Remember those awesomely hypnotizing automated and extremely overcomplicated machines on movies like The Goonies, Edward Scissorhands or Back to the Future? You know, the type of machines built by combining dominoes, bowling balls, wires and balloons? Well, in case you were not familiar, these inventions are called Rube Goldberg machines (deliberately over-engineered or overdone machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction). Melvin The Machine is a beautiful portable and traveling machine with a mission, travel the world to meet new friends. And lovely stamped postcards to document it…
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Design
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May 12
Melvin the Machine
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May 12
Panic Room
I love hotels that go the extra mile to set themselves apart and please guests. And no, I’m not talkign about Continental breakfast… I’m talking about hotels that understand the importance of art and aesthetics. We’ve seen (and love) collaborations between the Ace Hotel and artists like the great Dana Tanamachi or Timothy Goodman, my hometown’s Icon Brickell and Philippe Starck, and many more. Today, I want to share another lovely collaboration between graffiti artist TILT and French hotel Au Vieux Panier called Panic Room. The concept? Simple, divide an impeccably white room in two by decorating one half full of graffiti and color. The result? Badass!
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11
May 12
Instagram Socialmatic Camera
The internet is full of rumors. Some bad and some freakin’ amazing ones like the one I want to share today. To state that Instagram has become one of the most popular, loved and downloaded apps would be an understatement. In fact, I know most of you reading this right now have an account (ahem… theeblog) But what if this app could turn into a real camera capable of shooting, editing and printing all your photos? Sweet, I know… Thanks to the great folks at ADR Studio, this could become a reality! The Socialmatic Camera Project has been launched, hoping to get support and contributions from Instagramers around the world in order to produce this beauty! Check out some prototype photos and support the cause!
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9
May 12
The Shops at Target
I’ve always believed good design, strong branding and clever advertising are essential for organizations, specially in the retail world. Target is a perfect example of a company that not only understood this, but also believed and executed this simple formula to perfection, giving it a considerable advantage over its competition. What I personally love about this brand is that they are constantly evolving and taking on new ideas and concepts. Ideas that range from ambitious and extremely successful collaborations with iconic brands like Missoni or Jason Wu to their newest venture, The Shops at Target. An innovative boutique concept that was launched this week and that I am sure you will see soon at your local stores. Learn more after the jump!
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May 12
Obey The Giant
Whether you love him or hate him, Shepard Fairey has made a name for himself in the Graffiti, Design and yes, even Art world thanks to his signature style and iconic imagery. Although most of us know that Fairey gained notoriety thanks to his 1989 Andre the Giant Has a Posse poster campaign, not many of us know much more about his early years until now, thanks to Julian Marshall, a 22-year-old film director from Washington, DC who directed a short narrative film Fairey’s early life and the origin of OBEY GIANT. Find out more…
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2
May 12
The beautiful work of Jon Contino
Do you believe in love at first sight? No? Well, things are about to change because today you’re going to fall in love with the sweet, sweet work of Brooklyn based Jon Contino. Jon’s work perfectly combines the best of both worlds. Beautiful, clean and clever aesthetics with the nostalgia of vintage design, illustration and tones. As a ‘vintage’ geek, I have to say I’ve been in love with Jon’s work since I first saw it a year ago and his admirable type and lettering skills have always been an inspiration. Check out some of his work after the jump!
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30
Apr 12
Hello Brooklyn
What started as a rumor-campaign with ‘leaked’ tweets, photos and part owner JayZ’s ’subtle’ hints has finally been confirmed as the new Brooklyn Nets have launched their new logo, campaign and website. As you should know by now, the Nets relocated to Brooklyn after a few seasons in New Jersey. The move, along with a new arena and new look will not only revitalize the franchise and generate a lot of new revenue in merchandise but will also give Brooklyn a deserved home team. Design-wise, I must say I like the strong use of Black & White and boldness which is carried well on promo videos and merchandise. Unlike that garbage Marlins logo we got stuck with… Check out some photos and videos after the jump.
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30
Apr 12
I guess it was my turn…
You know how people always say that imitation is the biggest form of flattery… bullshit. Last night, thanks to an email from an awesome reader in Australia, I found some douchebags called Roar With Us using some of my ‘just for fun’ personal lettering/type exercises on their portfolio and what’s even worse, attempting to sell it on threadless. While I know copying and stealing work online will probably never stop, I feel like I have to do my part and expose hacks like these. Check out some photos after the jump. Oh! and sorry for the early week rant :)
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20
Apr 12
Hillman Curtis
As you probably know by now, the news of Hillman Curtis passing spread globally yesterday and as expected, thousands of comments and stories were shared by the many people whose lives he touched in one way or another. I never had the opportunity to meet Hillman, but his work, vision and passion were always a huge inspiration for me and will forever inspire many more designers and artist. Thank you for everything Hillman. Rest in Peace.
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Apr 12
Aliah
We all enjoy animated films, specially when they carry a positive message. Aliah is a 3D animated short film by written and directed by Lab81 that shares a positive message of hope and harmony during war shadows through the music and magic of a little Afghan girl’s music box. Check out the short after the jump.
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Apr 12
Sweet Illustrations by Kindred Studio
You know I love posters. Actually, who doesn’t!? Specially when they are as awesome as the ones I want to share today. These sweet posters and illustrations are some samples of the great work by Sydney based Designer & Illustrator Andrew Fairclough aka Kindred Studio. His work combines vivid and retro colors with great illustration skills and beautiful textures… and I felt his style and work would be a perfect fit for a unique Friday . Happy Friday!
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12
Apr 12
Alphabetic
Alphabetic is a fun and colorful type animation experiment by Sao Paulo based Director and Animator Ariel Costa . This video was the first thing I watched this morning and I immediately brought it over to share with you guys since I know you also enjoy cool colors and interesting animations :) Enjoy!
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Apr 12
Drake + Yoann Lemoine
Yoam Lemoine has done it again. Who is Yoam you ask? Well, he’s a brilliant French Director with an admirable talent, vision and style. I discovered his brilliant work thanks to his epic music video Iron under his musician alias Woodkid (HERE) and I’ve been a fan since. His dark and surreal style has not only gained him praise and respect, but the admiration of many other artists and musicians who have partnered with him to create great music videos. Finally! His latest work for Drake’s Take Care music video is a proof of this and a preview of what to expect from this talented gentleman in the future.
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9
Apr 12
Make Your Mark
Starting you own studio or agency is no walk in the park. It was one of the toughest projects I’ve ever encountered, but one that taught me things I would probably would’ve never learned working ‘for the man’. One of the most arduous tasks when launching your venture is getting some exposure and community love. These three London lads knew this and figured out a brilliant way to launch their newly established studio and engage their local community through a fun interactive window display using a Nintendo Wii remote, custom made Infa-Red yellow pencils and a printer. Check out Buthcher’s Hook video after the jump!
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4
Apr 12
Psychic Land
I know some weeks might seem longer and slower sometimes, and how some visual inspiration or eye candy can brighten up your day and give you that extra push and inspiration you may need. Here’s a great, fun and colorful video by Buenos Aires based 2veinte featuring LOTS of lovely colors and characters. Have a great and colorful day!
2
Apr 12
The Real Cookbook
I’ve always been a fan of books and know most of you love them as well. Specially my wife! And yes, although I love technology, iPad ‘books’ could never offer you that lovely ‘feel’, ‘warmth’ and ’scent’ good ol’ printed books can. But what if you could also ‘taste’ books? The folks at Korefe decided to check it and created a unique and delicious book made out of pasta for one of their publishing clients. The book can be customized to include your favorite ingredients while still featuring beautifully designed paragraphs and type. Wonder if this works for erotic novels…
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28
Mar 12
Childhood of a Circle
Remember those old Saturday morning cartoons with the creepy melodic music or those vintage school Biology videos narrated by a dark and intriguing voice-over? Well, Kadavre Exquis decided to bring this ’style’ back by animating and directing a great short film featuring a bear named Archibald and beautifully done landscapes and animation. I personally loved the feel and nostalgia of tones, graphics, music and that fuzzy, deep and dark voice-over. Not sure if it brings good or bad memories yet, but definitely a great piece of work. Check it!
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28
Mar 12
Thank you again IADT!
Last night I had the pleasure of presenting my work and share some of my experiences throughout the years in this business with an amazing group of students at IADT. So, I wanted to begin my day by thanking all of you who attended class last night (and all your wonderful feedback, comments and messages) the awesome professor, Mr. Trutt and IADT for inviting me again as a Guest Speaker and letting me do my thing :) Thank you!
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Mar 12
The work of Timothy Goodman
Happy Friday! I recently discovered the great work of the talented New York based Designer and Illustrator Timothy Goodman and had to share it with you. Timothy’s clean, fun and fresh style is evident throughout his projects and his wide range of work includes clients like Apple, The New York Times, CNN, Wired, Ace Hotel, Imprint, Microsoft and Collins. Check out some of his work after the jump!
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Mar 12
Underwater Colors by Alberto Seveso
It is obvious that whoever said Ink (or paint in this case) and Water don’t mix never saw the beautiful work of Italian Digital Artist Alberto Seveso. You might remember Alberto’s work from a previous post HERE. This new series of paint (varnish) and water is one of his latest projects and as always, it is stunning. His ability to seamlessly combine bright with muted colors and compose intriguing shapes and textures is remarkable. Check them out after the jump!
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