Uppercase
I found an interesting magazine the other day. It has some interesting articles and design work from all around the world. I love the front cover of their first issue.
For a link to the site:
Uncategorized | Comment (0)Typography
I found a few good typography websites the other day and thought I would share them.
More new math is a clever site which combines Typography with maths. Some of these sayings are just wonderful.
For a link to the site: Typograhic posters
Typographical posters seem to be a database of popular typographical designers. It’s worth having a browse though when you have the time.
For a link to the site: More New Math
I’ve been collecting grafix magazine for while now. I’ve the magazine to be quite informative about typography.
For a link to their site: grafix
Uncategorized, type | Comment (0)New Scientist
Despite being a designer in training I also have a keen interest in science. Since most of my friends come from a science background, I was just the black sheep of the group.
A friend a few years ago introduced me to New Scientist magazine. While I don’t collect it on a weekly basis, I do check the website almost daily and find the technology articles most interesting.
A couple of interesting articles at the moment are:
How cellphones will enhance reality
The article goes into detail about how mobile phones could be the next step into virtual reality. Since we never quite got there from the 80’s. It’s similar to the article that Ned found called:
Another interesting article is about gaming from microsoft.
Behind Microsft’s full-body gaming interface.
Quite recently at E3 microsoft revealed it’s full body gaming interface called Project Natal. For those who missed the trailer here it is:
The article from new scientist goes into details on how it works and what could be some of the flaws in Project Natal. I will hold my judgement till it comes out and I can afford it 
Is another video from project natal. Showing emotional responses from the player.
technology | Comment (0)
Lovely Packaging
Some lovely packaging from around the world. Some of these works are inspirational. Like everything in design the packaging is well considered. I wish some websites were like this, though web development is relatively new to the design world.
For a link to the site:
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/50-beautiful-and-effective-package-designs/
Design, packaging | Comment (0)Scary Girl by Nathan Jurevicius
A friend recently introduced me to this site.
Nathan Jurevicius is known for his vinyl toys and quirky style of illustration. Each of his characters are unique and are easily recognisable. His site “scary girl” has an arrange of unique characters, all of them can be easily translated into vinyl toys.
Scary girl is about a girl washed up on a shore, who goes through many adventures all based on folklore.
An interesting aspect of scary girl is that it is enjoyed by both adult and children a like. The graphics are wonderful, the characters are original and the story line is easy to follow. I’ve played the game when I had the time and did enjoy it.
For a link to the site:
Design, website | Comment (0)Andy Rutledge
I found a fairly interesting site the other day which could be useful for future reference. While the site focuses on the management and design side of web development which is a rarity throughout my research.
He goes on about the employability skills as well time management skills. He also shows basic princpals on the gestalt and layout. What makes this site useful is the examples he uses in real web design.
I found this site fairly useful and interesting, I suggest other students have a look, even if you know the basics it’s never too late to freshen up on them.
Here’s a link to his site:
http://www.andyrutledge.com
Ballistic’s Report
On feburary 11th we were requested to attend an industry visit to ballistic media. For this visit we are required to answer some questions:
Ballistic’s media has been around since 2003 and have a world wide audience. Their demographic are mainly from Western Europe and the USA. However they have a growing market in South Korea and China. Ballistic media are known through word of mouth and don’t really advertise much.
What is Ballistics business model? How do the designer contribute to this model?
Ballistic’s media incorporates two businesses. One is the publishing of books, both tutorial based and artistic based. The books are a showcase of art work from the best digital artist in the world. The books help artist show off their work, gain employment and validate their need as a digital artist.
Ballistic media also focuses on a website developed for the exact same demographic. The website also showcases artist work. As well as digital workshops, forums, portfolios, and many more. The website is where a lot of interactivity happens.
Designers contribute in many ways. They organise the content, navigation, layouts of books and websites.
What is the designer’s role at Ballistics?
Again the designer’s role at Ballistics is unique. The control the content, navigation and interface of the site. They decide what is appropriate content for the site. They also have to deal with briefs and confirmation of briefs.
Who do the designers have to work with?
The designers at Ballistic’s media work with a range of people from web programmers (both back and front end), art directors, marketing managers etc. Each person is expected to put the best work they are capable of. Despite this designers at Ballistic’s are always self learning. They learn what they have to get the job done. However the designers do know the importance of knowing what you know well and focus on the skill set they need to get the job they want.
How important is the interface of the website to the company?
The interface is part of the company which sells their image to world. It also displays their global image to world wide customers and clients. The interface is part of the company and the end demographic must be considered when redesigning the site.
What are the future developments for the website interface?
A redesign of the interface is in progress. Some customers have criticisms of the website and the designers are currently trying to address that.
For a link to the Ballistic’s Media homepage:
http://www.ballisticpublishing.com/
Career Plan 2009 | Comment (0)Logo Lounge
Logo lounge is a resource for various logos from different companies. I found this to be a fairly good resource when designing my logo (which is going through another iteration). I suggest all students have a look at this site at some point in their design career.
For a link to their site:
website | Comment (0)Screwed
I’m not much of wine drinker, or drinker so it’s pretty rare when I go to a liquor store.
The one I went into the other day had an interesting bottle with some nice typographical elements to it. Most people tell me not to use caps since it screams for attention but this is exactly what this bottle is trying to achieve.
Oh and it was a nice drop of wine as well