Monday, November 23, 2009

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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!
Posted by JLB at 9:23 a.m.
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