I feel mighty today :) Not to toot my own horn, but I am having a pleasant day. The most rewarding part of my job, and why I do what I do, is that others are happy. I aim to please and that's what drives me.
I am currently working on a website for a hearse company, Eagle Coach, and I was pleasantly surprised at how excited they are about the work, and may undertake additional initiatives to expand this new brand. That's right, I said a hearse company. Who knew -- it's actually very cool. At first you think drab, morose, but this place is top quality. I had a chance to tour their facility and it is impressive. They get in new Cadillacs and Lincolns and literally cut them in HALF and stretch them out to build hearses and limos. Their craftsmanship is amazing -- the interiors, as well as the exteriors, are top notch. Once I toured the facility I couldn't wait to get started on their materials. First insight we had was that their materials should LOOK like a Cadillac -- bold bordeaux, chrome and sleek shiny black. Not only are they selling Cadillacs, they are the Cadillac of quality. Everyone seemed to agree. So anywho, I was happy they were happy.
Then, I got a call from our Firefighter friends today, who are all in Vegas for some convention, and they've been pimping us out. They handed out cards to other colleagues and fellow locals who had an interest in the work we produced for them. So... we hope to be getting some calls from other fire stations and unions. We always appreciate getting our name out there, and we love working with these guys :)
Anywho, it's Friday... let's celebrate!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Very Clever Flash Animation... about Flash!
You've GOT to check this out -- this is way cool! Indeed, someone had a lot of time on their hands, but this is really clever. A flash animation about... flash animation!
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Changing Perspectives
It's funny how effective a little controversial advertising can be. I've seen this new campaign out and have heard of some very ignorant reactions...
People are so tied up in their ideals that they can't stop for 2 seconds to do research before they start pointing fingers and making accusations. If they knew what the organization was really all about they may change their perspective. Instead, they make assumptions, and hide their identity to point out that this organization is a liar. Who, then, is really the liar? They want to call out liars while hiding behind computer screens and made up email addresses?
There are just some folks out there that feel they are going to save the world with a mask on, and punish others because they don't have the same ideals as their own. Find something useful to do. And don't be a liar if you're going to call someone a liar. Cowards.
What's funny about it... this campaign must be working if people who hate them are giving it attention :) Kudos! Gotta love the world of advertising.
People are so tied up in their ideals that they can't stop for 2 seconds to do research before they start pointing fingers and making accusations. If they knew what the organization was really all about they may change their perspective. Instead, they make assumptions, and hide their identity to point out that this organization is a liar. Who, then, is really the liar? They want to call out liars while hiding behind computer screens and made up email addresses?
There are just some folks out there that feel they are going to save the world with a mask on, and punish others because they don't have the same ideals as their own. Find something useful to do. And don't be a liar if you're going to call someone a liar. Cowards.
What's funny about it... this campaign must be working if people who hate them are giving it attention :) Kudos! Gotta love the world of advertising.
Eisen Makes New Cold Sore Ointment Look Sexy
Featured in PackageDesign Magazine
Eisen Makes New Cold Sore Ointment Look and Sound Sexy for Dr. Krane's
By Larry Jaffee
When you think cold sore medicine, you usually don't think sexy. When women are in need of a remedy, however, their vanity gene kicks in. They don't necessarily want to call attention to the fact that they're using something to deal with their contagious facial blemish.
Canadian bioscience company Taiga Bioactives Inc., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, needed a way to make its first branded product line, Dr. Krane's KoolLips, to sound and look sexy. KoolLips is a topical ointment for treatment of cold sores that breaks away from the clinical presentation of its competitors.
Read More: http://www.packagedesignmag.com/issues/2008.07/spot.health.shtml
Eisen Makes New Cold Sore Ointment Look and Sound Sexy for Dr. Krane's
By Larry Jaffee
When you think cold sore medicine, you usually don't think sexy. When women are in need of a remedy, however, their vanity gene kicks in. They don't necessarily want to call attention to the fact that they're using something to deal with their contagious facial blemish.
Canadian bioscience company Taiga Bioactives Inc., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, needed a way to make its first branded product line, Dr. Krane's KoolLips, to sound and look sexy. KoolLips is a topical ointment for treatment of cold sores that breaks away from the clinical presentation of its competitors.
Read More: http://www.packagedesignmag.com/issues/2008.07/spot.health.shtml
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Design Trends 2008
As a full-time graphic artist, I constantly have to keep up with trends and strive to do something different with every project. Over the past several months I've noticed a few design trends that have been prominent throughout magazines, commercials and websites I've come across. Here are a few popular items at the moment:
1. Trajan Pro
I've seen this font just about everywhere -- and admit to using it maybe a little too much lately. It's a lovely font, as an updated alternative to the basic serif fonts. I've seen it in movie titles, in logos, you name it. A close second is OptimusPrinceps, very similar to Trajan. I don't see it going away any time soon, but I'm anxious to see what will be next, when inevitably, it will be overused.
2. Handwriting & Real Objects
Using sketches and real objects, such as post-its and paperclips, give layouts a more dimensional look. It appears lackidaisical, which is the appeal in this casual era. Think Napoleon Dynomite or MTV.
3. Scrapbook
Similar to hand sketching, using realistic scrapbook elements brings reality to the design. With scrapbooking and hand-made cards being so popular, it's definitely been a trend in outside areas.
4. Texture
I love to use texture. I get tired of boxy layouts with lots of lines. I like to see leather, metal, paper, swirls, patterns and glows. It gives it some interest! It's a change up from sleek simplistic layouts.
5. Shapes
Using shapes other than boxes and circles is a step in the trendy direction. Try using scallops, random abstract shapes or scrolled edges to house images, headers and quotes.
6. Add Color
As summer is upon us, I'm seeing lots of vibrant colors -- yellows, pinks, lime greens. Give it some punch! Put colors together you wouldn't normally consider and you may be surprised.
7. Text arrangement
Aligning text in not-so-obvious arrangements is yet another way to stray from boring. Use the layout of text as a design element. I'm seeing 2 and 3 columns, somewhat scattered, arranged in the bottom left or middle of pages. Move the grid around and you'll generate some interest. Perhaps column 2 is taller than column one, the bottoms aligning instead of the top -- Heaven forbid! Be a text-rebel...
8. Going Green
This is no surprise -- everyone is on the green bandwagon and design is no exception. I'm seeing a lot of recycled papers and inks, with 'going green' and 'save on gas' slogans.
1. Trajan Pro
I've seen this font just about everywhere -- and admit to using it maybe a little too much lately. It's a lovely font, as an updated alternative to the basic serif fonts. I've seen it in movie titles, in logos, you name it. A close second is OptimusPrinceps, very similar to Trajan. I don't see it going away any time soon, but I'm anxious to see what will be next, when inevitably, it will be overused.
2. Handwriting & Real Objects
Using sketches and real objects, such as post-its and paperclips, give layouts a more dimensional look. It appears lackidaisical, which is the appeal in this casual era. Think Napoleon Dynomite or MTV.
3. Scrapbook
Similar to hand sketching, using realistic scrapbook elements brings reality to the design. With scrapbooking and hand-made cards being so popular, it's definitely been a trend in outside areas.
4. Texture
I love to use texture. I get tired of boxy layouts with lots of lines. I like to see leather, metal, paper, swirls, patterns and glows. It gives it some interest! It's a change up from sleek simplistic layouts.
5. Shapes
Using shapes other than boxes and circles is a step in the trendy direction. Try using scallops, random abstract shapes or scrolled edges to house images, headers and quotes.
6. Add Color
As summer is upon us, I'm seeing lots of vibrant colors -- yellows, pinks, lime greens. Give it some punch! Put colors together you wouldn't normally consider and you may be surprised.
7. Text arrangement
Aligning text in not-so-obvious arrangements is yet another way to stray from boring. Use the layout of text as a design element. I'm seeing 2 and 3 columns, somewhat scattered, arranged in the bottom left or middle of pages. Move the grid around and you'll generate some interest. Perhaps column 2 is taller than column one, the bottoms aligning instead of the top -- Heaven forbid! Be a text-rebel...
8. Going Green
This is no surprise -- everyone is on the green bandwagon and design is no exception. I'm seeing a lot of recycled papers and inks, with 'going green' and 'save on gas' slogans.
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