weekly inspiration

Movies in Color
An interesting study of color in cinema, which examines movie stills and breaks them down into color palettes. To quote the Tumblog's creator @moviesincolor, the site is "a tool to promote learning and inspiration." I'm wondering if she's working on any Sid and Marty Krofft palettes?
(via Mike Gastin, with an HT to @TBiv)

Retro UI Design
T3 Player is an iPhone app with a UI inspired by Dieter Rams' iconic T3 Pocket Radio. The use of skeuomorph brings a smile: "…an interface that represents a 1973 radio using pixels, viewed on a device that was born out of the iPod, itself a direct facsimile of the original T3."

Inspiring Images from the Natural World
Amazing photography, taken by Smithsonian.com 2012 Photo Content finalists. The Bald Eagle photo made by Don Holland is especially striking, requiring a 600mm lens – must be like carrying around the Hubble Telescope.
(via Mike Gastin)

Not Just for Photographers
The Candid Frame is a podcast created for photographers, but the content doesn't focus on technique and toolsets (no pun intended). Instead it highlights the inspiration and human stories behind the work of the artists interviewed by host Ibarionex Perello. Because of this focus, pretty much any reader/listener can take something valuable from The Candid Frame, regardless of their creative pursuit (check out Episode #178 as an example).

Synthmania
Resident electro-poptologist Mike Gastin is ready to get his "Axel F" on with this portable synthesizer from Swedish design house Teenage Engineering. "There's something magical about OP-1. There's a blend of high-tech and something almost toy-like that's interesting to me. I also like the company's web design aesthetic and its model of working on its own projects as well as collaborations with other well-known brands."

Thanks for the cool find, Mike. I'm waiting for the keytar version of OP-1, at which time I'm proposing "Devo Fridays" here at BWC HQ.

Print Enters the World of Augmented Reality
We've heard and talked about the convergence of traditional and digital media. Augmented reality experiences bring us one step closer to true convergence. And with technology developers such as Aurasma, there are increased opportunities for communicators to explore.
(HT @prnewswire - check out their story)

Those Classic Lines
As you can see from previous entries, I'm a fan of minimalists re-interpretations. Here's a set of minimalist movie posters on mymodernmet.com that pairs clever illustration with iconic quotes. My favorite: Walter's quote in the The Big Lebowski.

Moodstream
Moodstream by Getty Images seems a curious animal. What is it? A better way to research stock media assets? The centerpiece for a brainstorming session? Or just something fun to tinker with at lunch? Streams can be saved as "Moodboards" (think lightbox with additional features), and assets can be saved as a handy list for later reference.

Camera Geekery for Snowy Days
What looks cooler, the extreme closeup of the snowflake (no pun intended), or the Frankenstein'd camera rig used to capture it? Seriously though, I admire Mr. Kljatov's cleverness and tenacity in fulfilling his creative vision.

Happy New Year! OK, is it alright to stop saying Happy New Year now? ;) Here are some bits of goodness gleaned from the triple-dub during our holidays.

Maker's Row
Reinvigorating American manufacturing is a hot topic. Kudos to Maker's Row for its contribution to the conversation. When I first read about this online database of U.S. manufacturers, I wasn't sure what to expect with regard to brand and user experience. I was pleasantly surprised, impressed and engaged on many different levels.

Building a Better Axe
Best Made Co., via Mike Gastin: "I'm impressed by the design aesthetic and the way they go deeper into a more philosophical approach to their offerings." The collection of web videos does a great job of telling Best Made's story.

Typography Archaeology
Typomapp is a typography knowledge map. It's a unique approach in learning typography, correlating history and geography. I enjoyed researching typographers and foundries in the nations of my ancestry.
Via Mike Gastin

Product, People, Planet, Profit. Plus Great Design.
Blackstar Bamboo Bikes, via Mike Gastin: "Love that these use natural, regional and renewable resources and that this is a company that makes jobs for developing nations. And, the design aesthetic is right proper."

Communication Starts with Listening
StoryCorps and its upcoming National Day of Listening on November 23 remind me of two very important things: 1) Be thankful for all the priceless stories that surround us in family, friends and strangers. 2) Good communication starts with listening.

Audible Edibles
Certain musical artists provide the soundtrack for our lives. This creative Portuguese outfit provides the soundtrack for our lunch. Along with the creative product idea, I was taken by the packaging design. The tin with craft sleeve and understated one-color graphic treatment is quite tasty (no pun intended. well, maybe a little…)

Unique Goods, Locally Made
My inner geek was attracted to this CNET article about an R2-D2 engagement ring. After following the link to CustomMade, I was impressed by this unique e-commerce platform and its creators' commitment to buying custom from local makers.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Visualizing the Invisible
This motion visualization of surface wind data from the National Digital Forecast Database is engaging and attractive. We kept it on-screen all day when Hurricane Sandy made landfall. The collaboration known as Hint.fm is behind this and a number of other interesting data visualizations.
(via: Jonathan Daggar, Mike Gastin)

Branding the Presidents
Just in time for election day, an interesting personal project by Detroit, MI-based designer Meg Jannott. I like the use of nicknames as brand elements for some of the presidents. Personal favorite: "Uncle Jumbo" (Grover Cleveland)
(via: HOW Magazine)

Making an Impact by Speaking from the Heart
The power of thought leadership when one is speaking about a true passion. Greenblatt's example is a high-profile one, but lessons can be taken and applied to any type of business.

Sunrise from 10,000 Feet
600 days of living near the top of Mt. Fuji, and photographing each sunrise. We're interested in the guy's utter devotion and what it cost him to pull this off.
(via: Mike Gastin)

Developing New Skills with Self-Generated Projects

(Via Co.Design)
I'm always impressed by designers who forge ahead into new styles and disciplines through self-generated projects. These types of projects carry no expectation other than to create  a vehicle for personal growth.

Our Imagination Fills in the Blanks
(via Communication Arts News)
We've all seen real-life shapes in the clouds. And if you're like Dutch illustrator Tineke Meirink (and I imagine most of us are to a degree), our imagination often runs wild when exposed to any number of everyday objects. Kudos to Tineke for developing a fun site that simultaneously entertains the casual viewer and promotes to prospective illustration clients.

Living Large
I'm not sure if I'm ready to go repelling down a cliff with an HD camera strapped to my head after reading this article, but I am reminded of some important entrepreneurial points. For example: "Things happen when you are pursuing your passion," and "Being brave is a huge competitive advantage… I want to love in a big world."

Music Tech Geeks, Unite
(Hat tip to Mike Gastin)
As a kid and teenager, I spent countless hours re-creating favorite tunes on my samplers, synthesizers and sequencers. It was painstaking. Even with that background, I can't imagine how much time it took to create this rendition of Gotye's hit, “Somebody that I used to know.” I don't play keyboards anymore, just bass guitar, but now I'm thinking about dropping it and rockin' the HP Scanjet.

"Hit me up on MySpace." Will we soon be saying that again?
(Hat tip to Mike Gastin)
Lots of questions: Is it enough to combine the best elements of the various social networks, or is there still room for innovation? Are we entering an era of niche-oriented social media? How will the new MySpace "do" mobile? Are users interested in keeping up on another social media network? What do you think?

Building a Better Experience
"We're not selling tons of bikes off the wall, we're selling a process. We're coming at it a little differently." A beautiful video piece that shows the power of the human dynamic and the potency of delivering a great experience.
(via Mike Gastin)

Rocket Science Doesn't have to be Rocket Science
The story of Ariel Waldman, graphic designer turned contributor to space exploration and scientific discovery. Any number of industries can benefit from entrepreneurial outsiders.

Doing Things in the "Right" Order
Recently named to the AdAge 100 Most Influential Women, Rochester's own Sharon Napier is featured in this popular industry publication. I especially like the messages contained in topics 1 and 2. Congratulations on the recognition, Sharon.

Could A Redesign Really Rescue USA Today?
The question posed in this article's headline is intriguing. The new USA Today does look great, along with the component pieces of its rollout campaign. Just as intriguing though, will be observing how the iconic publication redesigns its business models for each media type over time.

iQ by Intel
Here's a unique, Flipboard-esque digital magazine curated by Intel employees. iQ is an example of how employee-content crowdsourcing is one effective way of generating engaging content for an organization. My key takeaway: the success of iQ is not measured by "hits" or visits. Rather its success is measured by its level of reader engagement (i.e., shares, comments, “likes”, retweets, etc.)
(via Content Marketing Institute)

Infinity
Have you ever walked out of Rochester's Strasenburgh Planetarium with your mind completely blown by the concept of infinity? Me too. But thanks to concise story telling and smart use of illustration and animation, that concept has been brought down to earth a little bit.
(via Brain Pickings)

Perfection of Craft
Mike Gastin brought an indie documentary to my attention, Jiro Dreams of Sushi. OK, we're freaks for sushi over here at HQ, so we may be biased. However, regardless of subject matter, the journey toward perfection of one's craft is always inspirational. Even at 85 and having dedicated his life to his craft, master sushi chef Jiro Ono does not consider himself to have reached perfection.

Growers Cup
The perfect cup of coffee, brewed pretty much anywhere? Yes please! With Growers Cup the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurialism is strong in the Java world.
(via Springwise)

Wilco iBook
The Chicago-based Wilco put on a stellar show last Friday at Rochester's Highland Bowl. To share a little bit of this innovative band, and to also share what's new in the iBook publishing arena, here's The Incredible Shrinking Tour of Chicago.

30 Second MBA
Fast Company's video-based series of lessons, insights, tips and suggestions presented by contemporary business leaders, innovators and celebrities. Equally informative and entertaining. Speaking of entertaining, check out Conan O'Brien's take on quality vs. quantity.

Problem Solving in the Open Source Hardware Community
Problem: How can makers, artists, scientists and other prototypers perform laser cutting simply and safely, with full control over energy density, at any point in time?
Solution: Well, Lasersaur of course!
Another interesting example of problem solving, this time from the realm of open source hardware.
(via Mike Gastin)

Illustration (The Finest Occupation)
This video had me at "The greatest illustration is not mere decoration."

The Underground New York Public Library
(via Mike Gastin)
A fascinating Tumblog by @Ourit, featuring entrancing candid photography. "The Underground New York Public Library is a visual library featuring the Reading-Riders of the NYC subways. This library freely lends out a reminder that we’re capable of traveling to great depths within ourselves and as a whole."

Crowdsourcing and Olympic Pride
Who's excited about the upcoming Summer Olymipcs? This crowdsourced Olympic t-shirt taps into the power of sporting passion and national pride. That's a strong combination!
(Thanks to Mike Gastin for turning me on to Springwise.com)

Apple Podcasts App
Apple's dedicated "Podcasts" app was recently released. With this enhancement to audience experience, why not create a podcast?

Coffee and the News
Here's a cool application of print-on-demand, with smart use of QR code technology. Impressive campaign results too.

Water, Coffee, Time. But Most of all... Care
(via BrainPickings)
What self-respecting, caffeine-driven creative agency wouldn't be inspired by this vintage short dedicated to the blood of the bean?