Home Sweet Home

I love how much these buildings stand out from the typical, everyday design of our cookie cutter urban landscape. Its so nice to see something "out of the box" (even though some of them look like "the box"). The building at the top appears as if it were melting into a deformed version if its former self. I really think it would grab a lot of attention from passer byers. Then we have the house that somewhat resembles an upside down door stop, but it is trendy and unique isn't it? I love the 3rd building as well. The overhang appears to be held up by some unexplained force, and the random area missing along the back would make a really cool patio area.

HDR

HDR - High Dynamic Range

In image processing, computer graphics and photography, HDR is a set of techniques that allow greater dynamic range or luminance's between the lightest and darkest areas of an image. This wider dynamic range allows HDR images to more accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes.

Personally, I love the effect HDR does to an image. It adds so much more detail that would be typically left out in a regular digital photo. Like any technique, I find people can tend to over use this and make the photo look too grainy and unrealistic. I'm starting to see a lot more HDR used lately, especially in automotive photography.

iPad It's For That Time Of The Month

The new iPad, well ladies all I have to say is that this is for you and that special time of the month. Personally I have a cold spot for all Apple products and personally believe that they are money craving whores - pushing people to spend their money on their pretty and flashy gadgets. Being in a Graphic Design program, I am one of the odd balls who wants to throw the useless Mac that sits upon my desk out the window. When first entering second year, I came in with an open mind about learning and using the computer, however, as time went on I continued to struggle with it's so called, user friendly programming. SO fed up with how things were rolling, or the lack there of, I decided to... well spurge $500 that I didn't have on software for my HP laptop - whom has been my friend ever since I bought it. Now... This new iPad thingy that Apple has just released is ridiculous. On the website, the iPad claims: SAFARI iPad is the best way to experience the web. View whole pages in portrait or landscape on the large Multi-Touch screen. And let your fingers do the surfing. MAIL There’s nothing like the Mail app on iPad. With a split-screen view and expansive onscreen keyboard, it lets you see and touch your email in ways you never could before. VIDEOS The 9.7-inch high-resolution screen makes iPad perfect for watching HD movies, TV shows, podcasts, music videos, and more... and features continue.... Alright, so yes, they claim that this iPad will give you the best experience possible. But what I don't understand is why people would spend $400 plus depending on what features you are looking for, on something that's 1.5 pounds and 0.5 " thin. Basically the stupid thing, is a HUGE iPod, which is kinda a little joke; are you going to see people jogging with their iPads in the next year? Wouldn't that be a scene... I feel as though, your experience on this iPad, would be the shittiest experience ever, compared to a computer (a regular sized computer - that normal people use) Nothing jumps out at me, about this mechanism - except that, yes it is 'pretty'. I feel that people need the newest fads, and are willing to spend numerous amounts of money just to have those things, regardless of if they actually need it. What a sad materialistic world we live in....

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy

László Moholy-Nagy ['la:slo: 'mohoj, nƣ] was born on July 20, 1895 in the small village of Borsod, in southern Hungary. His childhood wasn't much of a fairytale, as his wealthy father abandoned the family when he was very young. In order to survive, László, his mother, and younger brother Ákos were taken to their uncle's home in Moholy, known today as Mol,in Serbia. (The Moholy-Nagy Foundation) While László is referred to as one of the most influential artists of his time, sadly, he is vaguely remembered. Although he followed the Constructivist movement, László worked in so many different mediums that no single ac- complishment has come to be associated with his name. (The New York Times) in 1938. (Columbia Encyclopedia: László Moholy-Nagy) Nevertheless, Moholy-Nagy was an extraordinarily idealistic man, who truly believed in his concepts of design and teaching, and worked very hard to fulfill his goals. (Biography: László Moholy-Nagy) László was also recognized for the key role and influence he played in 20th century art and design education; first at the Bauhaus in Germany and then later at the New Bauhaus and Institute of De- sign in Chicago, where he promoted the values of European Modernism. (Modern Design Dictionary) As an educator he developed a widely accepted curriculum that would enhance both students’ natural talents, as well as their specialized talents. (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia)

Logos Gone Bad

So here we will start with 5 company logo's that may not have turned out exactly as planned. The first is a pediatric center that would not be the first place I would want to take my child. The Second is for a Dental Clinic, or is it a Kama Sutra position? The 3rd is supposed to be an Asian restaurant with a rising sun in the background, although it looks more like... well you know. Forth up is the use of a mouse for a "U". Well at least I think its a mouse. Last is our Junior Jazz Dance Classes, I think it was supposed to be two people dancing together, but it would also work for a breast implant surgeon's business card.

Grab A Seat

Here we have some of the most unique sofas I have ever seen. The yin and yang red sofas fit together like a puzzle. The next is hard to tell if it is on the wall or the floor, and brings a new meaning to the term wallflower. Then there is the one that I will describe as... blue french fries, I wouldn't even care if its comfortable. It just looks cool. Next up is the sofa composed of rectangular cubes. I think the single orange cube is what makes this stand apart. Then we have the sofa that reminds me of those 60's style egg chairs. I love the colours of this. Last is the sofa that is one of my favorites. Really unique design, and I'm pretty sure it rocks.

Little Boxes

This proves that shelving does not have to be conventional, or boring. This person has added a personal artistic element to the room, as well as having practical shelving. I love the way they carry from one wall to another, and the best part... if you run out of shelf space, just add some more little boxes.

Wow

First there was the revolutionary Mercedes Benz CLS. This design changed the way we looked at a saloon car. A long sweeping hood, and a low slung roof gave this bahn burner a truly unique look. Soon to follow was the Volkswagen Passat CC, or Concept Coupe as it was referred to prior production.

Now the Koreans have followed suit, and to be honest, have done so remarkably well. This is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Yes, that is correct, it is a Hyundai. The car looks fast, even when standing still. The conventional rectangular headlights have been replaced with, i don't know, a paint splatter. I really think this car looks great, and starting at only $22,649 CDN is a great bang for buck.

2010 Olympics

Now the whole concept behind the Olympics is great - athletes get to prove to the world that they are the best of the best. However, my complaints begin when countries such as Canada who are in debt billions of dollars decide to host an event that costs approx:

OLYMPIC VILLAGE: approx. $1-billion

OLYMPIC/PARALYMPIC CENTRE: approx. $30.05-million so far, approx. $85.45-million in total

CANADA PAVILION: approx. $10-million

SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY: approx. $600-million

RICHMOND OVAL: approx. $178-million

WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE: approx. $105-million

CANADA LINE (SKYTRAIN): approx. $2.05-billion

Sure everyone believes that because of the Olympics Canada will gain back a lot of money - but in reality it will take tax payers money nearly 10 years to pay back the debt. Isn't that great?

(Facts from: http://www.nationalpost.com/most-popular/story.html?id=2626214)

Designism Project

The idea behind this massive project stems from the unethical treatment of animals in slaughterhouses/farms that cater to both small and big food corporations. For the most part, the fast food industry is the main perpetrator for this inhumane and cruel treatment of animals in both slaughterhouses/farms. Some primary examples are: McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's, and Burger King. These companies are more concerned about maximizing output and minimizing costs and throwing animal rights aside. Our idea for this designism project is to take the packaging that is known world-wide (such as burger boxes, paper bags, and even chicken buckets) and turning them into surfaces that would help express our concern. On each piece, we would like to include a piece of harsh reality/shocking aspect (such as photographs, information and facts) and a message, which inturn let the customer know that there are ways that they can make a difference whether big or small. If there are any suggestions or comments to Nicole & I's designism proposition please leave a comment - we really want this to be a successful project! (Photo from: http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Uploads/Graphics/173-0406225347-horses27a_color_400.jpg) Watch this video (warning very disturbing) - www.meat.org