Random thoughts on design, e-learning, what we see around us and other stuff (like printmaking).
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Blog, beautiful blog
I need to pretty-up Blogdini!
Smashing Magazine has selected over 30 excellent weblog designs with unusual design approaches.
Most of these designs make the Blogger templates look pretty ho-hum. (Note to self -- must sort out look of Blogdini. . . one day, Roger Phipps.)
Smashing Magazine has selected over 30 excellent weblog designs with unusual design approaches.
Most of these designs make the Blogger templates look pretty ho-hum. (Note to self -- must sort out look of Blogdini. . . one day, Roger Phipps.)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I can't has old apps!?
Eek! Leopard is starting to sound a bit scarey. Stuff isn't running on it: Acrobat Pro & for some people, InDesign CS3. There should be patches to fix this in New Year. But it looks like CS2 & Freehand won't ever run on Leopard. Better get those Illustrator skills up to scratch!
Here's some stuff. . .
"Products that will require updates for full Leopard compatibility include Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional and the company’s professional video applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro CS3, After Effects CS3 Professional, Encore CS3 and Soundbooth CS3." Link
And here are some user's comment from that site (Macworld):
"The details of Acrobat incompatibility are horrifying! So far there have been no posts from anyone who can produce an Acrobat file under Leopard. This makes Leopard COMPLETELY unusable for a large percentage of Mac users! Why was there no discussion of this before the release! How could Apple and Adobe not see this coming?"
"OSX has the ability create a PDF from any document natively in the OS. You will still be able to create PDFs (distill) but some of the more advanced functions of control in manipulating those PDFs will be unstable when using ACROBAT PRO."
"According to Adobe's web site all their CS3 graphics programs including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc. are currently compatible with OSX Leopard.
By not having Acrobat 8.1.1 Professional immediately compatible, the other programs are essentially unusable to any practicing graphic designer since today's printing workflows depend on making valid PDF files."
And other comments from TUAW
"if you read the acrobat pdf carefully, you learn that acrobat runs well, except some small bugs. these minibugs will not break the main functions of acrobat. i can confirm that. so run it!"
- Check out the statement (pdf) from the Adobe site.
- If you are going to let Leopard loose, here are installation hints from MacWorld.
- Creative Guy tells us what's working and not working on his MacPro.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Big Idea
The Big Idea is a great resource for all arts & design related stuff in New Zealand. They list events, job opportunities, workspaces, exhibitions . . .
More than 14,000 people have registered as members of The Big Idea since they launched five years ago.
More than 14,000 people have registered as members of The Big Idea since they launched five years ago.
Friday, October 19, 2007
OMG,YES!!
Yay, Kathy Sierra is speaking at Webstock 08!
Kathy's workshop at Webstock 06
She was such good value at the last Webstock.
Kathy's workshop at Webstock 06
She was such good value at the last Webstock.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Is it or isn't it?
Seraphim, in the Users' Forum at Creative Bits gives some fairly basic guidelines on what is & what isn't a logo.
Basically; keep it simple & keep it vector.
Worth a read for those of you who aren't sure -- you know who you are!
Basically; keep it simple & keep it vector.
Worth a read for those of you who aren't sure -- you know who you are!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Colour my world
There are some really useful and interesting comments regarding colour (rgb & cmyk) for those of us involved in design for print. They are at Creative Bits and are in response to this question regarding rgb & cmyk conversion.
There is also a review of Skitch, which looks like its going to be a pretty useful & cool app, especially for anyone working with images. I've received an invitation and downloaded it, but have only had a very cursory go with it so far. More anon.
There is also a review of Skitch, which looks like its going to be a pretty useful & cool app, especially for anyone working with images. I've received an invitation and downloaded it, but have only had a very cursory go with it so far. More anon.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Book 'm, Danno!
The Top Ten Type Crimes are listed at Font.com.
Another useful reference is "The Mac is Not a Typewriter" by Robin Williams.
Another useful reference is "The Mac is Not a Typewriter" by Robin Williams.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Logo Trends 2007
Dos Helix, Radiance, Eco Smart, Urban Vinyl, Flora...
A range of new eco friendly household products?
No. These are some of the logo design style trends for 2007 as identified by The Logo Lounge.
These and other existing and emerging trends are discussed by Bill Gardner, principal of Gardner Design and creator of LogoLounge.com.
The other big trend for 2007 logos as identified by Smashing Magazine is Leaves. (The plant kind -- not the b*ggering off kind ).
There's even a tutorial on how to make one! How good is that!
A range of new eco friendly household products?
No. These are some of the logo design style trends for 2007 as identified by The Logo Lounge.
These and other existing and emerging trends are discussed by Bill Gardner, principal of Gardner Design and creator of LogoLounge.com.
The other big trend for 2007 logos as identified by Smashing Magazine is Leaves. (The plant kind -- not the b*ggering off kind ).
There's even a tutorial on how to make one! How good is that!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Wayward Wind
This could be A Very Useful Tip from CreativeBits if you are shooting pics with no tripod.
It suggests that blurring in hand-held photos is caused by tiny shakes of your hand basically applying a motion blur to your images, and tells you how to fix it. I guess it's worse after a night on the town or in a Wellington southerly!
Image from Wellington Airport site
It suggests that blurring in hand-held photos is caused by tiny shakes of your hand basically applying a motion blur to your images, and tells you how to fix it. I guess it's worse after a night on the town or in a Wellington southerly!
Image from Wellington Airport site
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Rapid E-Learning Blog
The Rapid E-Learning Blog "shares practical tips and tricks to help you become a rapid elearning pro."
It is hosted by Tom Kuhlmann who "has over 15 years of hands-on experience in the training industry."
Copyblogger says "The blog attracted 6,312 subscribers in the 24-hour period following the launch promotion, and now has over 8,500 and counting less than a week later."
I'm checking it out as we speak.
It is hosted by Tom Kuhlmann who "has over 15 years of hands-on experience in the training industry."
Copyblogger says "The blog attracted 6,312 subscribers in the 24-hour period following the launch promotion, and now has over 8,500 and counting less than a week later."
I'm checking it out as we speak.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
I Link, Therefore I Am
Some excellent sites (with feeds) for designers:
Graphic Define Magazine — "Focussing on the business of running a design studio". Issue 4 is up now.
And Smashing Magazine. It is featuring an interesting article about "Data Visualisation" and links to some cool free fonts.
A List Apart has a timely article on "Staying Motivated" by Kevin Cornell.
Gratuitous photo of Mt Ngaurahoe with halo.
Graphic Define Magazine — "Focussing on the business of running a design studio". Issue 4 is up now.
And Smashing Magazine. It is featuring an interesting article about "Data Visualisation" and links to some cool free fonts.
A List Apart has a timely article on "Staying Motivated" by Kevin Cornell.
Gratuitous photo of Mt Ngaurahoe with halo.
Friday, July 20, 2007
In the Doldrums
Much as I love being in Blondini Gang — some days I have to remind myself of this quote that I saw somewhere: "The worst day of being a designer beats the best day of being a plumber."
Monday, July 02, 2007
Call me old fashioned
The post "10 tips from an old-school designer" at Creative Bits rang a few bells with me.
I must be showing my age, but I trained and began working as a designer when we drew all our lines with a 'rapidograph', made manual colour separations, used bromides, drawing boards, Letraset, rubber cement, scalpels -- and had to do arcane calculations before having someone set our type for us.
It was slow, exacting, satisfying.
I wouldn't go back. The (mac) computer is the tool of choice now.
I must be showing my age, but I trained and began working as a designer when we drew all our lines with a 'rapidograph', made manual colour separations, used bromides, drawing boards, Letraset, rubber cement, scalpels -- and had to do arcane calculations before having someone set our type for us.
It was slow, exacting, satisfying.
I wouldn't go back. The (mac) computer is the tool of choice now.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
They took our proud Italian heritage, and named us after a ballet costume.
Well we aren't there yet in NZ, but after the final episode of the Sopranos in the US, the Design Observer has this to say: “Everything I Know About Design I Learned from The Sopranos”
A good read and it doesn't give away any secrets about the ending!
A good read and it doesn't give away any secrets about the ending!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Webstock Mini
Coming up on in Wellington (NZ), Webstock Mini
Featuring:
* Michael Koziarski workshopping on Ruby on Rails
* Leigh Blackall taking us on a tour of Second Life
"Come into Second Life and tour educational facilities and chat with educationalists using Second Life in their work. Then come back into your first life and discuss any thoughts ideas from the tour."
* Robert O'Callahan showing us new features in Firefox 3
Monday, May 14, 2007
Are you a typeface slut?
Michael Bierut at Design Observer writes about Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Typeface and reasons for choosing a particular font for a particular job.
It's an interesting article, worth a look if you are into typography — and who isn't?
It's an interesting article, worth a look if you are into typography — and who isn't?
Friday, May 04, 2007
A Good Idea!
Here's a really good idea. I read about it in the Springwise Trends newsletter, but it's happening in good old Godzone.
Hirethings. You can hire goods, articles or services from here, or list stuff you want to make available. Excellent.
Hirethings. You can hire goods, articles or services from here, or list stuff you want to make available. Excellent.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
2 useful design resources
Creative Guy today has links to two useful articles for (especially) print designers.
1. At Real World Illustrator— about the importance of resolution in Illustrator. When using vector based programmes like Illustrator and FreeHand, resolution isn't always an issue, but if you are using some of the effects available in these programmes, for example, drop shadow, the programme rasterizes the image in order to create that effect. If you haven't set an adequate resolution (apparently the default in Illustrator is 72dpi) then the result can be bitmappy and fuzzy. The article outlines ways to set resolution in Illustrator, depending on effects and output required. I for one have bookmarked it.
2. At CreativePro.com there is a brief article about the importance of paper grain, implications, especially for folding, and how to use this knowledge to improve your design.
1. At Real World Illustrator— about the importance of resolution in Illustrator. When using vector based programmes like Illustrator and FreeHand, resolution isn't always an issue, but if you are using some of the effects available in these programmes, for example, drop shadow, the programme rasterizes the image in order to create that effect. If you haven't set an adequate resolution (apparently the default in Illustrator is 72dpi) then the result can be bitmappy and fuzzy. The article outlines ways to set resolution in Illustrator, depending on effects and output required. I for one have bookmarked it.
2. At CreativePro.com there is a brief article about the importance of paper grain, implications, especially for folding, and how to use this knowledge to improve your design.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Bizarre airline food
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Drooger!
Was looking forward to attending the "Designers Speak" session at the New Dowse next Wednesday. It is organised by the Designers' Institute of New Zealand and will be feature Dutch designer Dutch designer Gert Jan Leusink talking about the "Inspiration behind Droog Design and its international success."
It's a great opportunity, particularly as most of the DINZ events are held in Auckland. DINZ events in Wellington are few and far between. But unfortunately, I have a prior engagement so will miss it. I'm going to see the Droog exhibition at the Dowse tomorrow, though. So that's some compensation.
PS. I think the new Dowse colours & graphic image are v cool.
It's a great opportunity, particularly as most of the DINZ events are held in Auckland. DINZ events in Wellington are few and far between. But unfortunately, I have a prior engagement so will miss it. I'm going to see the Droog exhibition at the Dowse tomorrow, though. So that's some compensation.
PS. I think the new Dowse colours & graphic image are v cool.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
It worked for me
Sign outside Caffiend in Petone today. It's nearly as good as Eva Dixon's "All you can eat for as much as it costs."
& cool outfit inside.
& cool outfit inside.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Back in the real world
Back from an arduous time in the Deep South.
Saved by the Vodem. It is great to be online anywhere you like and makes it easy to keep in touch with clients while on the road.
Contrary to popular belief, the weather was great down there, except for a torrential downpour on the last day. It's a beautiful part of the country though, and it was great to go out to Oreti Beach again, and to Riverton (even in the wet).
Saved by the Vodem. It is great to be online anywhere you like and makes it easy to keep in touch with clients while on the road.
Contrary to popular belief, the weather was great down there, except for a torrential downpour on the last day. It's a beautiful part of the country though, and it was great to go out to Oreti Beach again, and to Riverton (even in the wet).
Friday, February 23, 2007
Going Down (South)
I'll be on the road from tomorrow. Down to the Deep South on Family Business. I'll be taking my macbook, and (hopefully) a vodem modem so I can be online while away.
(All this assumes 3G coverage has reached Invercargill (just joking — I've checked the Vodafone map).)
(All this assumes 3G coverage has reached Invercargill (just joking — I've checked the Vodafone map).)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Logo trends
Check out the logo design trends for 2006 over at the Logo Lounge.
You can also see if/how times and ideas change by comparing the trends with those from 2003–2005 there.
You can also see if/how times and ideas change by comparing the trends with those from 2003–2005 there.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Power dressing
Escape from Cubicle Nation talks about what you wear when you work from home.
They are promoting "Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day" and running a competition where you send in a pic of you working in your bathrobe.
I don't think so!
One of the things I hated about working from home was that you didn't have to get dressed! Suburban neurosis, here I come.
I'm so pleased to be back in my own little office in Petone, sharing a space with the two Jims.
Anyway Happy New Year. great to be back.
They are promoting "Doing Business in Your Bathrobe Day" and running a competition where you send in a pic of you working in your bathrobe.
I don't think so!
One of the things I hated about working from home was that you didn't have to get dressed! Suburban neurosis, here I come.
I'm so pleased to be back in my own little office in Petone, sharing a space with the two Jims.
Anyway Happy New Year. great to be back.
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