the evolution of the science channel brand

Check out the Science Channel's very creative re-brand.

Imaginary Forces - Science Channel Rebrand from Imaginary Forces on Vimeo.

Don't you just love great design? I have a feeling this is what AOL was aiming for but Imaginary Forces for Science Channel actually did it right.
Check out more of Imaginary Forces work on vimeo. 

Before you go, check out AOL's re-brand.


AOL. branding montage from Simon Pyke / Freefarm on Vimeo.

Not quite the same impact is it?


concrete business cards

They are beautiful and seems easy to produce once the mold and stamp are made. What a great design solution!

CONCRETE by Creative MURMURE Agency






negotiating a fair rate

I will honestly admit I am not a great negotiator. It is the part of the project that I like the least. Partially because I do not have a lot of experience negotiating and also because it seems like most clients think almost everything is "not within budget." On most freelance projects I know about how long the work should take and what I think is a fair price. I then take into account the client and their possible budget and set my minimum and ideal amount for the job. I ask for a partial payment upfront to help balance the risk for both a client and myself. All of that is normal, I start to fall apart when I get into the actual negotiation with the client.

The hard part seems to be getting the client to admit their budget. I use to think this was almost impossible. Some treat it like golden information, thinking if they share the budget the other party would set their price close to the highest number. In my case this is not at all true. I hate overpaying for things and would never expect anyone to pay me a insanely ridiculous amount for my work. I, and I am sure most of you, would just like to get a fair price for your time and the quality of your work.

For those needing help in the negotiation area you must read a article by Sean Blanda, author of "You Are Not So Smart," titled "How To Get Paid What You're Worth & Other Negotiation Tips"



In the article Sean explains why you never name the first price which I am guilty of doing. He also says "Separate the person from their position. This is one of the primary points of the popular negotiation book Getting to Yes. When we argue over positions, our egos are attached to what we are proposing. Instead, focus on the other party's underlying interests. Find where interests overlap and work to develop solutions with the other party as a partner not as a combatant"

Follow me for more awesome negotiation insights. I am actually excited to take on my next protect just to put my new knowledge to use.


abstract wooden shadow sculptures

It is simply amazing to me how the human brain can dissect shapes and make something abstract on the surface and realistic at a magic angle. Artist and scientist John V. Muntean has made a series of abstract wooden sculptures with oddly realistic shadows.

"A Magic Angle Sculpture appears to be nothing more than an abstract wooden carving, skewered with a rod and mounted on a base. However, when lit from above and rotated at the magic angle (54.74º) it will cast three alternating shadows. Every 120º of rotation, the amorphous shadows evolve into independent forms. Our scientific interpretation of nature often depends upon our point of view. Perspective matters."

Evolution II (Mahogany) 2010



Over the Gate (Patagonian Cherry) 2009



There are so many more of these that you must see. It is amazing! Follow me to his website.


get out & Vote

I know you have heard it a million times to vote so I am doing my part to make it one million and one. Make time to vote today! No matter your choice of candidate it is very important to let your voice be heard on a national and more importantly a local level. Your community needs you to pick the best person for the seats in your county, city, and state.

AIGA did a "Get Out the Vote" campaign and asked it members to submit thier nonpartisan posters and videos to get people to vote.

Here are a few of my favorites.



The Elephant in the Room?
Roberto Camacho


Your Two Cents
Eric A. Norton

Follow me to see all of the posters.


this is a sculpture


Believe it or not this is not a real man. I will let that soak in for a minute.


Amazing right?! Cang Xin is the creator of this brilliant work and dedicated almost a decade of his life to this piece.





Follow me to see more.

artist creates 3D art with pencil

I had to share this after seeing the video my brain still does not understand that it is not 3D. The amazing artist Nagai Hideyuki has some serious magical powers with a regular pencil and paper. It is amazing what shading and shadows will do to your brain.




Follow me to see more of his work.

Craig Frazier picture books

There is something about children's books that just steals my heart. No matter how old I get I will never be too old for children's books. There are trillion different ways to stylize, simplify, and even color the illustrations to tell the story. It is not just a book cover but every page has personality and makes you feel one step closer to the character and the dreamworld. Talk about losing yourself in a book. I think there is no other type of book that's better to loose yourself in than a children's book.

There are a lot of great illustrators creating works of art but the great Craig Frazier has to be one of my favorites. Taking both kids and adults to another planet all while making us use our brains along the way. From the super simplified "bee and bird" to the art deco influenced "Stanley" his work is amazing eye candy. Outside of his illustrations for books his editorial work is rich with symbolism and meaning.

Checkout his work at craigfrazier.com, there is a lot of it.









beautiful typography APRIL round up

I have come across some typography worth sharing including some hand-painted and hand-drawn type. The hand-made type always catches my eye. It just has so much personality.

I hope you enjoy!
You can follow my typography board on Pinterest here.










Dana Tanamachi's the chalk art. You must check out her site.
She has some AMAZING work.