Creative roundup 08 July 2008
Ben Terrett, of Noisy Decent Graphics, published an insightful post showing the power designers wield in shaping our perceptions of the world. This isn’t England. Is it?
About two years ago I was looking at a map of the world and noticed that Britain seemed disproportionately large.
My companion remarked that this was because in days of yore whoever was drawing the map always made their country look bigger and more important. This nugget of information sticks in the brain.
James Chartrand, of Men with Pens, provokes interesting discussion for those in self-employment, when asking should you turn off your telephone?
Do you question the integrity of Bill Gates because you can’t talk to him? No. Do you view Charles Denson as a suspicious character because he won’t call you? No, of course not. These executives and their distance from interaction are normal.
And yet, we expect everyone else – the regular, average joe people or the common businessman – to be at our beck and call and to respond to every form of communication that we choose to be the right one.
Image copyright: ijsendoom
DT, of Design Sojourn, recommends 30 essential books for industrial designers. Some excellent choices amongst many I’ve not seen before.
I have divided the books into 3 categories… Thinking, Process and Designer Skills.
Ben Yoskovitz, of Instigator Blog, offers some insight into the copycat benefit of startups.
Startups are launching faster than ever and require less capital than they used to — at least in the Web 2.0 world — and that means more opportunity for first movers, but even more opportunity for fast followers. And I think we’ll look at the next 5 years or so in the Web 2.0 world as the “me too” years.
Steven, of Vandelay Design, provides a great overview of what you can accomplish with Effective Use of Blog Sidebars.
While sidebars aren’t the primary focal point of blogs, they still have an important role in usability and appearance. A well-designed sidebar can make it easier for visitors to find what they like, which will keep them at your site longer and improve your overall effectiveness. On the other hand, a poor sidebar can lead to lost and frustrated visitors.
The good people at We Made This have displayed the new Beijing Olympic pictograms.
Min Wang’s team have been working on identity guidelines, pictograms (above), medals, the way-finding systems, the core graphic, the look for the torch relay, and the overall look of the games. Not a bad gig if you can get it.
The pictograms use strokes of seal characters as their inspiration - they’re kind of bonkers aren’t they?
Finally, my little graphic design blog has breached the 5,000 RSS subscriber mark! I think it’s important to celebrate your blog milestones, and this is certainly one of them. Thanks very much to every one of you who continue to read my blog posts. Even if you don’t comment (though please do say hi) I appreciate your visits.
Related posts on this site
18 spot-on reader comments to “Creative roundup 08 July 2008”
What are your thoughts?
Simply fill in the form below. All comments are moderated so you may experience a short delay before your comment appears. Comments should be respectful of other voices in the discussion. I reserve the right to edit or delete comments at my discretion.
Thanks for the mention David.
Steven Snell’s last blog post…40 Photoshop Tutorials for Lighting and Abstract Effects
Keep up your good work!
Wow - congrats on the big five-oh-oh-oh. I currently have… drumroll… 29. Hmm. Still got some way to go…
Daniel’s last blog post…Rec
Congratulations on the 5000 reader mark! Not surprised, though, given the frequent, interesting posts of great, easily readable quality.
Richard, Peacock Carter’s last blog post…Discounted Data Backup From Murtek IT
Yo David,
Congrats on your 5K mark! Well done! That is my next target as well. Oh and thanks buddy for the plug. I appreciate it.
DT’s last blog post…30 Essential Books for Industrial Designers
Congratulations, David, on your 5000 reader mark! I truly look forward to reading your blog. Out of all the one’s I subscribe to, yours is the one I get excited about when I see a notification. Keep doing what you’re doing, I’ve learned a lot from you.
Don’t mention it guys. Great posts.
Rafie, Richard,
Very kind of you to say. :)
Daniel,
If you’re enjoying it, that’s what counts, and as you’ve been writing in some shape or form for the past four years, it’s clear you do.
Jeanelle,
That’s superb to read!
Now (shhh), where do you want me to send the money?
Hey, David, thanks for the link and the mention. I was surprised to see so many people resonate with the ideas I put forth. I received a few emails saying, “Thank you for saying what I can’t,” which shows that the telephone time is a big issue for many freelancers. Maybe the post will help others figure out what to do. So… yeah, thanks :)
And nice RSS numbers! I’m not far behind you… not far… ;)
5,000! Nice work David and well deserved. Interesting articles and good commenters make for a popular blog!
I was having a conversation about the maps article yesterday! To summarize my thoughts on the article, it’s interesting how our personal biases (conscious and subconscious) enter into our work. As for the shape of England in the sketches, it was interesting how different they all were. Was it sloppiness? A “stylistic interpretation”? An accurate copy of an inaccurate original?
Also, congrats on the 5000 mark. People keep coming because of the great quality of the articles and the interaction here.
Congratulations on the Big Number David. Another nice collection. I especially enjoyed the article on the maps and DT’s references seem to be very useful.
Szabi’s last blog post…The Graphic Designer’s Deviant Friend
Congratulations David on your milestone! 5000 wow! … amazing to think that people are waiting to read your thoughts and opinions from all around the world isn’t it! Congrats again!!
5000 subscribers is a HUGE milestone. CONGRATS!!!
Doesn’t this mean you can now retire to a tropical island, eating lobster for lunch and sipping champagne? (very big grin with tongue firmly in cheek!)
Beyond Niche Marketing’s last blog post…Social Marketing is Like Showing Up Naked to a Cocktail Party
That’s great you hit the nail on the head for so many. I enjoyed the post and discussion.
Steve,
I appreciate it, buddy. Thanks.
Gio,
It’s a fascinating subject, how our perceptions are affected. I have a huge political atlas on my wall, with Europe placed around the centre. Just seeing the map with the American continents in the middle makes quite a difference.
Szabi, Lisa,
Thanks for your continued visits. Always good to have you join the discussion.
Kathy,
I knew it meant something good! Just couldn’t put my finger on it. Thanks for the reminder. *Trots off to the airport*
Congratulations on the 5000 mark!
Steve
Steve - Eightyone Design’s last blog post…Offline Creative Design Inspiration
Congrats on getting 5000 subscribers. Keep us happy! :D
Eric’s last blog post…The Poetic Prophet (AKA The SEO Rapper)
Thanks guys. I’ll do what I can to prevent a revolt. ;)
Yep, I agree with Steven of Vandelay Design .. it’s all about sidebars, baby! Of course, I’m a cartoon myself, and so naturally everything I do has to have character. This is reflected in my sidebar design. I treated that area with the same care and attention that I gave the rest of my blog.
“Finally, my little graphic design blog has breached the 5,000 RSS subscriber mark! I think it’s important to celebrate your blog milestones, and this is certainly one of them. Thanks very much to every one of you who continue to read my blog posts. Even if you don’t comment (though please do say hi) I appreciate your visits.”
Congrats on the Big Five-Thou! Now that you’re a celebrity come and comment on my blog (lol).