Good Design
by joy lin via lovely package
How clever is this X-Acto carrying case? Made of corrugated cardboard, it's made to look as though it was actually created by an X-Acto. Given how often I had to carry an X-Acto back and forth from studio classes in college, this would have been very handy to have. I can't tell you how many times I accidentally cut myself because of a loose blade!
via swiss miss
I may not agree with each dog chosen (Helvetica definitely should have been a lab), but I do agree that just like dogs, typefaces have very distinct personalities to them and this is a great way of showing them. Of course, this does make me wonder exactly what poor dog would represent Comic Sans...
designed by Racquel Youtzy via lovely package
I love this packaging for tap water. Unless we are camping (like right now) we rarely buy bottled water. And even though we like knowing it keeps plastic out of the landfills, the main reason we don’t buy bottled is that our filtered tap water* tastes just as good (if not better) than many of the brands on the market. Of course now with these bottles, we all can enjoy better tasting (inexpensive) water and still feel all special with our beautifully designed glass bottles. I can’t help but think about how hilarious it would be to put these out for a meeting or a dinner.You know, for everyone who insists on bottled water.
*speaking of bottled water- did you know most bottled water is actually just filtered tap water with or without added minerals? If it says it's from a "municipal water source" that's what it means.
via flickr
Aren't these Milwaukee bus passes fabulous? The graphic colors paired with bold type are so much more fun than the bus and metro passes I've seen lately (which to be honest are pretty lackluster.) Wouldn't a collection of these look great framed?
invite by Boris Forconi
The invite is gorgeous, but I'm equally (if not more so) drawn to the plate.
(A little more info for any other type nerds who love this look- Boris Forconi created this invite for his own wedding and used the Phaeton typeface.)
via Karen Kurycki
First, this is called "Is it worth it, let me work it..." so it's already awesome. Second, I'm a huge watercolor fan (as if that wasn't obvious) so I love seeing this type of lettering.
Speaking of watercolor lettering... an awkward story from my life:
I went to a (pretty well known) photographer's show and upon seeing his book (that featured water colored lettering) I asked who created it/ how it was done. The answer? Something to the extent of "Someone I know... and I think she painted it."
Umm. Thanks? He seemed uncomfortable by the question, which made me uncomfortable, and I didn't know how to respond so to make it even more awkward (I'm kind of gifted at that) I think I simply said "okay? cool." then stood there for a minute in silence and just walked off. At least he tried.*
*For the record, I didn't ask about how he styles his photos because some one before me asked that and was told he doesn't. He just goes to stylish people's places and uses whatever they have arranged.
Reminds me of Bullet Bourbon in all the right ways. This is a syrup I need to have in my pantry. (Isn't the type beautiful? Strong with a touch of the old west/cowboy- which fits maple syrup perfectly in my opinion.)
via designboom
I remember the first time I saw a special edition Evian bottle (Christian Lacroix's lace one) and have loved what they've created ever since. I wish I would have seen Paul Smith's earlier- I would have picked up 5 or 6 of them. Wouldn't this be a great bottle for parties?
Optimo Hat Company design work by Knoed
My dad is known for his Stetson style hats-his outfit just isn't complete without one. While many actually are Stetson's, he is always game for a new hat as long as it "feels right" and is of great quality. When I saw Optimo's hats I immediately thought of him.
Now let's get to the good design part. Optimo's branding is both polished and professional with a touch of historic charm. I love their font and color choices, (both in print and on their site) as well as the use of tons of white space, but I especially love the instructions printed on paper shaped to the inside of the hat. What a wonderful touch!
Speaking of a wonderful touch, they never use glue on their hats. Impressive, right? Everything is held in place by artful folding and thread. Talk about craftsmanship.
509 wines via here label designed by Kristofer Delaney
hand lettering and wine; two of my favorite things in one place.
I especially like this because for years J. kept receiving brochures and pamphlets from Walla Walla University. Never really knew it was a real place until then!
found on swiss miss via flickr
I always wished I liked beer. Not because it seems refreshing, or because it's cheap (even though that would be helpful,) but because the labels can be such amazing little pieces of art. Alas, I'm a bourbon girl.
Even so, that doesn't stop me from admiring the work- especially the kind found on vintage cans like these.
*fun fact, my husband had a beer wall before I moved in showcasing the different bottles and labels. Of course, it didn't stay around very long after I moved in, but I couldn't help but appreciate the effort and design.