One of a Kind Roll Tacks & Laser World Champion Paul Goodison

Here are a couple other videos on Laser sailing, the second one is an interview with my friend Paul Goodison, who is currently the #1 Laser sailor in the world.

Backyard Roll Tacks, Practice Makes Perfect!

In case you were wondering how to roll tack a laser, this is a pretty interesting take on it.

Show & Tell // Eight: How to Become a Famous Blogger

Well, everyone is doing it, right? I thought this illustration was pretty funny considering everyone is trying to blog or be involved in bringing the news to masses. It is very simple and to the point and makes fun of how simple it is for people to try and become the next big thing, or find their fifteen minutes of fame. One tip I have learned, be sure to share your sources properly!

This illustration was shared by Dave Walker from We Blog Cartoons

http://smashinghub.com/how-to-become-a-famous-blogger.htm 

Project 5 Web Design (yes it is about sailing)

I am pretty happy with how these turned out, and was trying to stick with a very minimal/modern theme, with very subtle colors and a clean design. In the sailing industry it is hard to find qualities like this, most sites are thrown together and are pretty rough around the edges, this project really directed my attention to the importance of consistency in design and placement of items, as well as the importance of the overall functionality of the site.

Show & Tell // Seven: MEX Baltimore

I have always loved Mission Media's web designs, and this is one of the first sites I fell in love with when hunting on their websites for ideas about this project. MEX Baltimore's site is unique and interesting, fun and playful. I admire the fact that it is not so linear and conventional. Navigation tools and bars as well as images and buttons are slightly askew, and the site is very hip and edgy. It stands out from other interactive branding projects and is very artistic. 

http://www.mexbaltimore.com/

Missionmedia.net is an awesome site for inspiration on all kinds of design and web projects, a friend of mine Sean Davidson is a rock star designer there, and I would recommend this site to anyone looking for inspiration, they are located in Baltimore, MD. Check them out!

Show & Tell // Six: iPhone sexy, no matter what generation...

Hands down, Apple has got the goods on packaging design. No matter what you purchase, the design is seemless, every detail is thought out and well executed, and you know that one amazing product is waiting below the plastic shrink wrap and cardboard. From the little apple logo, to the smooth matte finish of the box, every part of the iphone's box and packaging design is perfectly thought out and adds to the products appeal. 

The best part about Apple's designs is that it only takes one sentence to sum up what is within the box. The font, the simple sentence and the placement are clear and decisive, and are appealing to customers.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

Show & Tell // Five: 00,000,000 CURED.

This ad campaign really spoke to me, its simplicity and boldness stand out in the midst of so many other ads trying to raise awareness about the seriousness of the AIDS virus and how it is something we should all pay attention to and take seriously. It just shows the website and the company’s logo, however, it is all the information you need to get you to the place where you can start learning more. 

It uses the simple, effective colors that Jeanne mentioned to us in class, the red, black and white, and needs no image to be effective. The words are haunting and powerful enough on their own.

http://www.amfar.org/community/publicservice/default.aspx?id=3702 

Public Service Ad Campaigns

TAKING A STAND, INSPIRING ACTION: TWO DECADES OF amfAR AD CAMPAIGNS

Over the course of the last two decades, amfAR’s public service advertising campaigns have reached millions with their visually arresting designs and provocative slogans. Since the first campaign was launched in 1985, these inspired ads—designed and donated to amfAR by Kenneth Cole Productions—have drawn attention to the ongoing threat of HIV/AIDS and have urged the public to support the Foundation’s vital research efforts.

Some of the most memorable ad campaigns are shown below. Click on each image for an enlarged view.

---

1985	1987	1990	1993
1994	1996	1997	1997
1999	2000	2001	2003
2003

Show & Tell Four // Take 2

This is a quirky yet interesting example of postcard design. I like the use of space on the mailing side, however, I think the wavy edges are a little distracting, and it has me thinking paper cut! It is a neat play on the idea of the wavy lines that you see on the edge of the color coating of pencils after they have been sharpened, but it is a little bit much... The bright colors are nice and demand attention. I really like how graphic the back is with the pencil coming in and the layout of the text.

http://www.hotcards.com/post-cards

Show & Tell Four // Cube & Art Design

I like the simple and clean look of the works in this series, whether it is a business card, website, postcard, storefront, or window display, the brand is unique and fun, yet simple and clean. The theme is obvious and clear from start to finish. 

From the artist: Cube Art & Design wanted to rebrand before moving in to a new shared space in Salamanca, Hobart. The business showcases local artist and designer's work and is passionate about supporting emerging artists as well as known favourites. The space is shared with a local resin jeweller, Rebecca Roth and Cube will be putting on shows within the Salamanca Arts Centre. I designed a clean, bold and literal logo and style guide for Cube that has been applied to various applications below – designed to compliment stock and be an obvious branding mechanism for Cube to establish itself within the Tasmanian Arts community.

Bec Nally Communication Design Services

 http://www.becnally.com/index.php?p=1_6_Folio#Cube

Show & Tell Three // WWF Campaign

These images are stunning. The blog that I found them on happens to be written in French for this post, however, I think each picture is worth a thousand words, and easily translates into any language. We have to start being less careless and respect the wonders of mother earth.

 Afin d’éveiller les consciences, WWF a demandé à l’agence Ogilvy Paris de penser une campagne qui marquerait les esprits. A travers des photographies d’animaux sur lesquels des tags sont peints, les visuels soulignent l’importance du respect de la planète. A découvrir dans la suite.

Equals:

To raise awareness, WWF has asked the agency Ogilvy Paris to think a campaign that marked the spirits. Through photographs of animals on which tags are painted, the visuals underline the importance of respecting the planet. To discover in the future. 

http://pichaus.com/focus-rhino-wwf-elephant-@5181ca1e2a19b945d023971f2cee2d80/ 

Mohawk Papers

Mohawk Papers is a super cool company doing super cool things. Check it out if you are in the market for some quality paper for your next project or to learn more about how Mohawk is striving to lessen their environmental footprint and make the world a better place. It ain't easy being green. 

Known for innovation, service, and quality, Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. is the largest premium paper manufacturer in North America. A highly competitive, low-cost producer of premium writing, text, cover, and digital papers, Mohawk offers a forward-looking product line that includes some of the best-known brands in the industry: Strathmore, an internationally recognized name in corporate identity papers; Beckett, featuring unprecedented environmental benefits in five extraordinary finishes; Mohawk Superfine, the industry standard for traditional uncoated printing paper; cast-coated Kromekote, the world’s finest printing surface; Via, the value leader in text and cover; Navajo and Options, featuring the patented Inxwell process; the new i-Tone process developed for the HP Indigo; and Mohawk Color Copy, with the proprietary Digital Imaging Surface™ for superior color copy results.

Independently owned Mohawk is headquartered in Cohoes, New York. In 2005, Mohawk acquired the Fine Papers business from International Paper, which included the respected Strathmore, Beckett, Via, and BriteHue brands. In 2009, Mohawk added the SMART uncoated brands to its list of acquisitions and became the exclusive marketer for Kromekote and Knightkote which are still manufactured by SMART Papers. 

http://www.mohawkpaper.com/getintheloop/index.php

Social Media moguls meet Stan & Joe's

If you happen to be in the Annapolis Area tonight, try and stop by this event to meet and greet other designers and learn new tricks of the social media trade...

Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Digg, Tumblr... No matter what social channels you surf, come join Weitzman in celebrating Social Media Week with half priced drinks and appetizers!

http://www.weitzmanagency.com/

http://www.stanandjoessaloon.com/ 

Modern and Minimal WP Themes

Need I say More?  Finally some cool (& free) wordpress themes


BEAUTIFUL MODERN AND MINIMALISTIC WORDPRESS THEMES, DESIGN FOR ILLUSTRATORS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERS TO SHOW THEIR AMAZING WORK. CREATIVE PEOPLE ROCK!!!

http://www.dessign.net/free-themes/

35 designers. 5 questions. 5 precise answers.

This Q & A with the big boys of the web design world is also pretty interesting, check it out to see how you compare... Check out the rest of the article here at Smashing Magazine: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/04/20/35-designers-x-5-questions/  

35 designers. 5 questions. 5 precise answers. Result: 175 professional suggestions, tips and ideas from some of the best web-developers all around the world. In March we’ve selected over 35 prominent designers and design companies, contacted them and asked to answer five design-related questions, sharing their knowledge and experience with fellows developers. Here on Smashing Magazine.

We’ve asked five questions. One single text line would have sufficed.

• 1 aspect of design you give the highest priority to.
• 1 most useful CSS-technique you use very often.
• 1 font you use in your projects very often.
• 1 design-related book you highly recommend to read.
• 1 design magazine you read on a daily/weekly basis (online or offline).

sailfastphoto // mini portfolio

If anyone has any suggestions on layout for a mini photography portfolio, I am all ears, this is what I have so far. All photos © Sara Proctor    www.sailfastphoto.com

logoorange

This is another awesome website for design inspiration. I am a huge fan of logoorange's design work, especially their logo's. They specialize in print and identity design, and are based in Paris. logoorange.com

Prinfinity

MOOCARDS.COM

I love this website. There are tons of sophisticated designs to choose from and it is the perfect place to get custom business cards, stickers, mini cards, and postcards made. As a photographer, the possibility of having a different photo on each card without an outrageous price tag is pretty impressive. Check out this site if you are in the market for new business cards or design possibilities for one.

Prinfinity

'Printfinity' is MOO's option of printing a different image on every card in the pack. Use it to show off your portfolio, your products or your range of skills. It's a great conversation starter helping people to remember you, and your business.

moocards.com

Show & Tell // Two

It is interesting to see how many cities in the United States and abroad have plans in the works to become more green and energy efficient while simultaneously incorporating cutting edge technology and design into public domain. These new buildings are designed with the publics best interest and the future of the city in mind, proposing problems to housing and spacial issues, the accessibility of free public internet, community gardens and the promoting the preservation of natural resources.

World’s Most Visionary Cities

By Joshua M. Bernstein

For the article, please visit:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-visionary-cities 

Show & Tell // One

On a hunt for a great food article, I managed to bump into this little guy. This blog entry packs a powerful punch and sets your taste buds into overdrive with its mention of random and exciting ways to reinvent a classic. The author's discovery of quick and interesting flavor fixes for an otherwise ordinary adult beverage get you thinking "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" and leave you plotting new and interesting ways to invent your next martini.

Minimalist Cooking: A Maximalist Martini

Writer Bob Morris tells why he doctors his pristine martinis with caper juice, ginger, even chile powder.

No cocktail is taken more seriously by purists than the martini. Learning to prepare one properly at the onset of middle age brought a kind of dignified simplicity to my cocktail hours, and clarity to the chilled glass I would lift to my lips each evening. Purity prevailed for a while in my minimalist, modernist home.

But then a funny and liberating thing happened. I realized that I preferred (horrors) vodka in my martinis to the classic but medicinal gin. And although I never considered making Cosmopolitans (cocktails should come from literary figures, not TV characters), my first dirty martini was a revelation. With all the olive juice and olives, it was a salad in a glass. And when I added a splash of tomato juice and a squeeze of lemon, it became a gazpacho that helped justify skipping vegetables at dinner.

From there, caper juice and chile pepper got added to the shaker, or even chile powder from a bottle. Other times, I found myself grating ginger into grapefruit juice, then adding a drop or two (or seven) of pomegranate syrup. Add ice and vodka, shake, and pour out something between a spiked Snapple and a Slurpee.

You can see where this has gone. Once a Manhattan purist (bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry), I now add a splash of apple cider when it's in season. Clarity and simplicity have given way to gleeful, mad-scientist invention.

But then the martini, like American coffee, has been going this way for years anyway, with everything from chocolate to bacon thrown into the shaker. Well, as it is with minimalist homes that become more likable and livable as they become more cluttered and cozy, so it is with minimalist cocktails. For me, the martini has been a slippery, spicy, savory slope. Especially when I'm on my third one before dinner.

Bob Morris is a columnist for the New York Observer and the author of Assisted Loving.

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/trendspotting-minimalist-cooking-and-inspirations