Back in May 2009 we posted some geeky items that all graphic designers would like. Then, in September we followed this up with even more! And I bet you all thought we’d shown you all the geekiest items available to you, well after scouring the web (and some great suggestions from our readers) we have another post full of them! They just keep coming! (more…)
Comments: 9 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Resources, Graphic Design
Back in May we posted a blog article outlining 14 Items Design Geeks Must Have! We have had such a huge response from all of you that since then I have been collecting any item I deem to be design related, geeky and worthy enough for a second post, so take a look though the further 21 items all design geeks must have and let me know what you think! (more…)
Comments: 4 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Resources
If you are a regular visitor to the Eightyone Design Blog, I am sure you are aware that both Steve and I are particularly passionate about retro and vintage artwork. Team this up with our love for VW campervans (we have blogged about our own and have another blog dedicated to them as well!) and you get some of our favourite adverts ever created! These retro VW adverts are clean, simple and each one sends a clear message to their audience. The sense of continuity is spot on and their word play and copy really does set the standard (if you can put up with the sexism!).
Comments: 4 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Branding, Design Inspiration
Last year we published a post outlining what a graphic designer would take back to school. Since then, we have seen a number of what can only be described as ‘geeky’ items which I am sure you will all appreciate: (more…)
Comments: 47 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Resources
Looking through my iTunes library, there are loads of album covers I missed out in our last post on music CD cover designs, so have decided to include them here. For me a successful CD cover is not just about how gorgeous the design is but how does that cover relate to the music? Does the art sum up the music in a concise and effective way? Here are some covers I feel not only convey the type of music, but generally look pretty cool.
Comments: 7 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design
There is one thing that is guaranteed to make me smile and that’s hearing a thud as my favourite design magazine Computer Arts hits the door mat. Every month I am amazed at the beautiful cover art that stares back at me from the floor. I neatly file away all my magazines after a thorough read as they are always a constant source of inspiration.
I was flicking through them the other day and once again I was taken back by the fantastically designed covers. So I thought I’d post my top 10, here we go in no particular order: (more…)
Comments: 6 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Design Resources
My iPod is pretty much permanently attached to my hip. It is definitely my best friend and I never go anywhere without it. Music enhances my day, improves my mood and certainly helps get those creative juices flowing.
I was flicking through my album art and was surprised to find what an awesome selection I had so thought I’d post a few of my favorite covers and see what you thought?
Comments: 1 Comment so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design
Well it’s that time of year here again in the UK, where you feel that chill in the air, the summer is practically over and children are getting ready to go back to school (if they haven’t already!).
I can’t say that I remember being particularly thrilled about putting on my uniform and heading off to school. However, I do have fond memories of choosing my new stationary and art supplies. I remember visiting our local Woolworths and WH Smiths trying to find the coolest pencil tin and matching pens (not that it mattered as after the first week I would have scratched my latest crush’s name on to the pencil tin and loaned out all my pens!). So I thought I’d take a look around and see what was on the market for students nowadays in the stationary department. I have to say I was very impressed with my findings and may have to put some of these items on my Christmas List (yep… you heard me… Christmas List, the count down has begun people!)!
In primary school your social status was determined by your lunch box and to be honest everyone would want to be in my gang with this retro Dr Pepper lunch box. In fact it’s times like this I wish I worked in an office just so I could stroll in with it! (more…)
Comments: 6 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design
So you are working on your latest online masterpiece and as you’re adding the final touches you lean back and notice the typography is looking smooth and the few simple images you have used are fitting in well. Everything above the waist is near to perfection, however you’ve forgotten one thing …. your footer.
I’ve recently decided that as a designer I neglect that all important base of the site - the footer. When I leave the house I pay as much attention to what I am donning on my feet as well as my shoulders so why when it comes to designing a web site don’t I pay as much attention to the footer?
Here are some jaw dropping and inspiring website footers:
I love how Simple Art uses the footer to portray the office wall including a window. It leaves me with the usual “why can’t I think of something like that?!” (more…)
Comments: 15 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Web Design
I have read a lot of useful blogs about where to find design inspiration online which is great when you need a little creative nudge. However, sometimes I feel that I need to get out of the office, escape the glow of my computer screen and free my mind a little. I’m sure you will agree that as a graphic designer you are inspired by everything and even the smallest thing can set off those creative sparks. However, where is your first port of call on your search for creative enlightenment?
Living in a sunny coastal town with the sea only a stones throw away, I head straight down to the beach. There’s nothing like the smell of seaweed and the sound of the waves crashing to break down any creative barriers.
My next point of call could be seen as a bit of a cop out, but I assure you it’s all in the name of graphic design - that would be shopping. There is something about a well thought through shop front display, bold point of sale and the feel of different textured and patterned clothes that makes me run back to the office (along with my many purchases) and inject a new lease of life into my project. (more…)
Comments: 10 Comments so far, click here to add your own »
Posted in Design Inspiration, Graphic Design
