All hail the "before and after"

I mean who doesn't love before and afters? DIY projects, makeovers, home improvements. We love it because it's the instant gratification portion of our (or someone's) hard work. When transformations happen over a period of time and the end product is a cure of the process and not the original problem, the update can lose impact.
If you have any appreciation at all for package design, then you'll love this. And you, as a person, who probably buys things, defintiely appreciates package design even if you aren't aware of it. The package design website, The Dieline will not only wet your appetiate but feed you a 5 course meal and push second helpings of dessert afterwards. And you will enjoy it.
Here are a few of my favorite before and afters. Click here to see all 49 of them.

Whole Foods Earth Month design

About once or twice a week Wade, my-friend-manager-volleyball-team-mate-car-pool-buddy and I stop at Whole Foods on our way into work. It's a nice way to begin the day. I usually get coffee or chai and a muffin and Wade can't resist the spinach and mushroom dish on the hot bar.
It's not too often that I go out of my way to closer inspect design that catches my eye, but this morning I did. And by out of my way, I mean fully extended my arm to reach for their Earth Month/April 2009 Calendar.

One, I'm a sucker for "aged" looking materials.
Two, I've been referred to as a neo-hippie which really just boils down to a preference for organics and recycling.
Three, "Enter For Your Chance To Win" narrowly escapes my attention. As long as I don't have to enter too much information, I try to get something for nothing pretty regularly.
Four, the color scheme is right up my ally. Blue and Greens with a yellow undertone and a splash of red. *sound of kissing the finger tips like a carton Italian chief*

So I would just like to condone the designer/design team that put this together. I saw the calendar. I took it. I read it. I typed in the website. And now I'm blogging about it. This is exactly what they wanted. And I will not deny them what they've earned.


I really hope I win that Energy Star Fridge.

Rosa Loves

I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to an amazing non-profit, ROSA LOVES. Mike Fretto and Chris Lewis (a high school friend of mine) started the company in 2006. They both have full time jobs, but saw a need for their skill, craft and heart, and did not ignore it. Basically they help people in need. People are chosen that usually have a direct relationship with Mike, Chris or one of the volunteers. A t-shirt design is created about that person with their story is screen printed on in the inside. The shirts are sold online, in a few stores in St. Augstine FL, and surrounding (craft/charity) events.
Here are few of their t-shirt designs. Click the picture to read the story behind it.





What they do is really inspiring. If you can't recall the last inspiring thing you did, buy a t-shirt!

Cut Paper

Paper. Not just for writing on anymore.
Generator.x 2.0 And you thought CAD wasn't an artisans tool.


Stefana McClure creates these 11" balls of sliced paper from old maps, composition paper and comic books.


Kinsey Hamilton who was featured on design sponge and mint (local) makes these incredible hand cut cards.

Studio Peep Makes PRINT December issue

Bliss Alexander-Smith, that is.

Bringing Shadows to Light

It's hard sometimes to take a step back from design to clear your head of the path Adobe has put before us. So I’m profoundly encouraged to see it when art and design can hold hands and declare their love and make babies.
Here are a few examples of clever art and design that use light, and more importantly, shadow.


This is the sign for the Gallery Hotel Art in Florence. The only catch is it’s only visible at night, but what a great pay off!
Designed by amerigo.



These are installations by Fred Eerdekens. I especially love the clouds. I’ve spent quite a bit of time deciphering cloud shapes as animals but never type.


I saved the best for last. This is one panel (word) from a piece called "having guts always works out for me". I’m enamored by the brilliance that comes from Stephan Sagmeister. I went to a lecture of his last spring and left completely inspired. He’s a prime example of a blurred line between fine art and design. He combines imaginativeness and craftsmanship into all of his rarely-born-from-computer work, giving an idea of what unique contemporary graphic design could look like. Definitely check out his most recent book.