more cool stuff

Here's a crazy photo I came across just now to get things started off right.

I know this is a painting but I think it can be really inspiring to look at things other than design and then try and make something spontaneous based on your reactions.

I recently started shooting with my mom's old Pentax, and I can't get over the beauty in the design. And the black and silver color scheme is classic of course.

The composition as well as contrast in Ansel Adams's photos shows great design. Photos can also be inspiring when working on graphic design projects.

logos

Nope, Apple hasn't always had great design. This photo shows their first logo on the far left, designed in 1976. Although it looks like it was made in 1776.

Although Ferrari's logo isn't the simplest in the world, I think it still works because it shows prestige as well as good design.

National Geographic's logo is cool because it actually mimics the cover of the magazine itself.

I like RVCA's logo but it is pretty modern so I'm worried it might go out of style. Although it does have a retro feel so maybe that'll help with it not looking too dated. The simplicity of the letters helps too.

gasoline and shoes

The Parkland library has this amazing book of pictures of Mexican street art/advertisements. I looked at it for over an hour the other day, and I think I might skip checking it out and just buy it. Pick it up if you get a chance, or if I'm not already reading it.

These shoes are awesome.

I love Mobilgas's logo. I don't know if they really use it too often anymore, but it's definitely a great design.

Speaking of gas, here's one that's even better.

more album covers

This album cover is beautiful. The simplicity is so bold. I can't really describe in words how or why I love this so much, but I just do.

This is another great album cover (Jamie xx of The xx was involved with the first album as well).

This poster works, not in spite of the crazy clashing colors but because of them. It's in your face and gaudy, but heck it's cool!

This makes my mouth water every time. I think it's a paper cut. It's loooooovely. I wish Bright Eyes would have used this for the album cover, but instead it's inside the record sleeve. Maybe that makes it more special. Like a little surprise.

more movie posters

I thought this was a really interesting poster. It deals with content as well as design because of the silhouetted head with maze inside it.

I still need to actually see this film because it's a classic, but I always thought the poster had really great design. I love the fact that you can actually see the flaws in the letters at the top (I believe they were cut out of paper).

I think by now it's safe to say the Jurassic Park logo is a classic as well. I especially love how the logo is incorporated into the movie as well as the movie poster in the form of signs on Jeeps, buildings, etc.

I like this poster because in a world where Photoshop and distressed type are abused so much, it's nice to see something simple. And it gets the right vibe across, too.

Banksy

Banksy is an amazing street artist and I consider him a graphic designer. I love the way he uses a medium as simple as spray paint to illustrate heavy social and political topics in an interesting way. Also, I should warn that the first time I saw Banksy's art it blew my mind like crazy so beware. Here are a few really cool designs by him:

 Wow. Just look at that last one a good long time and tell me you don't start to question life's meaning.

Album Covers

Here are a few more album covers I really love. This time I'm going to pick out of records I have here at the house.

Awesome band from right here in C-U. Great watercolor and typography.

There will always be a (large) place in my heart for Willie Nelson. What a great album, and the use of mixed media (I think it's a photo with paint or ink on some parts) is crazy looking up close.

I don't know why I love this album cover so much. It's simply beautiful beyond words to me.

Ok, so this is technically a photo, but I love the design that the organic moss stuff creates out of its own texture. Really weird album.

Who cares if you flat out steal an idea from the King of Rock and Roll as long as you pull it off? The Clash one upped the heck out of him on this one. It's PERFECT.

THE COLORS!!!!!!!!!!!! So awesome. Sure it's not a perfect design, but the beauty here lies in its imperfection and sheer attitude.

Quite possibly the greatest album art of all time. Andy Warhol's graphic designs were ingenious. The end.