Design Driven

So.  Here are designs that everyone should take a look at. Even if you’re not really into design.  Even if you think design is for sissies.  You should look at these images.  I’ve known about these guys for a while.  When they introduced the Hellcat I was hooked, but I’m a designer.  Then they introduced the Wraith (which btw. tops our at around 185 mph and costs about 95k) and I was intrigued. Then they introduced the Fighter and I fell in love.  You just want to stare at these bikes. They express a quality that simply is.  Some bikes copy other designs, some let their brand identity drive the look of their bikes, some put out so many versions, they get lost in the mix.  However, Confederate Cycles exists to create something different.  They are creating objects that exist in their own category.  They don’t look like anyone else, they don’t follow trends, they don’t saturate the market with their product.  They create functional, machined, high speed art that stares you in the eye, answers your questions, compliments your mother, and then rolls away leaving deep respect and awe in it’s wake.  These bikes tell a story and back it up with muscles of tempered steel.  I could go on, but it wouldn’t help.  Take a look at the pictures.

Graphic Greatness

So, in keeping with my most recent packaging obsession, I found the below shots.  I think they’re a great way to inspire brand identity, encourage curiosity, and establish their message -quickly and simply.  Most are linked to their source, so if you like them, feel free to dive into the world of packaging and branding.  Don’t blame me if you lose an hour to surfing…

The Packaging of PSD

Hello all,

I’ve recently entered a competition.  I’m competing against another designer here to rebrand the packaging of PSD.  This is not an easy task.  It’s one of those design topics where traditional won’t work.  It won’t even begin to inform.  So you can’t start there.  It’s one of those designs where you have to approach the design from the side.  I can’t look at the solution head on because if I do, all I’ll see is forest when I want to see the trees.  Confused? Yeah, you’re not the one competing for the best idea.  However, in my research I stumbled across these guys.  It’s a start… now for the sidestep…

Design and Summer

So the sun is FINALLY out.  Sorry, let me rephrase that, the sun is finally out and I am still sitting in-doors answering phones and working at my computer.  However, there are things working in the back of my mind.  Namely-

Boats.

That’s right, I was raised on the water.  Mainly freshwater, it was a rare occurrence (college) that I didn’t have access to a boat and the water.  Now I’ve landed in the middle of the Fingerlakes region in Upstate NY.  A virtual Shangrila of boating.  So, this post makes sense.  It’s a quick discussion into my boating urge and eventual solution.  I recently purchased my first boat, a 1985 Starcraft aluminum bow rider.  It’s got a duel axle trailer, Bimini, swim ladder, and a 120 horse Evinrude engine to power it.  So far, after all the repairs, it’s shaping up to be a great starter boat (I emphasize so far).  In my recent searching, I came across the Hurricane.  This boat allows for just about everything, they’re open enough to accept a family, fast enough to tow a skier, and have the capability to add all sorts of fishing needs.  It was the boat I wanted to buy.  It was not however, the boat that I could afford.  Yet, from a design stance, it’s great to see that there is a company out there producing boats that blend the need for a family that likes to have fun, with a dad that likes to fish.

Sun, fun, and fish all in one package

http://www.hurricaneboats.com/