What inspires you?

What inspires me? Re-branding, typography and pattern design all in one ad is kind of hard for me to resist. This ad in Fast Company actually splits the magazine in half, turning the orientation upside down in either direction. (Well, you have to see it to know what I mean, but it is a cool media buy if you like that kind of stuff, which I do!) The advertiser: Lincoln Motor Company. (Hmm, sounds familiar, do I know them?)

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Retail Therapy at American Eagle

Walked the mall the other day just to check out the point-of-sale. (I am a retail-design-geek, it's true). American Eagle Outfitters' window was the winner. I love the wet-paint type treatment, muted palette. The water backgrounds are great, and I especially love that they used them as "solids" on the merchandising cubes.

Yes, I love type!

is for Daily Drop Cap, a project created by type lover Jessica Hische. She offers up these, and more, original initial caps for "your enjoyment and for the beautification of blog posts everywhere." That's what I call generous. Thanks, Jessica! And thanks for the inspiration. (No, I am not related to Jessica, just love to share when I am inspired).
See more of the awesome alphabet at dailydropcap.com.
(Also, be sure and follow the usage rights.)
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

What do you heart?

wishing you and whoever or whatever you heart, a Happy Valentine's Day!

Style Board #147

Creating a visual tone is a big part of what I do as a designer, and creating a style board is one of my favorite ways to present a "look". This particular one is pretty polished, but really anything goes with style boards.
I have been working on a lot of health care lately, it seems to be one of the industries that is continuing its marketing efforts in this economy. Creating a look that is not too clinical, and also does not look like other players in the industry is a challenge. Great imagery always helps.