tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35435480784200472972024-03-05T22:37:49.502-06:00Design MorselsDesign Morsels is a blog to keep me inspired and talking about what I enjoy most DESIGN.Through photography, food, design, packaging, and other sources of inspiration this blog will become a journal of my experience within the graphic design field. Life. One Bite at a Time.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-85257924054847624592013-04-27T20:20:00.002-05:002013-04-27T20:20:44.903-05:00Starting FreshHey! My site has moved. Please check out my new site at <a href="http://www.designmorsels.com/blog/">designmorsels.com</a>. Thanks!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-14175870254887831262013-04-09T13:30:00.000-05:002013-04-09T13:30:02.788-05:00Color Trends: MintWith the arrival of spring <i>(kinda)</i>, comes spring fashions and color. Very popular this season is MINT. It is everywhere. This color always makes me want to dive into a large bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa2umQA8ZWzDQIcdFmY4M4JYZYsZOPEs37ZbJAD8Zoh6Aq4IM0BIMM9GhhvM2NKZgFO7ZFARmOuQkQYl_eP7gDPTktHggBMZQaAfo1NQpHsKrekfdP1u2H6-d6kLuHMNHhCcj_JOw2oZ7/s1600/DM_mintygreen-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa2umQA8ZWzDQIcdFmY4M4JYZYsZOPEs37ZbJAD8Zoh6Aq4IM0BIMM9GhhvM2NKZgFO7ZFARmOuQkQYl_eP7gDPTktHggBMZQaAfo1NQpHsKrekfdP1u2H6-d6kLuHMNHhCcj_JOw2oZ7/s1600/DM_mintygreen-01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=073205&catId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&navCount=936&navAction=top&isProduct=true&pushId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&popId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&fromCategoryPage=true&color=102&subCategoryId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE">1</a>, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-novel-dot-rain-boot-mint/-/A-14352110#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=mint">2</a>, <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/mint-smiley-dustpan.do?&from=Search">3</a>, <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/nail-polish/outlast-stay-brilliant-nail-gloss">4</a>, <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Beverages-Cocktails/Emerald-Mint-Milkshake">5</a></td></tr>
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-85046600992862830352013-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:002013-04-05T07:00:10.913-05:00Creature from the DeepEvery year Wichita has its Riverfest (used to be in May now it is June) Some year the design is better than others. This year the design is very cute and appealing towards parents with children, which I think is probably the largest audience who attened this social event. The design is cute and well-done, but maybe not quite fitting with a midwest "riverfest". My only complaint is that the facial expression as well as the "boat hat" makes the octopus a little <em>too young</em>.<br />
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Considering <a href="http://www.fetchtoto.com/region/wichita/toto-2012-wichita-riverfest-new-artwork-new-musicians-new-features-20120228,0,2949184.story">last year's rooster</a>. This design is more effective and beautiful on <em>soooo many</em> levels: color, theme, style, and all-around fun. I will definitely be buying a button this year!<br />
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But the best part of riverfest might be: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PeopleofRiverfest">https://www.facebook.com/PeopleofRiverfest</a><br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-13298790399480568672013-03-04T07:00:00.000-06:002013-03-04T07:00:12.121-06:00Design is FluidGraphic Designers are no longer segmented into neat categories of print, web, typography, illustration, ect... Designers today, especially freelance and those who work at a small firm, are called to be more diverse and offer a variety of skill sets. It is impossible to know it all, but we can see some growing trends for young designers<br />
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<strong>UX:</strong> "user experience" This is a growing field for business and designers. It is crucial to understand how users will interact with your site or app to know how best to program and layout the program so that it works with the intended audience. This can help your specialty brand or business to tailor your enterprise directly for the needs of your customers.<br />
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<strong>Coding:</strong> Maybe its because we grew up with computers, but many young designers know at least a bit of code if not expanding their capabilities to create custom sites for themselves and their clients. If you don't know any coding and would like to learn more <a href="http://teamtreehouse.com/">Treehouse.com</a> and <a href="http://lynda.com/">Lynda.com</a> are great resources. Of course searching on google can provide you lots of great information on html, css, javascript, php, and any other programming you may need to use to create your next website or app.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guitar Cards with <a href="http://lovelystationery.com/2013/02/doug-liddle-guitar-instruction/">thermographic printing</a></td></tr>
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<strong>Print</strong> still leaves and will new technogologies come with new ways to interact with print. Because of technology advancement it can bring the cost of doing <em>specialty</em> effects down. Such as embossing, thermal ink, matte mixed with Aqueous<strong> </strong>gloss, die-cuts, and more. Obviously I am still a fan of the old techniques, such as <a href="http://designmorsel.blogspot.com/2013/03/make-deep-impression.html">letterpress</a>. Most of these technqiues just take one additional pass through the printing press. Print can really do anything you can put your imagine<br />
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-10080625416519113242013-03-01T07:00:00.000-06:002013-03-01T07:00:02.727-06:00Make a Deep ImpressionIt is no secret that I love the tactile experience of letterpress. My dream retirement would be a refurbished vandercook and I cranking out beautiful type and lino-cuts. My<a href="http://www.lettermpress.com/LetterMpress/Home.html"> LetterMpress</a> app is great, but it is nothing like the real thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCnlE72tvCJTVUjYvrQzisMr2qkbmE0ncxSh1liebpzDei_MZZRQQm3r-NgB4Pu-ul7ol0W3PaQvxYi3MaK81mOQEEXzlLSdFnllxWdDtxtQQ8PzCT-eqrUta53R3MuGCLV1EvZIcf5Nz/s1600/azelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCnlE72tvCJTVUjYvrQzisMr2qkbmE0ncxSh1liebpzDei_MZZRQQm3r-NgB4Pu-ul7ol0W3PaQvxYi3MaK81mOQEEXzlLSdFnllxWdDtxtQQ8PzCT-eqrUta53R3MuGCLV1EvZIcf5Nz/s1600/azelle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by a <a href="http://savannahredtops.blogspot.com/2010/10/letterpress-business-cards-azelle.html">Savannah Red Top</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjja8KwJ5dhwmTZnATeJRctiGy8wmWnHlE34b2pMz7uqZ5sAhYzgm-q7dBC21WGiStprRmbuNBr7p1PwN8UsP2j8ncgMcjg_gzICOgrBrv-e1CneJBYT5MpSqXdsGbyHTNxgmVfmW8y_iK1/s1600/muhshouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjja8KwJ5dhwmTZnATeJRctiGy8wmWnHlE34b2pMz7uqZ5sAhYzgm-q7dBC21WGiStprRmbuNBr7p1PwN8UsP2j8ncgMcjg_gzICOgrBrv-e1CneJBYT5MpSqXdsGbyHTNxgmVfmW8y_iK1/s1600/muhshouse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muhs Home by <a href="http://www.beastpieces.com/2012/09/beautiful-blind-impression/#">Passing Notes</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfKy_5hCLWJQHMwR_bqtFenjpS5Bnyr2JgWifZwbMwLj19gBFmx8M1_42jbnKVwAV60qEgEu-lxAYTy48JgYr5tQKH4uTFnaZc6zg3QwQjJZ0CiUw85PbqigbEHRqC6Ml2Y5k0TDnDE7R/s1600/rayfenwick-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfKy_5hCLWJQHMwR_bqtFenjpS5Bnyr2JgWifZwbMwLj19gBFmx8M1_42jbnKVwAV60qEgEu-lxAYTy48JgYr5tQKH4uTFnaZc6zg3QwQjJZ0CiUw85PbqigbEHRqC6Ml2Y5k0TDnDE7R/s1600/rayfenwick-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By <a href="http://rayfenwick.ca/">Ray Fenwick</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOC9RCnSIsae4wmqm8QAacXaHW5DB6UODVlmQ0AXGUmWQsYtfVsdA8r-p1viP4_-7zy4-cgtNnmuQ57mjLRHyJCD21lklsnsJehAj4JuOeZiHPjjpKtwRCpgUoPLRfbytrsa0cf3lo50H/s1600/Modern-Baby-Boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOC9RCnSIsae4wmqm8QAacXaHW5DB6UODVlmQ0AXGUmWQsYtfVsdA8r-p1viP4_-7zy4-cgtNnmuQ57mjLRHyJCD21lklsnsJehAj4JuOeZiHPjjpKtwRCpgUoPLRfbytrsa0cf3lo50H/s1600/Modern-Baby-Boy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2012/02/modern-intergalactic-space-theme-birth-announcements-for-baby-oliver/">This blog</a> shows the process that went into making this card. I can practically smell the ink through my screen.</td></tr>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-58149857235139186812013-02-26T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-26T07:00:02.629-06:00Trending in MonotoneRecently I have noticed some work that is utilizing monotone. Whether it is to save money, simplify design, or in order to break through the distraction of the loud and colorful advertisements that are flooding our environment. Using 1 or 2 colors were mandatory for beudget contraints 30 years ago, and that is just not true any more. I find that one color creates its own challenges, but that it can create a striking contrast to the mutlitudes of color overwhelming the market today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRJnSOHwhJa2fcwo4khV59JvFziBWJOvavAw_hIsDXisfRZd4bEsysHMvf7A4IM8r61m4wRoknWqDnYL8_lVPtvAwmE0IUhNT1H9AWebYLLQKIJbc4KGbeilMrkTjvI9tUhHp-68r-y1G/s1600/admci_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRJnSOHwhJa2fcwo4khV59JvFziBWJOvavAw_hIsDXisfRZd4bEsysHMvf7A4IM8r61m4wRoknWqDnYL8_lVPtvAwmE0IUhNT1H9AWebYLLQKIJbc4KGbeilMrkTjvI9tUhHp-68r-y1G/s1600/admci_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed by <a href="http://eighthourday.com/work/admci-identity/">EightHourDay</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqtFmIqovW2ZBoE9pTBTsvKFMMzxYl0CzFI28sWo2UVHpf85yx7ZHNOLm4prozM59WV6EfNzFMFwH4POqxcdV4KVZLvpQsTeRkgw29Gke-hQSzD-UyA472G5InAOxBKW-1VKfqyLi8zhL/s1600/chipotle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqtFmIqovW2ZBoE9pTBTsvKFMMzxYl0CzFI28sWo2UVHpf85yx7ZHNOLm4prozM59WV6EfNzFMFwH4POqxcdV4KVZLvpQsTeRkgw29Gke-hQSzD-UyA472G5InAOxBKW-1VKfqyLi8zhL/s1600/chipotle.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lunch from <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default">Chipotle</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Sc8cx-qzNQy84wd0Eq_Gw1mL4fA9SYHuBxGp5mF3WyZudhYos3M3RUbfF3TFCZrZl9wQKWTc32DDPJS7kMN7jc8mpyNuf1XDUQzLM9m_QqfC3zexsLRzfYO67J-Jcdq6bGXtSORTY0vw/s1600/jones2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Sc8cx-qzNQy84wd0Eq_Gw1mL4fA9SYHuBxGp5mF3WyZudhYos3M3RUbfF3TFCZrZl9wQKWTc32DDPJS7kMN7jc8mpyNuf1XDUQzLM9m_QqfC3zexsLRzfYO67J-Jcdq6bGXtSORTY0vw/s1600/jones2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Winter Jumble by <a href="http://superbigcreative.com/project/jones-soda-winter-jumble/#">SuperBigCreative</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3Cx6KttEybzMEajO3u6oEzTEr1D6umroe8PjSbnQBGbEKjCzgMBz5q4hM4QhfZcNoyoXorc5IbP31hCBhnOcAvdfGJ31nIEQY3b1OXD2syOjW8gHlb3TDQZVMDet-yHKacqkDYqZYX2C/s1600/ducttapeglitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3Cx6KttEybzMEajO3u6oEzTEr1D6umroe8PjSbnQBGbEKjCzgMBz5q4hM4QhfZcNoyoXorc5IbP31hCBhnOcAvdfGJ31nIEQY3b1OXD2syOjW8gHlb3TDQZVMDet-yHKacqkDYqZYX2C/s1600/ducttapeglitter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justinmcclure.com/ducttape/">Duct Tape & Glitter</a> by Luke Bott</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLtMAgW8oUBHGU0MnTzmIPuCt49A94RCGI0LtblKYbjx6u4hRVI6m68-XWXD9dsr4WN1jR4_E9doRXOKXV-M10g492K_1vfTdSp87f5cgqrJ3ke-ccyCegu9jj4QXGyOpj-RxotVpts3c/s1600/giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLtMAgW8oUBHGU0MnTzmIPuCt49A94RCGI0LtblKYbjx6u4hRVI6m68-XWXD9dsr4WN1jR4_E9doRXOKXV-M10g492K_1vfTdSp87f5cgqrJ3ke-ccyCegu9jj4QXGyOpj-RxotVpts3c/s1600/giraffe.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By <a href="http://designspiration.net/image/3530689298701/">Tang Yau Hoong</a></td></tr>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-46275831200181714692013-02-22T12:39:00.002-06:002013-02-22T12:39:44.468-06:00Flavor TrendsHas anyone noticed that there seems to be a flavor trend going around? Blood Orange. I have noticed this flavor circulating <a href="http://pinterest.com/designmorsels/">Pinterest</a> and some of my <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/02/blood-orange-margaritas/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+smittenkitchen+%28smitten+kitchen%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#">favorite blogs</a>, and I love it! Not only does blood orange have a succulent tangy flavor, but there is the beautiful pop of color from the bright orange peel to the vibrant red orange fruit inside. It also fulfills the temptations with summer even with a foot of snow on the ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndrk7t480Sa5jWlOXpBwIfL0slBdYiTsyVNVoqU4xNtZ6PvwdWgCsv5OxD0mBYnsBY1I2E_OIePuyjNuxh2bWCZW0q2mXSL0sPPM_BrBgAML1v4z_WdQL62shO1vwExc3UzY4MPhydL6k/s1600/5379166172_4788a6a34e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndrk7t480Sa5jWlOXpBwIfL0slBdYiTsyVNVoqU4xNtZ6PvwdWgCsv5OxD0mBYnsBY1I2E_OIePuyjNuxh2bWCZW0q2mXSL0sPPM_BrBgAML1v4z_WdQL62shO1vwExc3UzY4MPhydL6k/s400/5379166172_4788a6a34e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/steph_w/5379166172/">By Stephamelon</a></td></tr>
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Some of my favorite recipes that have been popping up:<br />
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<li><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/02/blood-orange-margaritas/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+smittenkitchen+%28smitten+kitchen%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#">Blood Orange Margaritas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://whatsgabycooking.com/blood-orange-mimosas/">Blood Orange Mimosas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/02/blood-orange-sangria/">Blood Orange Sangria</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ledelicieux.com/2012/10/08/blood-orange-brulee-tarts/">Blood Orange Brulee Tarts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2012/02/blood-orange-sherbet-pink-heart.html">Blood Orange Sherbet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/blood-orange-bars/">Blood Orange Bars</a></li>
</ul>
Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-56533189945531953742013-02-19T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-19T07:00:06.151-06:00Getting the Angle on New TrendsFaceted Designs. Okay, this trend has been around for awhile, but it is lingering and becoming as prevelent as the chevron that has been styling our shelves for a few years now. Facets can add the appearance of depth, even when there is none, as well as create a depth of character when used with the human figure. Facets also bring the idea of jewels and jewel tones to the surface. The vareity of angles also ad a dynamic quality to these designs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1X1EztJDSuEOeX-mHzmZoSlUVw5Nbvhk0QUu2TtSQBMUh9_EdzZub5cpnyL-3JuqNxZWfxamtjkOD7v54HAuW3oFjbc6tb_T5A1DGwV6v7r6Maa0MtemOH2l4g2UXon2tPLQIrcUiXqw/s1600/gotye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1X1EztJDSuEOeX-mHzmZoSlUVw5Nbvhk0QUu2TtSQBMUh9_EdzZub5cpnyL-3JuqNxZWfxamtjkOD7v54HAuW3oFjbc6tb_T5A1DGwV6v7r6Maa0MtemOH2l4g2UXon2tPLQIrcUiXqw/s400/gotye.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gigposters.com/poster/151538_Gotye.html">Found Here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Product.jhtml?prodId=20078">Found Here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf_E49umniCpaEV0ihkraXlAGVUwLbOYSApeiHnYIQ6OpLZ2uNFYytX86BJZWL0spzQxG7EmqMCRKHDN4P1XLHu_qE8Fmlk0XomrPIB6Ok6KlQNbcqyie7ReEFUkO5Cd4675LPeEH1qQw/s1600/sweetspencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf_E49umniCpaEV0ihkraXlAGVUwLbOYSApeiHnYIQ6OpLZ2uNFYytX86BJZWL0spzQxG7EmqMCRKHDN4P1XLHu_qE8Fmlk0XomrPIB6Ok6KlQNbcqyie7ReEFUkO5Cd4675LPeEH1qQw/s400/sweetspencer.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://spencer-studio.com/WEDDING.html">Found Here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33pvEHETZ-WQorgTM7-4MJouTmUQ7JYkx3cJwfGaIydEgVIgFsQowS8yyGe5osf4m3krJtlhPXf2e_7iQIO43buxPn9L3xnu-4Qu3A8trzZ2yadsOjLR7dBMrZmz9Lblx48luWizPsS-8/s1600/13wives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33pvEHETZ-WQorgTM7-4MJouTmUQ7JYkx3cJwfGaIydEgVIgFsQowS8yyGe5osf4m3krJtlhPXf2e_7iQIO43buxPn9L3xnu-4Qu3A8trzZ2yadsOjLR7dBMrZmz9Lblx48luWizPsS-8/s400/13wives.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.monoscope.com/2011/03/foreign-policy-design-group-13-wives-posters/">Found Here</a></td></tr>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-16194936341647336272013-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-07T07:00:05.041-06:00Dark Inspirations<a href="http://designmorsel.blogspot.com/2013/01/inspirational-heros.html">Another inspiring hero</a> of mine is Tim Burton. He definitely has his own style, a true artist who happens to be highly successful. My first Tim Burton film (he was a producer) was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116683/?ref_=sr_1">James and the Giant Peach</a>; I love the stop action animation and the charisma he provides these characters. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melancholy-Death-Oyster-Other-Stories/dp/0688156819/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1360207683&sr=8-13&keywords=tim+burton"><span class="lrg bold"><span style="color: #004b91;">The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories</span></span></a> is dark humor stories and poems of Tim Burton's own creation. In college I was inspired by this collection for my own small story "Creature by the Sea". My favorite films tranfer constantly between <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319061/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Big Fish</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099487/?ref_=sr_1">Edward Scissorhands,</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107688/?ref_=sr_1">The Nightmare Before Christmas.</a> I can watch any of his films and be inspired. <br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-30594055602377171162013-02-05T14:00:00.000-06:002013-02-06T22:04:03.538-06:00Instagram for your Browser<div style="text-align: center;">
Instagram feeds can now be viewed from the web. <a href="http://instagram.com/designmorsels">Follow me.</a></div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-19203100311163759622013-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-31T07:00:06.093-06:00Best of ValentinesI do not celebrate Valentine's Day, but there are some designs that are trending this season that I admire.<br />
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<a href="http://dribbble.com/shots/113713-Blood-Drive?list=searches">1. Black Suarez</a> The illustration is fun, and the humor is cute <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/I-feel-it-in-my-fingers/3152982">2. Sandra Blikas</a> A little on the gross side, but I can admire that for this saccharine<span id="hotword"></span> holiday <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/Valentines-Cards/4205285">3. Kristie Arthur</a> The hand type feels unique and personal and the saying is sweet (I can identify with the love of cupcakes, but still loving Tyler more!) <a href="http://witandwhistle.com/shop/holiday/">4. Wit & Whistle</a> This line of valentine cards border on grotesque and humor. I loved them all, but this zombie was my favorite <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91604345/narwhal-valentines-greeting-card">5. Fancifone</a> narwals are so cute!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-64537110095887615362013-01-28T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-28T07:00:05.928-06:00The Beast Rears Its Nasty Head AgainThat beast being—motivation. Maybe its just the season, maybe its bills or taxes, or stress. Low periods in our life come and go, and what matters is how do we pull ourself out of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg0l-HW1b4WyFWC9ebzYNAqv_LhtCmEBa2h3Ioajs7Jxz_e1pghHlMbbx0Nfs-ULkgEnL6e29dSs0ZGPbvsC9YZgYE8vgEE2XJAmoo0JeFXX6PbM_qSnxh2OSZ4IiVEzWtKNb1ypriwoa/s1600/mad.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="We are all mad here" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg0l-HW1b4WyFWC9ebzYNAqv_LhtCmEBa2h3Ioajs7Jxz_e1pghHlMbbx0Nfs-ULkgEnL6e29dSs0ZGPbvsC9YZgYE8vgEE2XJAmoo0JeFXX6PbM_qSnxh2OSZ4IiVEzWtKNb1ypriwoa/s1600/mad.gif" title="" /></a><br />
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<strong>How Do I Fix That? Try Something New.</strong><br />
I found this tutorial site, <a href="http://teamtreehouse.com/">teamtreehouse.com</a>, it combines the usefulness of educational tutorials and the joy of competition and social media. I have only done the "free" challenges so far, but I plan on buying the plan because their challenges and videos appeal to me. This site could actually help me learn new skills and remember them.<br />
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<strong>Joined a Book Club</strong><br />
Not only does this get me to read books I would have never read, but also it gets me out of little bubble. It is out of character of me to join a club, especially when I don't know anyone. Part of the troubles of being an introvert, but challenging myself to try something new can be invigorating. It takes me out of comfort zone, yeah its intimidating, but I am better for it in the end.<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-53922837027052647172013-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-24T07:00:06.458-06:00Inspirational HerosI have had many "heroes" in my childhood that have brought me on the path. One being Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland (which is why I love Florence and the Machine they have a trippy Alice quality. The imagiative characters have struck-a-cord with society for ages. <br />
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The wood engraved illustrations that are some of the most prolific illustrations of that style today. These were provided by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J_Tenniel">John Tenniel</a>. Originally the illustrations were created by Lewis Carroll himself, but then turned to Tenniel for his expertise. Together these two created my favorite children's book with striking characters that spark the imagination. That will inspire me for a lifetime.<br />
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Once color has been added to the story of Alice it was forever the vibrancy of "wonderland".<br />
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1) <strong>Disney's Alice in Wonderland (2010).</strong> This film was directed by another of my favorite inspirations: Tim Burton. The combination of his creativity and the inspiration of Alice created a visually dazzling film.</div>
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2) <strong>Design Army:</strong> <a href="http://varietats2010.blogspot.com/2012/10/alice-in-wonderland-by-design-army.html">Designs for the Washington Ballet</a>. The beautiful movements of the performers, the imaginative outfits, and the intriguing typography is a beautiful dream down the rabbit hole.</div>
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3) <strong>My Design:</strong> This was the front of the card I sent out for my bridal shower. It is a screen print for the Alice in Wonderland themed bridal shower my aunts gave me.<br />
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4) <strong>Engraved Woodblock Print</strong>: <span id="goog_1842206758">One of the original engravings by John Tenniel. Alice at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.</span><br />
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5) <strong>Gwen Stefani's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5qICl3Fr3w">What You Waiting For?: </a></strong>Another one of my inspirational heros. It is interesting that some of my heroes have chosen Alice to find the burst of creativity. <br />
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6) <strong>My copy of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. </strong>This a library bound copy with gold leaf and embossed cover. These extra elements make this book feel special and long lasting. <br />
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7) <strong>The Chesire Cat from Disney's Alic in Wonderland (1951).</strong> Easily a Disney classic. The Chesire cat always scared me as a child, but now he is a eerie, yet charming character.Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-58802968603332353682013-01-21T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-21T07:00:00.079-06:00Illustrations in ProcessI am still in the first 3 weeks of resolution season, and 40% of us who make resolutions will drop out by 3 weeks. I am still going strong (<em>for now</em>). I have mostly stuck to drawing with pencil and pen, but in the coming weeks hope to bring and color and maybe some computer drawings. (<em>I have done a little bit with color on my ipad. I have been enjoying trying out different sketching apps for iPad</em>). Staying passionate becomes increasingly difficult as work picks up again and my house just seems to be falling apart. "When it Rains it Pours".<br />
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I may be struggling to create my own personal work, but luckily work has provided some suprises with some projects that need some "affordable" illustration.<br />
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-66579746870098667372013-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-17T07:00:02.033-06:00Merry ol' land of OzIt was no surprise to hear that Pantone named <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21055">Emerald the color of the Year!</a> The time seems fitting for jewel tones to come back in style as well as the movie<a href="http://www.ozthegreatandpowerfulmovie.com/"> Oz</a> coming out this March. The time is right for emerald.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_uRGgiH0zp_Y4Tp559iXWwhC6GAXcEB0nfvC0GmDBRKZcQdFd0_ErMbhRF6P1UdhjCGetPIbiASerXRI0hPZsl1BgM1AvcRpcElVs6sNXOt6lhCJj3qB-zoP2-uF-kKCTejoYtcStGP/s1600/coloroftheyear-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_uRGgiH0zp_Y4Tp559iXWwhC6GAXcEB0nfvC0GmDBRKZcQdFd0_ErMbhRF6P1UdhjCGetPIbiASerXRI0hPZsl1BgM1AvcRpcElVs6sNXOt6lhCJj3qB-zoP2-uF-kKCTejoYtcStGP/s1600/coloroftheyear-01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lfw.krisatomic.com/ss12/ce2e42c8-e323-11e0-96a8-fefd616b8533?image_keywords=collection:Anya+Hindmarch">1</a>, <a href="http://www.filmxtra.co.uk/category/xtra-stuff/">2</a>, <a href="http://pleasantlivinghome.blogspot.com/2012/12/emerald-green.html">3</a>, <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/48402686">4</a>, <a href="http://www.equisetites.de/gallery/Seiten/emerald4.htm">5</a></td></tr>
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-86399313100479450772013-01-14T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-14T07:00:14.138-06:00Type is ProcessDesign is one of those careers that everyday is practice, type especially. Anyone can plaster Helvetica in all caps on a page, but type takes year to be a true master. Type takes into consideration various details of type style, kerning, leading, word spacing, type size, and alignment. Mastering typography is not easy, and it will be something I will be working towards the rest of my life. Today is just another day of practice.<br />
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"Proper" kerning is to make consistent spacing between letters, visually, not necessarily measurable spacing. Line spacing is something else that is also considered in its best form when consistent through a paragraph and optimized for best legibility. Both of these terms come from back in printing press days. Leading, is the bars of lead that is used between lines of text.<br />
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<span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">In</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">metal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">typesetting</span> </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">word</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">kerning</span> </span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> </span><a href="http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Cognate" id="ref_result" title="cognate">cognate</a><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">corner</span> </span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">two</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">words</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">have</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">common</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">root).</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">In</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">days</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">when</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">all</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">type</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">was</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">cast</span> </span><a href="http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Metal" id="ref_result" title="metal">metal</a><span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">corner</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">was</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">notched</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">consistent</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">height</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">on</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">both</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sides</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">letter-piece.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Such</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;">notched</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">pieces</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">were</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">only</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">set</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">against</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">another,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">not</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">against</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">unnotched</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ones,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">which</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">had</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">straight</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sides.</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">corner</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">allowed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">character's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">features</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">reach</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">into</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">area</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">normally</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">taken</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">up</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">next</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">character,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">example</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">top</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">bar</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">T</span> </span><span id="hotword">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">right</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">diagonal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">stroke</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">V</span> </span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hang</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">over</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">top</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">left</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">corner</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> </span><span id="hotword">. <a href="http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Kerning">Reference.com</a></span></span></blockquote>
Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-3769479405527668062013-01-02T07:00:00.001-06:002013-01-02T07:00:14.277-06:00Designing in the BrowserFor years website design has taken certain steps before acheiving the final goal of being usable in the browser, but there is a new methodology developing. Before many designers and web developers would start with a site list and create a wireframe based on the navigation. From the wireframe a designer would create a design based on the user's or client's needs. Once a design had been approved it would then be passed to a web developer to put that design into real-world implementation. <br />
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Now designers and/or developers are thinking of moving toward designing right in the browers to help create a clear idea of what the end product will be like. The earlier process (that is still in use) can create dificulty when design does not quite match up with implementation due to limitations of variety of browers and screens or what types of coding is accepted within browers and users' devices.<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-89213251047888299532012-12-31T07:00:00.001-06:002012-12-31T07:00:02.175-06:00Resolution Time AgainEvery year we start with the renewed hope that we can better ourselves. <a href="http://designmorsel.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012-resolutions.html">Last year</a> I made goals to exercise, take more photos, and take breaks. I did take my first vacation this year, but otherwise have failed miserably in my goals. What can you do expect take a step forward and try again. Trying is better than not taking action because you are afraid of failing.<br />
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<strong>EXERCISE:</strong> I make the same resolutions that millions of others are making at this time of year: to exercise, to live a healthier lifestyle, and to not live behind a computer screen. Spening a minimum of 9 hours a day behind a computer screen and never getting up creates bad habits to fall into.<br />
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<strong>ILLUSTRATIONS:</strong> last year I tried to focus on photography, and it didn't work out too well. I will try again to stir my creative juices with practing my illustration skills. I will try to post my activities on my <a href="http://dribbble.com/designMorsels">dribble</a> profile, so be sure to follow me. As a sort of 2b option I will tack on that I should create one painting. I used to make lots of paintings but I did not create single new one last year. I would like to complete one painting this year.<br />
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<strong>DISCONNECTED:</strong> These days bewteen my new iPad, my smartphone, the mutple computers I have access to, I am overly connected. I would like to think that I can "disconnect" completely at least once a month, but I think it will be harder than that. Hopefully this will happen a few times during the year, and maybe I can get my husband to join in so that we can reconnect with the <em>people</em> in our lives and not the devices.<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-21954213450906590482012-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-26T07:00:01.582-06:00Best Apps for Designers (at least for me)My husband pulled a big surprise on me this Christmas...he got me an ipad. I have spent just a short time exploring the App Store, but I still have discovered some favorites. Of course there are all of the adobe apps I would love to to get my fingertips on, $9.99 per app adds up quickly, so I will be waiting for some iTunes gift cards for <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-touch.html">Adobe Photoshop Touch</a>, <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeideas.html?promoid=JFQGU">Adobe Ideas</a>, <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/collage.html?promoid=JFQGT">Adobe Collage</a>, and <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/proto.html?promoid=JFQGX">Adobe Proto</a> for quick design on the go.<br />
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<strong><em>Two apps that I did buy and love:</em></strong><br />
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<strong><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ifontmaker/id377381670?mt=8">IFontMaker:</a></strong> this app does just what it sounds like, you can make your own fonts! This is really awesome if you are geeky like me. I enjoy being able to customize the brush to enhance the letterforms, and I think I will find greater control once I buy a stylus. $6.99<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.lettermpress.com/LetterMpress/Home.html">LetterMpress:</a></strong> this my favorite app ever! It is also the app that made me want an iPad (...since I discovered that this app was exclusive to iPad my husband had been secretly saving up to get me one...isn't he sweet?!) The imagery, texture, paper ink, even the sounds remind me of my days in the letterpress room. It can never replace the joy of running a press, but it is a lot of fun to layer your prints and share them. $4.99<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-15508312498024748042012-12-20T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T07:00:06.091-06:00Responsive Web DesignResponsive web design is where we are headed right now. With all of the devices that users can interact with your site it makes sense to create a responsive site from the get-go. Size is becoming something we just can't/shouldn't control any more otherwise it will limit the capabilities of users to interact. It is difficult to incorporate response from an existing site, and is typically easier to keep the variety of screen sizes in-mind when you begin designing a site. <br />
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With these type of sites you need to use media queries to allow pages to auto adjust to screen size or float down to the next line. A transition being made to fluid grids and using percentages and EMs rather than pixels and points to adjust type and images. There even needs to simplification in mind that when you get to a mobile phone size screen that parts of the information you see on a desktop or tablet go away complete so that users can focus on the most pertinent information. The extra code to help you pages adapt to screen sizes means that you should have a single set of code rather than multiple sets that respond to various devices (iPad, android phone, or ect...)<br />
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This field of responsive design is spreading like wild fire, because of its usefulness across the many ways we choose to access websites today. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hydrant.co.uk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-4Bgi9ZlM36nlJaLRl0H6C00aEPI_DhAEfsuzUKMAsFrtQIS7lliXKgCzH3B09PulJfqt2-lFM-6Z-XLskg559kU83MRRzU5aU3rABO3vVkL8n4VEs114bIK8O1ggayLLPhIISD45FTP/s1600/hyrdrant.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out <a href="http://www.hydrant.co.uk/">Hyrdant's</a> adaptive website.</td></tr>
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-70353570312652978502012-12-17T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-17T07:00:10.089-06:00Inspired by Vintage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Getting inspired for the holidays with this vintage postcard from the 1960s. The vibrant simple hues of this porstcard really draw me in. They are great colors for the season! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calsidyrose/5256423612/in/photostream/">Image.</a> <em>(I also kinda like the presents that look somewhat like they could be presents from Target.)</em>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-52608809124201741212012-12-12T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-12T07:00:04.851-06:00Type of the Season'Tis the season the for decorative and script typefaces. This is year I definitely have a favorite, <a href="http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font">Black Jack</a>, designed by type designer <a href="http://www.identifont.com/show?7MB">Ronna Penner</a>. It's not a traditional script and has some whimsy to it, which makes it perfect for me. It looks more like a natural hand written type than the calligraphic type of <a href="http://www.fonts.com/font/linotype/shelley-script/allegro">Shelley</a> or <a href="http://www.fonts.com/font/linotype/kuenstler-script">Kuenstler</a>. So add some whimsy to your holiday season this year.<br />
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<strong>Happy 12/12/12!</strong></div>
Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-1344943448536019702012-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:002012-12-05T07:00:13.727-06:00White SpaceI am sure I have mentioned the importance of white space before, but as the holiday seasons approach clients want to fill their ad spaces with holiday specials and other information, and most of the time you can send a better message if you just cut the <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">CRAP</span> </div>
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Keep your customer's attention by focuses it on one or two promotions (depends on ad dimensions). Verbal vomit and plethora of holiday graphics will not make your ad stand out in the sea of other ads doing the exact same thing. Simply by allowing dramatic white space and bring you more attention then <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>LARGE ALL-CAP LETTERS IN RED</b></span> and flanked in holly<span style="font-size: small;">, especially when all the other ads look the exact same. Readers/customers will just pass it over. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It can be hard to hold back when you have so<span style="font-size: small;"> many<span style="font-size: small;"> gr<span style="font-size: small;">eat thing<span style="font-size: small;">s that you want to share with cl<span style="font-size: small;">ients<span style="font-size: small;">, but <span style="font-size: small;">rather than over cluttered ads, utilize the different mediums a<span style="font-size: small;">v<span style="font-size: small;">ailable for advertising today: print, online <span style="font-size: small;">ads, tv, <span style="font-size: small;">and social media. In fact us<span style="font-size: small;">ing different (but similar) promotions on different mediums might help you discover if the location of advertising is working the way you want it to. This also allows for greater satur<span style="font-size: small;">ation in the market.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a good lesson year-round, not just during the holidays.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span>Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-89707644986703011832012-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-03T12:25:27.870-06:00Be Nice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Santa is not the only one looking to mark you naughty or nice, and in business it never hurts to be <i>nice</i>. It can be easy to put on the nice face for clients, customers, and bosses; since they are recognized income. It can be harder to be nice with coworkers, employees, secretaries, and sales representatives (especially when you have had a bad day).<br />
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Some say you need to be a shark to get ahead, but I find that being kind has better results. The advertising world in a mid-sized city is a small market, and eventually you will need something that another agency, former employee, or ect. If you played nice people often happily will find a way to fulfill your request, rather than avoid your calls or flatly refuse to help you at all. <br />
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Coworkers and employees need you to be nice because you spend at least 8 to 9 hours, 5 days a week with these people (<i>that is more time than I spend with my spouse</i>). The more positive work place that you create for yourself means happier employees and working environment. When you are happy with your work environment it increases your happiness and stress level in your home life as well. Coworker bonding is essential for keeping the workplace happy, productive, and enduring. a bad work environment typically leads to high turnover and hurt feelings (<i>with someone you will most likely work with sometime down the road</i>).<br />
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So say a kind word, ask about their life, and give praise when someone has done a good job!Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543548078420047297.post-6100217710848111212012-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:002012-11-30T07:00:05.517-06:00QR Codes RevisitedI have <a href="http://designmorsel.blogspot.com/2011/08/qr-codes-vs-microsoft-tag.html">discussed QR codes before</a>, but this time I am look back over a year later and seeing that they have become <a href="http://www.archrival.com/ideas/13/qr-codes-go-to-college">such a flop</a>. QR has a couple points working against them:<br />
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<b>Time:</b> Phones have not yet made this an easy code to capture. First you have to unlock your phone, download a barcode app, open the app, and then finally scan the code. That is when you encounter the second problem.<br />
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<b>Useability:</b> Many companies that are using these QR codes and do not have a site that adapts for mobile devices. These traditional websites can be difficult to navigate on the small screens. <br />
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<b>Repetition:</b> And then some companies just make it into another spot to post the same marketing material that you got the code off of. When you go through all this effort to check out the code you want a reward not more advertising.<br />
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I experienced this same frustration when I was flipping through the catalog of one of my favorite store: Paper Source. This is one time I was intrigued to see me from a company and wanted to scan the code. It took me to the home page of their regular site. It was a let down. Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10710442151118144428noreply@blogger.com0