Tina Roth Eisenberg aka Swissmiss is one of the most impressive and ambitious creative souls that I know. On top of that, she’s a wonderful person and extremely gracious. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Tina and her team to create a short promotional spot for Tattly.
Earlier this week, I released The Knife Maker, the second film in the Made by Hand series. This time we pointed our camera at writer turned knife maker Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn. He talks about the human element of craft, and the potential for a skill to mature into an art. And in sharing his story, he alights on the real meaning of handmade — a movement whose riches are measured in people, not cash. I can’t express enough gratitude for the inspiration, candor and friendship I’ve received from Joel.
It’s been said by designer Jessi Arrington that her favorite color is rainbow. When she was asked to design a one-of-kind skateboard as part of a fundraising event, this is what she did. So damn cute.
Thursday evening, we debuted our first film — on the Breuckelen Distilling Company — at Studiomates, the collaborative workspace in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Since so much of the inspiration behind Made by Hand has come from the creative community in Brooklyn, this was a special opportunity for us. We’re exceedingly grateful to the people of Studiomates — and the makers in Brooklyn and elsewhere who inspire us every day.
We’re pleased now to release our first film into the world; go and watch it now. Brad Estabrooke’s tale is one of knowing you could fail, and moving ahead anyway — perhaps the most important ethos of the handmade spirit. We’re thankful to Brad for also joining us last night and sharing his gin and company.
Our next film — on local knife maker Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn — is in production now. Joel talks about finding himself at the intersection of the handmade and food movements (“I hit the jackpot,” he says) and more.
And as we head into the Fall, we’re talking to more makers in Brooklyn and nearby as we seek out subjects for subsequent films. Our hope is that you find these portraits as inspiring as we do.
Best,
Keef
The lyrics to David Bowie’s Space Oddity imagined as a children’s book by illustrator, Andrew Kolb. So clever. So cute. I’d love to see a whole series of these. I’m certain my nephews would be big fans of an AC/CD Big Balls inspired book.
A nice collection of beautiful vintage-mod packaging design.
Here’s a little poster I slapped together. Its inspired by yesterday’s film shoot with a beekeeper.
It’s been a fantasy of mine for a while now to find a nice little parcel of land on a river or with a pond in upstate New York to build a modern cabin. I’ve just come across these lovely pre-fabs from Form & Forest. I might just have to do a price check.
This is what happens when a well known brand borrows the logo design of a similar brand.
These one of a kind, handmade, decoupaged vintage globes by Wendy Gold are just so darn lovely.
I’m quite pleased to announce the launch of Made by Hand, a new short film series celebrating the people who make things by hand - sustainably, locally, and with a love for their craft. Our first film, on the Breuckelen Distilling Company, is coming soon. See the film teaser. Follow us on twitter.
What sandwich type are you hungry for?
Zoran Lucic designed this retro-vintage style poster series honoring soccers greatest players to step on the pitch. If he put these on t-shirts, I’d buy all of them.
Designer James Reynolds, photographed a series of images that portrays actual death row inmate’s last supper requests.
(via Public School)
Perhaps you’ve worked with an excessively frustrating client. Why not invoice them for your suffering? Designer Jessica Hische has designed some helpful forms. All you have to do is fill them out.
A visit to The Frick Collection Museum reveals a secret room, a rather opulent bowling alley.
(via kottke)
This collection of Retro Logo Goodness makes me pine for the time that good design and corporations could be on the same page. Its nice to see my favorite sports team and logo included - LETS GO FLYERS!!!
(via Swiss MIss)
While doing research for a project, I came across TypArchive. The site is a collaborative image database of handmade letter signage from around the world. In other words, this is porno for graphic designers and type admirers.
These commercials for EF Language Schools are some of the nicest examples of typography incorporated into live-action spots that I’ve seen. More on the type here.
Its quite disheartening to see the state of these 75 abandoned theaters across the US. They stand as reminders to the rise of corporate America and the decline of great towns and cities. Its striking to see how an eye for detail and design was once an important part of our cultural landscape, and not just for the grand theaters but the local small ones too. On a positive note, #49 in Brooklyn is in the process of being renovated.
Designer Marius Roosendaal is working on a project in which he creates a poster a day. Some lovely stuff here. Its all quite lovely actually.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters of Portland, Oregon made their presence felt in NYC a few years back. They now have a cafe in Manhattan and another in the industrial neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn. They’ve just released a bottled cold brew beverage with packaging designed by Jesse Whipple Vickery. I just hope it tastes as good as the bottle looks.
(via PSFK)
Letter March is such a lovely idea. Graphic Designer, Aymie Spitzer is making one linocut letter per day until March 31st, when she will have completed a full alphabet. The font is Champion Gothic by Hoefler & Frere-Jones.
Well I’d say this pretty much sums up the corporate state of things.
Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World tells the story of a simple electronic foot controlled device that changed the face of music. The film covers everything from the accidental advent of the technology to it’s marketing, and landmark moments of it’s integration into popular music. This 60min documentary is a must watch for music nerds and guitar freaks alike.
Post WWII trailer-style homes began to pop up around Palm Springs. A culture of customizing these homes into a more personalized expression began to take shape. Photographer Jeffrey Milstein documented these homes his photo series Small Dreams, Trailer Parks in Palm Springs.
Alex Roman’s The Third & The Seventh is an entirely CG created visual landscape short film journey. The experimental piece explores the relationship between design, space and photography, as well as the constructs of man versus nature. Every frame of the project was made by him alone; very impressive. He must have a render farm the size of a city block.
I’ve yet to figure out if the Sytheseizer 76 app for the iPad is actually a functioning product or just an interaction design test. Either way, it has me excited. I might have to settle for the Korg iMS20 for just $15.
In typical Peter Saville fashion (3 years late), he collaborated as a manner of speaking with his friend Tony Wilson on one last FAC project. The Saville designed memorial is wonderfully appropriate.
While I’m a fan of beautiful, daring and clever graffiti, I’ve never appreciated the ubiquitous and unimaginative scrawl of a black marker tag. If you are going to leave your mark, then do it right like CT.
(via Grain Edit)
From the 1940s-70s, the in-house design department of Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical company, Geigy produced brilliant works that were both beautiful and clearly communicative. Much of this work has been recently compiled in a book. I’ve never wanted to line my cabinets and shelves with chemical packaging so badly.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will see the phasing out of traditional incandescent light bulbs beginning in 2012. But there really is no reason to wait until then to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of these new Plumen bulbs by the clever designers at Hulger.
Designer Federico Mancosu has honored a set of classic music videos with these minimalist posters.
Designer Olly Moss was asked to create a series of film posters to accompany the 2010 Rolling Roadshow. His designs are absolutely brilliant.
This collection of 7” factory record sleeves makes me want to go out and buy a record player immediately.
These bizarre manner posters appeared in the Tokyo subway from 1976-82.
I know it’s not good to covet material things, but this home wants so badly to be mine.
A few days ago, I posted about an artist that I met who uses his own blood to paint. It looks like he’s not the only one with this idea. A designer named Metastazis recently used blood in place of ink on his screen-print poster for black metal act Watain.
Matt McMullen considers himself an artist, a sculptor and a companion maker. His passion for sculpting the female figure lead to a rather unique and lucrative business plan, the creation of RealDolls. He discusses his work and how it all started in the short docu-film Honey Pie. Here are images from his studio of dolls in different stages of construction.
I’ve always admired the dots, dashes and shapes that at one time adorned the covers of many jazz and classical music record sleeves. Project Thirty-Three is a blog dedicated to showcasing these kinds of designs that feature bold color combinations and geometric relationships.
While I’m not sure what to make of the bookending narrative structure to the video for UNKLE’s Follow Me Down video, it is hypnotically beautiful and makes me enjoy the track moreso. Directing team, Warren & Nick were also responsible for creating the album sleeve and packaging imagery which appears to use still frames from the video shoot.
Recently, I’ve been collaborating on some work with my uber talented friends at HUSH. Hidden on a computer station, we discovered this illustration of us all. It had been curiously left in a folder of work by a freelance animator who was helping out on a project. Upon closer inspection, we realized that he had managed to incorporate all of our first initials into the image.
I’ve designed the bike that I want. All there is left to do is order it.
Here is an entire year’s worth of photography processed through an algorithm that demonstrates how much color was represented.
I still have yet to see a single episode of True Blood; however; I adore the title sequence. Here you can see the Digital Kitchen designed title-open, as well as the making of.
Founder of Prologue, Kyle Cooper’s film title sequences have certainly influenced most motion designer’s of my generation; his work on Se7en is truly one of my favorite credit open’s made. Here he discusses how he is inspired by process.
(via motionographer)
In this digital age, who knows what will become of album packaging. Sleevage is a wonderful archive of sorts that is dedicated to becoming the most comprehensive online resource for record artwork. Below is the LP cover for the first cassette I ever bought with my own money. Between the sleeve cover and the video for Hot For Teacher, Van Halen was most certainly my introduction to sex, drugs and rock & roll at a very young age.
Sometimes I fantasize about what a great dictator I’d make; I probably shouldn’t admit that in public. Every power-hungry person needs a good uniform and that’s exactly what label Social Suicide has put forth, a collection called Dictators of Fashion.
This is a nice poster of the neighborhoods that make up Brooklyn. Other cities are available too.
This is the calendar that I will be hanging over my desk for 2010.
I recently heard that motorcyclists are eight times more likely than automobile drivers to get injured in an accident and are thirty five times more likely to die. None of that really matters if you are riding something as gorgeous as one of the bikes below. The 1934 BMW R7 makes my heart skip beats. See more handsome bikes here.
This chart helps to illustrate the serious differences between Arial and Helvetica. If you think you can tell the difference, try testing your knowledge by guessing which of the iconic logos is the original Helvetica form. I only got one wrong - not bad.
Running out of room for your books? You could can always store them under the steps.
Crack or no crack? That is the question. Here is the epic tale of one graphic designer’s experience leading to the release of a rather controversial album cover.
Luxury brand Hermes is responsible for the design of a yacht unlike any ever built before. Apparently, the floating vessel that is clearly a symbol of extreme wealth and excess is made to be super eco-friendly. The ship accommodates twelve guests and a crew of twenty which means there is exactly 1.6 people that fall into the “help” category for each snob. It’s also pretty ironic that the boat’s name, WHY (short for Wally Hermes Yacht) is proudly written in large type across the front deck which overlooks the ships pool.
I’ve always loved the British phrase “are you taking the piss.” However, if asked the question while standing next to one of these - the proper reply would be, “No mate. I’m taking a piss.”
The Swedish design company TAF boasts a colorful portfolio of brilliant objects, furniture and spaces. I’d really like on the lights below for my kitchen.
I’ve always thought dog shows are wrong on so many levels and speak far more about the absurdity of the owners of these animals than the pets themselves. I suppose this is precisely what made Christopher Guest’s comedic faux-documentary, Best in Show so damn funny. So that said, I wonder what it says about the owners of these poodles that they’d rather groom them into something other than a dog. Frankly, this sort of thing really doesn’t bode well for the human species.
Here is another bike to add to the collection of cycles worth drooling over. This one is made of wood.
Obstaculum is a surreal series of photo-illustrations rich with texture. The project was conceived of by designer-photographer Craig Hunter Parker.
I saw these sidecar-cycles in Soho parked a block apart.
Here are a few Sunday-cars in Park Slope. One is a classic BMW 2002 and the other a vintage Mini Cooper.
Fender has released an Elvis Costello model Jazzmaster as part of their artist series. The guitar was designed as a reproduction of the one he used on his debut album, My Aim Is True. The price tag for this model is just over two-thousand USD. Also in the series are Jazzmaster replicas of those played by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. as well as Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth.
It would be impossible for society to appreciate the great works of modern architecture without the frozen image. It is in this way that architecture and photography are inextricably linked - a detailed record of an ever-changing landscape is etched in celluloid. Were it not for the camera, how else would future generations come to understand exactly the stature of the World Trade Center. Another example - most of us will never set foot in the Stahl House-Case Study House #22 (seen below) designed by Pierre Konig, however; many of us will experience it through the photos of Julius Shulman. The work of Julius Shulman particularly exemplifies this notion that a photographic document is the final detail to a great piece of architecture. Shulman passed away yesterday at the age of 98. Here is more on the life of Shulman from the LA Times.
(photo by Julius Shulman - 1960)
The part of me that sometimes covets unneeded objects wants the evil items from the Memento Mori Collection by D.L. & Co.
I’ve fallen in love with a bicycle again. Made in NYC, the Dutch Master is designed to be a rugged urban bike with classic style.
When I was in college, a classmate introduced me to the world of art cars. He had outfitted the entire exterior of his pickup with working TVs. He also made a short film documenting a cross-country caravan of these kinds of vehicles. This is what I was reminded of when I came across these pictures of trucks and bikes by Japanese enthusiasts who take it to the next level.
Director Pete Candeland of Passion Pictures was assigned the dream project of creating an animated opening cinematic for The Beatles edition of Rockband. The brilliant medley tracks through different musical and aesthetic periods of the band’s career, and concludes with a picture perfect visualization of I Am the Walrus. While I’m not quite sure of what John Lennon would think of using his music for video games, I’d be pretty certain that he’d be moved by this short animated film. The project is so wonderful that it actually gave me chills and goose bumps.
These designer axes appeal to both my artistic and pathological sensibilities. One of these affordable pieces of art would look great hanging over my couch - in a Duchamp kind of way. The other nice aspect of owning a Best Made Axe is the obvious; nobody messes with the person with an axe in their hand.
.the is a design firm in the business of making humorous, yet useful wares.
Want the the bully to stop stealing your kid’s delicious sandwiches? Try Anti-Theft Lunch Bags.
On probation for tagging too many walls? Try this book of 80 blank NYC walls to scrawl all over.
I’m diggin on this promo for Mos Def’s new album The Ecstatic, which releases this Spring.
Finally, I’ve found the ride that’s right for me.
Here is a peak at Damien Hirst’s album packaging for the forthcoming album from The Hours. Earlier in the year, Hirst collaborated on a music video for the band with famed director Tony Kaye and actress, Sienna Miller.
April Fools Day seems like a silly choice of time for Ikea to unveil their new venture, an environmentally friendly car called “The Leko”.
Today while doing some research, I visited the site of one of my favorite graphic design firms. Why Not Associates have created many brilliantly unique typographic projects over the years, ranging from environmental works to short films. Ever since I first saw this piece created for Virgin, I’ve been dying to use neon in a project.
What if instead of visiting the optician every time things start feeling blurry, you could just manually adjust your glasses? Now you can.
Grace Jones has always been a musician with a unique sense of self with a strong eye for bold aesthetics. Of course she had a fruitful career playing not only the muse, but also mother to the children of design and conceptual thinking genius Jean-Paul Goude. So, should we ever really expect anything short of other worldy from her? In her latest incarnation, Jones has immortalized herself as a bust made of chocolate on the cover of her latest record release.
While millions of people toasted their New Year last night, I opted for a quiet evening on the couch. I hadn’t seen Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A TIme In the West since college. The film is just as amazing as I had remembered, though I hadn’t realized that Leone had collaborated on the story with Dario Argento and Bernardo Bertolucci. The film also boasts one of the most fantastic opening title sequences that I have ever seen. I still find it a bit surreal that there is an entire genre of cinema (spaghetti westerns) that is constructed around a specific period of American history and told through the voices of Italian directors.
Saturday’s freezing weather got me fantasizing about having a fireplace in my apartment. Here is a list of ten unique fireplaces, though they’ve somehow left out my favorite, the Fireorb (pictured below).
Click around Richard Power’s photo portfolio of architecture and you will be certain to find a dream home. The abode below is looking pretty good to me right now.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Bettie Page ushered in a new age of style and expression for women. The revival of pin up cultural seems to be bound to the modern cultural of tattoo art. For that very reason, I thought I’d share this photo layout of tattoo artist-modern day pin up Julie Becker. Though she is currently based out of LA, Becker is occasionally available for tattoo appointments in New York as well.
I’ve long been impressed with the oeuvre of designer-illustrator Deanne Cheuk. Her prolific body of work has had a tremendous impact on contemporary forms of illustration and animation, that has ultimately reshaped our creative atmosphere in both commercial and fine art worlds. This film gives more insight into who Deanne is, what makes her tick and where she sees her work going.
The gang over at Shilo and my friend, cinematographer Martin Ahlgren are some of the most inspiring and creative folks that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I was so excited when I heard that they would be collaborating on a project for Guiness beer. The results are pretty brilliant.
For more on Shilo and how they do what they do, check this out.
I came across this photo-collage design work of Pascal Trembley and think there is really something timeless about it. It would be easy to imagine these images turning to motion; they almost feel like still frames from a fantastic film opening title sequence.
Here is an interview with designer-typographer Jonathan Barnbrook about his Remember Tibet project.
I’ve always believed that the great power that artists carry with them is the ability to evoke an emotional reaction from a stranger without even stepping foot in the same room. Nagi Noda’s whimsical work makes people feel good; it reminds us to use our imaginations no matter how wild they may be. As a young female artist she has truly defied obstacles and traditions while fully embodying the title “creative director.” With a vision all her own Nagi Noda has seamlessly slipped from one medium to another charming us along the way. So it is with a profound sadness that I share the work of Nagi Noda, whose life was cut way too short just a week ago at the age of 35.
I came across some pretty awesome design frames of a naked 3D woman adorned with tattoos by designer Fernandes Vilmar. Seeing the ink animate would be pretty brilliant.
When Olle Hemmendorff was commissioned as part of a group of artists asked to re-envision an icon of Nike Sportswear, he made a hamburger.
I would never in a million years be caught dead in a pair of custom made converse all-star pants, unless of course i were a Japanese school girl (which I’m not). But it doesn’t mean they aren’t badass.
Plans for the world’s first rotating skyscraper are under way with the goal of finishing the building in Dubai by 2010.
The Blur Building was designed by Diller Scofidio & Renfro for the 2002 Swiss Expo. I’m not so sure that I really understand the project’s intent, but it sure looks cool.
I’ve posted before on the idea of vertical farming. Here are more renderings of what vertical farms of the future could look like.
I have long been a fan of Aesthetic Apparatus’ whimsical design work and poster prints. I also love their name. Maybe one day they’ll make a poster for my band or a film of mine. In the meantime I’ll just have to settle for hearing them discuss what they do.
Here are 24 unforgettable ads that are truly witty.
Not everyone can be a good barista, but hell anyone can try. With this coffee diagram designed by Made in England by Gentlemen there are simply no more excuses.
There is a new greener way to package milk and large corporate retailers like Wal Mart and Cost Co recognize the incentives. Now its time for consumers to relearn how to pour milk.
While on the topic of hair, this sure seems appropriate. Quirky Japanese designer/director, Nagi Noda created some interesting hairstyles. She linked up with photographer, Kenneth Cappello to shoot these hair hats.
I’m itching for some more ink. Instead, I’ll share the work of Chris Odonnell, the artist I want to do my other sleeve. The arm in the picture below belongs to my better half, Mandy.
My apartment is being consumed by books. Perhaps its time to get crafty and do something like the bibliochaise.
This John McCain campaign T shirt design is pretty perfect.
What do robots and soccer have in common? I have no idea. However, these ads for UEFA Euro 08 coverage have made me realize that I’d give a pinky to go to the tournament.
Made famous by Jimi Hendrix, the Gibson Flying V has always been a stunning guitar designed to articulate serious attitude. The guitar was originally released in 1957. Sadly though modern guitar design has taken a turn for the worse with regards to both craftsmanship and aesthetic. In a rather lazy attempt to try something new, Gibson reversed the body of the legendary instrument and released a total Frankenstein.
For several summers I have talked a good amount about buying a bike and never purchased anything. Much like any other vehicle, a bike speaks volumes about its owner; essentially it is an extension of one’s persona. I have considered the track bike which is clearly a masculine statement. I have even thought that the nerdy chic fold up bike might work for me. In the end I have yet to find the right fit. And now I’ve discovered bicycles made by the Swedish boutique Skeppshult. How I covet the bike below.
Designer Scott Hansen has created the second poster in the Artists for Obama Gallery. The Shepard Fairy designed prints sold out fast; so get one of these while you can.
A friend shared this collection of truly bad album covers with me.
In 2004 British animator Simon Robson created What Barry Says, a rather critical short animation on America’s politics of war. The film stands as a reminder that the war in Iraq is still going on and was never a just cause.
I just came across a blog devoted to one of my favorite parts of filmmaking. The Art of the Title Sequence is dedicated to great title design in cinema and TV. What a lovely idea. Currently the site is displaying an eclectic mix of designs old and new.
A design for safer pedestrian crosswalks in the future.
NY Magazine asked four architects to design a plan that would utilize an empty lot near Manhattan’s Canal Street. In a perfect world, we would see brilliant sustainable ideas like these come to fruition. Who wouldn’t want to live in an urban farm-apartment building?
Last week I posted about Apple’s vigorous attempts to prohibit other companies that include non-profit organizations from infringing upon their trademark. Coincidentally, I came across this 1993 interview with Steve Jobs in which he discusses what it was like to work with Paul Rand on Apple’s identity.
A closer look at Juergen Teller’s long standing collaboration with fashion designer Marc Jacobs and the use of Victoria Beckham’s legs.
Modern architecture and design genius Zaha Hadid has been chosen to create the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in Vilnius.
Known for their witty iconic advertising, vodka manufacturer Absolut ruffled a few feathers with their latest print campaign running in Mexico. “In An Absolut World” highlighted in bold, the ad depicts the positioning of the US-Mexican border prior to the Mexican-American War of 1848. Why this should be offensive to Americans, I have no idea.
Stefan Sagmeister and Hillman Curtis both are highly influential designers. Both are based out of New York City and both were given names that made them destined for success. In Curtis’ most recent episode of his video series on artists, he points his camera at Sagmeister who has just released a book of his work entitled Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far.
Designer Jakob Trollback is curious about the constraints of the music video format. He experimented with the idea of creating a visual echo of a song’s expression, as opposed to a conceptual response. At last years TED conference Trollback introduced the results of his experiment which is set to David Byrne and Brian Eno’s “Moonlight in Glory.”
Artists Arakawa and Madeline Gins designed a house intended to extend life. What does this mean? According to Gins, when living in this home “everyday you are practicing how not to die.”
Controversial photographer Joel Peter Witkin is best known for his sepia toned images. Often employing the use of cadavers and societies “freaks” for models, his photos are created with painstaking detail. For the most part his work has been celebrated by the fine art world in museums and galleries by audiences with a taste for the macabre. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen, tipped his hat to Witkin’s odalisque when he created a filmed homage to show off his Spring/Summer 2001 collection. I never would have expected to find Witkin’s work in a NY Times fashion spread, highlighting designs by the Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren and of course McQueen. This feature dates back to 2006.
Director Alex Gibney’s latest documentary Taxi to the Darkside faced censorship from the MPAA for an honestly designed poster.
