*notcot - 12.19.09 , 01:53 -

Worth Magazine: Redesign

worthmain.jpg Worth: The Evolution of Financial Intelligence. There are two aspects to this article. Firstly the design - which was actually enticing enough to make me not only grab a copy and flip through it, but to then purchase it at its pricey 20$ price tag to further dive into its Monocle sized uncoated/matte velum glossy covered magazine and take pictures to share its interesting layout/design choices with you. So on the next page you’ll find many examples of some of my favorite visual details of this recently updated magazine.

The second aspect is the business of it ~ as you’ll see in the video and press releases from just a few months ago, this 18 year old magazine title was acquired by Sandow Media (of LUXE and New Beauty) in 2008 ~ and only 2 issues ago completely redesigned. Not only in look and feel, but also focus and revenue model. In a time where we are watching magazines close monthly, print dinosaurs falter, and online advertising still finding its legs (at least conceptually!) ~ Worth magazine has taken on an interesting concept lead by publisher Patrick Williams (from the Economist and Conde Nast’s Portfolio - which while also beautiful and infographic heavy, didn’t last long): “The Worth Leading Wealth Advisor Program” where essentially they have wealth advisors underwriting the profits of the magazine by having them thoroughly vetted, and if accepted they pay for an opportunity to write articles for the magazine and have 100 copies to distribute (to their clients and potential Worth future readers?). This is in addition to their advertisements as a revenue stream… and their bold move not to allow subscriptions (unless you are considered a high net worth reader and happen upon a free subscription), the only way to acquire Worth is to pay their $18.95 cover price. And Patrick even says in the Bloomberg interview that “We want to be known as the 20 buck magazine, which makes us the most expensive magazine in America.” Funny thing is when i first landed on their site, the most surprising usability issue i encountered was not being able to find a subscribe button, usually they are huge, flashing, or begging you to click them on magazine sites. I guess not being allowed to subscribe will make some want it even more…?

Business aside. Its a gorgeous magazine, and i am quite intrigued by their layouts and typographic decisions. The paper also feels stunning to hold in your hand, and it’s quite an interesting read… awaiting future issues to see if it holds up. Oh, and i’m smitten by the fact that they have lovely Object of Desire pages. See pics on the next page ~ as well as the Bloomberg video.

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*notcot - 12.15.09 , 01:52 -

Winstanley H0H0 Chimney Flu

veuvemondays1.jpg Happy Holidays! Here’s what just came from Winstanley ~ and this little plastic petri dish came with playful cheeky cards warning us how to deal with the H0H0 Chimney Flu as well as two jingle bells… and they lead you to play this addictive holiday season version of brick breaker. See more pics of the silliness on the next page!

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*notcot - 12.14.09 , 16:40 -

Inside McSweeney’s SF Panorama

panorama00.jpg Sometimes i get so excited i think in pictures. Too giddy for words? So many stunning details to show you? SO, after showing you the awesome ads that came together in McSweeney’s San Francisco Panorama ~ as promised, here is a look inside the newspaper itself. Basically i sat down outside with newspaper and camera in hand, and as i got excited reading through it, snapped pics of the visual details that grabbed me… and omg there are a LOT, so here is the curated down visual inspiration from the Panorama to give you a taste. As for the intellectual literary goodness, you’re really going to have to grab a copy and catch up on that yourself, but for the visual overview and some of the hilariously inspiring details this should whet your appetite for the moment. Hope you enjoy it as much as i do!

We need more of this in our lives. I feel like such a slacker right now. Suddenly i want NOTCOT in print. panorama0000.jpg Anyhow… go see the pics of what newspapers SHOULD be like!

p.s. … also, blogs and websites will never be as fun to take outside and shoot… with a camera.

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*notcot - , 15:05 -

McSweeney’s SF Panorama Advertising

panoramads1.jpg I love print. I love magazines first and foremost, and newspapers right behind that. They just FEEL so good! All these lists of things that became obsolete in the last decade keep including magazines and newspapers and honestly it just makes me want to cry a little. And you know what else i absolutely adore in those mediums? ADVERTISING! When its good… which so often it can be amazing. Also collectively, taking a look advertising in a magazine or paper says a lot about the publication itself. Picking the right ads is critical ~ as much as people seem to want to squeeze anything on sites some days (yes, you advertisers know who you are) ~ choose wisely. Also if EVERYTHING moves digital, what am i supposed to read when the power’s out and its a gorgeous sunny day? Hmmm?

Ok that’s my little print/ad rant for the moment… mildly triggered by my overwhelming inspiration rush from sitting out in the sun reading, flipping through, and shooting McSweeney’s San Francisco Panorama… which is AMAZING. But since i ended up with so many parts i wanted to show you… lets start with the advertising that grabbed me. Literally with every page flip it was “oooooh amazing picture…. wow what a fascinating read… wait, that pic is actually an AD?” Both the graphics and advertisers that made it in are quite stunning, and together say so so much about the world they’ve created in the newspaper. So before i get to the rest, take a peek at some of the stunning design and fun ads that grabbed me.

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*notcot - 12.11.09 , 11:45 -

Keith Noordzy - Man Made Disaster Studies

paperpush.jpg This morning i woke up and fell for Keith Noordzy’s “Man Made Disaster Studies” which he has in the latest Gallery 1988 show Paper Pushers. So clean, so thoughtful, so dangerous (both the enormous sea creatures and the weapons of mass destruction) ~ love them! See them all on the next page!

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*notcot - 12.02.09 , 18:06 -

Anthropologie Birthday Card

anthrobday4.jpgOn completely unexpected pieces of mail ~ Anthropologie really knows how to add those special little touches to the customer experience. While i was mixed on joining and getting an Anthro Card when i was at the Man Shops Globe event (and couldn’t help buying something) i gave in and signed up. The benefits weren’t quite clear… but i just recieved a pretty little bubble wrap envelop from them containing the cutest birdthday wishes with a cupcake made from piercings (a fun change from the letterpress trend) and a candle necklace… as well as an in store discount. But presentation matters! And it was such a surprising and adorable card. So thanks, Anthropologie, that was a pretty cute move. Check out close ups on the next page… even the copy is playful.

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*notcot - 11.25.09 , 10:40 -

Invisible Creature Winter Fishing Hole Game

bigmap00.jpg You’ve seen the other Target Gift Cards ~ but the incredible detail of the artwork and illustrations on the Winter Fishing Hole Game Gift Card deserved a post of its own! Full scan of the game board as well as the pieces/packaging are on the next page in addition to some fun closeups. From the signature on the game’s board, figured out that the design is by brothers, Don and Ryan Clark, of Invisible Creature ~ who posted about the project earlier this month. They do some amazing gig posters, illustration work, and more ~ in particular i’m loving their monsters and creatures tonight! Take a peek at one of the coolest gift cards i’ve seen in a while on the next page ~ and if you think about it, it’s a pretty cheap piece of art that is practically free… you can load it up with $5 to buy the gift card, then use that to buy something else and have the fun game to play or pin up somewhere! Details on the next page aren’t to be missed!

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*notcot - 11.22.09 , 15:37 -

SHAG at Corey Helford Gallery

shagchg00.jpg On breathtaking gallery openings ~ SHAG’s “Autumn’s Come Undone” show at the Corey Helford Gallery is incredible. I showed you a preview earlier, and now the full show preview is available here… the show consists of new paintings as well as huge 6-foot wide panoramic giclee panels on canvas ~ in singles, pairs, and triples ~ these larger than life panoramas have so many details going on at once you can literally stand and stare at them constantly discovering more and more! The way they are displayed in the gallery is beautiful in and of itself ~ take a look at the scene on the next page!

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*notcot - 11.19.09 , 13:25 -

Pressler’s Endorphin Diseccted

endorphin1.jpg Back in March of 2007, Dave Pressler sent over some adorable little Endorphins ~ and ever since, they’ve moved with me to various homes and always lived under or near my monitors. Who doesn’t need some super happy little endorphin critters nearby at all times? Well, he’s gone and dissected one of his larger ones, and anyone fascinated with anatomy can’t help but to stare at what he’s dreamed up is really INSIDE these guys… look at those fangs! And that skull in its… stomach? And that mini spine! It’s all so fascinating, go see closeups on the next page!

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*notcot - , 10:50 -

Remains by Cathy McClure

mossimal1.jpg On intriguing art that just showed up in my inbox, Moss in association with Edelman Arts presents Remains by Cathy McClure. “Hands wielding scissors, McClure massacres the motor-driven robotic plush toys, eviscerating them through a Geppetto-like taxidermy until she gets down, as she says, ‘into the guts of the piece’.” The truly amazing part isn’t that she guts these toys (didn’t we all as kids?) ~ but she then re-casts the parts in bronze and reassembles them! The result is fascinating… is it now high art? is it still a toy? do they still work? Apparently the original circuit boards, batteries, gears, and voice boxes are all re-installed, but you can’t help but wonder how those gears will handle the new weight… looking forward to seeing these in person, they will be at Moss in NY November 20th through December 31st, with a quick trip to Miami for Art Basel Dec 2nd through 5th… see more pics and information on the next page.

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*notcot - , 01:32 -

Audrey Kawasaki Mini Ovals

akwood.jpg On late night art lusting ~ these 4”x 4.5” laser engraved wooden ovals with one of a kind drawings with colored pencil were Audrey Kawasaki’s contribution to the give away gift bags at Baby Tattooville (which, yes, i’m very sad i wasn’t at this year!)… see a few more of these mini’s up close on the next page as well as a stunning medical curiosity themed complimentary limited edition giclee print…

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*notcot - , 01:06 -

SHAG: “Autumn’s Come Undone”

shag.jpg On upcoming shows i’m rather giddy about ~ SHAG’s “Autumn’s Come Undone” at the Corey Helford Gallery opens this Saturday, November 21st at 8pm. The press release has me intrigued “For the past decade, Agle’s iconic environments and playful narratives have sublimely captured California cool, mid-century modern design and lifestyles of the retro glamourati. His new exhibition “Autumn’s Come Undone” represents a turning point for Agle, adopting darker themes and a deeper palette to explore life’s excesses. “Something happened to me in the last year - call it an unexpected change-of-heart, if you like, but a lot of the unfettered hedonism my artwork espoused has begun to catch up with me,” Agle explains. Somber hues of okra, burnt oranges, and delicate grays, replace Agle’s signature acid brights, and as his subjects near the autumn of their lives, they venture away from suburban comforts to embrace a simpler, more authentic way of life.” And from the images (a few more sneak peeks on the next page!) i’m excited to see so many animals showing up in this series!

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*notcot - 11.17.09 , 10:21 -

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Packaging

shuhair0.jpg Shu Uemura Art of Hair finally got their online store going ~ i’ve been obsessed with their moisture velvet conditioner and masque ~ they quickly made the list of products i actually end up buying again and again. I’ve also been anxiously waiting for the black glossy Shu Uemura paddle brush ~ which has finally arrived on the webstore! While this in and of itself wasn’t all that extraordinary, what struck me was the packaging when it arrived. Black shipping box, sealed with black on white Shu Uemura Art of Hair tape sealing it ~ upon opening, black and white typographic logo pattern ~ and custom tissue paper as well… and each object individually wrapped and buffered in tissue paper padding. I can’t even imagine what they would do for gift wrap! It was so beautiful, i had to photograph first and open after, as hard as that was! Also a few peeks at the paddle brush ~ while i usually use wood brushes with wood bristles, i’m loving this one! So see it all on the next page…

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*notcot - 11.13.09 , 18:55 -

PRISM Gallery: MindTheGap

mindthegap0.jpg Popped by the opening of the inaugural PRISM Gallery exhibition, MindTheGap, featuring the stunning works of Barry McGee and Phil Frost. There are so many angles a post on this opening could take, just doing a quick google of it, quickly you can see who’s who that showed up, the architecture, the artists, the gallerist… so let’s just focus on what was truly most inspiring about the event. The art. The details. The space. And to take in such overwhelming amounts of pattern heavy art that took a bit to process… and perched on sunset in West Hollywood, the three tiered roof with breath taking LA views were exactly what you needed… although the sparkling lights of the city felt as if you were staring into another patterned piece of art to lose yourself in. With all of the work shown, you could easily spend some time discovering details, turning away, turning back, and still see something new. So explore some of my favorite views of the show on the next page…

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*notcot - 11.01.09 , 17:00 -

Absolut Lydmar: Art Collection

absolutlydmar0.jpg As you’ve seen, i love the Lydmar Hotel ~ i’m so happy i had a chance to stay there before it got completely transformed into an Absolut Art Collection haven the day after, so i could appreciate the contrast to what the space was normally like. (Not too much changed, just some rearranging and art hanging… i suppose it was too easy for Absolut when the starting space was such a nice fit already!) While i’m sure you’re familiar with many of these collaborations between Absolut and Sylvie Fleury, Dan Wolgers, David Shrigley, Douglas Gordon, and Hung Tung-Lu… what is really worth seeing is how the Absolut installations really work with the space, particularly in the suite! (The shadows are stunning! and the four poster bed? with the deceptively provocative duvet? I desperately want one now… you’ll see what i mean…) So take a peek on the next page to take it all in… quick video to show you how the lenticular piece of Hung Tung-Lu felt in person as well…

p.s.
You guys are AMAZING, today particularly @chakrapenny who shared the designers of the naughty bedspread within 15 minutes of my call for help! So if you’re interested, check out K-Lou’s Erotic “Toile de joui” Collection.

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