Design is not rearrangement The reason I am pointing you to James Geary's TED Talk on the subject of metaphors is because it reminds me of how important it is that our designs don't simply replay the same old, tired messages. (As I was writing this, my first thought was to use the phrase, "break new ground" - it doesn't get much worse than that.)
Geary mentions a George Orwell essay in which he offers six rules for improving the writer's use of the English language including: "Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print."
That's quite a challenge. Doubt me? Try writing a few paragraphs without a "well worn" metaphor. Imagine too if we, as designers, were to rewrite that rule in graphic designese - something like, "Never use a marketing approach, page layout, or color scheme which you are used to seeing in print."
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James Geary, Metaphorically Speaking...Here >
George Orwell's 1946 essay, "Politics and the English Language"...Here >
Geary's 7 Strange Places to Meet a Metaphor...Here >
Roger von Oech breaks my tired, old lightbulb...Discuss this topic here...
The graphic design of food I think there's much to learn from designers such as Grant Achatz, the founder and chef of the renowned Chicago restaurant, Alinea. Though I am told the tastes he creates are extraordinary, I am also amazed by his imagery and story lines.
As a student of molecular gastronomy, his menus have both an aesthetic and scientific side. I surmise that his success is due to his talent for balance the two.
Keep an eye on his new project: The Next Restaurant. It looks to be as interesting and exciting as any of his ventures thus far.
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The Next Restaurant...Here >
Ideas are unfolding on Facebook...Here >
Food as design...Here >
The Next Restaurant website...Here >
The Alinea website...Discuss this topic here...
Create a website that tells a story This, to me, is a brilliant example of how designer and writer can collaborate to tell a story that adds real depth and interest to a brand.
First take a look at a photograph of the actual restaurant. I think you'll agree it looks inviting. But now look at the website - it provides a much better sense of what Marie Catrib's is all about. (I particularly like the first headline: "It's hard to imagine, but at one time Marie was banned from the family kitchen."
One mention of this at BestWebGallery.com attributes the project to designer Brandon Satterlee, design studio Fusionary Media, and illustrator Geoffrey Holstad.
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First take a look at the restaurant...Here >
Now take a look at the website...Here >
Don't miss the "About" page...Here >
From Brandon Satterlee's portfolio...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 [email protected]
Chuck Green
