Twitter Influencer: Aaron Carámbula

Aaron Carámbula is a talented guy with a lot on his plate. He’s one of the co-founders at Objective Subject, a pluralist design firm in DUMBO. He’s also a co-founder of the food mag, Remedy Quarterly with his wife Kelly and is a student in the Type@Cooper Extended Program at Cooper Union.

Additionally, he’s a member of Friends of Type, where he shares inventive and interesting typographic works alongside other type fiends. His twitter feed is an extension of all of this, revealing his attention to detail and passion for all things type. His feed is interesting, informative and fun to follow.

March 4, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Shopping at Howkapow

Creative people are forever on the hunt to consume. When things start looking the same, which happens whenever a trend takes off, it’s always refreshing to have your trusty go-to spot where the ideas and items are fresh and affordable. Howkapow is the UK’s latest commercial solution to innovation and underground talent. Opened in December 2010 by the husband-and-wife team, Rog and Cat How, it supports and promotes emerging designers with a stand-out, smile-inducing style. We’re fans, have a look for yourself!

1. Pi Pouffe by Fun Makes Good, $175
2. Legs Card by Stone & Spear, $4.63
3. Hand Shadow Dino Ring by Inca Starzinsky, $21.93
4. Harlequin 10-Panel Necklace by Lucy Peacock, $324.93
5. Pha Pha Cushion by Fun Makes Good, $80.42
6. Brian Computer Tweet by Tweed Tom, $178.71

March 3, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Contemporary Graphic Design

The world of graphic design is constantly evolving and Taschen’s latest creative endeavor, Contemporary Graphic Design showcases the work of 100 of the world’s most cutting-edge designers today.

Alongside the array of visually stunning and thought-provoking advertisements, CD covers, posters, packaging, websites, and corporate identities are texts by each designer expressing his or her individual approach to graphic design as well as personal insights into the motivations behind the work.

By presenting a provocative survey of the most experimental and forward-looking design from around the globe, this book provides a intriguing snapshot of where the discipline presently stands and hopefully offers directions for the future.

March 2, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Monocromatic Parts

When you follow retail design, it’s hard not to love small things in mass. Today’s feature covers the monochromatic side of commercial clutter. Using texture and shape to create depth, each of these installations keeps the eye roving.

This black sculpture by Louise Nevelson is part of the permanent collection at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Each shadow box tells a story, inviting the viewer to get lost behind each shape. Using molding to fill their most recent window display in Chelsea Market, Anthropologie has created a white linear collage.

Simulating ropes using ceramic, the refurbished Westfield Shopping Center in Sydney, Australia tricks the eye with it’s fantastically intricate exterior.

March 2, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Prêt à Voyager

I recently had the opportunity to participate in Anne Ditmeyer’s Boarding Pass series on her hugely inspirational travel blog, Prêt à Voyager. We covered everything from places I love most, to cataloging information to tracking trend practices. The piece was fun to compile (especially the food faces) and appeared yesterday. Check it out here.

March 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Lady Gaga's Born This Way

Lady Gaga’s much anticipated video for Born This Way was released this morning. The entire 7:20 minutes are an exercise in visual stimulation to the nth degree. Both commercial and extraordinarily creative, Gaga’s team has successfully woven wet kaleidoscopes, high art references and popular culture together for a playful and catchy accompaniment. Bravo!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV1FrqwZyKw&feature=player_embedded]

February 28, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik