Bit of a diversion...

I know this might be a bit of a diversion, but this evening as I was working in the yard, prepping for a nearly 100 person fairly spontaneous party at our house (a whole other story...) I saw something in an apple tree that caught my eye. Upon further inspection, it appeared to be some type of butterfly or moth. I grabbed my camera and snapped off a couple (that means dozens) of shots. And while is was great to get that close and it just sat there and allowed the papparazi to snap away, it wasn't until I got back to my computer and really started looking at it, that I was inspired.

When you get busy and have a lot going on, sometimes it is easy to overlook the small things. This put things in perspective pretty quickly. At the point when you have designed something you are really happy about, and think it is pretty spectacular, take a look around. Nature can put you in your place pretty quickly. Just look at the symmetry, balance, color palette, contrast, texture. Quite a humbling experience. So next time you get hung up, or just need a little reality check, turn to nature. Become inspired, you never know what will spark something in you.

Business card bravo!

So yesterday afternoon, as a former co-worker, Jeff, who is just finishing up his MFA at SCAD and I sat down for a malt beverage, he passed me his business card. I immediately notice something unusual about it, it was printed on of a portion of a Diet Coke box. The familiar silver coating on the back with a hint of a red k and an e. Writing his thesis on green design, it was completely appropriate. Something he is passionate about, translated into that standard 2" x 3.5" card. (or in my case, a bit smaller).

For years, designers have been looking for ways to make their cards stand out, sometimes pure gimmick others pure genius. For me, the genius comes when the card, earnestly reflects some aspect of who that person is. Jeff's did just that. He is a designer, but because of the reuse of materials, existing resources, and creativity of the card, I have a bit better insight into his passions. Obviously green, obviously creative.

So, I had started to think of other creative cards, and came across this site which features many, check them out and if you have any favorites that don't make this list, send them my way and we will create one of our own.

And remember, as you are working on that next business card, how can you find a way to show the person receiving the card a little bit more about you? Not just the company, your occupation, but who you are and what your passions are. 

One wheel wonder?

Check this out, and 18-year-old Canadian inventor created this motorized unicycle. I just love to see innovation and creativity in action. Rethinking something. Based on the Segway technology, the bike is innovative and stylish and orange! Better yet, a bit "greener"  which is always a good thing. All without millions of dollars in research and development. And for an 18-year-old, doesn't look to shabby on the resumé.

What other typs of innovative design have you seen, what impresses you?

 Check the UnoMoto out here.