Coke vs. Pepsi

Underlining the power of consistency…

Updated - Brand New has added their two cents and have created a revised version…Coke still wins!

via swiss miss

Mad Men - Season 3 Poster - Click to view close-up

There’s our beloved, complicated Don, casually smoking a cigarette as the flood waters rise. And, in a Mad Men first, that’s not a metaphor. Upon extreme close-up (enhance!), he’s also almost scowling, with just the slightest squint. Aw, cheer up, Don — except don’t, actually, because your inability to experience joy is sort of a calling card of this series. The poster reminds me a little of Gregory Crewdson’s “Twilight” photos, a combination of doom and desire, both evocative and unsettling. If that’s not a spot-on description of Don Draper, what is?

Via EW.com

Mad Men Season 3 Kicks Off Aug 16 @ 10:00 PM on AMC

I’ve really been digging this “little” show called Mad Men, and in case you didn’t know the third season is about to kick-off mid August. I so can’t wait!

AMC has announced that it will be premiering the third season of Mad Men on Sun., Aug. 16 at 10PM ET | 9PM C. The premiere will be presented with limited commercial interruptions.

Leading up to the new season will be a Season 2 marathon starting Mon., Aug. 10, from 7AM to 8PM EST. Also, starting today (Jun. 10), Season 1 of Mad Men is available On Demand in both standard and high definition. Season 2 will be available starting Mon., Jul. 20.

Via AMC

Bad typography is everywhere…Good typography is invisible.

Good typography is invisible.
By Craig Ward (aka Words Are Pictures).

Chris Yaneff created logos for companies like Crown Life Insurance, Canada Trust, Windsor Salt, and Financial Trust among others. His main focus was to give clients what they needed, as opposed to what they wanted. His style is clean, and many of the logotypes created have had a major impact on the business of graphic design. Belwo are a few examples of his work.

 
Canada Trust Logo

Conklin Shows

Windsor Salt

“Peace”
for “Images for Survival/Hiroshima appeals”
40th anniversary of atomic bombing

For the first in this series of design icons I’ve decided to spotlight North-Vancouver Designer Joe Borovich, the creator of the 1970-1978 Canucks’ logo. I would have to say that this logo is one of my favourites as far as logos go for a professional sports team. For this reason, I am beginning my series of designer icons with Joe Borovich.

The logo – fondly known as “Stick-in-Rink” seen above, features a stylized “C” created by two of hockeys most recognizable shapes- a hockey stick inside a rink. The colours also make reference to the waters, and mountains found throughout the land of Vancouver. I must say that this logo is brilliant! So simple and clean, yet it speaks volumes of the brand. As a side note, it has been said that Joe received the grand total of $5,000.00 for the creation of this fine logo.

Even today this logo is a fan favourite. As an alternate jersey, the Canucks’ will sport the classic throwback version from time to time. It should also be noted that in 2007 some minor updates were made to the logo giving it a face-lift. The hockey stick has been slightly angled to represent the letter “V” for Vancouver. The lines have been tightened up, but the colours remain the same.

Just the other day I came across an art exhibit currently featured at a place called Gallery 1988. They’re putting on an exhibit that pays tribute to the mantra of Marvel Comics - more specifically Stan Lee. If you know me, I’m not huge into the actual comic book story lines, but I absolutely love comic book illustration. Seeing some of the artists renditions of Stan Lee’s creations blew me away. Heck, I’m sure you could even use some of that art in a special story release. I think it would put an entirely new spin on how we “see” those Marvel heroes…

Enough about my thoughts though. I want to take some time and post some of my favourites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Yoskay Yamamoto
ink and paint on board

Jeremy Tinder
acrylic on panel

Blinky
acrylic, ink and spraypaint on wood

Matt Haber
acrylic on board

Dennis Larkins
painted sculpture on canvas

Andrew Wilson
acrylic and marker on oak

Nathan Stapley (2 seperate pieces)
gouache and color pencil on paper

Scott Campbell
watercolor on paper

A Veery Merry Christmas

The fine folks over at veer.com have some wonderful gift ideas that would make any designers day. I would recommend anything from their fine catalogue! Cheaky t-shirts, amazing sweaters and some really cool accessories that scream “I’m a designer.”

A Good Book…or Two…

One of my personal favourites…The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst. It is a must read for any designer out there. Among design circles, I have heard it referenced as “The Bible” for all things type. It covers so much and has answered many of my questions when I’m working with type. This book is a wonderful reference for students and professionals alike. I know that I find myself coming back to it again and again.

Another book that is on my “to read” list is Sagmeister: Made You Look. After seeing Stefan speak at this year’s RGD Design Thinkers, I was instantly hooked. This book covers all of his design work - even the bad stuff as he so mildly puts it. From what I have seen and heard it is a great source of inspiration.

Toys for Boys…and Girls!

Yes, I still love a good toy - especially ones that originate from my youth. I find that they’re great things to collect and place around my desk. They help brighten things up a bit and are great conversational pieces. These are great gift ideas and can be found in most stores. One thing that I have noticed in the last little while is the popularity of all the old toys from my childhood. I used to have them lying around the floor as a kid - now they’re considered to be the trendy new paper-weight.

Coffee

I love coffee. It makes a great gift too! Affordable, classy and very personal - coffee is a great gift idea. I know that coffee is an acquired taste, so I’ll add tea leaves to the mix as well. Most places offer large selections of interesting brews that offer their own unique experience.

These are just few ideas that I had off the top of my mind. I hope they helped you out. If anyone has some other great gift ideas, by all means share them here. I’d be really interested in hearing what they are.