 Greetings -- thank you for subscribing. In one historical heartbeat (twenty-five years or so) we have been transformed from a series of discrete cultures, within which access to information was dictated by systems of government, geography, and chance, to a worldwide culture in which access to information is fast becoming ubiquitous.
It is at once scary and exhilarating. It has changed, is changing, or will change everything: education, medicine, employment, entertainment, consumption, travel, finance, and security -- not in blurry, tangential ways but in distinct, fundamental ways. The playing field is leveling. We are here as the world begins to re-cast the very nature of society. This is the time to define and pursue our passions, to hold each other to high standards, and to devote ourselves to better ideas. We're here and alive in 2011. Let's not blow it. (Comment here: http://tinyurl.com/63q3s33)
Be well, Chuck
P.S. Check out my Adobe InDesign Ideabook: 315 template files in 19 different categories Everything from brochures, newsletters, and direct mail to packaging, calendars, and books. (one CD works with both Mac and PC). There's no program to install and nothing new to learn. Use just two or three of the 300-plus files and you'll pay for the entire book and disc...
For Adobe InDesign > For QuarkXPress
There is much to be learned by studying ephemera
I am often drawn to ephemera such as these documents featured on GraphicsFairy.com. I especially like those in languages other than English because, when I don't understand the wording, I don't get hung up with subject and can focus entirely on the graphic forms.
Here > Example 1...
Here > Example 2...
Here > Example 3...
Here > These images are featured on GraphicsFairy.com...
Discuss this topic here...
Fonts In Use: Designs and the typefaces used to create them Here's one to keep your eye on. Fonts In Use is a new, independent project launched by Sam Berlow (publisher), Stephen Coles (editor), and Nick Sherman (designer). They explain its mission like this: "So much of design critique is focused on graphics and photography. It's time to shed light on the most basic element of communication: the type. At Fonts In Use we'll catalog and examine real-world typography wherever it appears -- branding, advertising, signage, packaging, publications, in print and online -- with an emphasis on the typefaces used." What will garner much attention is the pairing of interesting design examples and the names of the typefaces used to create them. Thanks to I Love Typography for pointing us to it. Here > Meet Fonts In Use...
Here > About the site... Discuss this topic here...
A guide to online forms design and development Wufoo is an Internet application and subscription service that automates the design and development of online forms. I point you to it for two reasons: First (and most obviously): because you might find yourself in need of their services, and second, to tap the substantial gallery of forms and ideas they share - if you want to see how user-friendly forms are designed and executed Wufoo is a good place to start. Here > The Wufoo forms gallery...
Here > The tour... Here > The Wufoo Blog offers lots of indepth discussion about forms... Discuss this topic here...
An inspirational collection: WPA Posters Even if you know nothing about the Work Projects Administration (WPA) and the posters created under it in the 30s and 40s, you have surely witnessed the results. These images have had an influence on generations of graphic designers. From awful to awesome, they are certainly worth a look. As the Library of Congress site describes it, "The Work Projects Administration (WPA) Poster Collection consists of 907 posters produced from 1936 to 1943 by various branches of the WPA. Of the 2,000 WPA posters known to exist, the Library of Congress's collection of more than 900 is the largest. The posters were designed to publicize exhibits, community activities, theatrical productions, and health and educational programs in seventeen states and the District of Columbia, with the strongest representation from California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The results of one of the first U.S. Government programs to support the arts, the posters were added to the Library's holdings in the 1940s." Here > Example 1... Here > Example 2... Here > Example 3...
Here > The WPA Poster collection at the Library of Congress...
Here > Here is one way this type of resource is being used. This organization has cleaned up the scans and is offering them for resale... Discuss this topic here...
Meet designer Henning Wagenbreth When I point you to an artist (Wagenbreth rejects the label "illustrator"), I typically show you a few examples of their work that I particularly like. But, in this case, I think half the fun of looking through Wagenbreth's portfolio is how you access it - there are over 100 images and word pictures on the home page, each of which leads to a piece of his work. (Even some the tiniest letters lead to separate images.) Here > Have at it... Here > A profile... Discuss this topic here...
About the briefing I try to remain as objective as possible about the information I share here. Unless I tell you otherwise, I receive no compensation from the organizations and people mentioned except for occasional product samples. Comments? Suggestions? Write me at chuckgreen@ideabook.com Chuck Green
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