The iPad

Apple released it's new iPad this week and it seemed to catch everybody off guard. Steve went public and stated that it was "the most important product he has ever developed". I spoke to a pretty tech-savvy friend who owns many Apple products and his comment was "Huh, I guess it solves a problem I never knew I had..." That pretty much sums up what the rest of the world seems to be saying.

Apple is one of the world's most innovative and progressive tech company and have taken us all by surprise many times over the years. One of my favorite quotes is by Alan Kay "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." I think Steve and Co. are doing just that with this new device. It functions much like an iPhone only bigger and has the same open source platform that allows developers to create apps for it. Apple just made it, but it will be We the People who will determine how to use it. This isn't another Newton but rather a bold move by Apple to be in a place where we'll all want to be soon enough. (and no, I do not work for Apple...)

Second Story

Second Story. is a interactive story-telling factory located in Portland, Oregon and originally launched by interactive pioneer Brad Johnson. Since it's inception in 1994, Brad and team have been leading the charge by bridging the world between technology and design. Second Story's ability to take large pieces of information and distill it down to a beautifully architected design experience is nothing short of amazing and they have truck loads of awards to prove it. The image above is from a site created for The City of Santa Monica called Beach Stories. In the site, visitors can cull through page after page of visually rich stories related to a stretch of beach in Santa Monica steep in history and colorful characters. It's engaging, informative and smartly delivers a tremendous amount of information in a entertaining fashion.

Dave Kinsey

I have a new favorite artist and his name is Dave Kinsey. A traditionally trained designer/artist originally from Philadelphia with a McGee vibe and a powerful application of color. I want an original and I want it now...

18 Rabbits

Packaging done well should tell a story that hooks the consumer on the spot. Currently, I am working on a energy/health bar product and have been doing a lot of research related to the category. This beautiful package, 18 Rabbits, was created by the very talented Christine Celic Stohl, a design phenom who is operating out of Mucca's SF branch and doing an amazing job as you can see here. Christine's solutions all have a common mastery of retro/fresh typography, brilliant design choices and sophisticated color pallets. It's evident that she is clearly in her zone and having fun which translates to a happy brand that is quite memorable.

The Tempest

Once in a great while Los Angeles has weather that is on par with what the rest of the country is experiencing. This photo by talented local photographer Karl Polverino, captures the vibe quite nicely.

Pitfire Pizza

Above is a new identity I developed for the Pitfire Pizza chain last year and it's finally going live. It's always exciting to see one of your babies take it's first steps into the world.

Studio On Fire

As the world we live in becomes increasingly more digital, I find much to love when presented with a well executed, tactile, old-fashioned printed piece that has been loved by both designer and printer. Studio On Fire is actually both a design firm and a letterpress printer. Studio On Fire's website has a lot of visual stimulation and prime examples of beautifully printed work that makes it difficult not to find a reason to employ letterpress on the next print assignment.

London Calling 30 Year Anniversary

In what was a seminal piece of Rock and Roll history, The Clashes', London Calling was released 30 years ago this week. Always located on music critics Top 10 List's and referenced countless times by musicians worldwide as having been influenced by the album. London Calling, spoke to a generation of punk rebels and opened the door to thousands of voices who joined in and produced a wave of creativity (i.e. Fashion, Film, Surf/Skate, etc. etc..) sparked by the Punk Generation.

Prior to it's official release, I remember London Calling first appearing in the Art Department as a homemade cassette tape that made it's way via a student hailing from New York City. It was simply awesome and more than a just a musical offering. To all of us it was a call to action that gave everyone permission to throw out the rules and look at everything in a raw and feral perspective. There was no early media push like a movie soundtrack single, Facebook page or a YouTube video - it was virally passed around and copied by all those who "got it" and wanted to be a part of this anti-establishment movement. I Loved it then and I love even more now.