Pando: Taking a Vegas guess

If I were a bettin’ man, I’d bet on Pando.


( via icreatethings )

A Magazine. Worthwhile?

The people behind Worthwhile believe it’s impossible to have a meaningful life without meaningful work. So, they created the first media company for people seeking a more personally fulfilling and socially responsible route to business success.

“Just got my premiere issue of Worthwhile. Wow! … This mag, as much or more than Fast Company, is what I've been waiting for.”
- Tom Peters, business guru, Boston

Interestingly, I find the thing that makes my work worthwhile curiously missing from this magazine. Leave me a comment if I’m incorrect here.

( via B L A N K )

Russian Posters Galore

A nice Flickr set of Russian Posters.

( via designwire )

Space Age Russian Architecture

Frederic Caubin, chief editor of French magazine, Citizen K, shows us photos of strange and wonderful buildings he's taken of Soviet architecture from the 70’s and 80’s. Beautiful, unique and slightly eerie. See if you agree.

( via )

A Designer's Research Manual

Looks like a must have, but I'm cheap—so let me know if you've read it. From Amazon... Doing research can make all the difference between great and good design...designers are able to bring something to the table that reflects a commercial value for the client beyond a well-crafted logo or brochure...research is the basis of all good design work...This book provides a comprehensive manual on what design research is, why, how to research, and how to apply it to design...share common vernacular with clients...The ability to execute effective research methods is as important to a career in graphic design as the ability to build a grid or layout a page...Understanding the needs of the client and the client’ market are essential components of creating value.

Publishing: So What’s Next?

“Unquestionably hip and metropolitan... overnight, the company has transformed itself from an interesting start-up to a serious player and one that understands the rules of the game.”

I’m personally very intrigued by the digital on-demand printing model. As such, I’ve embarked on an experiment of publishing one of my previous design efforts into a variety of digital on-demand formats (and price points). I’m doing so in order to begin understanding this phenomenon first hand, from the user side, so I can learn and experience the nuances, vernacular and experience the end product. Upon completion, I intend to share what I’ve learned with colleagues in a larger, more comprehensive and ongoing conversation.

In the process of all this, I’ve identified a publisher who I have my eye on. They’re called “The Friday Project.” They’re not an on-demand model, but a completely new breed of publishing house, dedicated to combining everything that’s great about traditional book publishing with the limitless possibilities offered by the Internet and emerging technologies.

Though I can’t speak specifically to their business model and/or profitability, I do generally admire them for the uniqueness of their effort(s), and the foresight and fitness that must be required of such a venture. I will post more about digital on-demand printing in the future.

Junkyard Dog Trick No. 1: Resize Photos

You need to resize photos in a pinch, and you’re without Photoshop. This is a job for ResizR.

( via WholesomeGoodness )

Candid Questions. They ask ’em, so you don't have to.

No matter who you are, there are undoubtedly questions about faith, God, and your position and place in life that you’ve thought of yourself and/or wanted to ask publicly. Well now you don’t have to! Though you may not agree with all the answers, you have to admit the discussions are very thoughtful, and are conducted without all the shouting and red faces you get in public debate. Questions such as... How can I be convinced I have heard the voice of God, so I can know his will for my life? Why did God allow the tsunami disaster? Why is there evil in the world if God is all-powerful? What About People Who Say God Talks to Them? I have been in constant pain for over 30 years and I suffer from major chronic depression. I have been a Christian most of my life. My life is anything but abundant. Why would a loving God allow his child to suffer so much?

Check it out.
Or, ask Ruth your own question!
Or, check out some other resources.

Likewise. I like.

A man comes across an ancient enemy, beaten and left for dead. He lifts the wounded man onto the back of a donkey and takes him to an inn to tend to the man’s recovery. Jesus tells this story and instructs those who are listening to “go and do likewise.”

Likewise books, a new imprint of Intervarsity Press, targeting 18-32 year old adults. When we’re skeptical about the status quo, Likewise books challenge us to create culture responsibly. When we’re confused about who we are and what we’re supposed to be doing, Likewise books help us listen for God’s voice. When we’re discouraged by the troubled world we’ve inherited, Likewise books help us hold onto hope. In this life we will face challenges that demand our response. Likewise books face those challenges with us so we can act on faith.

I’m enjoying what I see so far, including their new website which offers a free 90+ page Likewise Sampler as PDF. Thanks Likewise. May this new ministry effort give God all the glory.

( via cbaonline )

Innovation: The Power of Marginal

Let’s face it, not all that many people read this blog. But if you do, and you’re interested in the subject of design innovation, this article is a needle in a haystack. One of the most intriguing bits of thinking on innovation I’ve ever read. Period.

( via ChangeThisNL )

The Art of Versions: A Making of

Neil Ashby is an incredible designer and his work has inspired me over the years. As former VP Creative Director for the Recording Industry Association of America, Neil’s work is very visible. After a decade at RIAA, he’s gone on to amass a client list which includes nearly every notable recording studio and musician on the planet.

Neil and his friend Matthew Curry (imagefed) have collaborated on a 32-page booklet and package for Thievery Corporation’s CD entitled “Art of Versions” that shows the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a fairy nymph. In developing this project, they collected 100’s of individual illustration “parts,” then mixed those with drawings they’d done by hand.

Broken into 4 categories—Intro, Pieces, Package and Store—this site gives glimpse into this gorgeous effort.

( via NetDiver )

“Look At Me, I’m a Designer”

Frank at B L A N K gets it. His design serves it’s purpose, and he knows who he serves. In his article, “Design Not Known,” he tells it like it is...

Design is all about others, not us. Design is a servant, not the star. Design is outward focused, not inward. So, to all those designers who no one knows or will ever know; who are slogging it out in the trenches day in and day out serving others without a note of “look at what I've done” fanfare being played: I salute you. Keep going. Resist the urge to jump onto the “try to get myself noticed” wagon. And keep serving others because ultimately, it is Him who you serve.

The complete article can be found here.

( via Blank )

This is not your father’s Audimobile

So you bought the Audi Q7, and you're looking to disguise it as a mid level GM vehicle? Today's your lucky day!
...reminds me of...

Audi R8 Goodness

The amazing R8. Mid-engine Audi/Lamborghini Gallardo platform. 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. About $100,000.

( via leftlane )

Marketing to the Hispanic audience

So a Puertorican, Cuban, Colombian, Argentine walk into a bar. Nope, this isn’t some cheap, tasteless joke about our newfound multiculturalism. It’s everyday at one of the top Hispanic agencies in the US.

Unless you’ve been living in Kuala Lampur, you know the Hispanic market has enjoyed a boom over the past few years. Clients are familiar with the research and charts all showing the growth in purchase power over the next few years coming from the Hispanic market, so most are interested in buying into this “new trend” which has been happening for the past 20+ years.
(FULL STORY)

José Reyes is partner and creative director at Turbulence, an award-winning creative shop in Miami focused on revitalizing brands by building culture not just advertising.

( via ihaveanidea.org )

10,000 reasons to show off

The Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards Competition is the world’s most prestigious photography contest for both professional and amateur photographers. Enter Advertising, Architecture, Book, Editorial, Fine Art, Nature, People and Special categories for your chance to win the coveted title of International Photographer of the Year and the $10,000 cash prize today.

Why do some things never go out of style?

The great practitioners of modern design in America instinctively knew the answer. Herman Miller would like to explore this idea with you. Meet the designers, learn about their world and their work. Like anything from Herman Miller, this site is valuable.

herman miller discovering design

This is why I don’t go to the movies

People are dumbfounded when it comes up in conversation (about every five minutes it seems) that I rarely see a movie. I've never seen ET, Star Wars, etc. I have many reasons why this is the case, but a real good reason is the fear of turning into this guy.

( via res72 )

Passion and High Performers

Ten Ways to Build Passion
10. See greatness in those around you and share your vision
9. Express constructive feedback in terms of "the vision"
8. Believe that things can be different and approach the improbable with optimism
7. Set high standards for performance and hold EVERYONE accountable
6. Demonstrate courage, judgement, risk-taking and continuous improvement in your own performance
5. Recognize and celebrate success
4. Design growth experiences that stretch but don't break people
3. Invest in trust and even love
2. Respond maturely to failures and setbacks
1. Push power and decision making down

“High performers drive you nuts sometimes. You need to enjoy that. Steer them, frame their objectives, but don’t repress them.”
--Terry Leclair, Senior PD Director at Intuit

“High performers are like ‘thoroughbreds’. They require lots of care and feeding - but boy can they run.”
-- Tobey Corey, Founder US Web

“As a leader you have the obligation to define the ‘what’ to the Nth level - to get to goals for the right level - to make sure the ‘what’ is right. But you don't want to dictate the ‘how’. You want to give the team and the individual the determination of ‘how’.”
-- Pankaj Shukla, VP, Quickbooks PD at Intuit

Eight Ways to Wipe Out High Performers
1. Work overload
2. Lack autonomy (micromanagement)
3. Skimpy rewards
4. Loss of connection
5. Unfairness
6. Value conflicts
7. Let low-performers ride
8. Create an environment of fear, uncertainty and doubt
- -
A video on the subject of top performers and leadership
If you’re one of my immediate colleagues, this may not play nice with our proxy.

( via creativegeneralist )

The Hilton Experience

Hilarious, really. A post about “get-aways” from a person who barely ever takes a break. But...This website blows my mind. If it loads slow, know it’s worth the wait. If not for just the music.

Ben Folds, Persephone's Bees, James Blount, Vassey, etc.
NICE!