IN THIS ISSUE:
Publishers Note
Graphic Design News
Special Event
More Graphic Design News
GDUSA Web Awards
More Graphic Design News
Urgent Subscription Message
Today's Enews Links
April's GDUSA magazine, now in the mail, is a keeper. It features Bill Gardner's always intriguing annual tour of logo developments and directions, and it is Bill at his very best — tying in social, political, technological and design factors to explain the present and future. The April issue also includes coverage of several creative firms who are "designing for change," which is to say using their talent to promote social causes or help their clients do so. This affords us a look as well at Peleg Top and Jonathan Cleveland's galvanizing new book, Designing For The Greater Good. Also in the April magazine, Ted Leonhardt shares his thought-provoking views on why the 21st century could be "the century of design." And we report on Milton Glaser's trip to the White House to receive the National Medal of Arts along with the likes of Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood and Rita Moreno. This gave us a rare chance to drop the names of some (admittedly geriatric) stars of stage and screen into our celebrity gossip starved editorial — deep down all editors want to dish dirt — and to fantasize that one of you might try to win a People's Choice or a Daytime Emmy so that I can knowingly mention pop culture icons in the course of noting your victory. If not for yourselves, do it for me. Is that too much to ask?
— Gordon Kaye
Paradise Found
A new website by Carbone Smolan Associates showcases the promise
of The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental and it's luxurious "Mandarin
Lifestyle." Right from the homepage, the site features rotating
sequences of editorial and imagery to tell different stories about
life at the upscale residences — including paradise landscapes,
spas, city views, and spacious rooms, interspersed with abstract
floral and cultural photography symbolic of the brand's Asian
heritage. CSA prrincipals are Ken Carbone and Leslie Smolan,
design director is Carla Miller, designer is Nina Masuda, and
project manager is Rachel Crawford.
Third Time's A Charm
Stefan Sagmeister has designed the new trophy for winners of the
The Vilcek Foundation, which dedicated to honoring the contributions
of immigrants in the arts and sciences. It is a particular point of
pride for Sagmeister, an immigrant from Austria himself who has made
such a striking impact on American graphic design. Placed on its base,
the trophy forms a pyramid, evocative of the upward opportunities
available to immigrants in America. When placed on its side, however,
the base reveals the individual name of the honoree and the way the
name directly shapes the four sides of the pyramid, celebrating the
individuality of each immigrant's achievements and the diversity
they bring.
Redesign Takes Flight
Flight Training magazine is totally redesigned with a clean,
fresh look. Working with the Bates Creative Group of Silver
Spring MD, the magazine's staff began by focusing on Flight
Training's strong points - its written content and its
photography. Building on that base, the magazine has been
reorganized and infused with tools to help the reader
navigate the publication more easily. It includes more
information on what pilots can do and places they can go
once they've earned their certificates, and it provides
inspirational stories. The magazine is published by the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world's
largest aviation association.
Pilloton, Sagmeister Sign On
Stefan Sagmeister and Project H founder Emily Pilloton,
are among the headline speakers for SEGD's Annual
Conference + Expo, June 2-5 in Washington, D.C. "Designing
for Change/Changing Design" is the theme of the 2010
conference, headquartered at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort
near D.C. The conference will explore how design can be used as
an agent for positive change. Cybelle Jones, creative
director/senior associate with Gallagher & Associates and 2010 conference chair.
SPECIAL EVENT:
iStockphoto was founded in 2000, pioneering the micropayment
photography business model, and has become one of the most
successful user-generated content sites in the world. The
company pays out more than $1.6 million weekly in artist
royalties and offers millions of vetted, royalty-free
photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash files. Perhaps
most important, istockphoto has reshaped the way professional
graphic designers, and other art and photobuyers, work with
and think about digital imagery and workflow. Kelly Thompson,
founder and now COO of istockphoto told GDUSA last week that
he knew, from the very start, that the model of a member-generated
image and design community offering affordable images and
artistic inspiration would resonate, though no one could quite
envision the speed, size and impact the company would have in
one short decade. Thompson sees good times ahead for istock, as
more and more people understand the importance of quality
visual communications in building companies and brands, and
as additional means of distribution — like the new iPad,
for example — create greater demand for imagery. The
modest Mr. Thompson says that it is not the organization's
nature to blow its own horn, but that it was important to
recognize all the contributors and participants who have
become part of its close-knit community. A microsite is
dedicated to anniversary activities.
http://www.istock10.com
Dancing Shoes
The 50th anniversary of Doc Martens shoes, boots and sandals has
sparked a digital campaign centered on 10 modern covers of classic
pop tunes spanning the brand's musical history. Ten exclusive tracks
and videos are available for free online download. "We wanted to
celebrate the brand's heritage, but champion its contemporary
relevance and look to the brand's future," explained Tom Phillips,
creative director at New York's Exposure. "Music is inherently
linked to the brand. It's always been worn and adopted by
musicians throughout its history."
http:www.drmartens.com
Real Substance
Substance, a Chicago-based strategic visual communication firm,
was recently awarded the account for the AIDS Walk & Run 2010
materials by AIDS Foundation of Chicago. This marks the first time
a single creative agency has been designated as the sole partner
for strategic and creative development. "We made a
concentrated effort at the beginning of 2010 to partner with
high visibility not-for-profits doing good work for the
community," says Matthew Brett, who heads the firm. "It
gives us the opportunity to flex our creative muscles. Given the
challenging economy, it also gives these groups the ability to
have a creative resource that is more affordable than a larger
agency without compromising on the creative."
IdeaWork Intervention
IdeaWork Studios has developed one the most successful practices
designing for nightlife, hospitality and gaming clients. The
latest work, art directed by Jay Schwartz, is a teaser ad and bus
wrap as part of a major promotion for client Hard Rock Hotel San
Diego. Schwartz heads the creative firm which has offices in
Santa Barbara and Las Vegas.
GDUSA's annual American Web Design Awards
is open for entries until April 30. Winners will be recognized in
our widely distributed May magazine and enewsletter, and winning
pieces will be show visually and with full creative credits in our
2010 Online Design Annual for all of 2010. The Creative Group
specialized staffing firm is the sponsor. To download an entry form, please visit...
http://gdusa.com/contests/awda.php
Ideal Woman
Idealized images of the female body are everywhere in media
and popular culture. Former GDUSA summer staffer Allie Pohl, explores
the obsession with physical perfection in a exhibition aptly
titled, "Ideal Woman: 36-24-36." About to recieve an MFA
from the University of Denver (following a BA at Hamilton College)
the 25-year old Allie is described by the Denver Post as having a
more extensive resume than some better-established professionals" and
her work as "a savvy, pointed critique" of the Barbie-ization
of women. The show is in Denver and runs through April 23.
http://www.hinterlandartspace.com or http://idealwoman.wordpress.com/
Joy And Fulfillment
tbd has been named one of "The 100 Best Companies To Work For In
Oregon" by Oregon Business Magazine. The ad agency is the only
company from central Oregon recognized this year. tbd employees nominated
the firm, citing work environment, decisionmaking, trust and
benefits/compensation as among the top reasons for satistfaction. "Joy
and fulfillment have been intrinsic to our vision since our beginning in
1997," says founder, president and creative director Paul Evans.
Carpe Diem
Heineken USA is launching new advertising for the Heineken Lager brand,
the first work to break from its new agency Euro RSCG New York. The new
ads showcase the guts and optimism needed to seize the moment and
capitalize on an extraordinary opportunity, while inspiring consumers
to 'give themselves a good name' with a better, more upscale beer. The
program includes television (a brave man buys a drink for the "Boss'
Daughter") as well as print, digital and outdoor. Shown here:
one of the print ads.
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