Weekly Obsession: Photo Heat Maps

Recently I ran across this article on PetaPixel called Big City Heat Maps. A guy named Eric Fischer went and collect geolocation data from sites like Flickr and Picasa and created these maps. The blue points represents photos taken by the locals, red points are tourists and yellow are points taken from people that couldn't be determined. It really does shows the "hot spots" of these frequently visited cities and it's very interesting to see it this graphic form. It's even fun to point out the San Fran bridge and Alcatraz and the many spots in Paris. I think it could also stand alone and make some interesting art, especially for map lovers like me!

Photo 1: San Francisco
Photo 2: Paris
See other photos here at PetaPixel

Weekly Obsession - A La Carte

I just ran across these beautifully hand drawn maps via Notcot and I'm in love. I am incredible jealous of those that can sketch such wonderful things from their travels. Well, hand drawn maps I think are even more fantastic! I just drool over this stuff. A La Carte offers maps from Barcelona, London, Munich, New York, Paris, Shangha, Tokyo, Vienna, Washington, D.C. and Zurich. These maps are a combination of "guidebook, tourist map and a piece of art all in one." It's kind of like a friend of yours that lives in that particular place hands you a map with all the hot spots, interesting tips, things off the beaten track and what to do and see. Perfect for those spontaneous adventurous Flashpackers and journal keepers alike looking for the best kept secrets. What a great way to make a memory. Shoot, time to place an order.

Buy maps at A La Carte

Expo Design

Went to a Women's Fair Expo this weekend to scope out any travel agency competition and as I walked down about the sixth row of booths my eye was caught by this little one promoting plastic surgery. After I had walked past I realized "oh wait I made that booth! Like months and months and months ago but I made that!" So I had to back track and take a picture. Best little set up there I'd say. ;-) No really.

Funny side note about the project. When I was told to look for layout photos they suggested, "now look for some more chesty women". Well ok, I will do that. Awkward.

El Mapa del Mundo

Need a world map? I think you do! These people wanted a map but got tired of the same old boring maps and decided to make their own modern design. Up close I love how the counties are drawn out and the colors are pretty retro. On top of that it's all silkscreened. So for as long as supplies last it's all yours for the price of $60 plus shipping. And this reminds me, I need to start my globe and map collection.

Buy here at These Are Things

The Last Supper

How many of you Lost fans have seen this promo shoot - The Last Supper? Some say it may not have any meaning or hints to it, but I think thats wrong. Lost is known for throwing little bits of suggestions all over their shows, web, promos and print. And Locke as Jesus? Not far fetched at all, he died and rose form the dead. Check out some other Last Supper promos like House, Battlestar Galactica and The Sopranos.

Update: The Lost Bingo was a hit! Of course it's hard to read in the dark while you're mesmerized by the mess of the story unfolding before you, but it was a fun touch to the party. I only lost by one phrase, "Severed Limb". Dangit.

Photo via http://abc.go.com/

This Week's Obsession:

Art In My Coffee

Today, when I was surfing for some web design ideas, I ran across this lovely little site dedicated totally to....coffee art! How people can draw such detailed perfect figures in their foam and milk, I don't know. But I do know that I am jealous of this talent. If I was ever handed a cup of coffee with a bear starring back at me, I don't think I'd be able to drink it. Check out the other 600 some designs tomorrow when you're bored at work and really wanting a cup of coffee.

Photos via Art In My Coffee

Getting Some Press

Sultry Garden Romance

These are two of the color schemes I picked from that I liked for my wedding colors. I chose the first one (Sultry Garden Romance) because it had that rustic spanish feel to it with that bright pop of color. Now was it very noticeable at the wedding besides the stationary and some flowers? No, not so much. It was a wedding in Mexico - I really didn't have as much control as I would have liked. But it was a good chance to exercise letting go and not being in control of everything. But I'm a designer and maybe it only mattered to me.

Photos via 100 Layer Cake

Boarding Pass Redesign

Graphic Designer Tyler Thompson decided that Delta's boarding passes "make you want to scratch your eyes out" and its so true (along with every other airline). Not only are boarding passes just plain ugly, they are also ridiculous to try and read and find information in a hurry. Every time, I have to sit there and study these suckers for a few long seconds to see "shoot, what gate am I at?" or "I need to fill out these immigration forms like whoa and they want my what, flight number?" That requires some research. The color options probably wouldn't be doable on the airport's 70's style printers but these two above I love. They have the flight, gate, seat and zone right there for ya. I think he should totally take these to the airlines.

And thats what graphic designers are meant to do - change lifestyles and lives for the better. Why didn't I think of this?

ICT Airport As My Gallery

So I was walking through the airport recently and was pleasantly surprised to see a second billboard that I designed (at my old job) newly posted and shining for all travelers to see. The photoshoot on the bottom one was interesting. It included cranes, grumpy workers on their lunch break posing, heels climbing ladders, eye gear and lots and lots of yelling. But to top it all off, I was double surprised to see that nothing on my layouts were changed. Score for me! Twice!

Designing For Others

To get a little cash flow while I was living in México, I did some freelance work for an organization called Families Together. They were going to have a walk-a-thon to benefit children with disabilities and I got to design their poster. Last month they had a benefit dinner but I wasn't able to attend (because I was out on my honeymoon) but my business manager (aka my mom) did. Here she is accepting an award they offered me. It is so much more fulfilling designing when you know it helps others.

Dynamic Graphics Magazine

Got myself an interview and designs printed in Dynamic Graphics Magazine. Talks about some of my goofy shenanigans. And above is a sample of a Cessna billboard I did for Wichita. Scroll to the bottom of the web page to read all about it!

Judge A Country By It's Logo

I ran across this thumbnail sheet of logos representing many different countries all around the world. It was kinda entertaining to see how each country was interpreted into the logo. So if I were to pick 2 countries to visit judging completely by the logo and nothing else it would probably be Australia and Chile. Portugal and Sri Lanka would have to be more on my least fav list. But points for trying.

What are some other thoughts?

Carnaval Party

Last month my work had a Carnaval themed party and I was on the planning committee. I had an itch to paint something (and I was inspired by a painting I saw on the net) so I ended up creating this for the event poster and invites. I'm working on uploading a large image for viewing but I'm always faced with a big ERROR pop up window. The whole idea of the party was about giving into temptation for one last night before Lent. So the top portion is a Brazil landscape. Below is of course the female figure with Portuguese wording about temptation as the design on her suite. To the right is an old hotel like sign pointing down to hell with the name of the party destination on it. The additional stuff adds to the scenery of Brazil and party aka beads and frills. I've heard others ideas of what it all means, so I guess it's up to the viewer really! But thats what was going through my head at the time. Enjoy!