Continuing a thirteen year legacy of supporting innovative graphic design projects for charitable causes Sappi announced its 2012 Ideas that Matter grant winners earlier this month. An independent judging panel of design leaders known for their commitment to design for social good evaluated multiple proposals before making their final selection of thirteen outstanding grantees to receive grants to help implement projects advancing social good—David Rager, David Rager Studio; Esther Chak and Mary-Jo Valentino, Imaginary Office; Michael Osborne and Katy... CONTINUE READING

In an interesting take on brand persuasion run amok “Branded,” releases in theaters today. The sci-fi thriller described on the official website as “A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive.” previewed at Comic Con San Diego this past July. Rival advertising agencies battle for the minds of consumers on a whole new level deploying mind... CONTINUE READING

Before you start filling up your fall calendar we wanted to share a few upcoming design events, exhibits and other goings on that you won’t want to miss. Sure to inform and inspire, these graphic design exhibits and events will help recharge creative batteries. From the “friendly competition” of the AIGA Texas Show to an “intimate conversation” between Louise Fili and Paula Scher at the Type Directors Club and everything in between, they offer a great way to keep... CONTINUE READING

With Labor Day weekend upon us and fall around the corner that back-to-school feeling is in the air. For prospective students, it may be a time when they are beginning to consider studying graphic design and graphic design schools or programs. Raising the question of exactly how to go about choosing the “right” school or program for you. In order to give a variety of perspectives on the topic we asked a panel of our experienced and talented writers... CONTINUE READING

A sentiment we hear frequently expressed by designers is the desire to do work that has an impact beyond the marketplace. Work that helps effect real, positive social change. Surprisingly, a sentiment expressed with equal frequency is a lack of available opportunities to do that work. Surprisingly, now more than ever, the design community seems to be acutely aware of how it can bring its talents, resources, abilities to bear, and outlets for designers interested in “designing for good”... CONTINUE READING

The topic of job descriptions came up in conversation with some colleagues the other day. Frequently cited was frustration with overly broad or ambitious job descriptions that read like an employer wish list of skills and expertise rather than an accurate picture of actual needs. Graphic design seems like an area where this is especially prevalent, perhaps owing to the many forms of design practice. While some may argue on the side of that being a valid recruitment approach... CONTINUE READING

Touted by some creatives as a catalyst for their best work, the adrenaline fueled frenzy of advertising known as the pitch has become equally known for being time consuming, expensive and often fruitless. A fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed in advertising, design and media community coverage as demonstrated by Sean Duffy’s article 2012: Time to Ditch the Pitch articulating some of the thornier issues at play such as shrinking budgets and projects that never materialize, and Rae Ann Fera’s... CONTINUE READING

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) which celebrated its tenth anniversary earlier this year recently announced plans to transfer all its assets to the Society of Illustrators effectively joining the two institutions. Described in a MoCCA Press release as “creating a single cultural institution supporting and celebrating illustration, comics, and animation,” the move comes after MoCCA’s physical location at 594 Broadway had been closed a month prior due to fundraising difficulties. The union appears mutually beneficial to... CONTINUE READING

Leaving the press preview for MoMA’S retrospective, Quay Brothers: On Deciphering the Pharmacist’s Prescription for Lip-Reading Puppets was like emerging from an alternate reality suffused with hidden meanings and surreal images that like a powerful dream, is at once evocative and unsettling. Known for exploring themes of sex and violence among others, the work of identical twins Stephen and Timothy Quay spans 30 years of “avant-garde stop motion puppet animation, live action films and graphic design that challenge easy... CONTINUE READING

Who says there are no second chances? For those who may have missed it the first time, Behance Portfolio Review Week is back! In May 2012, online creative platform Behance held its first ever Portfolio Review Week, where Behance members who may have only met previously online, gathered over seven days to “present and get feedback on their work, hear from experienced professionals, and meet their local creative community.” With over 153 reviews held in 43 countries around the... CONTINUE READING