Amazing Resources for the Curious Designer

by J. Butler, Content Development Specialist

Any Creative will tell you-- sometimes the only thing that will get your juices flowing is to take a break and dig for inspiration in other places. And what better place to do that than online, where the only limit is your imagination? There are tons of resources out there for even the most discriminating designer.

We asked our art department for a few of their favorites.

Smashing Magazine
If you haven't heard of this website, that won't be for long. One of the staples of the online design community, Smashing Magazine produces unbeatable and comprehensive posts on all things design, from web design to blog trends to Photoshop tips. Bookmark this and you'll find yourself constantly revisiting.

Veer Ideas: The Skinny and The Fat

From type-seller and merch giant Veer comes two blogs: The Skinny and the Fat. The Skinny displays inspirations and updates from the company at large, while the Fat is an online community made up of Veer members. Both blogs are amazing resources to inspire and keep you in the know with offbeat, unconventional design around the globe.

Information is Beautiful

Maybe not strictly a design resource, but a great way to refresh your mind. Creator David McCandless wanted to create a site that conveyed a wealth of stats, ideas and issues in a beautifully designed package; thus, InformationIsBeautiful.net was born. If you need to see design in a fresh light, click over to this site to get a new perspective.

Fuel Your Creativity

Part of the Fuel network, this site is dedicated to focusing your creative mind into productivity and discipline. With simple solutions to common problems that plague creatives, Fuel Your Creativity is a handy resource indeed.

The Die Line

On the surface, a simple collection of beautiful product design from around the world--most of which, chances are, you've never heard of. But look closer, and observe the use of color, the streamlined finished product, the clean, minimalist web design...what's that? It may be inspiration calling.

Logo Design Love

Innovative, way outside the box logo design and branding. Covers not only actual examples of logos, but interviews with important names and branders the world over.

Other Great Resources:

One Xtra Pixel

My Ink Blog

Vanderlay Design Blog

Creative Nerds

Just for Fun:

Arial or Helvetica?
Think you know Arial from Helvetica? Test your typography know-how with this quick and simple quiz.

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Now get out there and get inspired!

See What’s Fresh in Logo and Branding for 2009

by J. Butler, Content Development Specialist

Branding has always been one of our passions, so we keep on top of industry-wide trends. Our art department gives us the scoop on what they’ve noticed has become the new hot trends for logo and branding in 2009.

The Circle of Life

Circular patterns have become the new staple in logo design. There’s a reason why these are so popular: they’re simple, effective, and transfer well to other mediums, like business cards, billboards or even television.

Don't Delay the Overlay

Mixing 60s flair with modern technology, these logos pop in a sea of minimalist monochrome.

A One Line Drawing

Intricate and bold, these logos create a dynamic image for a brand that implies constant motion and never-ending connection.

The Linking Letters

Modern and sleek, interlocking the letters create a bold pattern from a key part of a company: the name.

Fun With Shapes and Space

These logos use negative space as part of the letter, forming a deeper meaning with the imagery. These are clever in execution, but also offer a multi-layered brand experience.

Off-Set Color

Retro and chic, these logos hint at a sophisticated, intentional sloppiness that can add charm and urban style.

Illustrate Your Point

Traditional and fun, using an illustration places your brand as part of an established, timeless aesthetic.

All logos courtesy the artists at Logo Pond.

Avalon Dental

Found in the bustling centre of the Avalon Mall, local dentistry office Avalon Dental (www.avalondental.ca) wanted to increase their online presence by developing a welcoming, informative website. The challenge lay in creating a website that matched their state-of-the-art facilities, which included designing their logo, as well as developing an appointment request system, a functional Q&A and a comprehensive list of services. The result was an intuitive, streamlined interface that was easy to navigate and put the focus on what mattered: their business.

Have a look at what came out of our collaboration.