January 23, 2008

Nicholas Lorden.

Photography is one of my absolute favorite forms of artistic expression, so I’m not exactly sure why I don’t feature more photographers on Design Crush. Maybe since I have more personal experience in this category versus illustration it takes more to bowl me over. I’m not quite sure. Regardless, whenever a photo emotionally paralyzes me I have no choice but to share it and such is the case with this image by Nicholas Lorden. The framing is amazing as is the perspective. The silhouettes are perfect. The flare on the snowflakes is magical. And the black and white lends itself to all of the above oh-so-well. Lorden captured the moment so that I want to be a part of it and to me that makes a true photographer.

Posted In create, photography
1
January 18, 2008

Adland.

Working in the fields of advertising and graphic design is incredible first and foremost for the knowledge you get to be a part of. Let me clarify, there are few careers that allow you to come into contact with as many different things – be they products, services, etc – as advertising and design. I constantly feel like I’m turning over a new leaf, starting a new chapter, (insert cliche here) and never have the chance to feel stagnant at my job. Sometimes I need to remember those things when a client pisses me off or a project isn’t going exactly as I would like.

That being said, I’m really pumped about Mark Tungate’s new book Adland: A Global History of Advertising. It examines modern advertising from it’s origins in the 19th century to the present while focusing on major industry players like Tom Bernakin, Jean-Marie Dru and John Hegarty. I know, I know, a boring read for anyone not in the industry but a virtual History of Advertising for those of us who live it in everyday life.

Posted In ads, read up
4
January 17, 2008

Waitrose.

Waitrose is a supermarket chain in England that combines the convenience of an ordinary supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialty shop. Freshness and quality of foods are number one and they take it to the bank with their own in-house line of “generic” goods. Nothing new there, but what is different is the quality of design apparent in every Waitrose branded product. I saw their products in the latest Communication Arts and was really impressed.

Posted In food, packaging
3
January 17, 2008

FUSION Table and Chairs.

I once swore that I would never again purchase a piece of furniture that required assembly. Then I saw the FUSION table and chairs set and all that went out the window. I am obsessed with these pieces and the space-saving quality of the chairs neatly tucking under the table. It’s the perfect mix of retro and modern design. Now I only need to find a good reason to get rid of my perfectly functional current table and chairs!

Posted In furniture, grand design, house and home
3
January 16, 2008

Brix Chocolate.

I’ve been craving chocolate all day, so when I saw Brix Chocolate I was overcome by my craving and the great packaging by mod. It’s chocolate for wine lovers which instantly put thoughts of a glass of red and a fireplace into my mind. We’re supposed to get snow tonight and I can think of nothing more relaxing than couching it with some wine and chocolate.

:: via The Dieline

Posted In food, packaging
1
January 15, 2008

Lisa Solomon.

I came across LIsa Solomon’s work last week and instantly fell in love. This lady has some incredible talent and I’d gladly plaster my home with her art. I can’t pick out one aspect of her work that strikes me, it’s more that it gives me an all around good feeling – and who doesn’t want to feel that way as often as possible?



Posted In create, mixed media
1
January 15, 2008

Cafe Style Tea for One.

Any Design Crush regular should have picked up on the fact that I love mugs and teapots. I love them even more when they’re stacked together as a unit like the Cafe Style Tea for One. It even features a built-in stainless steel strainer for brewing loose leaf tea. Most tea paraphernalia that I’m attracted to is simple white, but I’m loving the vibrant colors in this case.

Posted In grand design, kitchen
0
January 15, 2008

Scotia Made Valentines.

Valentine’s Day is exactly one month from yesterday. Although I’m a firm believer in it being a full-on Hallmark holiday, I love the sentiment and ritual of giving out valentines. Remember decorating shoeboxes or paper bags as drop boxes in elementary school? So, so much fun if you were the Artsy Kid like I was.

I still give out valentines every year and don’t plan on stopping any time soon. But who says they have to be all saccharine-sweet? Check out these ridiculously hilarious valentines from etsy shop Scotia Made. I hate the phrase, but they literally had me laughing out loud when I first saw them.

Posted In cards, holidays, paper goods, valentine's day
1