A Layperson’s Guide to Graphic Design

Maybe I like everything explained for laypeople but I’m a designer and the Layperson’s Guide to Graphic Design posted on Design Observer recently is something I wish I would have found years ago. It should be absolute required reading for anyone seriously considering a career in design in any aspect.

Graphic design has become so integral to modern life that none of us (even designers) take enough time to reflect on it’s effects, abilities, and potential influence on people’s lives. Even though most of us will quietly spend our careers designing in obscurity the projects we work on will enter the world, bounce off of and interact with humans for years to come.

Photography of Jason Betz

Orange, originally uploaded by Jason Betz.

During one of my extensive Flickr surf sessions I stumbled across one of the more exceptional photographers in Spokane. Jason Betz (who I do not know but it appears we have some mutual acquaintances) captures Spokane in ways I have seldom seen before. Shunning the world of digital, he uses film and fisheye lenses (among other things) to produce some truly stunning photos. I haven’t finished going through his whole photostream but I definitely recommend you take a look.

It’s Friday People

Some great photos of The Guinea Pig Olympics, premier rodent sporting event of the year.

History of Olympic Logos

One of my very favorite blogs ISO50 has a great post chronically past Olympic logos produced for their respective host cities. Going all the way back to 1924 it’s a real treat. My personal favorites include the 1932 Los Angeles games, Athens in 04 and I really like the 2012 London Games logo. If you’ve caught Olympic fever I highly recommend it.

Cardboard Gates in the Street

Some very cool street art can be found at SpecterArt.com. I’m a big fan of street art but a lot of it is uninspired and cliched. It’s nice to see something out of the ordinary once in a while and this site has several very cool project examples that are worth checking out.

Russian Artist Marat

Over the last month or so I have become aquianted with a Russian artist by the name of Marat (or Марат Хайдарович for Russian speakers). He creates some incredible artwork but like many others is finding it difficult to find work. Living in Russia makes it harder.

I think his work is incredible and told him I would do what I could to get the word out. He is actively looking for work and can be reached via email here.

More of Marat’s work after the break.

Russia at War

A little off topic for this sit but a US based Russian artist friend writes:

“PS. As you know, Russia start a new war with Georgia. It is ugly and already 15000 people killed. Russia having a very strong propaganda against America and wants USA in all consequences in this conflict. It must be stooped. Please, I need your help to being attention of American people. If you feel you can do it, PLEASE, SUPPORT PETITION AGAINST WAR IN GEORGIA, send your e-mail to Russian Foreign Office ministry@mid.ru share it with your friends please”

” Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love.
Kahlil Gibran”

Lightmark Photography

Pretty amazing photos from German website Lightmark. A lot of it’s in German but thankfully the photos are not

Check it out.

Design Portfolio of Lindsay Haynes

Found this portfolio of Lindsay Haynes via Design you trust (something I read, or look at all day long). I really love her illustration style and think there are some excellent pieces there. It’s really good stuff.