title="YouTube">http://youtu.be/7Q9XvlMITrQ</a></li> </ul> <p>Stay tuned for more.</p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=0Oqch38j_uE:L8rCxgMpnyw:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p><em>This is a collaborative guest article between Jamie Wayne* and I.</em></p> <p class="intro">Whether you&#8217;re a graphic <a href="http://justcreative.com/category/design-for-students/" title="Design For Students">design student</a> or a young professional, getting your foot in the door is not as simple as it sounds. Taking the first step requires initiative, patience and some wisdom too.</p> <p>Thankfully, there&#8217;s always a way to make it in and this article will provide seven different ways for you to get your foot in the door.</p> <div><img alt="Foot In The Door" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11123" height="426" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/foot-door-640x426.jpg" title="Foot In The Door" width="640" /></div> <h2>1. Network at Conferences &amp; Events</h2> <p><a href="http://jamiewayne.com/2012/02/04/xcviii-why-you-should-start-networking-now-instead-of-later/" target="_blank" title="Why you should start networking now instead of later">Networking</a> at <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/10/25/upcoming-web-design-development-conferences-2012-2013/" target="_blank" title="Design Conferences 2013">design conferences </a>and professional events can be a good way to get meet new people and build a professional stronghold. From conversing with other graphic designers to developers, copywriters, and business owners, exposure from these events can lead to great opportunities. With this said, walking into an event blindfolded may set you up for trouble as first impressions are everything. It&#8217;s imperative to keep a few things in mind when making your first impression – be admirable and memorable.</p> <p><strong>Be Admirable</strong></p> <ul> <li>Plan ahead for networking opportunities by <a href="http://www.howdesign.com/design-career/job-search-tips/present-your-portfolio/" title="Portfolio Polish">polishing up your portfolio</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.yourbusinesscardsucks.com/" target="_blank" title="Your Card Sucks">business cards</a>.</li> <li>Be presentable for the occasion. Is it casual or formal?</li> <li>Ask questions and be interested (or act it) in every discussion.</li> <li>Don&#8217;t try to oversell your skills or services. Tell don&#8217;t sell.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Be Memorable</strong></p> <p>Small talk &amp; <a href="http://justcreative.com/2008/10/02/design-elevator-speeches/" title="Elevator Speeches">elevator pitches</a> are common within these arenas, so listen well, show courtesy and thank those you talk to for their time. Don&#8217;t be afraid to smile and lighten up the mood a bit. Offer your business card as you close the conversation and you&#8217;ll most likely get the other person&#8217;s card in return. Keep the card in case you want to follow up with this person in the near future.</p> <h2>2. Follow Up, Use LinkedIn &amp; Other Social Sites</h2> <p><a href="http://mashable.com/2012/05/23/linkedin-beginners/" target="_blank" title="LinkedIn Beginners">LinkedIn</a> is a great tool for building networks <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8MDihYKZTU" title="How to get clients on LinkedIn">and getting clients</a>, however it&#8217;s also a very handy tool to follow up with those you have briefly conversed with. A quick search of their name should yield a number of results. Before you contact them, think of the best way to contact them? Would they prefer an email rather than a LinkedIn connection?</p> <h2>3. Seek a Mentor</h2> <p>Having a mentor is a great way to learn the ropes. You will learn things such as <a href="http://justcreative.com/2009/02/26/how-much-to-charge-for-design-work/" target="_blank">how much to charge for design</a>, <a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/06/24/design-agency-vs-freelance-life/" target="_blank" title="Design agency vs freelancing">the pros and cons of freelancing</a>, <a href="http://justcreative.com/2007/12/27/how-to-boost-your-creativity/" target="_blank" title="Creativity">how to improve your creative process</a>, <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/11/29/designer-office-set-up/" target="_blank" title="Designer Tools">recommended tools</a>, how to present your work, and much more.</p> <p>It&#8217;s important to understand the relationship between a mentor and mentee. Like a relationship between a couple, the mentor/mentee is also a two-way commitment that requires trust and honesty. Help them and they will help you. Ask for advice, seek out new opportunities &amp; if you have to get the coffee, do it with a smile.</p> <div><img alt="Mentor" height="424" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mentor-640x424.jpg" title="Mentor" width="640" /></div> <h5><strong>How do you find a mentor?</strong></h5> <p><strong></strong> It all depends on the scenario however there are a <a href="http://www.howdesign.com/design-career/mentoring/" title="Find a design mentor">few methods of finding a mentor</a>;</p> <p><strong>In Person</strong></p> <p>Once you&#8217;ve connected with someone and got to know them and have established some trust, it wouldn&#8217;t hurt to ask if they have the time to show you more of the ropes. Let that person know you&#8217;re interested in learning from them and see what they have to say. Be flexible with them, as it&#8217;s them doing you a favor.</p> <p><strong>Online</strong></p> <p><strong></strong>If you&#8217;re breaking the ice online, take extra care in crafting your approach, as it can be very difficult to convey personality through written communication. Always let them know you appreciate their time. If the person doesn&#8217;t have the time available, then it wouldn&#8217;t hurt to ask a few questions. At the very least, seldom communication may lead to a slowly growing relationship. Get them on your radar, and keep them there without being a pest.</p> <h2>4. Take Up Pro-Bono Work</h2> <p>Taking up <a href="http://www.davidairey.com/pro-bono-design/" target="_blank" title="Pro Bono Design">pro-bono work</a> will not only help a special cause, but it will build up your portfolio which will help you land more projects &amp; strengthen your credibility in the long term.</p> <div><img alt="Pro Bono Work" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11122" height="496" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/charity-640x496.jpg" title="Charity" width="640" /></div> <p>Before taking on pro bono work consider the following; Is there enough time to make the commitment? Are you financially capable of accepting a pro-bono project? What kinds of organisations would you do pro-bono work for? Make sure you are suited to take on pro-bono work before endorsing a false commitment.</p> <h2>5. Get Your Work or Portfolio Reviewed</h2> <p>Sharing your portfolio with seasoned professionals and asking for a review can help you gain new insights on the execution of your creative ideas. <a href="http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/the-art-of-the-design-critique" target="_blank" title="Constructive Criticism">Constructive criticism</a> is encouraged and you should always aim to take away new ideas and possibilities. Follow the motto; <a href="http://www.nwicreative.org/learn/get-your-portfolio-up-to-snuff/" target="_blank" title="Get your portfolio up to snuff">seek criticism, not praise</a>.</p> <p>Sharing your work will also allow other designers to observe your style, thought process, and results. This will allow others to lend you advice, which may lead into a steady stream of communication.</p> <h2>6. Start a Blog &amp; Guest Author</h2> <p>Don&#8217;t overlook the benefits of <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/04/27/building-a-personal-brand/" target="_blank" title="Starting A Blog">starting a blog</a>. In conjunction with social media sites, a blog can help establish your online presence, as well as be the frontier of your voice and portfolio.</p> <p>While some authors write on their own blog, others will contribute their articles elsewhere as a guest author. Guest authoring is a great way to share your voice with audiences elsewhere and connect with others on an international scale.</p> <div><img alt="Im Possible" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11124" height="423" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/im-possible-640x423.jpg" title="Possible" width="640" /></div> <p>While each one of these ways can help you gain more exposure, utilizing several, if not all, will maximize your chances significantly.</p> <h2>7. Take Action</h2> <p>As a last piece of advice, I want to recite a few words, courtesy of my mentor, <a href="http://www.chasetalon.com/" target="_blank" title="Chase Talon Design">Chase Talon</a>, that inspired me to push myself through the doors.</p> <blockquote><p><em>&#8220;There is one thing and one thing alone that leads to success. That is action. Make a decision on what you want and begin moving forward with an unwavering, unrelenting, incessant vigor to see your goal to it&#8217;s end. Never letting fear guide you. It&#8217;s an illusion. All fear, and negativity are, is a test to prove how bad you want something.&#8221;</em></p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.whosay.com/BillMaher/videos/5963" title="Wish It. Want It. Do It.">Wish it, want it, do it</a>.</p> <p><strong>Have you got any other tips on how designers can get their foot in the door?</strong></p> <p>&#8211;</p> <p><em>*<a href="http://www.jamiewayne.com/about/" target="_blank" title="Jamie Wayne | Valparaiso Northwest Indiana Graphic Designer">Jamie Wayne</a> is a graphic designer for <a href="http://www.adforcecreative.com/" target="_blank" title="Ad Force Creative">Ad Force Creative</a> in Northwest Indiana, a webmaster &amp; graphic designer for the Center for Innovation through Visualization &amp; Simulation at Purdue University Calumet, and a member &amp; writer of the Northwest Indiana Creative Professionals. Photos from <a href="http://bigstock.com" title="Big Stock">BigStock</a>.</em></p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=D2AsBRt0gGs:ZL4lCnAFyN4:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">I recently came back from 1.5 weeks traveling around Iceland, an extremely beautiful country. You can <a href="http://on.fb.me/W95OVX" title="Iceland Photos">view a few snaps on Facebook</a> and read more about the trip below.</p> <p>I went with a company called <a href="https://www.striking.ly/founderexcursionsiceland#0" title="Founders Excursions">Founders Excursions</a> who organized a trip of 14 like-minded entrepreneurs from Iceland and USA, to travel through Iceland doing <a href="http://siadv.is/?page_id=933" title="Adventure Tours">adventurous activities</a> while networking at the same time.</p> <div><a href="http://on.fb.me/W95OVX" title="Iceland Photos"><img alt="Iceland" class="alignnone wp-image-11035" height="424" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Iceland-Photos-39-of-51-640x424.jpg" title="Iceland" width="640" /></a></div> <h3>Highlights of the Trip</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=jiRegEs83A0" title="Canyoining Iceland">Canyoning</a> (climbing and swimming up waterfalls, then floating back down)</li> <li>Super jeeping (4&#215;4 driving through the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmannalaugar"><em>Landmannalaugar</em></a> mountains)</li> <li>Enjoying bonfires, beers and Icelandic BBQ</li> <li>Having tea &amp; coffee at the US Embassy</li> <li>Driving through the back country &amp; around the glaciers / volcanoes</li> <li>Viewing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_%28astronomy%29"><em>Northern Lights</em></a></li> <li>Speed boating &amp; exploring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestmannaeyjar"><em>Vestmannaeyjar Islands</em></a></li> <li>Swimming at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Lagoon_%28geothermal_spa%29"><em>Blue Lagoon</em></a> (Geothermal spa), one of National Geographic&#8217;s Seven Wonders of the World</li> <li>Taking in the glorious<em> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rl%C3%B3n">Jökulsárlón</a> </em>(Glacier Lagoon &#8211; where the lake&#8217;s glaciers go out to sea)</li> <li>Bathing in the natural geo thermal springs while the mountains surrounded us</li> <li>Participating in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifting_stone"><em>steintökin</em></a> (strong man competition). Needless to say, I am no Viking!</li> <li>Having my shoes stolen on the first day at a public pool (Yup!)</li> <li>Enjoying the &#8220;Bæjarins beztu pylsur&#8221; (best-in-town Icelandic hotdogs). Can&#8217;t say much about the <em>Harðfiskur</em> (wind dried fish). Also loved the <em>Skyr</em> (drinkable yogurt).</li> <li>Overall, just enjoying the beautiful, peaceful Icelandic scenery.</li> </ul> <p>If interested in a similar experience get in contact with our awesome guide, Siggi from <a href="http://siadv.is/">South Iceland Adventure</a> or <a href="http://www.mattwilson.tv/" title="Matt Wilson">Matt Wilson</a> from Founders Excursions. I&#8217;d highly recommend it!</p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=rQlhH0ax2BY:4LLyquN_hs8:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">I was recently approached by Samsung to take part in their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SamsungSSD" title="SSD Drivers">SSD Drivers program</a> which would allow me (and a few others) to test out their latest <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/solid-state-drives" title="SSD">SSD</a> (Solid State Drive) and review it here for you guys. After reading up on SSD drives and their <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/article/top-ten-benefits-of-ssd" title="Benefits of SSD">benefits</a>, I decided to join the program and the results so far have been awesome.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_11011"><img alt="Samsung SSD Drivers" class="size-large wp-image-11011" height="236" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/samsung-ssd-drivers-640x236.jpg" title="samsung-ssd-drivers" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Samsung SSD Drivers (Yours truly on the far right)</p></div> <h3>What is a SSD?</h3> <p>A solid-state drive is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store data. SSDs have the same purpose as traditional mechanical hard drives, but there is one major difference – they&#8217;re electronic devices and don’t have any mechanical parts. Unlike HDDs, SSDs don’t store data on spinning platters, but use flash memory instead.</p> <div class="superquote"> In short, this means that a SSD will make your computer considerably faster in a more reliable, silent and energy efficient manner. </div> <h3>Easy Installation</h3> <p>Samsung originally sent me a complimentary <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GQ0G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B005T3GQ0G&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=justcrea-20" title="Samsung SSD 256GB">256GB SSD</a> however I decided that I <del>wanted</del> needed a 512GB so I sent the 256GB back to them and instead bought my own <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T3GPXO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B005T3GPXO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=justcrea-20" title="Samsung SSD 512GB">512GB SSD</a> to review.</p> <p><img alt="Samsung SSD 512GB" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11015" height="380" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/samsung-ssd-512gb1.jpg" title="Samsung SSD 512GB" width="640" /></p> <p>After receiving the SSD, I watched a video from Samsung on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mihb8YQzDxw" title="How to install SSD for Mac">how to install it on a Mac</a> and after a quick stop at the hardware store for a new screwdriver, I was good to go. I copied 480GB of data from my previous HDD to the new SSD, which took about 7 hours overnight. After that was done, the physical installation / swapping of the drives took just 10 minutes.</p> <h3>Benefits of SSD vs HDD</h3> <p>There are a number of benefits of using a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJMGAdpCLVg" title="SSD vs HDD">SSD vs a HDD</a>, and I personally noticed a huge difference in the speed of my daily routines. Before I get into the differences, let me outline my current <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/11/29/designer-office-set-up/" title="Hardware">hardware</a> &amp; <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/12/22/recommended-software-for-designers/" title="Software I use as Designer">software</a> I use as a designer.</p> <p>I use a Macbook Pro 17&#8243; (3.06 GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB DDR Ram) attached to a 27&#8243; display and at nearly all times I have these programs open; Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, InDesign, Mail, Tweetdeck, Chrome, Firefox, as well as Font Explorer, Spotify, TextMate, Bonjour, TextExplorer and Dropbox.</p> <h3>Increased Speed &amp; Productivity</h3> <p>Within the first hour of using the new SSD I could visibly notice the speed difference in nearly every task performed. The most notable differences are listed below.</p> <ul> <li>Faster boot time (Even faster when I cleaned my computer with <a href="http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/11582/onyx" title="Onyx">Onyx</a>)</li> <li>All programs open much faster, especially the Creative Suite. The most notable speed difference is on startup as I have my programs set to auto start.</li> <li>Search is much faster, especially when combined with my productivity bud, <a href="http://www.alfredapp.com/" title="Alfred App">Alfred</a>.</li> <li>Moving between programs is much more responsive, eg. when changing from Photoshop, to Illustrator, to InDesign.</li> <li>Opening files and using Finder is way faster, as well as using program menus.</li> <li>The battery life seemed to last a bit longer too, only about 15-30 minutes but still noticeable.</li> <li>The only downfall I could think of would be the price (the 500GB was $608 after tax). The 256GB or 128GB gets you more bang for your buck, but you do get less space.</li> </ul> <p>Anyway, I&#8217;d definitely consider getting an SSD for a much faster &amp; more reliable computer experience.</p> <p><strong>What has your experience been like with SSDs?</strong></p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=8yuPa8WLv6w:O9ytCVh77vI:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p><em>I originally wrote this article for the book, <a href="http://logonest.com" title="LogoNest Vol 2">Logo Nest Volume 2</a>. It has been republished here with permission. Photos are the end of the article.</em><hr class="thin" /></p> <p class="intro"><strong>Personal branding</strong> is by no means a new or light topic, but with the rise of social technologies, personal branding is as accessible as ever, meaning you have so much more opportunity, but also so much more competition.</p> <p>For you to stand out amongst the noise, you must become a valued brand. That brand is ‘You’. Take a closer look at the (st)art of personal branding and see how you can use it to start building your own personal brand. Brand You™.</p> <h2><strong>1. Set Goals, Plan &amp; Define Your Brand</strong></h2> <div><img alt="Step One. Set Goals, Plan &amp; Define Your Brand" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10949" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/step1.gif" title="Step One. Set Goals, Plan &amp; Define Your Brand" width="640" /></div> <p>Before creating your brand, you must <strong>set specific goals and plan accordingly</strong>. You should take a look at where you are at now and where you want to be in the future.</p> <p>Are you trying to become an authority in your niche? Why? Are you planning to get a new job position or become a stay-at-home freelancer? Are you trying to find more clients and / or increase your prices?</p> <p>Figuring out <em>why and where</em> you want to be in the future will help you decide <em>how</em> to do it.</p> <div class="superquote"> Ultimately, your goal should be to make your planned self-impression equal to how other people perceive you. </div> <p>Re-read that. If you can do this, then you will become a master of your domain.</p> <p>As an example of a ‘successful’ personal brand, <a href="http://www.problogger.net/" title="Darren Rowse">Darren Rowse</a> is the leader in the ‘how to make money blogging’ niche (among others) and although his site is not self-named, his personal brand has grown based how he communicates through his own brand, websites &amp; social channels.</p> <p>After you have figured out your goals, chosen your niche and set out a plan, you need to start creating your brand.</p> <h2><strong>2. Know, Understand &amp; Believe In Your Brand</strong></h2> <div><img alt="Step Two Understand &amp; Believe In Your Brand" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10950" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/step2.gif" title="Step Two Understand &amp; Believe In Your Brand" width="640" /></div> <p>Your personal brand needs to have a look and feel, as well as a way to communicate, but this goes much further than having a logo &amp; social media accounts. You need to maintain a consistent ‘corporate image’ in all mediums and at all times. See the <a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/04/06/branding-identity-logo-design-explained/" title="Branding Explained">differences between branding &amp; visual identity</a> here.</p> <p>The fundamental idea and core concept behind having this ‘corporate image’ is that everything you do, everything you own and everything you produce, should reflect the values and aims of your personal brand as a whole.</p> <div class="superquote"> It is the consistency of this core idea that makes your brand. It shows others what <em>you</em> stand for, what <em>you</em> believe in and why <em>you</em> exist. </div> <p>As an example, let’s look at the well-known IT company, Apple. Although they are not a personal brand, the branding concept remains the same; they have a consistent ‘corporate image’.</p> <p>Apple projects a humanistic corporate culture and a strong corporate ethic, one, which is characterised by volunteerism, support of good causes &amp; involvement in the community. These values of the business are evident throughout everything they do, from their innovative products and advertising, right through to their customer service. Apple is an emotionally humanist brand that really connects with people – when people buy or use their products or services; they feel part of the brand, like a tribe even. It is this emotional connection that creates their brand – not purely their products and a bite sized logo.</p> <p>If you can apply these same core principles to your own brand then it will be easier for others to see &amp; know what you’re all about.</p> <address>“Remember, it’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.”<br /> <em>-PAUL ARDEN</em></address> <h2><strong>3. Create &amp; Maintain Your Brand</strong></h2> <div><img alt="Step Three - Create and Maintain Your Brand" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10951" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/step3.gif" title="step3" width="640" /></div> <p>After you have set your goals, outlined your target market &amp; defined how you wish to be perceived, then you can start to form the foundation of your brand. Below are the essential building blocks that will help you do this.</p> <h4><strong>A Unique Visual Identity</strong></h4> <p>One of the easiest ways to differentiate your self from the competition is by having a unique <a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/09/11/branding-tips/" title="10 Must Know Tips for Creating Winning Visual Brand Identities">visual identity</a>. This visual identity should be consistent and reflective of your initial goals, yet flexible enough to work across all areas of your communication. Ensure, at minimum, that you have a business card, letterhead, an up-to-date CV, website and a variety of online social profiles.</p> <h4><strong>Your Own Website, Domain Name &amp; Email Address</strong></h4> <p>Do you know what comes up when people type your name into Google? Hopefully your name and website, but if not, a quick way to climb to the top of search engines is by having your own domain such as JohnSmith.com.</p> <p>On your website, you should have information about you, links to your other websites, your social profiles, as well as a blog and if applicable, a portfolio.</p> <p>You should also set up a personally branded email address such as john@johnsmith.com as this looks much more professional than a free email service such as <a href="mailto:johnsmith@gmail.com">johnsmith@ymail.com</a>.</p> <h4><strong>Social Networks. (Engage &amp; Communicate!)</strong></h4> <p>It’s one thing to have Facebook or Twitter, but actually using it right for your personal brand is another thing. You should remember that everything you do, say and share is reflective of ‘Brand You’, both personally and professionally.</p> <p>Ask yourself, what value are you providing to your friends and followers? Are you engaging and communicating with people, not just sharing what you had for breakfast? Have you filled out your online profiles to their fullest extent? Are you linking to your websites within each profile? What about your <a href="http://justcreative.com/2008/08/10/how-to-get-more-email/" title="How to get more email">email signature</a>?</p> <p>There are many ways to help promote you and your brand, but the simplest way is by making it easy for people to find and communicate with you. When they do, be sure to engage &amp; provide value.</p> <h4><strong>Brand Maintenance, Security &amp; Monitoring</strong></h4> <p>Your brand is your business and your reputation. Why wouldn’t you monitor what people are saying about you?</p> <p>Use <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts">Google Alerts</a>, Twitter Search and the many other tools available to you so you know when you are mentioned somewhere on the web. This allows you to put out fires early, as well as network and thank people who are helping or linking to you.</p> <h3><strong>The Secret To Personal Branding…</strong></h3> <div><img alt="Secret to Personal Branding" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10972" height="400" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/secret-personal-branding.gif" title="Secret to Personal Branding" width="640" /></div> <p>Remember, planning is the foundation of your personal brand and the execution builds the structure of that brand, but ultimately, it comes down to what people say about you, not what you say about yourself, thus the ultimate goal is to make your planned self-impression equal to how other people perceive you.</p> <p>That is the secret to personal branding.</p> <h3><strong>More branding &amp; logo articles:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/04/06/branding-identity-logo-design-explained/" rel="bookmark" title="Branding Explained">Branding, Identity &amp; Logo Design Explained</a></li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2008/04/18/a-comparative-study-of-logo-design-between-the-70s-and-90s/" rel="bookmark" title="Logos 70s 90s">A Comparative Study of Logo Design between the 70s and 90s.</a></li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2012/09/11/branding-tips/" rel="bookmark" title="Branding Tips">10 Must Know Tips for Creating Winning Visual Brand Identities</a></li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/08/02/12-ways-your-logo-impacts-social-media-marketing/" rel="bookmark" title="Social Media Logos">12 Ways Your Logo Impacts Social Media Marketing</a></li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/11/09/a-look-at-consumer-emotional-attachment-to-brands-and-logos/" rel="bookmark" title="Logos and Emotions">Consumer Emotional Attachment to Brands and Logos</a></li> </ul> <div><img alt="Cover of Logo Nest Vol 2" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10108" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/00-cover.jpg" title="Cover of Logo Nest Vol 2" width="640" /></div> <div><img alt="Contents" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10106" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/02-contents.jpg" title="02-contents" width="640" /></div> <div><img alt="Art of Personal Branding" class="alignnone size-full" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/01-art-personal-branding.jpg" title="01-art-personal-branding" width="640" /></div> <div><img alt="Art of Personal Branding by Jacob Cass" class="alignnone size-full" height="689" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/art-of-personal-branding-jacob-cass.jpg" title="art-of-personal-branding-jacob-cass" width="640" /></div> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=5GOKdtLthXg:ls_PddWu8B0:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">On Friday I attended the <a href="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnewconference" title="Brand New Conference">2012 Brand New Conference</a>, a one day event focusing on the practice of corporate and brand identity. The event went smoothly <a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/11/06/2010-brand-new-conference-summary-quotes/" title="Brand New Conference 2010">again</a> (hat tip to Armin Vit for organizing) and the speakers shared some great tips and stories on a large variety of topics.</p> <p>The most notable talk of the day for me, was by <a href="http://twitter.com/manchipp" title="Simon Manchipp">Simon Manchipp</a>, the CD &amp; co-founder of <a href="http://www.someoneinlondon.com/">Someone</a>. Simon&#8217;s talk was built around ten things to consider when creating a new visual brand identity.</p> <p>Below are some of the notes I took from his talk. There are some loose ends, but there are still a number of key takeaways so enjoy.</p> <p><img alt="Tips to consider when branding" height="612" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/branding.jpg" title="Tips to consider when branding" width="612" /></p> <h1>10 things to consider when creating a new visual brand identity</h1> <h3>1. Make it coherent, not consistent.</h3> <p><strong>A new logo is born useless.</strong> The media demands an approach that is instantly useful. Make your new logo useful. <strong>Create landscapes that can change and adapt.</strong> Information can and should fuel the design and pattern.A brand should be adaptive &amp; coherent, not just consistent.</p> <h3>2. Do more than a logo.</h3> <p>The logo is dying so ask yourself <strong>how can you brand without badging?</strong></p> <h3>3. Brand without badging</h3> <p>A rubber stamped logo is not a brand. Remember&#8230;</p> <div class="superquote"> &#8220;A new logo should be a symbol of change, not a change of symbol.&#8221; </div> <h3>4. The big idea is not the big idea.</h3> <p>The big idea is not the big idea, but rather hundreds of ideas that form the brand. These  ideas should be multi-channelled &amp; multi-faceted.</p> <h3>5. Own moments</h3> <p>Find ownable moments that can be a spring point for the brand. eg. a color, season, taste, feature, etc.</p> <h3>6. Remove the fear</h3> <p>Branding is all fear &amp; risk is attached to everything, but smart clients are those without the fear.</p> <div class="superquote"> We are hired for our principles, so stick to them. </div> <h3>7. Weird works</h3> <p>Weird shit creates monopolies. Trust the risky weirdo called creativity.</p> <h3>8. Make it people-centric</h3> <p><strong>We are not in design business but in the people business.</strong> Educated clients believe in coherent brand worlds. Winning companies are placing design at the heart of their business.</p> <h3>9. Create assets not costs</h3> <p>Design is often seen as a cost in the boardroom but it needs to be seen as an asset. The reason behind it being seen as a cost is that everyone considers themselves as a designer.</p> <p>&#8220;No one trusts creativity because of the dolphin duvet.&#8221; (aka everyone is a designer, I chose this dolphin duvet cover for my home). The goal is to show that design is an asset.</p> <h3>10. Chase the opportunity.</h3> <p>Chase the opportunity, not the money. If you are doing interesting work and having fun, enough money will come.</p> <p><strong>Have you got any other branding tips to share?</strong></p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=iDBstlGPQaM:bSX6oaXQznU:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">I&#8217;ve been a media partner for <a href="http://www.futureinsights.com/">Future Insights</a> conferences for a <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/11/07/future-of-web-design-conference-day-1-review/" title="FOWD 2011">few</a> <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/11/15/future-of-web-design-conference-day-2-review/" title="FOWD 2012 Day 2">years</a> now and have been to a fair few of their events which are always <em>insightful</em>. This post is just letting you know that there is a web conference in <a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/" title="FOWD New York 2012">NYC</a> coming up in October and you can get 10% off. Details are below along with a few other conferences to be aware of.</p> <div><a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/" title="Future of Web Design 2012 NYC"><img alt="Future of Web Design NYC 2012" class="border" height="520" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fowd-nyc.jpg" title="Future of Web Design NYC 2012" width="640" /></a></div> <p><strong>What:</strong> <a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/" target="_blank">Future of Web Design</a><strong><br /> When:</strong> Conference days: October 22 &amp; 23. Workshop day: October 24<strong><br /> Where:</strong> <a href="http://www.newworldstages.com/">New World Stages</a> &amp; Lighthouse International Conference Centre<strong><br /> Info:</strong></p> <div> <ul> <li>3 days, 30+ sessions, 4 full-day workshops</li> <li>Top-notch <a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/speakers" target="_blank">speakers</a>, including: Chris Coyier, Zoe Gillenwater, Darcy Clarke, Meagan Fisher, Dan Rose, Karen McGrane, Edward Boatman, Lis Hubert, and many more.</li> <li>Talks on CSS3, JQuery Performance, Typography, Icon and symbol design, frontend development, HTML5, responsive web design, UX, wireframing, and more</li> <li>Check out the <a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/schedule" target="_blank">full schedule</a> for more details.</li> </ul> <p><strong>10% off for Just Creative readers</strong><em><br /> Just Creative</em> readers are able to grab 10% off 2-Day Conference Passes or Workshop + 2-Day Conference Passes. Simply enter <em>JustCreative</em> on the registration page. Do remember to check out the handy <em><a href="http://futureofwebdesign.com/new-york-2012/downloads/FOWD-NYC-ConvinceYourBoss.pdf" target="_blank">Convince your Boss PDF</a></em> for help getting your approval.</p> <h3>More Conferences</h3> <p><strong><a href="http://uxweek.com/2012/">UX Week</a><br /> When:</strong> August 21-24, 2012<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> San Francisco, CA, USA</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.aneventapart.com/2012/chicago/">An Event Apart Chicago</a></strong><br /> <strong>When:</strong> August 27-29, 2012<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Chicago, IL, USA</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.uxaustralia.com.au/">UX Australia</a><br /> When:</strong> August 28-31, 2012<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Brisbane, Austalia at Sofitel Brisbane Central<br /> UX Australia also presents <a href="http://www.uxaustralia.com.au/agileux-2012/">Agile UX</a> and <a href="http://www.uxaustralia.com.au/servicedesign-2012/">Service Design 2012</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://2012.dconstruct.org/">dConstruct</a><br /> When:</strong> September 7, 2012<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Brighton, UK at the Brighton Dome</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/05/25/first-smashing-conference-coming-community-event-web-designers/">Smashing Magazine Conference</a></strong><br /> <strong>When:</strong> September 17-19, 2012<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Freiburg, Germany</p> <p>Please feel free to share more web conferences if you know of them.</p> </div> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=QNGiDVr0duo:mIJJbvcPbM0:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p class="intro">Last September, I wrote about how <a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/09/08/6-logos-selected-for-logo-lounge-vol-7/" title="Logo Lounge 7">six of my logos and a case study</a> were to be featured in the next edition of the <a href="http://logolounge.com" title="Logo Lounge">Logo Lounge</a> series, that being Logo Lounge 7. Well, I&#8217;ve just recently received the hard cover book in the mail and thought I&#8217;d share a few snaps.</p> <p>You can read the <a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC008921.jpg" target="_blank" title="Menu Cover Depot">case study of the logo</a> I created for Menu Cover Depot here in image format (not in text format unfortunately).</p> <p>You can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1592537278//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=logolounge-20" target="_blank" title="Logo Lounge 7">purchase this book on Amazon</a> for $29.50.</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10733"><img alt="Logo Lounge Book 7 Side View" class="size-full wp-image-10733" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00884.jpg" title="Logo Lounge Book 7 " width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Logo Lounge Book 7 Side View</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10734"><img alt="Logo Lounge Book 7 Front Cover" class="size-full wp-image-10734" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00885.jpg" title="Logo Lounge Book 7 Front Cover" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Logo Lounge Book 7 Front Cover</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10735"><img alt="Levi's Case Study" class="size-full wp-image-10735" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00886.jpg" title="DSC00886" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Levi's Case Study</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10737"><a href="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC008921.jpg"><img alt="Menu Cover Depot Case Study" class="size-full wp-image-10737 " height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00892.jpg" title="Menu Cover Depot Case Study" width="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Case study of my Menu Cover Depot logo.</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10738"><img alt="Eton Financial" class="size-full wp-image-10738" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00894.jpg" title="DSC00894" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My featured work: Eton Financial Logo</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10739"><img alt="My featured work: Radar Logo" class="size-full wp-image-10739" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00895.jpg" title="My featured work: Radar Logo" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My featured work: Radar Logo</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10740"><img alt="My featured work: Onyx Logo" class="size-full wp-image-10740" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00899.jpg" title="My featured work: Onyx Logo" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My featured work: Onyx Logo</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10741"><img alt="My featured work: Yoga Tripper Logo" class="size-full wp-image-10741" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00900.jpg" title="My featured work: Yoga Tripper Logo" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My featured work: Yoga Tripper Logo</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10742"><img alt="My featured work: Japan Tribute Logo" class="size-full wp-image-10742" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00902.jpg" title="My featured work: Japan Tribute Logo" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My featured work: Japan Tribute Logo</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_10744"><img alt="Logo Lounge 7 Back Cover" class="size-full wp-image-10744" height="425" src="http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSC00906.jpg" title="Logo Lounge 7 Back Cover" width="640" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Logo Lounge 7 Back Cover</p></div> <p>This makes a total of 29 logos of mine that have been published in Logo Lounge’s books, as outlined below. Quite humbling!</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2011/05/10/logo-lounge-vol-6-book-review/" title="Logo Lounge 6">Logo Lounge Vol. 6</a> (6 logos)</li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2009/08/17/logo-lounge-volume-5-book-review/">LogoLounge Vol. 5</a> (2 logos)</li> <li><a href="http://justcreative.com/2010/09/26/logo-lounges-master-library-book-3/">LogoLounge Master Library – Shapes &amp; Symbols</a> (9 logos)</li> <li>LogoLounge Master Library – Typography and Enclosures (6 logos)</li> </ul> <p>If you&#8217;re interested in having your work considered for their next book, you can <a href="https://www.logolounge.com/join.asp">become a member</a> of Logo Lounge ($99) &amp; start uploading your work. I am not affiliated with Logo Lounge&#8230; JUST sharing the love. Good luck &amp; thanks for looking.</p> <hr /><br /> &copy; This article is copyright of <a href="http://justcreative.com">JUST™ Creative</a> and should not be found elsewhere.<br /><br /> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:V_sGLiPBpWU" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=qj6IDK7rITs" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:D7DqB2pKExk"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?i=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:D7DqB2pKExk" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?a=ZlZuXtDmp18:LiPcB0gvlZU:I9og5sOYxJI"><img border="0" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/JustCreativeDesignBlog?d=I9og5sOYxJI" /></a> </div>

<p>Every emerging technology undergoes the test of fire which is a given fact and HTML5 is no exception in the strict sense. Touted to replace flash, HTML5’s proponents blew its capabilities out of proportion even while HTML5 was still in its nascent stages. This, over the past months, has been fueling a glaring gap between what’s expected of HTML5 and the actuals. Although developers are tearing ahead making considerable headway, it’s the browsers that need to catch up.</p> <p><center></p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37118" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37118 " height="448" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/hole-600x448.png" style="border: 0px;" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/vimeo.com">Source</a></p></div> <p></center></p> <h2></h2> <h2> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Browser Bottleneck</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The developer community has always been head over heels about latest technologies and shows no inhibitions to embrace it with both hands. Developers have a clear idea about what HTML5 is capable of given the stance of certain platform vendors. Despite the official validation not expected before 2020, developers are in no mood to slow down. While this can be a problem of sorts when viewed from the standardization point of view, but for the developer community it’s a free world with no rules/guidelines.</p> <p><center></p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37119" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37119 " height="257" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/browser-600x257.png" style="border: 0px;" title="browser" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/infocustesting.net">Source</a></p></div> <p></center><br /> Keeping apace with the progress being made by the developer community, browsers are toiling day in and day out to support the capabilities acquired by HTML5. In the days to come, HTML5 support would be the key defining factor as far as browser capabilities are concerned. This is because the advancement in HTML5 is of little meaning if browser capabilities are not enhanced parallelly.</p> <p>The rampant use of HTML5 to build apps and sites have put tremendous pressure on browser developers to prepare browsers that are fast, light on resources and efficient. As of now Internet Explorer 9 &amp; 10, Firefox 7 and higher, Chrome 14 and higher, Safari 5 and higher, Opera 11 and higher, Mobile Safari 3.2 and higher, Opera Mobile 5 and Android 2.1 support HTML5 elements. However, in order for browsers to support all HTML5 elements, there’s still a long way to cover as revealed in the Ringmark test.</p> <p>Various studies, particularly by IDC, predict HTML5 to form a major portion (if not 100%) of mobile apps’ code in the near future. And the ratio of HTML5 in mobile apps can only be expected to go north. Having said that, the question looms large for adopters – has HTML5 matured enough? Well, this would need a collective answer from all the quarters.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HTML5 Woes</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>HTML5 is surely on its way to glory unless it gets over the woes that are a constant irritant for developers and users.</p> <ul> <li> Out of sync</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">The offline and online nature of apps is an area of concern especially when it comes to syncing of data. While being connected, syncing is automatic but when not, syncing doesn&#8217;t happen. And when substantial amount of data is accumulated in the server, synchronization can be a major headache. It’s the same case when the app is accessed from a different device or location.</p> <ul> <li>Namesake database</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">A salient feature of HTML5 is offline data storage, wherein the data is stored in the browser. This is one reason why HTML5 is adored because it gives a desktop type feeling to the user. But the flip side to this feature is that the user has no means to access the data like they do on a desktop. The user can’t see where the data is stored; they can&#8217;t know the contents, create copies or backup the data. Since the format in which the data is stored is unknown, the user cannot surf through the data if they need any information.</p> <ul> <li>Data insecurity</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">HTML5 has limitations in storing data and that’s why we’ve the servers, be it cloud or not. Now the user pay for the app, the device, the service and even for the hosting, but what’s the right the user has on their data? The terms and conditions speak nothing about ownership of data. They&#8217;re more or less a virtual ownership of one’s data and occurrences of loss of data ain’t uncommon wherein the server people just wash their hands off the issue. Neither HTML5 nor the hosting company can guarantee that your data will stay.</p> <ul> <li>Compulsory upgradation</li> </ul> <p style="padding-left: 60px;">Ever thought upgrades would be a problem? Upgrades for HTML5 powered apps are imposed on its users even if they don’t want it. This poses serious risks to the users in the form of corrupt allied programs or apps that worked well pre-upgradation.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"> <h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bridging The Gap</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The tremendous pace at which changes are being introduced is a reason why developers and users aren’t on the same page. At times it is confusing as to what’s developed and for whom the development is being done.</p> <p><center></p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37121" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37121 " height="390" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bridging_gap11-600x390.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://chasingtheperfectmoment.com/bridges/">Source</a></p></div> <p></center><br /> For users it is essential that they clearly put across what they expect from the HTML5 website or app to avoid any future discontentment. Users should know that the mind blowing capabilities of HTML5 is not something that is independent but a combination of various technologies tied to the browsers&#8217; capabilities. Needless to say that this technology is evolving and a clear cut timeframe about when all the proposed capabilities are realized is obscure</p> <p>Developers should have constant interaction with the users in order to have a clear idea about the expectations. Provide the users with snapshots of how their app or site would look like, since seeing is believing. Make them understand as to how much of their expectations can actually be met because no matter what potential HTML5 holds, the end product should reflect the users&#8217; needs and expectations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <table style="padding: 15px; border: 5px solid #5d5d5d; background-color: #30302f;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="Rohit Singhal" class="alignright" src="http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/0baada9baeb3c9cec4099a744f8dccc8?s=75&amp;d=identicon&amp;r=G" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" width="100? height=" /></p> <h3>About the Author</h3> <p>Rohit Singhal is an emarketer working with PixelCrayons, a web development company. The company specializes in ecommerce solutions, CMS solutions, <a href="http://html.pixelcrayons.com/responsive-design-coding.html">responsive web design</a> implementation, <a href="http://html.pixelcrayons.com/">HTML5 Web Development</a> and more.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/guest-blogger/" rel="author">Guest Blogger</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/UI9svPxSUZ4" width="1" />

<p style="text-align: justify;">A lot of graphic designers and artists all over the world employ a number of elements in their designs and artwork making them extremely complicated and intricate. But as most people would say, the devil is in the details. And the mark of a true artist may usually be seen when his work is scrutinized to the smallest part of his masterpiece.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">That is the reason why it is very important for graphic artists, both novice and professional alike to pay attention to the details of their work as meticulously as possible. Every element, every layer and every stroke should be given an appropriate amount of attention. Background images and design accents for example play a pivotal role in tying up the overall look and feel of a design, which in turn makes for a well-polished and balanced work.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We at You The Designer recognize this need, so today, we are giving you this amazing set of 7 starburst vector graphics that will definitely add some fine details into any design.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37112 aligncenter" height="1000" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/post-cover.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="600" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Download this stunning set of vector graphics by tweeting or sharing over Facebook. Click the button below and unlock the awesomeness! (Email subscribers, please visit the actual post page to download.)</p> <p><center></center></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">So there you have it guys. What other freebie do you want me to make for you in the future? Do tell us by leaving a comment below. You can also find us on <a href="http://facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cadencewu" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/" target="_blank">Google Plus</a> or subscribe to our blog through our <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">RSS Feeds</a>. And please, do check out our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/blank-print-templates" target="_blank">print templates</a> page and download any of our blank print templates for all your print designing needs.</p> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/geno/" rel="author">Geno Arguelles</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/X_5uWWbZZ7A" width="1" />

<p>Most live action movies today are based if not in best-selling books, are from classic comics and graphic novels. Major characters in comics especially most of our favorite superheroes have been transformed into major motion pictures today which appeal not only to kids and fans but across all ages.</p> <p>A successful superhero live action movie is mostly dependent on how the filmmakers have captured the exact character found on its two-dimensional, spandex-clad superhero origin. The classic look and style in comics combined with some modern aspects like slight changes in costumes and storyline is a common technique found in making movies today. To remember how much the comic stylings of the 60’s and 70’s have inspired modern films, Brazilian artist <a href="http://www.behance.net/butcherbilly"><strong>Butcher Billy</strong></a> created an awesome project which answers his thought about just how thin is the line that separate movies from comics.</p> <p>Butcher Billy, who focuses on graphic design and illustration created the series called &#8220;<a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/The-Superhero-Media-Crossover-Project/6192521"><strong>The Superhero Media Crossover Project</strong></a>&#8221; which features a mash-up of images combining art from classic comic books overlapped on screenshots from the latest superhero films. The project makes us realize how often movie makers rely on the format of classic comic books and graphic novels, making them easy to translate them on the screen by interlacing cinematography with storyboard.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37070 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/112.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37072 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/210.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37075 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/34.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37076 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/42.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37077" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/52.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37079 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/62.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37080" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/72.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37081" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/82.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37082" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/93.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="size-full wp-image-37084 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/102.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37085" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/113.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37086" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/122.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37087" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/132.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37088" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/142.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37089" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/152.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="The Superhero Media Crossover Project by Butcher Billy" width="600" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The series is a homage to various comic artists from the 60&#8242;s and 70&#8242;s such as  Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and John Romita Sr. and nice way of showing how their timeless works continue to inspire modern media and all of us. Check out more of the amazing works of Butcher Billy on his <a href="http://www.behance.net/butcherbilly">Behance</a> page.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr noshade="noshade" /> &nbsp;<br /> Which among the crossover designs is your most favorite? Share to us your thoughts and as well as your suggestions by commenting below. Find us on  <a href="http://www.facebook.com/youthedesigner"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/youthedesigner"><strong>Twitter</strong></a>,</strong> <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/posts"><strong>Google Plus</strong></a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/cadencewu/"><strong>Pinterest</strong></a> for more design awesomeness! Also, don’t forget to <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner">subscribe</a> to our blog for the latest design inspirations, stories and freebies. Speaking of freebies, check out our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/blank-print-templates">free print templates</a> page where you can download templates for calendars, brochures, business cards and more!  Stay awesome everyone!</p> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/kerby/" rel="author">Kerby Rosanes</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/lxahROMCX04" width="1" />

<p>Hello everyone! We&#8217;re now here to announce the 5 winners of our giveaway last week . But before that, we would just like to thank everyone who joined our giveaway which was sponsored by our friends from Themespectrum.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="328" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/superslide.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="735" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are the 5 winners of the 5 premium themes from Themespectrum that includes premium support and free future updates:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <h2>Susan Geiger</h2> </li> <li> <h2>Ricardo Gonzalez</h2> </li> <li> <h2>Michael Paul</h2> </li> <li> <h2>Naomi Estreicher</h2> </li> <li> <h2>Rony Mattar</h2> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For our lucky winners, please accept our warmest congratulations and please wait for an email from a representative of Themespectrum as they will contact you shortly to instruct you on how to claim your prize. As for those who joined, again, please accept our sincere appreciation. For those who didn&#8217;t win, we have a new <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/12/10/im-creator-and-ytd-nexus-7-giveaway/" target="_blank">giveaway</a> on our site, so by all means, feel free to join.</p> <p>For any questions, suggestions, or sponsorship offers, please feel free to contact us using the contact form in our Contact Us page or just leave a comment below and we&#8217;ll certainly give you feedback. Lastly, please don&#8217;t forget to <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to our blog or add us up on <a href="http://facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cadencewu" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/" target="_blank">Google Plus</a> for more design related news, features, <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/blank-print-templates" target="_blank">freebies</a> and of course giveaways. Stay Awesome everyone!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/cadence/" rel="author">Cadence Wu</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/K9ZrCrmD_1c" width="1" />

<p style="text-align: justify;">For most part of the world, Christmas is often associated with cold weather. This is probably because there have been many types of media in the past that mentions of a white Christmas, with houses covered in a layer of snow and people huddle near a fire place to drink coffee or hot chocolate. So in today’s You! Be Inspired! post, we decided to showcase 25 of the most creative mug designs that will certainly get you in the mood this holiday season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mugs have been around for more than 5000 years and were used by early civilizations for the sole purpose of drinking water or any form of fluid from it. Earlier forms of mug were produced by shaping clay or carved wood. However, these types of mugs were very hard to use especially with their thick walls that were unfit for the mouth. This changed upon the invention and discovery of different alternative materials like metal, porcelain and eventually plastic.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Today, mugs are produced in a variety of ways using different materials, sometimes even combining two or more materials in order to come up with the best result for a product. So without further ado, here are the 25 creatively designed mugs we’ve collected from the far reaches of the online world.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <hr noshade="noshade" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center></p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37020" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37020" height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/r2d2-600x600.jpeg" title="r2d2" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">For the Star Wars fan <a href="http://www.bitrebels.com/geek/star-wars-r2-d2-coffee-tea-mug/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37021" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37021" height="522" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/biscuit-pocket.jpg" title="biscuit pocket" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">For the Biscuit Lover <a href="http://justamazingthings.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-10-creative-coffee-cup-designs.html#.UMfakuTYdSQ">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37022" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37022" height="508" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/chemist-600x508.jpg" title="chemist" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">For the Chemist <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111658600/coffee-caffeine-molecule-etched-coffee">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37023" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37023 " height="420" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tennis-player.jpg" title="tennis player" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">For the Tennis Player <a href="http://decorating-ideas-for.com/decorating-ideas-for-coffee-mugs/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37024" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37024" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/angel-and-devil.jpg" title="angel and devil" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Good vs Bad <a href="http://decorating-ideas-for.com/decorating-ideas-for-coffee-mugs/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37026" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37026 " height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/golfer.jpg" title="golfer" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Golfer&#8217;s Mug <a href="http://egotvonline.com/2011/10/06/25-awesome-mugs/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37029" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37029 " height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dog-lover-600x600.jpg" title="dog lover" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Dog Lover&#8217;s Mug <a href="http://dogmugs.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37031" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37031" height="637" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/musician1.jpg" title="musician" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Musician&#8217;s Mug <a href="http://dogmugs.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html&amp;quot">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37032" style="width: 600px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37032" height="483" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/poop.jpg" title="poop" width="590" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Poop Mug <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/cool-coffee-mugs">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37033" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37033 " height="574" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/spill-proof-mug.jpg" title="spill proof mug" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Spill Proof Mug <a href="http://ilovecoffee.co.za/2011/02/17/cool-coffee-cups/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37039" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37039 " height="339" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/knuckle.jpg" title="knuckle" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Knuckle Mug <a href="http://bifty.com/cool-stuff/thabto-coffee-mugs/2204/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37040" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37040" height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ninja-600x600.jpeg" title="ninja" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Ninja Mug <a href="http://thecooleststuffever.com/ninja-coffee-mug">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37041" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37041" height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cookie.jpg" title="cookie" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Cookie Mug <a href="http://www.barnorama.com/cool-coffee-and-tea-mugs/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37042" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37042 " height="447" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gun-Handle-Mug.jpg" title="Gun-Handle-Mug" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Gun Handle Mug <a href="http://www.likecool.com/Gun_Handle_Mug--Office--Gear.html&amp;quot">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37043" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37043" height="519" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/twitter-600x519.jpg" title="twitter" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Twitter with Hashtag Mug <a href="http://www.forkparty.com/28384/ten-cool-tech-company-coffee-mugs-gallery/coffeemugs001">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37044" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37044" height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/keyboard-600x600.jpg" title="keyboard" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Programmer&#8217;s Mug <a href="http://www.shop4juan.com.ph/Cool-Unique-Keyboard-Design-Coffee-Mug-Set_p_19.html">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37045" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37045" height="591" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cow-600x591.jpg" title="cow" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Cow Mug <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QB9TEQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl? ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005QB9TEQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=squid0d8-20">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37046" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37046 " height="641" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/camera.jpg" title="camera" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photographer&#8217;s Mug <a href="http://www.flavorwire.com/96838/design-porn-coffee-mugs?all=1">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37047" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37047" height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/behind-600x600.png" title="behind" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The Behind Mug <a href="http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2011/12/unique-and-creative-mugs.html">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37048" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37048" height="564" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/creature-cups-600x564.jpeg" title="creature cups" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Creature Cups <a href="http://creaturecups.com/store">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37049" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37049 " height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/animal-nose.jpg" title="animal nose" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Animal Nose Cup <a href="http://www.designrulz.com/product-design/2011/07/creative-clever-coffee-mug-designs/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37050" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37050" height="552" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gameboy-600x552.png" title="gameboy" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Gameboy Mug <a href="http://churchm.ag/2012/02/page/3/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37051" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-37051" height="558" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/rubix-cube.jpg" title="rubix cube" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Rubix Cube Mug <a href="http://1oet.com/funny-coffee-mugs-pictures/">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37064" style="width: 610px;"><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/self-stirring.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-37064" height="449" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/self-stirring-600x449.jpg" title="self stirring" width="600" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Self Stirring Mug <a href="http://find-gift-ideas.net/tag/creative-coffee-mug">Source</a></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_37052" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-37052 " height="600" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/toilet.png" title="toilet" width="600" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Toilet Mug <a href="http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2011/12/unique-and-creative-mugs.html">Source</a></p></div> <p></center></p> <hr noshade="noshade" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">And that concludes today’s edition of You! Be Inspired! So which mug design did you find most interesting? Tell us by leaving a comment below. For other design related news, features and freebies, do <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to our blog or drop by our <a href="http://facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cadencewu" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/" target="_blank">Google Plus</a> social profiles.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, if you’re currently working on a project that involves a print product, don’t forget to check out our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/blank-print-templates" target="_blank">print templates page</a> and download any of our 1,100 templates completely FREE!</p> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/zyril/" rel="author">Zy Gonzales</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/NgrBxr9kNvE" width="1" />

<p>Typography techniques are improved by constant practicing and when given the challenge of competition. This idea inspired the new website called &#8220;<a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/"><strong>Lettering vs. Calligraphy</strong></a>&#8221; which features two amazing Berlin based designers in a unique challenge celebrating the creative process of hand drawn lettering and  penned calligraphy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lettering vs. Calligraphy" class=" wp-image-36963 aligncenter" height="1038" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/lvsc1.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Lettering vs. Calligraphy" width="524" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The type designers involved are <a href="http://www.martinaflor.com/">Martina Flor</a> and <a href="http://www.resistenza.es/">Giuseppe Salerno</a> who are both exceptionally talented and have been in the industry for more than a decade. The duo create a design each day based on a keyword provided by a moderator. Then they post their work online and let the viewers vote for their favorite. The two go head to head each day &#8211; the unique hand drawn lettering of Martina Flor versus the exquisitely penned calligraphy of Giuseppe Salermo. The adventure aims to explore and showcase the capabilities of the two technical approaches in type design. Below are some of the latest designs featured on their website (left &#8211; lettering, right &#8211; calligraphy):</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/distinguished-u/"><img alt="DISTINGUISHED “U”" class="size-medium wp-image-36966 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/U-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="DISTINGUISHED “U”" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Distinguished &#8220;U&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/v-for-vendetta/" target="_blank"><img alt="&quot;V&quot; for Vendetta" class="size-medium wp-image-36967 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/v-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="&quot;V&quot; for Vendetta" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&#8220;V&#8221; for Vendetta</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/j-bizarre/" target="_blank"><img alt="Bizarre &quot;J&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36969 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/j-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Bizarre &quot;J&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bizarre &#8220;J&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/swashy-t/" target="_blank"><img alt="Swashy &quot;T&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36970 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/t-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Swashy &quot;T&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Swashy &#8220;T&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/dynamic-n-2/" target="_blank"><img alt="Dynamic &quot;N&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36971 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/n-600x300.png" style="border: 0px;" title="Dynamic &quot;N&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dynamic &#8220;N&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/b-happy/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy &quot; B&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36972 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/B-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Happy &quot; B&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy &#8220;B&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/simple-z/" target="_blank"><img alt="Simple &quot;Z&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36973 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Z-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Simple &quot;Z&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Simple &#8220;Z&#8221;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/art-nouveau-9" target="_blank"><img alt="Art Nouveau &quot;9&quot;" class="size-medium wp-image-36974 aligncenter" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/92-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Art Nouveau &quot;9&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Art Nouveau &#8220;9&#8243;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/sophisticated-3/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sophisticated &quot;3&quot;" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-36975" height="300" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/33-600x300.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Sophisticated &quot;3&quot;" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sophisticated &#8220;3&#8243;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/shop/time-to-fight-postcards/" target="_blank"><img alt="Time To Fight postcards" class="aligncenter wp-image-36978" height="318" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/time-600x318.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="Time To Fight postcards" width="600" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&#8220;Time To Fight&#8221; postcards</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Which of the type designs is your most favorite? Vote for them on their official <a href="http://www.letteringvscalligraphy.com/">website</a>. This amazing project is not just a design challenge but an opportunity to discover the various styles and possibilities in type design in both lettering and calligraphy. Moreover, the series will be a huge source of inspiration for typography addicts out there as the battle continues.</p> <p>Tell us your thoughts as well as your suggestions by commenting below. Find us on  <a href="http://www.facebook.com/youthedesigner"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/youthedesigner"><strong>Twitter</strong></a>,</strong> <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/posts"><strong>Google Plus</strong></a> and <a href="http://pinterest.com/cadencewu/"><strong>Pinterest</strong></a> for more design awesomeness! Also, don’t forget to <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner">subscribe</a> to our blog for the latest design inspirations, stories and freebies. Speaking of freebies, check out our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/blank-print-templates">free print templates</a> page where you can download templates for calendars, brochures, business cards and more!  Stay awesome everyone!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/kerby/" rel="author">Kerby Rosanes</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/oU1Onf6UAXY" width="1" />

<p>This week, <a href="http://depositphotos.com/">Depositphotos</a> and <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytdcon_0612">UPrinting</a> are collaborating to give you an international giveaway! Here you can win a 20-day free stock photo subscription where you can download 10 images a day (the normal setup is 7 days and 5 images a day), and $50 worth of print credits to spend however you like too!<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Here are the various means of entry:<br /> &nbsp;<br /> - Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Depositphotos">@Depositphotos</a> on Twitter<br /> - Like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DepositPhotosEN">Depositphotos (English)</a> Facebook page<br /> - Tweet about this giveaway &#8211; you can find the premade tweet in the PunchTab app<br /> - Like the You The Designer blog (we know you do, it&#8217;s just that sometimes we need reminding!)<br /> - Leave a comment on this post saying what you&#8217;ll use the subscription and the print credits for<br /> - Visit (and join, if you like!) the <a href="http://www.ucreative.com/?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytdcon_0612">UCreative Network</a>, the social network for creative professionals!<br /> - Give the <a href="https://plus.google.com/116824150281780256954/">You The Designer Google+ page</a> a +1</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Make sure you do all that via the PunchTab app</strong> so all your entries are counted! As usual, the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Giveaway ends on <strong>Saturday, June 16, 2012, midnight PST. International except where prohibited.</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Print credits do not include shipping costs. If the print job costs less than $50, the remaining print credits may be subtracted from the shipping costs.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Once the giveaway ends, the PunchTab widget will reflect this, and we’ll publish another post to announce the winners as well as notify the winners privately.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Now that you&#8217;ve read all that, start submitting your entries and good luck, everyone!<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <em>In case you need some printing done right now and can&#8217;t wait for this giveaway to end, UPrinting has a <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/coupons.html?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytdcon_0612">summer marketing sale</a> going on &#8211; that&#8217;s up to 20% off selected products until the 28th. <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/coupons.html?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytdcon_0612">Check it out!</a></em><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <em>If you are looking for quality images, and the subscription you can win isn&#8217;t enough for you, feel free to join Depositphotos. You will have an ability to use <a href="http://depositphotos.com/free-photos.html">free images</a> with their Free Trial Program!</em></p> <p>&nbsp; Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/cadence/" rel="author">Cadence Wu</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/6V4eEMK19_M" width="1" />

<p>This week, as I was browsing <em>The New Yorker</em> magazine&#8217;s site for covers</a> (thanks to the curiosity sparked by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/06/06/the-art-of-the-new-yorker-magazine-covers/" target="_blank">one of our articles</a>), I saw this <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/06/loving-ray-bradbury.html" target="_blank">tribute</a> to Ray Bradbury written my Junot Diaz. It was an intimate look at how he is well-loved by his fans and friends. Of all the tributes I read about him this week, one that discussed his answer to a question on passing a legacy to future generations is my favorite &#8212; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>&#8220;If you don’t read or write, you can’t be educated, you can’t care about anything — you’ve gotta put something in people’s heads so the metaphors bounce around and collide with each other and make new metaphors. That’s the success I’ve had of daring to put different metaphors together, mashing their heads together, saying, ‘Oh my god, I didn’t think of that — how wonderful!’&#8221;</em></p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>Continue learning and discovering new things by signing up for our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/signup/" target="_blank">monthly newsletter</a> and subscribing to our <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">RSS Feed</a>. Enjoy this week&#8217;s edition of You! Be Informed! </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bonnaroo 2012</strong></p> <p>Four days of camping out in Manchester, Tennessee with more than 10 stages for music performance is what the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is all about! Mingle with fellow revelers and explore the different options for food and entertainment! Know more about what you can bring, how to behave yourself during the festival, and more useful things <a href="http://www.bonnaroo.com/festival-info/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Bonnaroo2012-via-YouTheDesigner.com_.jpg"><img alt="Bonnaroo2012 via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26585" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Bonnaroo2012-via-YouTheDesigner.com_.jpg" title="Bonnaroo2012 via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Gallery 1988 &#8211; &#8220;Excuuuuuse Meeeeeeeee&#8221;</strong></p> <p>One of our favorite galleries is holding an exhibit that&#8217;s beyond awesome for words. Gallery1988 Venice will be holding <strong>&#8220;Excuuuuuse Meeeeeeeee,&#8221;</strong> a tribute to one of my favorite funnymen, Steve Martin. Artists participating in the exhibit created pieces inspired by Steve&#8217;s work in movies, books, TV, and music. The opening gala will be held on June 8, Friday, and the gallery will be up until the end of June 2012. If you&#8217;re a Steve Martin fan, or you just want to unwind by looking at contemporary art pieces, take time to drop by Gallery1988 Venice!</p> <p><em>Images from <a href="http://g1988.tumblr.com/post/24405864636/this-friday-at-g1988-venice-we-open-excuuuuuuse" target="_blank">G1988</a></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Steve-Martin.jpg"><img alt="Gallery 1988 Steve Martin Exhibit via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26524" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Steve-Martin.jpg" title="Gallery 1988 Steve Martin Exhibit via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Michael-DePippo.jpg"><img alt="Gallery 1988 Michael DePippo via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26526" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Michael-DePippo.jpg" title="Gallery 1988 Michael DePippo via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Jason-Edmiston.jpg"><img alt="Gallery 1988 Jason Edmiston via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26525" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Jason-Edmiston.jpg" title="Gallery 1988 Jason Edmiston via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Nicole-Gustafsson.jpg"><img alt="Gallery 1988 Nicole Gustafsson via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26527" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Gallery-1988-Nicole-Gustafsson.jpg" title="Gallery 1988 Nicole Gustafsson via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>WordCamp New York City 2012</strong></p> <p>WordPress users in New York, rejoice! WordCamp New York City 2012 is upon you, and it will be held on June 9-10, 2012 at Baruch College in Manhattan. Gear up for two whole days to learn the latest about everything and anything about WordPress. If you&#8217;re planning to attend the event, learn more about it <a href="http://2012.nyc.wordcamp.org/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/WordCampNYC.jpeg"><img alt="WordCampNYC via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26531" height="500" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/WordCampNYC.jpeg" title="WordCampNYC via YouTheDesigner.com" width="500" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Asketic Riga &#8211; getCirulis</strong></p> <p>We&#8217;re all about discovering and learning new things here at You the Designer, that&#8217;s why finding something graphic designers will find useful excites us. Asketic Riga is a design office from Riga, Latvia that&#8217;s taking a bold step to turn one of the region&#8217;s most unique typefaces, Cirulis, into a usable font family. <a href="http://getcirulis.com/" target="_blank">Sign up</a> and be among the first designers to receive Cirulis Pro Bold! </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/getCirulis.jpg"><img alt="getCirulis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26538" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/getCirulis.jpg" title="getCirulis via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cirulis-poster.jpg"><img alt="Cirulis-poster via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26541" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cirulis-poster.jpg" title="Cirulis-poster via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cirulis-book.jpg"><img alt="Cirulis-book via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26540" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cirulis-book.jpg" title="Cirulis-book via YouTheDesigner.com" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>AFA &#8211; Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit</strong></p> <p>On the day before what would have been Maurice Sendak&#8217;s 84th birthday, AFA (Animazing Fine Art) will be opening a retrospective exhibit featuring his art. The exhibition will open on Saturday, June 9, and will be up until Labor Day. Original artwork and published pieces that celebrate the life of Maurice Sendak will be on display. Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the <a href="http://afanyc.com/" target="_blank">AFA website</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg"><img alt="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit via YouTheDesigner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26561" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg" title="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit via YouTheDesigner" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-02-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg"><img alt="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit 02 via YouTheDesigner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26559" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-02-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg" title="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit 02 via YouTheDesigner" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-03-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg"><img alt="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit 03 via YouTheDesigner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26560" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Maurice-Sendak-Retrospective-Exhibit-03-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg" title="Maurice Sendak Retrospective Exhibit 03 via YouTheDesigner" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Innovation Whiteboard</strong></p> <p>A month ago, The New York Times invited readers to share innovations that would make daily life easier. They called this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/magazine/innovation-whiteboard.html" target="_blank">The Innovation Whiteboard</a>, a repository of ideas that features lifehacks. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Innovation-Whiteboard-via-YouTheDesigner.com_.jpg"><img alt="Innovation Whiteboard via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26570" height="55" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Innovation-Whiteboard-via-YouTheDesigner.com_.jpg" title="Innovation Whiteboard via YouTheDesigner.com" width="600" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Innovation-Whiteboard-02-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg"><img alt="Innovation Whiteboard 02 via YouTheDesigner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26569" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Innovation-Whiteboard-02-via-YouTheDesigner.jpg" title="Innovation Whiteboard 02 via YouTheDesigner" /></a></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>Also share and discuss graphic design news with other You The Designer readers through our <a href="http://facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a> accounts! </p> <p>&nbsp; Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/chin/" rel="author">Chin de Vera</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/a6hvP3cXl_w" width="1" />

<p>Logo design is made up of different defining aspects – from the designer’s influences and personal whims, to the design’s colour and its shape. We’ve discussed how logos are defined by colour and shape in our <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/06/05/logo-design-the-color-and-the-shape/">previous post</a>. This time we’d like to talk about the file types and the things that you ought to know when you’re designing a logo for different media.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As technical as these two graphic design terms may sound, they’re actually very simple. Raster graphics are basically made up of pixels, the things you see on your screen, the rough edges that you see on an image when you zoom in too much. On the other hand, vector graphics are made up of lines and anchor points that are auto-adjusted by Adobe Illustrator (or any other vector software editor you’re using) when you’re resizing your work. That’s the basic gist of raster and vector graphics, but let’s delve deeper into the abyss and know where and when to use them, and on what project, aside from logo design, you can use them.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><center><img alt="Sample Raster Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26546" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/full_ps.jpg" title="Sample Raster Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" /></center><br /> <em>Upon first inspection, raster and vector graphics will basically look the same way. The difference becomes apparent once reproducing the design becomes an issue.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><br /> <h3>Raster Graphics</h3> <p></strong></p> <p>If you’re going to zoom in on an image, you’ll notice that the edges become more pixelated. This is because most images (JPEG, JPG, PNG, etc.) are rasterized to allow an artist or photographer to manipulate the image using a graphics editing software, like Adobe Photoshop.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A raster graphic image is made up of pixels, with each pixel having only one colour. This means that if you have fewer pixels in your image, you’ll have lesser colour and a low quality image. Otherwise, you’ll have a perfectly crisp and sharp image.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Why it’s not for any logo project</strong></p> <p>The primary concern in using raster graphics to create your logo design is the resolution. As I’ve mentioned before, rasterized images tend to be more pixelated or jagged on the edges. Resizing will be the main problem when it comes to reproducing a rasterized logo. You may be able to produce high resolution image on Photoshop, but you’ll never know how big the logo needs to be in actual production.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><center><img alt="Sample Raster Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26546" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/zoom_ps.jpg" title="Sample Raster Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" /></center><br /> <em>A logo design that&#8217;s created using Photoshop will show pixels once you zoom in within the image. This becomes an issue when you need to create a larger design from your original.</em> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Another issue is professional quality. If you’re designing logos as a professional, you’d aim for the best quality and using a raster file for your project doesn’t help your cause. As mentioned earlier, upon closer inspection rasterized images would eventually produce pixelated images. This’ll reflect your knowledge about industry standards and practice, which is better that you know it now, than later.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What’s it for?</strong></p> <p>Photos and graphic rendering are done in raster graphics. Because of the extensive colour manipulation capabilities of raster graphic editors, they’re apt tools in adding and editing colours, tones, and textures on images, and photos. Usual projects done in Adobe Photoshop are web design, promotional graphics, and your usual illustration colour rendering.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><br /> <h3>Vector Graphics</h3> <p></strong><br /> In simple terms, vector graphic images are collections of lines and anchor points that make up a whole image. The lines serve as your drawing’s outline and the anchor points control where your lines should go. It’s similar to how the Photoshop pen tool works. If you’re familiar with it you’ll be fine, if not it’s time you work on it.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> The anchor points and lines that make up a vector graphic image are manipulated through mathematical calculations (done by the software you’re using, no worries), which make the image done in vector to be scalable to any size.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Why it’s used in creating logos</strong><br /> Because of the ease in resizing a vector graphic image, logo designers find it easier to reproduce a logo in any size, any time, without losing quality. Aside from resolving sizing issues on a logo design, editing it will be a lot easier. Logos made in vector graphics are more adaptable and streamlined when applied to different media – from promotional prints and corporate stationery, like <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/business-cards.html?utm_source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youthedesigner.com%2F&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytd_0612" target="_blank">business cards</a> and letterheads, to web design applications and other media.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><center><img alt="Zoomed in Vector Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26549" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/zoom_vector.jpg" title="Zoomed in Vector Logo via YouTheDesigner.com" /></center><br /> <em>Vector Graphics&#8217; primary strength lies on its scalability. Since you&#8217;ll be applying the logo on different media, you&#8217;ll have to create different sizes of the same design. But if you&#8217;ve created the logo design as a vector graphic, size and scaling issues are easily resolved.</em><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Other applications</strong></p> <p>Most conceptual artists directly sketch their work on vector graphic editors and just render them on Adobe Photoshop, or other raster graphic editors. Because of the power combination of Adobe Illustrator’s intuitive drawing tools that work best with a tablet – this makes it easier for artists and illustrators to create sketches, concept designs, or adding details to a drawing easier.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Look out for our other logo design posts for the month of June. Make sure that you’re subscribed to our <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">RSS Feed</a> to receive awesome design news and inspiration. If you’ve got any questions, topic suggestions, or some love to share, just hit us up on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp; Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/cadence/" rel="author">Cadence Wu</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/NbyxvDmYX_E" width="1" />

<p>As you’ve seen in our recent posts, we’re cooking up a series of articles focusing on logo design and the issues and elements concerning the design process as well as the technicalities that come with it. Watch out for this week’s upcoming posts – we’ll be featuring illustrated covers of The New Yorker magazine, we’ll also publish another logo design post discussing the difference between raster and vector graphics.</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> Going into the things I dug up the past weekend, here are some amazing graphic design samples, illustrators, and their artwork:</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Emma Block – Illustrator</strong></p> <p>We’ve seen some amazing illustration from <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2012/05/30/you-be-inspired-0007/" target="_blank">last week’s Be Inspired</a> post, this week we’ve got another female illustrator in <a href="http://emmablock.co.uk" target="_blank">Emma Block</a>. Her work has a touch of 1930s jazz and 1950s lifestyle, some of her works somehow reminisce the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a little hint of Dorothy Parker’s era.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Emma Snow via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26481" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/emma01.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Emma Snow via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26482" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/emma02.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Emma Snow via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26483" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/emma03.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Emma Snow via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26484" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/emma04.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Emma Snow via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26485" height="580" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/emma05.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Chibi Tarot – A Cute Take on an Ancient Tradition</strong></p> <p>A project by artist Adam Bodgett, the <a href="http://chibitarot.com/" target="_blank">Chibi Tarot</a> project aims to recreate the major and minor arcana of the Tarot deck, through the lens of chibi. If you’re not familiar with the term chibi meaning “Short Person”, it’s used to describe a thing or person as cute or small.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Chibi Tarot by Adam Bodgett via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26469" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chibitarot01.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Chibi Tarot by Adam Bodgett via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26470" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chibitarot02.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Chibi Tarot by Adam Bodgett via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26472" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chibitarot03.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Chibi Tarot by Adam Bodgett via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26473" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chibitarot04.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Chibi Tarot by Adam Bodgett via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26474" height="1111" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/chibitarot05.png" title="" width="600" /></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Conrad Roset – Illustrator</strong></p> <p>A common muse among graphic artists and illustrators is the image of a woman. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/conradroset" target="_blank">Conrad Roset’s gallery</a> of works exemplifies this appreciation of the female form – from his muse collections to his commercial works. Though Conrad’s work primarily focuses on the sensual form of a woman, his portfolio boasts an assortment of different projects, from photography to <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/postcard-printing.html?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytd_0612" target="_blank">postcard prints</a>, and children’s books.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Conrad Roset via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26476" height="925" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad01.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Conrad Roset via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26477" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad02.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Conrad Roset via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26478" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad03.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Conrad Roset via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26479" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad04.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Conrad Roset via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26480" height="830" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/conrad05.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Movie Posters by Neil Kellerhouse</strong></p> <p>If you’re into films and <a href="http://www.uprinting.com/poster-printing.html?utm_source=youthedesigner.com&#038;utm_medium=referral&#038;utm_campaign=gdm_ytd_0612" target="_blank">movie posters</a>, you’ll love <a href="http://kellerhouse.com/" target="_blank">Neil Kellerhouse’s work</a>. He has worked on the posters for <em>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</em>, <em>The Social Network</em>, and <em>I’m Still Here </em>among others. His unique, sleek, and compact style in photography, and the typography he uses together in the movie posters provide a unique character to each film’s promotional media.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Neil Kellerhouse via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26486" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/neil01.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Neil Kellerhouse via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26487" height="888" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/neil02.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Neil Kellerhouse via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26488" height="944" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/neil03.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Neil Kellerhouse via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26489" height="888" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/neil04.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Neil Kellerhouse via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26490" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/neil05.jpg" title="" /></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>The Great Showdowns – Scott Campbell</strong></p> <p>Everyone has a favorite scene from a film – from the first Matrix’s bullet time fight scenes to Gandalf’s epic confrontation with the Balrog. These have been memorable scenes from our most beloved movies. Now, Scott Campbell recreates all the battle scenes, the close encounters, and the conversations into cute and cuddly illustrations. Check out his project, <a href="http://greatshowdowns.com/" target="_blank">The Great Showdowns</a> on tumblr for more action!<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="The Great Showdowns via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26496" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/scott01.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="The Great Showdowns via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26497" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/scott02.jpg" title="" /></center></p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Project: Rooftop</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tencentticker.com/projectrooftop/about/" target="_blank">Project: Rooftop</a> aims to promote and expand the founders’ idea of superhero costume and character redesign as a skill. It’s being spearheaded by comic book artist Dean Trippe and journalist Christ Arrant. The project was inspired by reality shows and other related superhero literature, and by the trend of costume redesign on different superheroes.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Project: Rooftop via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26491" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rooftop01.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Project: Rooftop via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26492" height="330" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rooftop02.jpeg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Project: Rooftop via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26493" height="423" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rooftop03.jpg" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Project: Rooftop via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26494" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rooftop04.jpg" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Project: Rooftop via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26495" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rooftop05.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis</strong></p> <p>“In the Thrift Shop we trust” – that pretty much sums up my affection for thrift shops that sell pre-owned and cheap curiosities. One of the nice things that you’ll never regret buying off thrift shops are books. Now, Mallory McInnis, a curious online case of a curator, has compiled more than a hundred vintage books and posted their prints online. The prints from her collection have a unique and eerie feel (well, most vintage books have eerie illustrations), and somehow transport you back in time. Check out her collection at <a href="http://myvintagebookcollectioninblogform.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Vintage Book Collection</a>.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26498" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vintage01.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26499" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vintage02.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26500" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vintage03.png" title="" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26501" height="948" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vintage04.png" title="" width="600" /></center><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <center><img alt="Vintage Book Collection by Mallory McInnis via YouTheDesigner.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-26502" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vintage05.png" title="" /></center></p> <p>Got something awesome to share, or a topic you want us to discuss? Hit us up on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/youthedesigner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Also be more amazing and subscribe to our <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/YouTheDesigner" target="_blank">RSS Feed</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp; Read more posts by <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/author/victor/" rel="author">Victor Pontejos</a></p><img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/YouTheDesigner/~4/MVnVWKIh9To" width="1" />