Amazing !

This will of course be an animated full frame. The camera will zoom in and move around various sections introducing the contestants. I’ll be sure to include the video shortly!

I really like the branding for Mazda’s new Gift of Branding Commercial. I’d describe it as being Sharp and Mystical, but yet it still maintains the holiday season feel without using the traditional red and green. Nicely Done! Now I just need to find out who the design team is that created it.

I particularly like how the designers incorporated the snowflake into the logo. It’s Nice and Sharp ! Everything here just flows so well together.

 (Let me add that the package was shot well.)

 (I love the use of dimension and lighting during the closing scene of the sequence!)

Check out the actual commercial under the hood.

Take a look at the use of typography in this first video. I like the way the design team integrates both the English and Japanese fonts together. I also like the way the text is animated in to introduce each character. Without a doubt, it adds to the dramatic feel of the open.

2011 Version

 Original 90′s Version

Kuler

I’ve been using Kuler for years. It’s a flash based color selection Web App by Adobe, that was recommended to me by a college buddy way back when. It comes in handy, during those times when I get stuck on deciding which colors will work right within a particular project.

Kuler allows it’s users to choose from custom colors created by other users, or create their own colors with the use of a dynamic and interactive color wheel. Users can also copy and paste hexadecimal values into programs like Illustrator and photo composting programs like Photoshop and After Effects. This really comes in handy!

Kuler also gives you the option to choose your colors based on an image! Isn’t that Awesome !!?

Kuler

Check it out!

Sketchbook and Pencil Set

It’s important as Designers that we draw regularly and daily if possible. Drawing is the root of good, well thought out Design and Animation and will help out tremendously when going through the pre-production stages of a project.

I received this Sketchbook and Pencil set from Amazon today. It’s been awhile since I drew on a consistent daily basis and I believe that I can take my creativity to the next level, once I begin to do so again. I’ll definitely be sure to keep everyone here posted on anything cool that I come up with… I’m excited!

-MD

4 Steve

The image above is actually an iPhone screensaver/wallpaper that’s going around on Facebook. I found it on the iPhone 4s Facebook Page. Feel free to take this and use it on your iPhone.

There’s even a campaign on FB to make this re-branding a reality, by having Apple create a limited edition: iPhone 4 Steve model, as seen below.

Low Res

Proposed 4 Steve Limited Edition

You will definitely be missed. I was on my home from work when I found out this sad news. At first I thought that it may be a distasteful rumor, but it was confirmed by Apple. This is a sad loss, but the Legacy of Steve Jobs will remain. I feel fortunate that I was able to live throughout and experience the innovations he left with us.

Thanks Steve 

We Love Fine T-shirt

That’s why, when I ran across this site yesterday, I had to share it with everyone. It’s called We Love Fine .com and they have some pretty cool, nicely designed shirts there. The selection ranges from anything from Star Wars (of course…) and Marvel comic book characters, to my little pony.

I’ll definitely be sending for 2 of these shirts soon, that is, after I get a new i-phone of course.

PS- I love the $8 dollar t-shirts at Old Navy as well…

…and also, don’t ever show up to a design gig or interview wearing a suite and tie. (in most cases anyway)

-MD

It Read:

“this is an unpaid gig and the best we can do for you is feature your contact info on the website.”

By the way… this is a for profit organization. They sell items on the website.

Um… I think I’ll have to pass on this one.