While in NYC I was able to visit Curious Pictures in downtown Manhatten (near NYU). I met with Dominie Mahl. She is the Curator of Art & Design at Curious, which is a unique and beneficial role for a design house. She was extremely helpful and gracious with her time and insight.They are a very large and busy firm. Unfortunately I had a sign a non-disclosure agreement as soon as I walked in the door, so I can't mention anything they are working presently.
According to a blurb in one of the latest email newsletters from GD-USA, Metallica was very savvy in the design process for it's latest album, "Death Magnetic." I am not a fan of their music or even this design, but the thought and intention they put into its creation is commendable. I mean they actually used the work "iconography." It's enough to make any headbanger momma proud. Here is an excerpt from the Graphic Design USA newsletter: "Metallica’s new album “Death Magnetic” features packaging and branding by the Turner Duckworth design firm. With CD sales challenged by widespread downloading, the band says they were looking for new ideas. “This time, we wanted to work with professionals who understand iconography,” said lead singer James Hetfield. Lars Ulrich, the band’s drummer and frequent spokesperson added, “We wanted somebody who commanded respect in branding but were not jaded by the music business.” David Turner said, “The songs are about how death — and life — repels and attracts us. Our image expresses the theme, with a white coffin resting in a grave, surrounded by a magnetic field.” The image was created to be recognizable even on a cell phone screen. “It’s not just about sleeve art any more, it’s about creating icons that work across media,” added Turner."
Is it good to have your own product beat your company brand in a consumer survey? In a recent U.K. survey the iPhone beat Apple itself for brand visibility.
So, Adobe is going all out to establish CS4 as the new standard for design. They have put together dozens of tutorials that really get you stoked about the new features (see Illustrator gradients and multiple artboards). I was planning on waiting 6-9 months or longer to upgrade, but now I might jump in much sooner.
I bought some cider this weekend and the box had a bit too clear labeling of the print specs, PMS included. I know you can usually find the registration and color bars on a hidden part of the package, but maybe they are proud of their color choices.
Taking the arch idea, I developed a few new perspectives that I think are more understated and fitting the client. With Stan's insight, I gave them further tweaks. I am just playing with color and trying to see if I have any other brave, new concepts hiding under my creative couch.
