Book Review: D&AD, Advertising & Design

D&AD is a nonprofit educational charity launched in 1962 by a group of London-based designers and art directors. Created to support and nurture creative professionals, D&AD recognizes and awards the best work coming out of the design industry. Over 20,000 works from design studios, advertising agencies, branding consultancies, film production and photographic agencies, digital media pioneers, and other creative firms from all over the globe are sent in to be reviewed by the D&AD panel of judges. Winners receive the legendary D&AD Yellow Pencil Award—or in the case of exceptional and outstanding work, the rare Black Pencil Award. The annual review, which covers the past year’s best creative work is a testament to the constant evolution of the design world, a documentation of what’s hot in field and, of course, a perfect piece for any coffee table.

February 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Tribal Textures

What can we say about tribal that hasn’t been said before? Not much, and to be honest, that’s the beauty of today’s post. Tribal patterns transcend time and reemerge every season on new cuts, fabrics and applications. This category has become a reliable staple in home, fashion, web and graphic design. Keeping within a monotone palette, these plates from the recent gift show don’t overwhelm the eye with their textures and are easily translatable onto pillows or bedding.

Showing similar styles, Ken Carbone, a branding and identity expert recently shared his personal pistachio project with Canon. “For a couple of years I’ve been recycling the shells to create hundreds of tiny primitive looking paintings. The combination of the raw, wood-like shell and burnt umber paint results in an oddly tribal effect. I enjoy the ‘variations on a theme’ drill. It’s good for the mental muscles and is similar to the process I might use when designing a logo.”

For those of you headed to Austin next month, consider stopping by Uncommon Objects on S. Congress Ave. A personal favorite, the entire story is like a living breathing mood board. Inspiration lies in every corner and it’ll be a welcome retreat from the daily grind.

February 8, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Creative City Tour: Sydney, Australia

Ever since studying abroad in Sydney, I’ve had an affinity for Australians. From their attitude on life to their insanely good coffee to the style that’s influenced by opposite seasons, creativity’s always on the cusp down under. Last month I went on a scouting trip to both Sydney and Melbourne and this creative tour is the first of a two part series of my favorite patterned pit stops. From your first coffee of the day at Bunker Bar to rummaging through the fabric bin at Tessuti to knick knacking at Via Alley, it’s easy to see why Sydney’s as inspirational as it is livable. Follow along, take the tour and let us know what you think!

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1. Via Alley, Shop 3, 28A Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
2. Coffee Shop, Crown Street at Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
3. Alice McCall, SE 3 L 2 25 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
4. Ratty discarded mattress on Oxford St. NSW 2010
5. Tessuti Fabrics, 110 Commonwealth Street, NSW 2010
6. Desordre Store, 323 South Dowling Street, NSW 2010
7. Spring Court, 113a Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
8. The Bunker, 399 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
9. Hub Furniture, 72 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

February 7, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday Quick Links!

1. The fantastical collaboration of Jacob Magraw-Mickelson & Rachel Sumpter’s via My Love For You
2. This geometric mobile is fun for both young and old via design is mine
3. Jennifer Starkweather’s work is rich in detail and decidedly delicate via Poppytalk
4. Why has it taken so long for someone to make these stickers for fruit via design*sponge
5. Interview with “fake taxidermy” artist Troy Emery via Yellowtrace
6. Limited edition “Now” prints from Marian Bantjes via 20×20
7. Ben Wilson paints on pieces of discarded chewing gum via Happy Mundane
8. Kyle Tezak sums stories/films/book up with four succinct images via designworklife
9. Jeannie Phan’s illustrations involve an interesting use of hair via Sweet Station
10. This cheeky winter sweater would be perfect right about now via Marta Cerda
11. Payton Cosell Turner and Brian Kaspr’s wallpaper “Too Much Stuff” is too cute! via krisatomic
12. Stories spelt in colorful felt via The Jealous Curator

Coverage by Emily Gup

February 4, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buy: Patterned Tights

We’re finally catching up to our Parisian counterparts (at least by way of Berlin)! These fabulously textured tights are on sale at Creatures of Comfort for$65 & $72. Part of Annitian line, these patterns will jazz of up your legs, bringing a bit of joy to these endless winter months.

February 4, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Twitter Influencer: Zelda Devon

Zelda Devon is one half of the Brooklyn-based design duo Teetering Bulb. She and her partner Kurt Huggins work together to churn out dark and whimsical creatures and channel them into beautiful works of art. The duo also creates commissioned pieces for stories, editorials and advertisements. With a wide client base that spans Playgirl to Scholastic to Godiva Chocolatier (what a range!), it’s clear that these two know what’s up.

What’s special about Zelda’s twitter feed is her dedication and passion for sharing creative details about her fellow colleagues, new or established, as well as her inspirations. Her drive to always improve upon her work is apparent and as a follower you can’t help but to soak up her spirit.

February 3, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik