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Issue #27 August 8, 2008

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Welcome to the 27th issue of Notes of Design, which marks the launch of our new fabulous re-design! We felt that it was time for our look to reflect the sophistication of our content, which, thanks to our excellent contributors, has the exclusivity and depth of magazine editorial (at least in our opinion). We hope that you’ll like our new identity as much as we do, and we hope that you will let us know what you think.

We’re beefing up our interview section, which we have renamed ‘People’ (for that human touch) by adding two new categories: Dialogues (a discussion between two brilliant minds about a design topic) and Studio Visits (self-explanatory). We’re kicking off with two dialogues (and four brilliant minds and mouths). Our first dialogue delves into the topic of work and marriage as experienced by wedded designers Hjalti Karlsson and Vera Yuan. Our second dialogue examines the state of digital design (or lack there-of) as seen from the brutally honest and provocative points of view of well-known design writers Steven Heller and David Womack. (Speaking about provocative, stay tuned for our upcoming, uncensored interview with Esquire cover legend George Lois!)

This issue is focused on positive change, both the worldwide kind and the kind you can create for yourself. We have a wonderful report from Alabama by our new contributor Mike Weikert who visited the enthusiastic students of Project M in the beginning stages of their new social design project. Our other new contributor Von Glitschka explains how limitations foster creativity, very inspirational in these times of slashed budgets. Meanwhile, Justin Ahrens helps you fight off your career blues in his super-useful and encouraging three-part series about how to make the most out of your business. Chris Costello makes us laugh by sharing the most forgettable moments of his career. (Thank you Chris for showing that successful designers have also struggled through low points.) This inspired Brockett Horne to tell us about her late night Kinko’s resumé faxing disasters and other career laughs. She also shows us how a little design make-over can improve air travel. Eric Benson tells you all you need to know about how to make your work process sustainable and Kate Andrews introduces us to a fascinating project that helps fight amnesia.

Johanna Lenander
Managing Editor NoD

People > Dialogues

Hjalti Karlsson & Vera Yuan: Marriage of Designing Minds
by Johanna Lenander

Our first dialogue partners are married couple and designers Hjalti Karlsson and Vera Yuan who talk about what it’s like to mix work and married life, how they find support and inspiration in their relationship and why they can’t stop gabbing and laughing about design. They also share how getting mugged can help kick-start a romance. Read the rest of the post >>

Steven Heller and David Womack: The Good The Bad And The Ugly in Digital Design
by Johanna Lenander

What happens when to of the design world’s most knowledgeable and astute thinkers get together to unleash their opinions on the state of the industry? Read our fascinating interview with Steven Heller and David Womack to find out. Read the rest of the post >>

Inspiration > Design

Who Cares?
by Mike Weikert

Our new contributor Mike Weikert runs Weikert Design, a small design studio in Baltimore, and Small Roar, a line of graphic baby shirts, with his wife Stephannie. He is also a partner of Piece Studio, a socially focused design initiative, with Bernard Canniffe and Oliver Munday. Previously, he was co-chair of the graphic design department at MICA, creative director at Atlanta-based Iconologic and served as a design consultant to the International Olympic Committee. In his debut post, Mike shares his journal from Hale County, Alabama, where he was an advisor to the well-known design initiative for social change Project M. Mike’s post brings us the excitement and enthusiasm of the Project M crew and takes us on a tour of successful social design projects in the area. Read the rest of the post >>

How Limitations Influence Creativity
by Von Glitschka

“Illustrative Designer” Von Glitschka is Principal and Illustrative Designer of Glitschka Studios, a multi-disciplinary creative firm that he started in 2002. Von has worked in the communication arts industry for over 20 years and is a frequent speaker at events like the HOW conference, The Illustration Conference, AIGA events and Adobe Max. He also teaches advanced digital illustration and is the founder of IllustrationClass.com. He has published two books: “Crumble. Crackle. Burn”, and “Drip. Dot Swirl.” In his insightful and inspiring debut post for Notes on Design, Von shows how to embrace zero budgets and time pressure, as limitations help fostering creativity. Read the rest of the post >>

Make Your Work Eco-Logical!
By Eric Benson

Our sustainability expert Eric Benson helps you reduce waste and your carbon footprint by sharing his vast knowledge of environmental issues and network of sustainable businesses. His advice about ink and printing will a) open your eyes to how toxic your design process really is and b) how easy it is to greenify it. Read the rest of the post >>

Safety Dance
By Brockett Horne

Brockett shares how her recent security check-in experience at the air port was stress free, pleasant and easy thanks to an excellent new graphic design make-over of the security area at Baltimore International. Read the rest of the post >>

Alex Ostrowski is Here
By Kate Andrews

Kate introduces us to the award-winning graphic designer Alex Ostrowski, whose graphic design work at a British post trauma rehab unit helped patients with brain injury regain their sense of time, place and self. Read the rest of the post >>

Resources > Design Careers

Down and Downer
By Chris Costello

Think you’re experiencing a career crisis? Wait until you read Chris Costello’s hilarious (and encouraging account) of his lowest design moments. Then take comfort in the fact that he now has a top job AND a flourishing freelance career. Read the rest of the post >>

More Forgettable Moments
By Brockett Horne

In response to Chris’ post, Brockett Horne shared her painfully personal list of what-not-to-do when faxing resumés, applying for jobs, sitting on a classroom chair and talking with receptionists. Read the rest of the post >>

What Do You Do? To Empower Your Business
By Justin Ahrens

That is the question that Justin Ahrens asks himself and subsequently answers in his inspirational and hands-on three-part series. Justin, who runs the successful design firm Rule 29, shares how he deals with the ups and downs of running a company. Learn about Justin’s creative and positive approach to creating networks, drumming up clients and taking on jobs that are good for the soul. Read the rest of the post >>