Bardelli is an Italian manufacturer that hand produces tiles with artwork by famous local artists, from the past and present. Their imagery and design is so unique and beautiful - I had the opportunity to see them in a working space at Igloo Design. I don't think there is any other tile company in the world that produces such stunning products with an artistic approach that works seamless and perfect as Bardelli.

Bardelli Tiles are available in Canada through Igloo Pro

Davide Giliati Design recently designed a 100 page magazine for Denim & Diamonds charity event that took place this weekend. The event was really great and the final magazine was excellent! Images of the final product will be posted soon!

I've been researching some imagery and examples of Shabby Chic Design and probably the most popular and end-all of this style is Rachel Ashwell. I found a photograph on her website that I found very inspiring - it really sums up the mood of being in a creative workspace. 

A client approached me to design some new business cards for his company that sells Imported Italian suits. He showed me this image which was used since the opening of the store in the late 70s, which I found to be really visually interesting. So think about it: In the 70s this was a fresh modern image, passed through the 90s and 00s where it probably looked dated. Today, it's a genuine vintage photograph that I'd be more than happy to use in their brand. The colour combination and attitude of the models are just brilliant!

Some type I found. I really love the contrast of a beautifully designed script typeface combined with a rugged environment or application.

This is some really great inspiration I found online. Absolutely Stunning!

As a graphic designer, I've grown to expect working with very detail-oriented and specifically needy clients. In fact, I've always welcome the challenge of working with them. It's what helps a designer grow! However, to my surprise, a handful of medium to large-sized businesses are not even equipped with their own minimum requirements for logo files to achieve the perfect brand image they are looking for. Just because you have a logo, doesn't mean you have your logo!

A Jpeg is not enough!
If the only trace of your current logo is a low-res jpeg file, then something is wrong! Jpegs or Gifs are rarely print worthy - they are web-optimized image files meant for screen usage. Most Jpegs are saved in lower quality formats to allow quick transmissions through email or webpages. There is no way to increase the quality of these images for larger formats.

Colours
Another problem with image files are the colour indications. Jpegs have no way of indicating exactly what colours your logo uses. When printing, designers rely on a Pantone or Process Colour chart to specify what will appear on print. Everyone's computer screen displays different colours, resulting in an inconsistent print result if colour charts are not followed.

Backgrounds
Low-res images also limit the logo to staying on it's current background image. There are no tasteful ways to allow placement onto a green background if the logo is currently on a white background.

Solution
After having your logo designed, always ask for the final working files when completed. Having your Vector (EPS) files allow you enlarge or shrink your logo as you see fit without losing any quality. A properly saved logo will also include different colour formats, such as Grayscale, Process (CMYK) and Pantone. All this can be recording onto a CD or transferred by email... and don't forget to backup your copies!

Fashion Week begins!

There is nothing better than a fresh pair of High Tops. Something about the bulky, old-school aspects instill a sense of confidence that no other piece of fashion can. People always say 'You can judge a person by the shoes they are wearing'. Now, I have to admit, I'm not a big spender in the clothing department. A pair of Chuck Taylors was always enough for me... until looking at the Fall/Winter 2010 Lanvin Sneaker line-up. Does it get any better? Even Michelle Obama wears them!

Banksy is a graffiti artist from the UK with an international reputation for painting anti-war or anti-establishment images in urban environments. What's great about his work, is the placement of his pieces. He places his art in context with his environment, often run-down neighbourhoods.

Will Banksy come to a hood near you?

Interesting concept for awareness: A project named Virtual Water uses graphic design to inform the public about water usage. As Canadians, we have the privilege of having the most abundant fresh water sources along with the best water filtration in the world. Take a look at how much water it required to produce simple everyday household products.

No, I'm not offering to print your cards on Beef Jerky, but a company named Meatcards.com is. Although it's a unique idea, I wouldn't call this practical or effective to actually hand out. Your client would probably get hungry. I wonder if they'll soon offer a tofu option for vegetarians.

In a market oversaturated with gaudy hotels, Pur Hotel in Quebec City takes the opposite approach by implementing a highly linear and simplistic hotel design. I hate using the word minimalist, but when an entire building interior is is surrounded by either white or grey walls, you don't really have a choice. Whether or not you feel comfortable to spend a weekend is this type of environment, it's good to know there are local 'design-friendly' spaces at such a large scale.

Sudtipos remains at the top of my favourite font foundries. Led by Alejandro Paul, Sudtipos is the first Agentinean type foundry in Buenos Aires. Their typefaces, although probably not fit for lawyer firms, are organic, playful and full of character! Great for shorter length applications such as signage & logotypes.

I received this as a gift from my friends at Montreal State of Mind. Designed by Frank Gehry a Canadian born architect, the bottle looks more like an elite tower, than a vodka bottle. Looks a lot like the Gehry Tower he designed in Germany.