Open House

< of in 2012

Just a couple things that I have recently noticed near the end of 2011 that would be nice to see less of in 2012.

The Emo Hipster Beanie Look.

YES H8. I've been seeing way to much of this look, and I'm not claiming to be fashion police but either wear the damn thing or not. You don't have dread locks and unless you are going for the Pappa Smurf look, STOP! On a side note, only guys wearing this style is annoying to me, for some reason girls can get away with it.

People with Clipboards, aka Chuggers.

No, I don't want to shake your hand. I'm tired of wasting energy trying to avoid you. You're like a real life version of that annoying advertisement before a video I want to watch on You Tube. I don't mind it in Vegas because they are at least handing out something worth looking at.

author// Matt Mooseles on Dec 21, 2011

categories// Randomness

Ideas, Technology and Behavior in an action-driven industry

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In life, it's far more common that action precedes thought. We learn by doing, and doing changes how we think about something. This implies that changed perceptions are often a result of changed behavior.

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author// Nick Chapman on Dec 21, 2011

categories// Advertising, Branding, Community, Design, Interactive, Social Media, Technology

My Girls

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This mixed media project was inspired by a my daughter Sophia's infatuation to draw stylized girls — over and over (and over). A years worth (from age 4 to 5) of girls portrayed in different outfits, colors, and styles! With our refrigerator covered and boxes full, I knew there was something creative we could do with her hard work... I created a huge 4 foot wide canvas from plywood and we spent the next couple days painting the frame, laying out her drawings, gluing them down and putting many layers of glaze over them. Never underestimate your creative instinct. With awareness and the imagination of children, this art exists... forever. Here are a few pics showing our process.

author// Cody Rasmussen on Dec 20, 2011

categories// Inspiration

Isla Mujeres

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My husband and I recently came back from a week in Isla Mujeres. We left the day after Thanksgiving, fully stuffed with turkey and stuffing, and fully ready for the sun and beach!

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author// Audrey Na on Dec 20, 2011

categories// Inspiration

Kindle Fire Recommendation (kind of)

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I pre-ordered a Kindle Fire and I have been using it since it arrived a few weeks ago. I like it, but I can understand why others might not find it as easy to use.

Click through to learn what I think about what others might think.

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author// Ed Ouellette on Dec 19, 2011

categories// Technology

30 is the new 40!

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Move over 40 Under 40 recipients...(myself, included)!

These up and comers are making waves as Forbes’ 30 Under 30. From advertising to journalism, these young bucks are shaking up their perspective industries while challenging the status quo.

http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2011/30-under30-12/30-under-30-12_m...

author// Alyssa Struck on Dec 19, 2011

categories// Advertising, Branding, Social Media, Technology

Subscribing on Facebook

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"Evolve or die" doesn't preclude "evolve and die".

Facebook is, for better or worse, always evolving. Of course, MySpace evolved regularly, too, and it didn't do it a lot of good.

Facebook's new Subscription feature has a couple of interesting aspects...

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author// Ed Ouellette on Sep 15, 2011

categories// Social Media

ScreenFonts on The FontFeed

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Whether you're a movie buff, obsessed with typography, or have a fascination with movie posters, The FontFeed ScreenFonts regular installments are worth a read.

Written up by Yves Peters, typography expert and an accomplished drummer, Yves reviews current and upcoming movie posters, focusing on the design and typography that most of us (even design professionals), tend to overlook. (I must say, mostly because I rarely come across a movie poster that stops me in my tracks and gets me thinking...)

I like this description included in Yves' bio, "His talent for being able to identify most typefaces on sight is utterly useless in daily life." He's serious about what he's good at, but not serious about himself.

Yves critiques are entertaining and educational and will give you a heightened awareness of the beauty and nuances of typography (and the poor decisions made with type).

Another great find from Yves' most recent post is the Art of the Title, a web resource of film and television title design from around the world.

The beautifully designed "Any Human Heart" title sequence is just one of many inspiring examples featured on the website.

author// Audrey Na on Aug 16, 2011

categories// Inspiration

New Work—Bezos Family Foundation Website

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The Bezos Family Foundation recently launched a new website that expresses the mission and vision of the Foundation, while putting a strong focus on the work that they do. Through highly collaborative partnerships with grantees, the Foundation strives to elevate the field of education, create powerful connections, and support the development of young leaders who can make meaningful contributions within our global society.