condra design

The swirl cone of the future

2011-05-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

Light cream cone.

Animated gifs. All grow'd up.

2011-05-12T15:40:00.000-04:00

Must. Learn. How to make these animated gifs. Seriously awesome work.

But I only need a few letters

2011-04-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

What happens when you don't want to purchase an entire typeface, but do want to use the letters? This happens. I can't wait to see how the other type houses respond. (probably with %&*@, why didn't we think of that?)

Home Depot

2011-04-01T09:49:00.000-04:00

What an opportunity to upgrade and really say something with their logo. Nope, I couldn't find a shape or a concept in the negative space.

Leveling expectations

2011-03-31T21:47:00.002-04:00

Holy crap, this is cool.

Clipped nails. I mean klhip-ed

2011-03-31T16:14:00.000-04:00

I imagine these cut like a light saber through butter, but I'll never know for sure at $70 a pop.

Starbucks updates

2011-03-08T08:59:00.000-05:00

Nothing new, as the logo had been released. But a nice update, nonetheless.

That's why they're so popular

2011-03-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

They're still trying to teach a lesson! P is for physics, A is for addiction and XXX is for the bedroom.

Just walkin' my dinosaur

2011-02-03T09:46:00.002-05:00

Smart toys

2011-01-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

Has anybody else noticed the similarities?

Self standing plate for drying

2011-01-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

One tiny adjustment changes the plate forever.

Let's get this party started

2011-01-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

Based on the Jim Morrison quote "I just want to get my kicks before the whole shit house goes up in flames.” Just smart.

3d Font?

2010-12-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner...I'm just sayin'.

Kenetic

2010-12-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

So where do you keep your cell phone? Front pocket or purse? They move around all day long right? Kinda like your wrist? What if they added kinetic charging to your cell phone, would that make you happy? It would make me happy and probably Mother Nature too.

Nerd Post

2010-11-04T14:11:00.000-04:00

Thank you InDesign Tip of the Week:

Did you know that Word's DOCX file format is a glorified ZIP file? Change the extension to ZIP, unzip it, and you'll find all of the document's original assets, including the images as individual files in a folder. More importantly, InDesign can access the original high-resolution images when you place a DOCX file, even if they're CMYK. The older DOC format converts all images to RGB PNG files.

New phones

2010-11-01T15:56:00.001-04:00

With big screen phones becoming the norm, could we help the blind out and incorporate screens that raise and lower braille dots? You could push buttons and navigate the phone, go to webpages and make calls. I'm just sayin', this could be really cool.

Traffic light of the future

2010-11-01T15:48:00.000-04:00

Can I ppplease see the brief again? I thought it said they wanted a simple traffic guidance system. Am I mistaken?

Schools

2010-11-01T11:47:00.000-04:00

Driving past a few schools recently, I have noticed many have overflow rooms. With the amount of unused or unleased office space could the school potentially start taking over and building UP vs out?

Work

2010-10-29T14:00:00.003-04:00

Never underestimate the power of a little manual labor. It is good for the soul.

Photographs

2010-10-25T10:06:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I have to remind myself when I see old photographs, that the scenes and people in the images were in full color and try to imagine them as it happened.

Traffic

2010-10-25T10:02:00.001-04:00

I drove to work today in the rain. I noticed that we have advanced the safety of the roads by adding reflectors to the street and the signs. Not that I hadn't noticed them before, but I wondered if they are really better for us or are they helping to give us false security. Before these were implemented, drivers drove slower because they couldn't see in an inclement of weather. Now, we drive faster because the reflectors tell us where the yellow line is and the signs show that there is a bend in the road.

So, which is it? Are we safer because they clearly mark the unseen or less safe because we take more chances?

Legal Marks

2010-10-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

® TM SM ©
Can somebody please explain to me why these marks have to be part of design? If you have officially registered your designs, they should be legally covered. So why do they need to be marked as such in. every. single. design?

Sweet Tea

2010-10-21T13:43:00.001-04:00

Ok, I grew up in the north but live in the south. My grandmother always made sweet tea for us, still love it and am glad it is a staple at every restaurant I go to. But when did it go from sweet tea to diabetes tea? Or, am I just getting old?

In a somewhat related note. How long until one of the burger chains introduce sweet potato french fries? That idea is solid gold.

Letterpressed Apples

2010-10-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

No, really. This could be a great advance in printing for the masses. Or, it will remove a bit of the allure of having something that is a little more exclusive and special.

Concrete Lego

2010-07-14T18:41:00.002-04:00

Now available at Gold's Gym.

Little Nemo

2010-07-14T18:37:00.003-04:00

Ahhhh! Watch out little fishy! That plastic bag is going to eat you! What? That isn't real? Oh, it is a fossil. It's not a fossil? Oh, it is supposed to look like a fossil, I get it. But the little fish will be ok, right?

Oil Spill

2010-07-14T18:31:00.002-04:00

Let me get this straight. It took the United States from May 6 until June 29 to accept assistance from other countries. Are we stubborn or stupid? Why would we NOT want help?

Honey Jar

2010-05-25T11:04:00.003-04:00

Or as Pooh would say, Hunny Pot. Regardless, this is beautiful and wonderful. Yep, at the same time.

I need this.

2010-05-19T21:52:00.003-04:00

Hardwood flooring that is made from reclaimed whiskey barrels you ask? Yes, please.

A two legged table?

2010-01-19T10:31:00.002-05:00

Get outta here. Oh, actually that's smart.

Stop drinking bottled water

2009-12-17T16:52:00.002-05:00

need I say more?

Crowdsourcing cops

2009-12-17T00:19:00.003-05:00

Whilst needs to make a comeback in the English language.

Model Boat

2009-12-16T23:55:00.003-05:00

It's just that easy.

Typography

2009-12-16T23:52:00.002-05:00

With the emphasis on Typo.

2010 Olympic Medals

2009-10-16T10:06:00.001-04:00

VANOC has unveiled the 2010 Olympic medals - each is casted from re-used circuit boards, laser engraved with a unique pattern (each medal is different), and the form factor represents the landscape of Vancouver. Awesome. Just awesome.

Feminine chair

2009-10-15T10:22:00.007-04:00

Either that chair has to pee, or somebody finally thought how inappropriate it is for a chair to sit with its' legs all spread eagle.

Book design

2009-10-15T10:19:00.002-04:00

But can Kindle do this?

Spray paint

2009-08-20T22:51:00.004-04:00

It's light blue! ha.

Roadsworth graffitti

2009-08-20T22:48:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure why we like dandelions so much. They're hard as hell to get rid of.

Wood bike frame

2009-08-13T09:24:00.002-04:00

Yes please.

More or less

2009-08-13T09:23:00.002-04:00

This is more or less awesome.

Giant rat eating plant

2009-08-13T09:22:00.003-04:00

Say it slowly with me, "Giant...Rat...Eating...Plant." Holy crap.

Atlanta SEED awards

2009-08-13T09:20:00.003-04:00

These are the SEED design awards for 2009. They were made from the packaging used to send in submissions. How incredibly wonderful. Innovative, smart, green, and damned annoying since I didn't think of it.

Watercone

2009-06-22T10:26:00.003-04:00

What a great product. It's smart, well thought through. And not just the initial use, but the packaging, size, recycle- ability, and how much water it produces.

Heredity

2009-05-12T19:46:00.002-04:00

He can't help it, he was born a judger.

Roomba art

2009-05-10T22:07:00.004-04:00

Ever wonder what kind of pattern your seemingly drunk Roomba was making? Notice the beautiful spiral pattern in the starting position.

Noooooo

2009-05-10T20:25:00.002-04:00

Would you have doodled a hand to add emphasis? Effective, eh?

Lazy type

2009-05-10T20:24:00.001-04:00

Honest art. At least he is halfway through his lazyness...

When pigs fly

2009-05-10T20:21:00.003-04:00

It made me chuckle, now you must. Or, suffer the consequences.

Typography

2009-05-07T18:29:00.002-04:00

Typography has feelings too.

Loyalty Card

2009-05-07T09:39:00.002-04:00

This is a loyalty card for a chocolate store. Nope, it isn't what you are you used to. I'm pretty sure that was the point.

2D 3D map

2009-05-03T18:22:00.002-04:00

Ever wonder why flat maps have to be flat? What if they weren't? This.

Raining Money

2009-04-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

I wonder what I would do if I had just stacks of money laying around. Wonder if I would cut 'em all up...cuz that's what Scott Campbell did.

Beautiful Graphs

2009-04-22T14:25:00.002-04:00

Why do graphs have to be ugly? Oh, they don't.

Video Mash-up

2009-04-22T14:23:00.003-04:00

Daaaaang. Another beautiful use of patience and talent.

Daily self portrait

2009-04-21T16:45:00.002-04:00

Johan Leion is creating a self portrait every day. It is great to see the different styles coming from the monotony. Could you do it? Would you? I think I would get sick of looking at myself.

Makita ad

2009-04-21T16:41:00.004-04:00

That's a whole lotta holes. The follow up on this ad should be asking the guy who had to drill all of said holes. What does he think about Makita now?

What graphs can be

2009-04-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

Funny and effective. What I strive to be...

Audi vs. BMW

2009-04-20T09:46:00.001-04:00

POW!

High speed rail coming to US?

2009-04-20T09:27:00.003-04:00

There is now a plan to bring high speed trains to America. Finally. But, as you can see from the proposed map, you will only be able to go really fast to certain parts of the country. Hopefully this is only the first phase and there will be a day these are connected.

Beautiful graffiti

2009-04-15T17:41:00.002-04:00

Smart graffiti is still better than dumb art.

Brown Fat to the rescue?

2009-04-14T11:55:00.006-04:00

"For more than 30 years, scientists have been intrigued by brown fat, a cell that acts like a furnace, consuming calories and generating heat. Rodents, unable to shiver effectively to keep warm, use brown fat instead. So do human infants, who do not shiver very well. But it was generally believed that humans lose brown fat after infancy, no longer needing it once the shivering response kicks in." Click the title to continue reading.

I am hoping sitting in a cold room will have the effect they are looking for, no drugs needed. The last thing we need is another drug commercial with half of the ad talking about the side effects. "This drug may or may not cause heart stoppage and anal leakage. Ask your doctor if every drug known to man is or is not right for you." Could you be more vague and descriptive at the same time? It's like describing somebody as the really tall short guy, or really skinny fat chick.

Pulp fiction typography (note: Adult language)

2009-04-14T11:50:00.004-04:00

This was done quite some time ago, but it looks like Ford found it inspirational when creating their recent TV spots. It is amazing how typography can tell such a visual story.

Sheep Art

2009-04-14T11:35:00.001-04:00

What incredible ingenuity and patience.

Kohler

2009-04-14T09:46:00.002-04:00

Damn Kohler! Nice job thinking differently! (note: doesn't this have a 70's feel to it?)

Christmas Frog

2009-04-14T09:03:00.002-04:00

I wonder what all of the lady frogs were saying...

Flat, flexible speakers

2009-04-14T08:59:00.003-04:00

"A groundbreaking new loudspeaker, less than 0.25mm thick, has been developed by University of Warwick engineers, it's flat, flexible, could be hung on a wall like a picture, and its particular method of sound generation could make public announcements in places like passenger terminals clearer, crisper, and easier to hear."

Are you kidding me? I piece of tin foil is now a loudspeaker? How incredible is that?

Bag ads

2009-04-14T08:56:00.005-04:00

I'm sure you have seen similar bag ads, but these were new to me. Click the title above to see more.

Super walker

2009-04-13T13:36:00.002-04:00

Smart graffiti is better than dumb art.

Tree stump print

2009-04-13T13:34:00.003-04:00

Ok, how badass is this? I didn't think of this, but I wish I had. I think those are the bees knees. Whatever that means.

All in one card stamp

2009-04-07T10:35:00.003-04:00

It's almost like this was designed with my identity in mind. Don't be alarmed if you start seeing these from me...

Typography

2009-04-07T10:33:00.003-04:00

What a great example of what type can be. But do you think that's all he had to say? No social commentary, no pushing his beliefs on you, just a simple statement.

New Math by Craig Damrauer

2009-04-07T10:30:00.003-04:00

The first is by Craig Damrauer and his site has a bunch like it. I don't know if he did the second, but I sure love the simplicity of the two.

Water Turbine

2009-04-06T10:32:00.003-04:00

This little gem is a tiny turbine that attaches to your faucet and creates energy that goes back to the grid. It is not going to change the world with one faucet, but what if every house had a turbine that was placed at the street from the main water line to the house? Instead of a small turbine, you get a big one and instead of trying to reengineer every pipe in your house you do one. Plus, if they do this for everyone the price is driven down and it becomes more feasible. Ready? Go.

Snow White

2009-04-06T10:28:00.003-04:00

A smart solution to something we have become accustomed to seeing. That lovely apple that has cost us all so much money over the years...

Print

2009-04-02T11:06:00.003-04:00

Nice use of 2D and 3D. Oh and imagination. Gotta love imagination.

LED

2009-04-02T11:04:00.004-04:00

Love the logo, hate the Hello (fill in the blank) BS that seems to infect the world almost as Got (fill in the blank)?

The truth of Unemployment

2009-04-02T11:03:00.001-04:00

The truth hurts.

Dentist's biz card

2009-04-02T11:01:00.002-04:00

Simple, effective and smart. Definitely one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments.

Old School Google

2009-03-31T10:26:00.002-04:00

This has to my favorite idea right now. In today's digital reality, its hard to believe anybody was able to get anything done in a work day. Or month.

Carrot wrap

2009-03-31T10:24:00.001-04:00

It seems like such a simple idea. But look how great the final result is. Who says guerilla marketing doesn't work? Take that clients!

artist daniel arsham

2009-03-31T10:22:00.003-04:00

Gallery walls are the perfect place for simplicity. But come to think of it, this would be just as shockingly beautiful in a home.

Fruit Juice Packaging by Naoto Fukasawa

2009-03-30T14:16:00.002-04:00

Why not use nature as a guide? Or a template? Great idea, and beautiful executions.

The Great Green Outdoors

2009-03-27T15:07:00.003-04:00

Found on Inhabitat: "As of March 1, the three largest outdoor communications companies will no longer be using paper or PVC for their billboards, citing the need to transition to more environmentally friendly materials. As an alternative, Clear Channel Communications, CBS Outdoor, and Lamar Advertising will now be rolling out Eco Posters made from fully recyclable polyethylene (PE) substrate. These new posters take less time to install, don’t require any toxic glue to paste them up, don’t peel or wrinkle like paper, and can last up to 3 times as long."

Mornings

2009-03-26T10:55:00.005-04:00

This is our dog Zoë.This is not Zoë, but it is how she likes to wake us up in the morning. Good morning.

Boxed Water?

2009-03-25T11:08:00.004-04:00

Would you drink it? Would you drink it if you had the option of paper or plastic? Do you still drink from the garden hose? Or are these guys nuts?

Microsoft

2009-03-25T11:00:00.002-04:00

I have to do it. I don't normally have great things to say about Microsoft products, but this is an absolute exception. It is a full size portable mouse that folds to a mini size. It even borrows the idea of using a magnet to keep the usb transmitter safe and sound. Beautiful packaging, beautiful product. Thank you for doing something to make yourself relevant. My only comment comes from my inner-hippie. That is an awful lot of extra packaging for an instruction manual. At least it isn't the impossible to open, cut two fingers off trying to tear through bubble packaging that so many companies are trying to get rid of.

Contxts

2009-03-25T10:50:00.003-04:00

My brother in-law told me about this page and am very intrigued. Not because I think they have eliminated the traditional business card, but because this can be so much more than you contact information...What if it isn't just what is found on your biz card? What if it is a little story or a coupon, or a joke. Maybe it contains a secret link to a site that not everybody gets to see. I'm just saying. I wonder if it could DO more than just replace the biz card since you would still have to give them a number/password. (unless you send this link to them) Which could be really fun after you talk to them at a review and they get your biz card. It could be a way to be memorable.

Post Secret

2009-03-25T10:33:00.003-04:00

Post Secret is an ongoing art project secretly letting people publicly share their secrets. It is insanely addictive, but what amazes me more than the stories is how much natural talent people have for design. Granted, not everyone is blessed with creativity, but it is great to see the illustrations and typography when the world isn't forced to use Microsoft products and clipart.