Archive
Interview with Khoi Vinh
February 27th, 2009I’m sure many of you have heard of the uber-talented Khoi Vinh, Design Director for NYTimes.com and grid pioneer. Khoi was kind enough to take a moment to chat with me about grids, why they’re important and how he uses them.
Check out the interview on The Grid System.
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Almost Modern Updates
February 26th, 2009I’ve written about Almost Modern before, they’re one of my favorite design studios and they pump out amazing work. They’ve just launched a new grid based site with a bunch of new work. Check it out and be prepared to drool.
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NewWork Magazine Issue #3
February 25th, 2009Issue #3 of the excellent magazine NewWork has been released. The new issue features Willi Kunz and Akira Kobayashi.
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Laura Southcott
February 24th, 2009A recent graduate of Brighton University, Laura Southcott is an exceptionally talented designer who’s done various placements at Build, Accept and Proceed and many others.
Someone in London should scoop up this talent.
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The Practice Sessions
February 23rd, 2009The Practice Sessions is a workshop and panel discussion by Frank Chimero, Duane King, Matt Owens and myself that’s taking place at the National Student Show & Conference from April 2 — 4 in Dallas, Texas. The Practice Sessions was created by Thinking for a Living, an ever-growing platform dedicated to the concept of open source design education. Through a network of topic specific design sites with a focus on education and resources, we share our thoughts, inspirations, critical analysis, design histories and individual experiences relating to a career in design.
I’m looking forward to meeting all of you talented students out there. If you’re an AisleOne reader and attending the conference, definitely come by and say hi.
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The Nooka Zub
February 19th, 2009One of my many obsessions is a well designed watch. People that know me personally know that I always have a “weird” watch strapped to my arm. There are a few qualities I look for in a well designed watch. For one it has to have a minimal design and two, the way the time is displayed has to be unique. Nooka creates watches that exhibit both qualities, and exceptionally I might add.
For those not familiar, Nooka was founded by artist and designer, Matthew Waldman, to create a more intuitive way to view time through linear and graphic representations. A company that makes well designed products that work and make sense. Nooka is one of my favorite product companies, right behind Apple, because of their aesthetics and innovation. They just get it.
I personally own a Zub Zenv sg 38 in black. I absolutely love it. Most of the watch is made of a soft, breathable plastic that is extremely comfortable. The new time display takes a few hours to get use to, but once you do you’ll realize that it makes much more sense.
The watch above is the Zub ZenH in Fire Engine Red, which will be available at the end of February. You can pre-order it for $130.
And no, this isn’t paid advertisement. I just love the damn company.
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Candy Magazine Redesign
February 18th, 2009Talented chaps Keith and Jamie of Make It Work Design informed me about their magnificent redesign of Candy Magazine. I love the overlapping of the elements on the photos.
The magazine is PDF only and can be downloaded here.
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The Grid System Forum
February 17th, 2009I’m happy to announce the The Grid System Forum. I was receiving a lot of emails with questions on how design and use grid systems so a forum just makes sense.
If you have any questions on grids, need help with a grid you’re constructing, want to get some feedback on some work or just want to learn about the history of grid systems, sign up for the forum start chattin’ it up.
At the same time if you see anything weird, or don’t like something, or think something should be added, please let me know. I’d love your feedback.
Enjoy.
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New Work by Xavier Encinas
February 13th, 2009The talented Xavier sent me an email about a bunch of new work that he’s added to his website. Definitely give it a look.
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Barbican Identity Guidelines
February 12th, 2009I’ve been drooling over this Flickr set featuring a bunch of photos of the gorgeous Barbican Identity Guidelines book designed by North. Well done.
Update
Some posted a link to the downloadable PDF of the book. Thanks!
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Limited Edition Helvetica Moleskine
February 10th, 2009Category: Books, Design, International Typographic Style, Typography
Comments: 19
Folks, it doesn’t get any better than this. When I first saw this limited edition Helvetica Moleskine, I almost fell off my chair. Helvetica+Moleskine+Red+White+Cross=Perfection.
This notebook has instantly become my holy grail. I must have one and apparently there is also a black version. If anyone knows where I can get one please let me know! Thanks.
You can check out more photos here.
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10 Principles That Might Make Your Work Better or May Make It Worse
February 9th, 2009
Illustrations by Frank Chimero
I hate the word “tip.” It implies that there’s something that you don’t know. Some secret little gem that, when sprinkled on your work, your creative process, your diet, or your sex life will magically make it all better. They promise to make all of it effervescent, and float above everything, defying gravity above all those poor folks who didn’t happen to stumble upon Dumbo’s magic feather like you did.
Tips are easy. And shallow. Principles, though, now that’s something worth talking about. If tips are puddles, principles can be oceans. They can be deep enough to hold intrepid adventures, yet tame enough to provide a significant bounty to nourish a creative life. They can serve as a north star and a rallying point. More than anything, they can be an inspiration. Sailors will always sing about the sea.
Antonio asked me to map my own ocean and to document a few of my guiding principles. They may be of assistance to you. They may not. But then again, it’d be a shame if we were all working off the same map, looking for the same treasure.