*NOTCOT in design -

Skate Life

skatelifemain.jpgJust checked out Gallery 1988 SF’s latest show Skate Life: Skateboard Inspired Sculptures and Paintings by J. Shea and Freddi C and it is unlike any show i’ve seen. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re around (opening is on tonight until 10!).

It also certainly made me homesick for LA ~ with scenes from Venice and Culver City… these skeletal/angelic skaters armed with some seriously adorable pipes, bongs, skateboards (check out the close ups in the gallery… just keep clicking through till they are HUGE - and look at the details… like the skateboard wheels) These murals are a brilliant blend of the vector/stencil like imagery painted on wood… mixed with penciled in song lyrics… and a refreshing contrast to the many super sleek resin/plastic toys and figurines trend. And beyond the great colors, themes, and artwork… the one thing that you absolutely need to see this in person for is the SHADOWS. With such a mixed media piece, you really get sucked into these mini mural/dioramas, and with the lighting its really fun seeing the shadows of these beings floating and jumping across the scenes. For the lazy, a few more of my favorite pics below for an overview, but really, take a look at the images i put in the gallery… at full res for the full effect.

TO PAGE 2 of "Skate Life"! ----->

*NOTCOT in design -

Live Surface

livesurface.jpg
Product/Advertising mocks will never be the same again. Live Surface is incredible. Beyond its incredibly clean, well designed website, and the breathtaking demo video on how their files work… They have some of the most beautiful renders of everything from CD cases and hardcover books to coffee bags and spray bottles (even with transparency where appropriate). Even for outdoor advertising, there are more scenarios than you can imagine to show that client just what it will really look like. And they’ve made their files ready to drag and drop your graphics into using vanishing point in photoshop… go try their demo (the box i used up there, that literally took me seconds to drag and drop the logos and images that were on my desktop onto). I’ve seriously been floored by Live Surface since i found it on Swiss Miss this morning. And in all honesty, i can’t imagine a designer that can afford NOT to spend 30$ on one of these files when they need to throw something together quickly.

*NOTCOT in tech -

Symbaloo

symbaloo.jpgSymbaloo just popped up on NOTCOT.org thanks to John Hawkins, and it was kind of visually interesting, and worth a note for its user experience. First impression, overly web 2.0, and oh so bubbly… reminds me of a homepage version of that Optimus Keyboard… meets the periodic table? Another overly mashed pile of widgets, RSS feeds, searches, etc… but i like the icons (they remind me a lot of the PSP, PS3 navigation icons). And the way you can drag things to the trash in the middle. Also that you can customize the size of the grid you’d like, either based on standard browser sizes, or you can manually add/subtract them. Dan (my other half on all things UX) completely disagrees with my even posting this ~ but although i couldn’t imagine actually using this, i’m intrigued… particularly by what is in their Secrets/Work in Progress section (more after the jump)… like news images showing in the squares: “The latest headlines in a visual environment! It comes with text-rollover’s and deeplinks to the full story.” and also their tv guide integration and map searches with their icons on the maps. So nothing terribly new, but some interesting ways to visualize? I’m posting this one in the name of research on grid views and visual views of news/data… kind of like Yahoo’s OMG - i love how theirs have quick news pop up over the image, and leaves a check mark over ones you’ve read.

Funny how squares as image thumbnails are in isn’t it?

TO PAGE 2 of "Symbaloo"! ----->

*NOTCOT in design -

Axe: Get a girlfriend

axeads.jpgHmmm Axe strikes again, with another hilarious ad campaign. This time is the “Get A Girlfriend” 3 step process to take you from the scenes shown to having the ladies hanging all over you in no time. And i don’t know what it is that struck me, but i gotta say, the frog leaping contest looks pretty fun/funny (see the closeup of the frog below, its expression is hilarious), the high score on the arcade game cracked me up, and damn thats a lot of legos. See more from the campaign at I Believe in Advertising.

Agency: Lowe Bull, Johannesburg, South Africa
Creative Director: Gareth Lessing, Rob Mclennan
Copywriter: Matthew Brink
Art Director: Adam Livesey
Photographer: Clive Stewart
Typographer: Adam Livesey

TO PAGE 2 of "Axe: Get a girlfriend"! ----->

*NOTCOT in home+decor -

Freedom Of Creation

0802foc1.jpgNOTCOT Note: Here’s another article from Anna Corpron of Sub-Studio!

Gorgeous light fixtures from Janne Kyttänen of FOC (Freedom of Creation). The 1597 is made from a series of tubes and was inspired by the growing pattern of the coneflower’s seeds. All of Janne’s work seems to be inspired by mathematical patterns from nature. I love that the fixtures sit on the wall without any visible cords or fasteners.

[NOTCOT Note: This was previously featured as .org #4116, but Anna (of the lovely Sub-Studio) convinced me that it was definitely worthy of a post of its own! And also, one of the most interesting and innovative things about FOC is that it is “a pioneering design and research company, specialized in designing for Rapid Prototyping!”]

TO PAGE 2 of "Freedom Of Creation"! ----->

*NOTCOT in design - 08.01.07 -

Brooks Salzwedel

brook1.jpg
I stop and swoon at Brooks Salzwedel’s belt buckles every now and then (seeing them over at Ron Herman just reminded me again), and i just rediscovered his art which i failed to post about previously. So here they are (more below) - and in the artist’s own words, from NY Arts Magazine Interview: “With the use of transparencies, including vellums, acetates, tape and resin, I see my work in layers. I ask myself what images should be in the foreground, and what images should recede to the back. I want all my pieces to have an overwhelming feeling of depth. A good piece, for instance, will have faded fog in the background, but still show detail in both its foreground and background. Most of the time, a piece will be a surprise to me, once I pull the resin out of its mold. The layers change—some images will become dull, while some will become crisp—which helps me feel like I’m not working in some formulaic way. It’s all still an experiment and so creates accidents.” See more of his buckles and work here.

TO PAGE 2 of "Brooks Salzwedel"! ----->

*NOTCOT in wearable -

NOTCOUTURE: shopjake.com

discountsShopJake.jpg More discounts coming at ya! On Thursday, August 2nd shopjake.com is offering 20% off all regular priced merchandise* when you use the code: NOTCOT. They’ve got pieces from some super cool labels like Loeffler Randall, Ksubi, Rogues Gallery (previously featured on NOTCOT), Mayle, Pedro Garcia, and many more. That, plus the clean and modern look of the store, makes shopjake.com one of my favorite destinations to shop/browse online. You know how wearing that one special article of clothing can boost your confidence? Maybe it isn’t super flashy, but it’s just that little something..? It’s like shopjake carries everything that could possibly make you feel that way. If I ever make it out to Chicago, I’ll definitely have to check out one of their three locations in person.

If you need some direction on where to start, check out some of the NotCouture picks below… also, for all you boys trying to win the Kasil Jeans - check out the ones linked below… somehow they are only $85 and not even on sale, so the 20% works! apparently it was a typo and back up to $185.

*Code is not valid on pre-order items and special orders. Free shipping on all domestic orders (48 states) with at least one non-sale item and always free international shipping over $300 USD.

TO PAGE 2 of "NOTCOUTURE: shopjake.com"! ----->

*NOTCOT in tech -

Anymails

anymails.jpg
Anymails - i can’t stop watching the videos of this incredible flash/processing project that visualizes your email boxes as its own little ecosystem of organisms - moving, and blobbing about… linking up in groups… changing in size, color, speed, hairiness - depending on read, unread, responded, type, newness. The program uses Apple Mail, and the code is available, although i have downloaded and been too chicken shit to run it yet, that “be careful if you have a large number of emails” thing has me a little weary.

The project was developed by Carolin Horn (Design & Concept) and Florian Jenett (Code) during the MFA thesis “Natural Metaphor For Information Visuzalization” at the Dynamic Media Intitute Boston in 2007. You can see more images, download the full thesis and code, and watch some incredible videos of it in action at their site. For the flash bits with the gorgeously pulsating creatures, see more below as well. (via Information Aesthetics)

TO PAGE 2 of "Anymails"! ----->

*NOTCOT in playful -

Benjamin Hubert

hubertmain.jpg
Just noticed these new polystrene bird houses over at Design*Sponge this morning, and when i went to see more of Benjamin Hubert’s work, just got giddy. These are some of his concept pieces made out of polystrene: HUG plant pots/ pot warmers that are both insulatory and encouraging as they “look after plants” with a hug shaped form (although to me they do look a wee bit pouty), and the Polynests, which are insulating bird houses with a twig for a perch! Also browsing through his older works, love the Crtl+Z eraser and the upside down umbrella fruitbowls (Yum Brella Bowls) which are below.

TO PAGE 2 of "Benjamin Hubert"! ----->

*NOTCOT in wearable - 07.31.07 -

NotCouture: Free People

notcoutureFreePeopleDiscount.jpgNotCouture Launch week: Day 3. And we are thrilled to announce Free People is offering you a 20% discount today from 9am EST Aug 1 through 9am the 2nd. Just think of these discounts as our way to ease the pain of the temptations on NotCouture, and if you need help getting started, check out some of our picks from Free People after the jump.

Now, as for Free People - they are personally one of my favorite brands and blogs. So what’s their story? Sister store to Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, and sits right between the two demographic/age wise. With its playful boho-chic styling, and some of the best catalog shoots around… the story of this brand is fascinating as well. Launched back in the 70’s as Free People… the store/brand evolved into Urban Outfitters… which then spawned many variations of its wholesale brands, from bulldog, cooperative, anthropologie, and… in 1984 Free People was back. And recently in 2001, they “realized it was Free People that invoked soe of our favorite images, those of femininity, courage, and spirit… And that’s just who we wanted to reach, a 26-year-old girl, smart, creative, confident and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic. A girl who likes to keep busy and push life to its limits, with traveling and hanging out and everything in between.”

Hm, doesn’t that sound a lot like what NOTCOT stands for too? It’s no wonder i love Free People so. Enjoy! 20% off is good for a day, so get to it!

TO PAGE 2 of "NotCouture: Free People"! ----->

*NOTCOT in playful -

Wanders and Puma

wanderspuma.jpg
While on my Puma kick… (yes, i tend to get excited and research about things in bursts)… we had the Marcel Wanders collection for Puma Beach Ball linked as .org #4644, which took you to see the pics from the launch party at Tokyo design week… and somehow i never got around to finding the actual products over at Puma. So yes, i’m late, BUT their black and white goodness warranted a post of their own. I want this canopy/tent! And the pool floaters. And the beach towels. Absolutely gorgeous. Some pictures of my favorites below - and view the full collection here - it is “a collection for those who hate camping: The collection introduces portable, sophisticated products for the city dweller looking to enjoy the outdoors without compromising looks or convenience.”

TO PAGE 2 of "Wanders and Puma"! ----->

*NOTCOT in wearable -

Simpsons @ Colette

simpsonscollmain.jpg
Ok so we all went nuts for that Harper’s Bazaar Simpsons go to Paris fashion spread… what’s better? The images displayed gallery style, WITH the real designers in matching outfits, at Colette in Paris. Try not to swoon until you’ve seen all the pictures, i wish i could be there in person. A few pics to get you started below featuring Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, alber Elbaz, and some great simpsons champagne glasses and other products… view the full gallery here. Oh, and the movie was awesome and worth seeing by the way, it’s basically a giant episode, only they can do all the things they can’t do on tv.

TO PAGE 2 of "Simpsons @ Colette"! ----->

*NOTCOT in design -

Quick Sculpt the Queen

queensculpt.jpg
Exactly what it sounds like. You get clay - and you quick sculpt Queen Vic! Spotted this over at 30gms, and couldn’t stop laughing - wish i could have participated! “The worshipful craftspeople of Fibre Design offer the opportunity for all loyal and devoted subjects to once again fashion a likeness of her royalness Queen Victoria. Your great and sacred mission is to assemble the instrument of the plasticine in the divine image of the sovereign in the allotted time applying the immutable laws of beauty and symmetry. The artist of the noblest resemblance will be awarded a hamper of the finest craft equipment.” Here is 30gms’ coverage of the finished products. “Judging takes place this week and a Flickr set to follow shortly after. But whoever wins the coveted creative hamper everyone graduated with honours.” Can’t wait to see who takes home the prize!

*NOTCOT in wearable - 07.30.07 -

WIN IT! Kasil Denim

kasil.jpg
So for day 2 of our NotCouture launch week ~ Win a pair of Kasil Jeans!: I’ll give you till Friday Midnight to let us know in the notes what makes designer denim well worth it to you, and why you’d need a pair of the latest Kasil (and i’ll put the winner in touch with our man at Kasil to hook you up with a pair in your size - don’t be shy, they make guys and girls denim). Also, don’t forget the 25% off at Standard Style is still good today!

Now, for more about Kasil Denim (since i’ve already told you about their website and washes) - time to show you why we love their jeans, not to mention why i’ll be jealous of whoever wins the pair friday! Read more below to see closeups of why we love their button and pocket details, their falcon logo, some sneak peeks of their downtown LA 1920’s ballroom turned denim factory/studio, and their latest look book shots by Mike Rosenthal (yes, the top model one) in an old theater.

TO PAGE 2 of "WIN IT! Kasil Denim"! ----->

*NOTCOT in design -

Kasil Site

kasilsite.jpg
On pretty flashy sites, a few weeks ago i was browsing denim lines and came across Kasil’s site which stood out in its nicely textured, layered site (versus the usual hard to navigate boring same old lookbook imagery?). My favorite part of this side of Kasil is their naming of their washes! (see image below) The washes are named Atlantic, Baltic, and Pacific - with a corresponding cylinder of dark to light blue gradient (complete with subtly moving bubbles). It’s refreshing to see a denim site thats gone out of its way to really give its brand a unique look which goes beyond its logo, buttons, and pocket details, with this artistically playful feel.

More exciting news about Kasil’s jeans… but before that i just wanted to take a second to focus on their great graphic+web design.

TO PAGE 2 of "Kasil Site"! ----->

PREV |  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7  |  8  |  9  |  10  |  11  |  12  |  13  |  14  |  15  |  16  |  17  |  18  |  19  |  20  |  21  |  22  |  23  |  24  |  25  |  26  |  27  |  28  |  29  |  30  |  31  |  32  |  33  |  34  |  35  |  36  |  37  |  38  |  39  |  40  |  41  |  42  |  43  |  44  |  45  |  46  |  47  |  48  |  49  |  50  |  51  |  52  |  53  |  54  |  55  |  56  |  57  |  58  |  59  |  60  |  61  |  62  |  63  |  64  |  65  |  66  |  67  |  68  |  69  |  70  |  71  |  72  |  73  |  74  |  75  |  76  |  77  |  78  |  79  |  80  |  81  |  82  |  83  |  84  |  85  |  86  |  87  |  88  |  89  |  90  |  91  |  92  |  93  |  94  |  95  |  96  |  97  |  98  |  99  |  100  |  101  |  102  |  103  |  104  |  105  |  106  |  107  |  108  |  109  |  110  |  111  |  112  |  113  |  114  |  115  |  116  |  117  |  118  |  119  |  120  |  121  |  122  |  123  |  124  |  125  |  126  |  127  |  128  |  129  |  130  |  131  |  132  |  133  |  134  |  135  |  136  |  137  |  138  |  139  |  140  |  141  |  142  |  143  |  144  |  145  |  146  |  147  |  148  |  149  |  150  |  151  |  152  |  153  |  154  |  155  |  156  |  157  |  158  |  159  |  160  |  161  |  162  |  163  |  164  |  165  |  166  |  167  |  168  |  169  |  170  |  171  |  172  |  173  |  174  |  175  |  176  |  177  |  178  |  179  |  180  |  181  |  182  |  183  |  184  |  185  |  186  |  187  |  188  |  189  |  190  |  191  |  192  |  193  |  194  |  195  |  196  |  197  |  198  |  199  |  200  |  201  |  202  |  203  |  204  |  205  |  206  |  207  |  208  |  209  |  210  |  211  |  212  |  213  |  214  |  215  |  216  |  217  |  218  |  219  |  220  |  221  |  222  |  223  |  224  |  225  |  226  |  227  |  228  |  229  |  230  |  231  |  232  |  233  |  234  |  235  |  236  |  237  |  238  |  239  |  240  |  241  |  242  |  243  |  244  |  245  |  246  |  247  |  248  |  249  |  250  |  251  |  252  |  253  |  254  |  255  |  256  |  257  |  258  |  259  |  260  |  261  |  262  |  263  |  264  |  265  |  266  |  267  |  268  |  269  |  270  |  271  |  272  |  273  |  274  |  275  |  276  |  277  |  278  |  279  |  280  |  281  |  282  |  283  |  284  |  285  |  286  |  287  |  288  |  289  |  290  |  291  |  292  |  293  |  294  |  295  |  296  |  297  |  298  |  299  |  300  |  301  |  302  |  303  |  304  |  305  |  306  |  307  |  308  |  309  |  310  |  311  |  312  |  313  |  314  |  315  |  316  |  317  |  318  |  319  |  320  |  321  |  322  |  323  |  324  |  325  |  326  |  327  |  328  |  329  |  330  |  331  |  332  |  333  |  334  |  335  |  336  |  337  |  338  |  339  |  340  |  341  |  342  |  343  |  344  |  345  |  346  |  347  |  348  |  349  |  350  |  351  |  352  |  353  |  354  |  355  |  356 | NEXT
Copyright NOTCOT INC 2005-2019 - Privacy Policy - Work In Progress! Please be nice!