Pattern Pulp

Trend: Digital Snacking




Digital Snacking

Lately it seems that for Americans, life is delivered “on the go”.  This style of living, most famously portrayed in the story, Fight Club, highlights the single serving lifestyle. “(The) Cordon Bleu hobby kit. Shampoo-conditioner combos, sample packaged mouthwash, tiny bars of soap, single serving friends.”  While this trend was once attributed to the traveler on the go, it now characterizes consumption trends for a broader base of the population.  Beyond the mini servings of cereal and 100-calorie packs of oreos, consumers are now snacking on their information as well.  RSS feeds, text messaging, mobile apps, Twitter, and iPods all represent information, products and services that come in bite-sized packages that have been designed for flexible living and even disposable consumption.

This concept of splintered technology is conveyed through color in Bond No. 9’s summer window display.  Each bottle of perfume is stacked in a tetris-like manner, reminding us of the infinite possibilities we must choose when devising a singular path. Jennifer Daniel, a graphic designer from the New York area is known for creating art as social commentary on the way we live our lives.  This 404 illustration is the result of 36 unloadable images. In keeping with the spirit of the stirring mind, Propeller Modern, a home goods store based in San Francisco, sells this local work of art that reminds us of a topographical landscape compiled of “O’s” from every form of print media.

Additional contributions by: Kelsey-Lee LeGassick

August 17, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Digital Dividers




cristian-zuzunaga

Cristian Zuzunaga and his pixilated prototypes have gained notable buzz as of late.  Similar to Kashiwasato’s vibrant animations, Zuzunaga’s printed textiles provide a softer, more tactile alternative to digital geometry.  Each work is heavily influenced by architecture in addition to the metropolitan landscapes Zuzunaga has traveled to, including Barcelona, Paris, London and Shanghai.  Each product, be it a chair, couch, wall covering or jacket showcases a playfully abstract vibe, providing an intricate snapshot that’s as detailed as it is abstract- eye candy for the artistic nerd.

April 16, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Digital Dividers




gordinjen-oumi

Digital influences are everywhere- from Invader’s pixelated street art to fashionable home goods and clothing themes, typically invisible details are gaining recognition across non-digital platforms.  Dutch designer Nienke Sybrandy‘s sheer curtains are a coder’s delight. Her tree branches are compiled of assorted letters and numbers and are laid out within a monochromatic palette.  In an alternate world, the LA designers behind the Oumi label have embraced this fashion friendly fusion by pairing transitory pixels with satin and knit.

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When assessing which patterns are most successful, it’s important to consider the role of color.  If a palette isn’t balanced, the eye will wander to the dead spots or over accentuated details.  These pixelated animations by the Japanese design team, Kashiwasato display type and movement for Microsoft Office’s 2008 for Mac launch.  Carefully choreographed squares cover the screen in chaotic movement, revealing digital disarray reminicent of a visual virus.

April 10, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Accessories: Hairy meets Hip




alexandra-cassaniti

The laptop-toting demographic is continually on the rise.  Be it transient students, workers on the move or nerd-afficinados, anyone bringing their computer from point A to B has a few basic needs.  Alexandra Cassaniti understands this.  She gets an A+ for combining upscale efficiency with snarky wit.  Who else could create a pattern resembling overgrown stubble and seal it with leather trim (and a hidden smile)?  This ballsy American designer trusts her gut, producing quirky functional style that’s both tech friendly and fashion forward.

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Robin Cameron’s art reveals a thoughtful parallel to Cassaniti’s textiles.  Distractions, Cameron’s latest collection of whimsical graphite drawings are part of a zine she has been creating over the past few months.  Inspired by movement, contrast and the human condition, Cameron’s analytical approach to her line work is both intricate and stunning.

February 18, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Krink Your Laptop




krink-incase

I was first introduced to Krink and their well packaged markers during a five minute spot on Current TV.  Craig Costello’s documentary-style story is quite inspirational in the sense that it exemplifies successful marketing through sharp design and opportune timing.  His product is equal parts tool and art.   While in LA last week, I stumbled across Krink’s latest collaboration with Incase.  This metallic drizzled laptop protector immediately popped off the shelf as a fresh alternative to conservative computer casings.  A artful marriage, curated by Arktip.

February 5, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
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