Advertising company JWT created some very effective billboards that bring attention to child abuse. They feature a life size child mannequin that is partially covered with the billboard which reads “Neglected Children are made to fell invisible.” After the mannequin is taken out the message “Thank you for seeing me” replaces it. The type and colors are very clean which brings more attention to the child mannequin at first.  While I do like the hard hit approach to this it’s still soooooo creepy. I would totally freak out thinking it was an actual kid (which I don’t know why a child will be plastered behind a sticker, but still).  Good job JWT for making people actually stop and pay attention to your billboard.

See JWT’s portfolio: http://www.jwt.com.au/

What I learned: How much things with little children scare me.

Posted on April 30, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

SevenZero has created a concept tying in the triangle shape of Doritos and warning signs to create distinctive icons for each of their flavors. I really like the idea. The black bag with the subtle use of stripes helps bring that warning sign feel out more without it becoming overbearing. Just the use of italic type is what bugs me the most. I think that can use a bit of a touch up.

Check out more work from SevenZero: http://sevenzero.co.uk/doritos.html

What I learned: A strong concept can really make a design feel and look better.

Posted on April 29, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Debra, our Daily Does Queen is out of the office sick today.  :(  In an effort to keep things going, I thought I would share my favorite blog with you; Nectar & Light.  Not only is Jenifer Altman an awesome photographer, but I can’t seem to steer myself away from her blog.  Check it out! 

Posted on April 28, 2009 by amanda   |   Permalink

This last Friday I attended a really wonderful art event up in San Francisco which was part of the Art Explosion Open Studios summer art series.  If you get a chance, you should really go check one of these events out.  Tons of amazing local art by talented local artists.

Here are links to a few of my personal favorites:

Christine Aiko Beck

http://www.aikojewelry.com/index.php

Keith Gidlund

www.keithgidlund.com

Renata Martins

www.renatamartinsbags.com

Beth Schuenemann

http://www.theartexplosion.com/art/showgallery.php

Posted on April 27, 2009 by lydia   |   Permalink

I recognition of Earth Day I wanted to give you a heads up on some of the product’s out there that are friendly to the old gal we call Mother Earth .

Branch is a website that has sustainable design for living. You can find anything from bags, furniture, garden materials and accessories in really cool styles. These are just a few of my favs.

“Rosebud” Felt Bowl  
$84.00

Georgie Table
$4,650.00

Curvy Servers
$14.00

Know of any other cool places to find recycled or earth friendly items? Please post them and let the rest of us in on what’s green.

Buy or browse at Branch: http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=index
What I learned: Being friendly to the earth can also be stylish.

Posted on April 22, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

I’ve seen this clip a couple weeks ago and it’s been on my mind for a while. So I decided to let you see one of the most passionate men on the subject of business cards and why yours sucks.

What I learned: Don’t use Strathmore paper for you business cards

Posted on April 21, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Being a designer is really fun but there are times you feel the creative juices have just left your body and you’re on autopilot. Paula Scher talks about her definition of what serious design compared to solemn design. She talks about how some of the work she has done came from a genuine place and how some came from just getting the job done. All in all this clip is very inspiring and it’s nice to hear a famous designer say she dislikes some of her famous work.

See more inspiring talks: http://www.ted.com/index.php/
What I learned: Even the greats sometimes feel blah about their final work.

Posted on April 20, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

If your day job is a graphic designer you will undoubtedly laugh at some of the things listed here because only an insider will understand and know the pain we deal with on a daily basis. If you plan on being a designer or just want to know how it is to be one this is a great indication of what to expect. Few of my personal favorites are…

#6. If the text consists of two words, one will be misspelled.

# 15. If three designs are shown to a client, your least favorite will be chosen or any combination of worst components of each

#17. If you ask for more copy it will be sent as a .jpg. If you ask for images they will send powerpoint presentations.

#32. Your client will often not like your design but not quite know why.

#34. A client who knows exactly what he wants is worse than one that has no idea.

#35. Clients who do not provide content upfront will complain about the use of Lorem Ipsum.

Read the rest: http://commercial-archive.com/content/unspoken-rules-graphic-design
What I learned: Being a designer is not always fun.

Posted on April 17, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

I love it when people design common items to be so much cooler by just using a bit more imagination. One example is the previous post of the Doggie Poo Bags. Slap a cool graphic with pop colors and you have something you’ll pay a little extra for just because the design is different than the rest. Next up is Mnum’s tea bags. I actually think that these might be better than the normal string since the very few times I drink tea the string (not my fault) has the habit of falling in. Then I have to stick my fingers in to get it out, where these little guys seem easier to pull out of a drowning situation.

Check out Mnum’s website: http://wdaru.com/sub2.html

What I learned: These suckers just might make me a real tea drinker. Hopefully they taste as good as they look.

Posted on April 16, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink

Since yesterdays post about elephant poo being turned into paper I have found these witty dog poo bags that are designed by Jungeschactel. With 16 designs to choose from you’ll find a fav and it’s also bio-degradable! Only bad part is having to toss these cute poop totes.

Check out the designer’s website: http://www.jungeschachtel.de/
What I learned: Making an item with a cool graphic takes the grossness out of this job, just a little.

Posted on April 15, 2009 by debra   |   Permalink