May 2012
3 posts
2 tags
PACKAGING | Ireland's Own: Mic's Chilli Sauce
via creativereview.co.uk Produced in the country of Ireland (who knew?!), Mic’s Chilli Sauce features wonderfully intricate and interesting illustrations by artist Steve Simpson. With motifs inspired by Mayan, Mexican, and Chinese cultures, Simpson has created beautiful works of art that are fun to explore. He has even designed custom barcodes that are in keeping with the flavor of the...
4 tags
ENVIRONMENT + BRAND | JouJou Toys and Treats
via underconsideration.com JouJou is a toy store that is part of The Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City. In keeping with the whimsical luxury of the hotel, Utah firm Stuck managed to capture the feel of a child’s imaginary paradise. The colors, architectural details and playful iterations of the JouJou logo are certain to bring a smile to the faces of adults and children alike. In...
3 tags
GRAPHICS | Childrens Story Posters
See the full gallery on Posterous via squareinchdesign.com Square Inch Design Blog posted this great series of posters illustrating — in a gloriously minimalist way — various children’s stories. Love these! *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
April 2012
5 posts
1 tag
PACKAGING | “löffle mich!” Cakes In Jars
via thedieline.com In the age of specialty, gourmet baked goods (have you been to your local cupcake shop lately?), it’s always a treat to see how something old (cake!…) is made new again with unique packaging (…in jars!). These Austrian treats offer a new way to enjoy a single serving of cake, nicely contained in a colorfully labeled glass jar. There’s even a petite...
2 tags
PACKAGING | Rahal Farms' Farm Fresh Eggs
via thedieline.com Warm colors, rustic illustrations and an appealing mix of typography make for a lovely carton of eggs. This colorful design was intended to “elevate” Rahal Farms’ sustainable, fresh eggs above others on the store shelves. The design is certainly elegant, but it’s also very approachable. There’s an implied quality and attention to detail...
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AWARDS | 2012 D&AD Awards Packaging Design Winners
via lovelypackage.com Quick post: I came across a thorough round-up of the D&AD packaging design winners on the Lovely Package website. Click the link to see the winners and get a little inspiration. Lots of exceptional work! *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
FILM | Cartier's L'Odyssee Behind The Scenes
This is the Cartier ad/film L’Odyssee de Cartier that made it’s debut in the U.S. (I think), during this year’s Super Bowl. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate it as it seemed a bit excessive and out-of-place. However, after watching it again on YouTube, without the distraction of competing chip commercials and amusing talking babies, I have a new appreciation for...
4 tags
RESTAURANT KITSCH | Sissy’s Southern Kitchen
via underconsideration.com The array of fun images and colors used for the Dallas restaurant Sissy’s Southern Kitchen must be a hit with the locals. Sure, there’s a place for classy, mature, upscale elegance…But there are plenty of times when you just want to sit down in a place that makes you smile. It looks like Sissy’s might fit the bill in that regard. If the...
March 2012
10 posts
2 tags
PACKAGING | El Paso Chile’s Border Town
When El Paso Chile Co. commissioned Charles S. Anderson Design in Minneapolis to create a new packaging system for its retail salsa and marinade lines, it wanted to make sure that consumers grasped the fact that its products were authentic Tex-Mex, not wannabe imitations made in places like Cincinnati or Brooklyn. A border town in far west Texas, El Paso is so close to Juarez in Mexico that...
3 tags
LOGO + PACKAGING | Molly's Milk Truck
via thedieline.com But, mostly the logo. Specifically, I like the way the apostrophe “S” is illustrated in the “Molly’s” part of the name. It’s a unique way to illustrate that a grammatical necessity without that pesky apostrophe. More: If you want to see the packaging upon which this logo is applied, click the link to Dieline! *camille Posted via...
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COLOR + TYPOGRAPHY | Tucumen Wines
via lovelypackage.com The Tucumen brand of wine is the product of an Argentinean vineyard and represents the regions of Tucuman and Mendoza. Appropriately, the design of the labels use a “patchwork” layout to convey the joining of two different areas of the country, while also applying color that brings to mind the vibrant Latin culture that is Argentina. These features,...
3 tags
PACKAGING | Miller64
via thedieline.com Apparently (I’m not really a beer-drinker), this is the re-introduction of Miller64 — a 64-calorie light beer option from MillerCoors. Regardless, of whether one is familiar with the product, this new identity is certainly eye-catching. The subtle design details, crisp typography, and masculine color scheme (I love the rich grey blue!) bring a refreshingly...
1 tag
NERD ALERT | Scrabble Typography Edition
via winningsolution.com How gorgeous is this…? Sign me up! *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
PRINT + COLOR | Angélica and Rodrigo Wedding...
via underconsideration.com A quick post to start off a cheerful Friday: This colorful wedding invitation “suite” features all sorts of nice touches, including a wax seal, a great mix of typography, and…lilacs. Click the link for many more detailed images of these spring-inspired pieces. Oh, and have a wonderful Friday! *camille Posted via email from MIYO |...
2 tags
PACKAGING | UnderPressure
via lovelypackage.com A quick post: The twisted construction of this tubed packaging is pretty interesting. The resulting folds at the top and bottom wonderful details on their own, as well. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
LABELS | Stark Skincare label design
via thedieline.com Labels for small jars and containers can be challenging to create due to limited space and, sometimes, a requirement for extensive information. For this skincare line, I like the simple band used at the bottom of the label to convey the actual product name, used in conjunction with the bold color and shape that provides a quick visual cue to the consumer. Nothing...
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PACKAGING + COLOR | Dorset Cereals
via thedieline.com I like the mix of the different elements used for these cereal boxes: metallic text, “earthy” cardboard, and warm, but vibrant, color combos. The simplified illustrations are nicely adapted for each variation, as well. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
COLORLESS | Lettersketch Sketchbooks
via underconsideration.com No designer (or writer, or artist, or doodler) can resist a unique and beautiful sketchbook. Hence, I had to share these. The wonderfully crisp patterns created by a blind deboss are beautiful and interesting. They also have a lovely hand-made quality to them due to the stitched binding. All in all, I would be proud to carry one of these into my local...
February 2012
12 posts
3 tags
GRAPHICS | Food Truck Typography
via revegofthenerd.wordpress.com What better way to kick of the week than with some fun food truck graphics? Great colors, fun type, entertaining messages, and useful (I hope) QR codes all add up to a great reason to skip the restaurant and hit the streets. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
PACKAGING | Granny's Secret
via thedieline.com The design of these labels for Granny’s Secret (based in Serbia) are understated and delicately done. But, it is the integration of the die-cut label with the custom jar shape that I find particularly lovely. These design solutions are evidence that one can make a strong visual impact - that stands out from competitors - using something other than a vibrant color...
2 tags
BLACK + WHITE | Boca Negra Beer
via lovelypackage.com I like the typography and the clean layout of information on the label. Nothing fancy, but pleasing to the eye. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
4 tags
RESTAURANTS + PRINT | Teplitzkys Menus
via underconsideration.com A quick post… These colorful, retro menus from Teplitzkys (in New Jersey’s Chelsea Hotel) are fun and unique - definitely something out of the norm. I think they’re great! *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
GRAPHICS + FILM | Sherlock Holmes Title Sequence
via graphic-exchange.com These are beautifully textural images from the title sequence of the latest Sherlock Holmes film. I’ve yet to see the film, but the first one was certainly a visual treat, so I expect nothing less of the sequel. Click the link to Graphic-Exchange above for many more images and an interview with the designer, Prologue. Gorgeous work by gifted designers! ...
1 tag
PHOTOGRAPHY | Eric Ryan Anderson
via ivegotfriends.com I stumbled upon the work of Eric Ryan Anderson yesterday (via the wonders of the internets!) and really love the life he is able to capture in his work. The portraits, in particular, remind me of Paul Strand — seemingly un-posed, simply a capture of a moment in time between the tasks of the day. Check out Eric’s photo blog to see more of his beautiful work. ...
2 tags
PACKAGING | Trevor’s Honey
via lovelypackage.com I like the distressed type and off-white paper stock for this label. Its simplicity conveys the impression that the honey came right off the comb and into this jar. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
PRINT + ART | Greeting Cards Go From Envelope to...
via underconsideration.com I don’t know about you, but when I was too poor to by “real” art, I made a habit of buying nice greeting cards that were frame-worthy to hang on my apartment walls. Now, who needs the x-acto knife and mat board? Card to Art Greeting Cards has made the transformation as simple as can be…and using letterpress to boot. Check out the link for...
6 tags
BRANDING | Lucy's Fried Chicken
via pentagram.com In the age of low-cal low-carb fare, it looks like fried chicken is alive and well in Austin, Texas! Pentagram recently posted a spread about the brand they’ve developed for Lucy’s Fried Chicken and it’s a fun mix of vintage style and contemporary design. I love the simple script logo and the accompanying monogram (in the shape of an egg, of course). The...
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BLACK + WHITE | Gazelli Cosmetics
Gazelli Cosmetics January 22, 2012 | 3 Comments Designed by Gazelli Cosmetics| Country: Azerbaijan “Using her scientific knowledge in the fields of genetics and prevention, Dr. Hamzayeva decided to develop beauty products from the magnificent natural resources found in her home country of Azerbaijan. From the earth itself, she created a brand she...
PRINT + FOIL | Julie Pop Bakery
via lovelystationery.com Nice use of multiple foil colors on the cards for this Vienna bakery specializing in, yes, cake pops. See the other color variations at the link. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
ARCHIVES | Saul Bass Pitch Video for Bell System...
via youtube.com I missed this video making the rounds online in the last couple of months, so I thought I would share it here, as well. This is a presentation by Saul Bass to Bell System executives pitching a new identity for the company. It’s a bit long (27 minutes), but very interesting. In this age of Photoshop and computer mock-ups, it’s fascinating to see how a firm would...
January 2012
10 posts
COMMUNICATION | Answer 4 Questions to Share Your...
via entrepreneur.com Communicating the story of your brand and business need not be complicated. In fact, quite the opposite is true. A simple, straight-forward, easy-to-grasp story will capture your target audience and give them the information they need to understand what you do and why. The elevator pitch is simply for elevators… *camille Posted via email from MIYO |...
1 tag
PRINT | Coasters With A Twist
via underconsideration.com I’ve confessed this before, but…I really do love a fun coaster… This holiday-themed set is enjoyable primarily because they come pre-stained with a wet glass ring (actually, a varnish). It’s a fun touch that makes an everyday item more unique. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
PRINT + GRAPHICS | Sundance Film Festival
via pentagram.com The 2012 Sundance Film Festival features graphics designed by Pentagram. As with most events of this type, the design standards were used for everything from print materials to environmental graphics to merchandise. I appreciate the way in which the ‘motif’ (for lack of a better word) was effectively used in the film catalog - incorporating the fragmented...
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CREATIVITY + INNOVATION | Redesigning "Teachers"
via underconsideration.com I recently (and finally) watched the film Waiting for Superman - a film about the educational system in the United States and the woefully inadequate way it serves too many of our children. The film was eye-opening to say the least. With the impact of the movie still fresh in my mind, I was pleased to come across this post in my RSS feed. Once again, the power of...
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ART + CREATIVITY | Seo Young-Deok's Chain...
via core77.com No, this really has nothing to do with branding. But, the creativity, skill and process needed to create these formidable - yet somehow delicate - sculptures is certainly something to marvel at. Bicycle chains and other garden variety chain links molded into the human form…Simply amazing… Click the link to see several more images. *camille Posted via email ...
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CREATIVITY | Beautiful Plywood Sculptural Graphics
via core77.com I have never seen anything quite like these colorful dimensional graphics, created by Moscow’s Sicksystems. The pieces of each composition is carved with a scroll saw, then hand-painted. The result is reminiscent of a cross between totem pole art and something that could be found in a Transformers movie. The image of the sneaker piece above was one that I found...
3 tags
LOGO + IDENTITY | Austria's Meier Seefeld Boutique
via lovelystationery.com Behold the beautiful black and white identity for Meier Seefeld, a women’s clothing boutique in Austria. The combination of the compact script wordmark and classic images from the ski slopes communicate the accessible, yet upscale, feel of the brand. Looking at something as elegant as this - who needs color? See plenty more images at the link… *camille ...
1 tag
VIDEO | The Joy of Books
via youtube.com This is simply a great video I had to share. It’s about, well…the joy of books. Enjoy! *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
PRINT | Segal Centre Season Posters
via underconsideration.com Canada’s Segal Center commissioned these colorful posters to start their 6th season of theater. The designers, Mookai, were given “carte blanche,” as they put it, to interpret the subject of each play as they saw fit. The result is a colorful array of interesting prints that are works of art in their own right. *camille Posted via email ...
CREATIVITY | How to be Creative
*via Fast Company Co.Design Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
December 2011
6 posts
3 tags
DESIGN | A Look at the History of Airline Livery
via nytimes.com I came across this New York Times post comparing the evolution of airplane design and found it to be an interesting overview. Many of these I had never seen, so I thought it would be worth sharing. Also, I must note that I miss the polished metal look of yesteryear. There’s just something about the classic look of the metal planes that made air travel seem more special...
MUSICAL INTERLUDE | Sinatra Sings 'Let It Snow'
‘tis the season! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! *cf Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
2 tags
PRINT | Henry + Co
via lovelystationery.com The execution of black business cards can be a challenge - how to create interest without the use of multiple colors? In this case, stark white foil printing with a strong embossed emblem. *cf Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
PRINT | Howler Business Cards
via beastpieces.com Designed to reference penalty cards from the world’s favorite game (soccer/football), these cards were printed with tonal inks that provide subtle - and beautiful - contrast to the papers selected. It’s often challenging to create a card that stands out from the usual fare, but these do a nice job of doing just that. Click the link for more detailed...
2 tags
ILLUSTRATION | Amtrak Signals It Now Has Wi-Fi
via atissuejournal.com A quick post: Amtrak trains are now Wi-Fi enabled and the company released some great ads highlighting this new feature. The illustrations are crisp and modern; and the universal Wi-Fi symbol was nicely integrated into each scene. Nice job. *cf Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
3 tags
PACKAGING ETC. | Ivory Soap Gets An Updated Look
via underconsideration.com I always find it interesting to see how well-established brands, particularly for everyday types of products, go about the process of refreshing the look and feel of their offerings. Hence, the Ivory Soap update caught my eye. I like the clean look of the new logo; and the vibrant colors used for the packaging of this classic, white soap will most certainly help it...
November 2011
3 posts
2 tags
TRENDS | Consumers are "DEALER-CHIC"
via trendwatching.com An excerpt from the November 2011, trend report reads: Now, we’re not saying that all of consumption will be dominated by discounted goods and services. However, for status-conscious consumers (read: all of them ;-), making the most of discounts and deals is no longer considered cumbersome or even embarrassing, but simply smart. In fact, DEALER-CHIC is yet...
2 tags
PRINT | Egg & Dart
via lovelystationery.com I happened upon these dimensional (in appearance, anyway) cards while catching up on some older blog posts and thought it was worth a quick post. I like the visual interest created by the design. It manages to catch one’s attention without trying too hard. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
ART + TYPE | Chalk Type by Dana Tanamachi
via atissuejournal.com Custom chalk signage is all the rage, is it not? Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, your local ice cream shop…it’s everywhere! In an era of computerized “perfection”, these illustrations are delightfully “imperfect”. *camille Posted via email from MIYO | STUDIOS | Comment »
October 2011
6 posts
2 tags
SIGNAGE | In Cardboard
via atissuejournal.com Who would have imagined that die-cut cardboard could be such a wonderful material to use for interior signage? Not I. Thankfully, designers Isidro Ferrer, Pablo Alabau, and studio Zaragoza Versus were innovative enough to develop this signage system for the Spanish Pavillion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. It’s a brilliant idea, if you ask me. Particularly, for...