So….you think you’re a design marvel? Well, take this type quiz and find out how knowledgeable you really are. You basically have so many seconds to find out what type they are presenting you with. Like always, the farther you get the harder it becomes.

Get started: http://www.deep.co.uk/games/font_game/
What I learned: DIN always gets me.

Posted on March 31, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

I don’t know about you but I love stationery designs. I love the how people think of cute images and a quick and simple message that can bring a smile to your face. I also really love it when it’s done in letterpress! Feeling every embossed letter and image on the paper makes it feel more luxurious. Maybe because we don’t see that type of craftsmanship every day I get really excited when someone actually does a wedding invitation or thank you card in letterpress.

Well, Night Owl Paper Goods also takes this to a cooler status. They make invitations, journals, business cards and many other things on flat pieces of birch wood. Imagine getting a birthday card that can also be a piece of art hanged up on you wall. Please, take some time and look at their site to enjoy some really good work and maybe pick something up for yourself while you’re there.

Zinnia
Wedding or Party Invitation

Flowering Dogwood
Wedding or Party Invitation

Fashionably Folksy Owl
Great Everyday Card

Straw Flowerl
Mini Notepad

Take a peek: http://nightowlpapergoods.com/
What I learned: Even if print might be slowly going away you can never really replace it.

Posted on March 30, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

I have always been impressed by motion graphic artist with the skill and amount of time that is put into making a short video. This video is a very cool, graphic version of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story animated by Tomas Nilsson. Enjoy and have a great weekend. I know I will.

Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo

Posted on March 27, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Boxed Water is Better is a company that was started on March 13th, 2009 (yeah, pretty recent) and takes a more earth friendly approach on how water should be packaged. Why not use the old standby of a milk carton to hold your clean and filtered H20? Their milk cartons are 90% renewable resources and they also have the added bonus of shipping their containers flat, which in return means less transportation and less pollution from trucks.

Read more on boxed water: http://boxedwaterisbetter.com/hello/index.html
What I learned: If you’re not a tap water drinker you can feel less like a jerk drinking water out of something that will not stay in a landfill after we die.

Posted on March 26, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

2009 seems to be the year people are getting their logos rebranded and while some are good upgrades(Snapple and Sur La table), bad upgrades (Tropicana and Pepsi) and so, so upgrades (Jack in the Box) there are some companies that have been around so long they are begging for a face lift. It’s been too long and they need a little help from the design gods.

1. Ross - While Ross is known for great deals on clothes and such their logo says you can find stuff from the 80’s here. The neon sign look is horrible and while they have a nice color they definitely can do with some well deserved sprucing up.

2. 7 Eleven - Now, I might get a little bashing for this just because it’s become an iconic image of what a convenient store is it still needs work. What will be cool is if they went really retro with the look. Ditch the square background image and the typeface eleven is written in and play up the look the 7 has going on. Ehh, just an idea.

3. Sears - I have to say it. I HATE those lines! Why? Why must you do this to my eyes!? Okay, I feel better. Anyways, they just need a new logo. Take a tip from Snapple and do a really good type upgrade and I think they will be good to go.

SPEAK UP! Disagree or agree with anything I say, just drop a line and let me know what you think. Have you seen a logo that can use a change? Add it to the list.

What I Learned: Jumping on the bandwagon for this trend is a good thing.

 

Posted on March 25, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

As if having to hear somebody talk about airplane safety over and over wasn’t boring enough this guy bumps it up and actually makes it fun to listen to.

What I learned: Southwest IS the best.

Posted on March 24, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Congratulations to El Camino Hospital who premiered their new logo, website and brand to the world during these last few weeks. It’s a significantly revamped aesthetic look compared to their classic logo. We attended their unveiling and were blown away by how much thoughtful consideration they put into the concept. Well worth it considering the important initiatives the hospital is undertaking.

Westminster worked with El Camino Hospital to create their new eStore. The employees never really had a easy place to purchase gear, so they’re glad we can provide them with a great looking, easy-to-use company store.

Contact if your hospital, school or place of business could use a company store.

Posted on March 23, 2009 by jack   |   Permalink

We here at Westminster are big fans of the local art scene.  We have lots of artist friends who produce a variety of amazing work including photography, music, painting and even wire sculpture.  I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to just a couple of those folks now.  Check em out and do your part to support local artists!

SEZIO.ORG

Our very own Kyle Borges is an amazing photographer and also one of the founding members of a non-profit art organization called Sezio.  See all of the Sezio goings on HERE.  And while you’re surfing around their site, be sure to check out the pictures from Kyle’s “St{art}er Home” event.

Two of our designers, Debra Valdez (of Daily Dose fame) and Jack Tse, created some really great pieces in the house.  See if you can find their work in this set.

 

DAVID IMLAY

Another one of my personal favorites is a dear friend of mine, David Imlay - a local painter.  I love Dave’s work so much that I have a huge print of “The 5 Spot” hanging in my living room.

Dave has an AMAZING collection of paintings and prints available both at The Reaves Gallery and on his website:

www.davidimlay.com

FRANCISCO GRACIANO

And finally I want to mention another really good friend of mine, Francisco Graciano.  Not only is Frank a very talented musician, he also works in a very unique medium: Wire.
You may or may not have seen a couple of these little guys watching you around town:

Frank also contributed to Sezio’s St{art}er Home project.  I’m sure you’ll be able to point out his work as you cruise through the photos. Visit Frank’s website, www.earhustling.com to check out even more of his unique and wonderful art.  And if you’re so inclined, you can check out his band on myspace.

If you know of any local artists you think we’d enjoy, please feel free to write to me at .

Thanks for reading!

-Lydia

Posted on March 19, 2009 by lydia   |   Permalink

Have a goofy picture of a bud that would look just great in a floral, bejeweled frame? Well, if you do Loonapix is the place for you! You can upload images and then place them on a billboard, iphone or just use one of their selections of people templates to place their face in. I had a bit of fun with it and here’s a preview of what you can do.

Design gang just kicking it in a field of daisies

Jack being adored by one of his many fans/clients

Snapshot of Lydia and Marianne coming in on a Monday

Get you’re here: http://www.loonapix.com/
What I learned: Nothing really. This is just fun.

Posted on March 19, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Hi. I’m Marianne, one of the designers here at Westminster. My sister got to fulfill one of her dreams last year. She started her own non-profit organization (Inspire to Do) to reach out to children with special needs. Being a graphic designer, I was enlisted to design the logo and website. Also designed were other various components (imprinted t-shirts, thank you cards, notebooks, award certificates, etc…) that they needed for their first big event which involved working with special needs orphan in China and bringing them to the Beijing Paralympics, opening their eyes to a whole new world. What a wonderful project to be a part of! 

It’s a great organization, check it out: www.inspiretodo.org

Posted on March 18, 2009 by marianne   |   Permalink