3D Printing

With 3d printing becoming more prevalent, the way designers think about design will dramatically change. Take this idea for example from While You Sleep:

While you sleep’ was commissioned for ‘New simplicity’ and exhibition about simple design curated by design critic Nuno Coelho. Nine designers were asked to investigate the possibilities of using 3D printing technology as a manufacturing tool in the near future.

We decided to question the traditional key cutting service, and propose a product/service scenario where the use of the 3D printing technology will facilitate the copy and storage of keys as data.

Since 3D data can be managed by parametric software and allow easy customization, the type of head can be chosen, and also the texture or color to differentiate the garage key, from the one for the front door house.

Post Office branches could provide the scanning service, and from the data your key would be made easily. You can then send it by e-mail to the key-printing machine, or store it online on a virtual safety box. If you ever lose you key, it will be ready for you to download and print. Making a key could be as easy as using a photo booth or a cash point.

The keys head shape has been redesigned so they can be clipped together without using a key ring. Accessories include a wristband and buttons where is possible to clip one or two keys.

A part from the pieces built with 3d printers, a variety of products which value simple solutions over visual complexity are also exhibited.

Exactly

A bottle with two necks to symbolize the simple, yet powerful idea, that when you prosper, we prosper. Given as a gift to new clients by Romania based design firm Ampro Design. We could all do to remember this.

Four Star Business Card

This has to be the best business card out there. It's for model makers, is an actual model and uses only typography. How can this not be the best card out there?

Bear in the Books

If only I had the space, this would be an excellent way to display all those design books.

Interview with Sam Maclay, ADCD Annual Show Judge

Sam Maclay, creative director and a founding partner of 3 Advertising in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sits down with Art Directors Club Denver and talks about past projects, what it's like to run an agency and what he's looking forward to seeing in Denver. Meet Sam and the other judges June 11, 2010 at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design.

Instruction Manual

Out of the box - book from adrian333 on Vimeo.

NBot sure on what the cost would be, but the insight is fantastic and the method is wonderful. Brilliant idea. Designers Clara Gaggero, Adrian Westaway and Jaako Tuomivara.

Tea Bags

Great idea for a small, often overlooked, problem, what to do with the wet, used tea bag. Place taht spent tea bag on the coaster and have it create a work of art for you as you sip your tea. Simple idea that involves the tea-drinker. Makes the experience more memorable. Yuree S Lim and Jleun Yang

Start the Young Typographers Early

Studio 3, an in-school design agency at the Graphic Design Department of Westerdals School of Communication just produced this workbook of typography for designers. The intent is to maybe teach something. However, the way it was styled would be perfect to introduce solid typography to young budding designers, really young. Hit the link to flip through the book or purchase.

HOW Conference - Get your discounts here!

In the spirit of giving and sharing, we've partnered with the good folks putting on the HOW Design Conference, the In-HOWse Designer Conference, and the Creative Freelancer Conference (all happening around the same week in June).

Use this promo code for $50 off when you sign up:
ADCD10

See you there!

Wonderfully Ornate

Not usually a fan of the too much, however, the typography on the cover (can you really call that since it is only about 10% of the illustration) sucked me in. The use of elements and the care to put them together is so intricate that this would have to be a really great (if not hard) read. The use of gold is inspired. "I Wonder" book design by Marian Bantje, due to hit stores in time for the holiday season 2010 (pub date September 28th).

File this under IWITTDTF

I Wish I Thought To Do That First. Dice as letterpress fodder. Via Make.

Good GIF Action

Sure they are not moving up there, but they are here. Go now.

KitKat Chair Posters

I am in love with this idea. It makes for a great poster that fill a very real need. More importantly, it communicates a message that aligns with the brands main strategic platform. JWT Auckland

Digital Kitchen, Digital Storytelling

ADCD is bringing the kitchen — 2 creatives from Digital Kitchen NYC, that is — to Denver. More details to come this week, but mark your calendars:

February 18th, 2010.

Get social with snacks and drinks from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Presentation starts at 7:30pm

Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Auditorium

And in the meantime, check out this "making of" movie for the TrueBlood opener.

True Blood Making of and Featurette from DIGITALKITCHEN on Vimeo.

Local Talent - Ray Rushing Photography

Ray Rushing has an eye for the sublime and a talent for producing lush imagery.
In his own words:
"Photography is my profession and my passion. I can’t imagine having a better job. It truly is a blessing to do something you love everyday and actually get paid for it. Pretty cool. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories."

Check out his work and give him a call.

Minute Maid Design

Check out the fresh new packaging from Duffy and Partners. This is the second complete revamp they have worked on for the brand and this is one fresh look (Thursday pun alert). Really clean and open look this year with an eye to on shelf, but you kind of expect that from the powerhouse design company.

K.I.S.S.

Looking for a gift, this would do just fine.

Rethink Can Packaging

How about it, would you buy this? I would, and not only for the earth friendly thinking. Mostly for the design. Concept by Harc Lee.

Pregnadel

Controversial, absolutely. That aside, talk about a package that will be noticed and make you consider what is the product does and, possibly, make you think about what this product means to you. Brilliant idea that is a highly conceptual oasis among the conceptual-less world of drugs. Via thedieline.com

Bar Codes From Japan

It occurs to me that sure you will have to convince your client that this will still work, but the attention to detail that is needed to notice this and execute to it might just be more important to your client. That attention to detail might even be noticed by your client's customers which may lead to more sales and more work for you.

Japanese Bar codes from Japanese firm d-barcode. Which also makes me wonder why they needed a full firm for this detail?