Archive for November, 2007
We already highlighted the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. Just to recap, vector graphics are ideal for those perfectionist designers who want high quality images and razor sharp precision. More importantly, it gives you the flexibility to resize images easily without sacrificing image quality.
However, the problem is you need to have illustration programs like Adobe Illustrator or Corel. Good thing there is VectorMagic, an online tool that converts bitmap images to vectors for FREE. This simple to use tool is the outcome of Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Laboratory research project by James Diebel and Jacob Norda.
You just need a decent browser like Mozilla Firefox, a Flash Player to see flash logo designs, and an image you want to vectorize. Just upload the image and this online tool will handle the rest. You can now resize the image without any pixelation whatsoever.
Source image can be in JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF format and you can download it in formats PS, SVG, PNG. See how this free service fares with Adobe Live Trace and Corel PowerTRACE.
Whether you’re using this for your personal or professional images, one thing is sure – it’s time to say goodbye to pixelated images.
Via freewaregenius
Shea Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in New York City and known as the longtime home of Major League Baseball team the New York Mets. In 2008, it will finally say goodbye after 45 years to pave way for a new stadium named Citi Field.
To celebrate the final year of this historical stadium, the New York Mets has unveiled a commemorative logo to signify the league’s 45-season history.
It made some alterations in the current Mets logo design by adding a side-by-side rendering of Shea Stadium’s current and original exterior set against a backdrop of the New York City skyline.
This new logo will be worn by the New York Mets as a patch on the right sleeve for all home games in 2008. This creative logo design will also appear on other promotional materials like schedules, Mets Media Guide, Mets Magazine, Yearbook, and tickets.
Opened in 1964, this famous Shea Stadium not only served as home to both baseball and football teams the Mets and the Jets. It also hosted several memorable events like concerts of the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, and Simon & Garfunkel.
How to Work With Your Writer
28Nov 07Writing is a creative art. Writing for others is a commercial science, I suppose – similar to the difference between fine artist and commercial artist. Writers are always writing to some audience, but the difference is, you hire a writer to speak on your behalf to your audience. Tough assignment, because for your writer to have a shot at success, you have to not only carefully explain who your target audience is, but also the message you want to convey. Many many many people believe if they can do that much, they might as well just go ahead and write it themselves. That’s why there is so much terrible writing everywhere.
The commercial artist/designer suffers when the client ties one arm behind his back. “No black, it has to be shaped like a square and the text must be yellow in this X font…….” You don’t need an artist/designer, you need a tracing machine. Do people hire an attorney, then proceed to choose the applicable statutes for the litigation? Do you hire a doctor, then proceed to dictate what tests you will not undergo?
To work with writers, here’s some help. First this article concisely delineates the different types of writers. Then, this site explores some of the abstract difficulties of working with a writer. But, no matter who you work with, when you hire someone for his expertise, please don’t pick him or her to death – that’s a sure fire way to get crap results, even as you are torturing a fellow human. Creatives are fragile folk! Some just pretend better than others.
Over the years, I’ve named companies, magazines, campaigns and events. Love it! In the pursuit of my fascination, I find I learn a great deal from case studies of legendary logos. Here’s one fantastic example from academia. Studying the stories of diverse successful logos always sets Logo Design Works in my creative tail end.
My definition of a “successful” logo is one that has built up untold millions/billions of dollars in recognition equity and worldwide familiarity. All have a great story to tell when you learn about how they originated, how they resisted artibrary change along the way to maintain continuity, if they are modernized and how… all these things can teach valuable strategic lessons to the business owner.
In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, three mythical mascots are introduced to the public.
Contrary to a feedback by a marketing expert, these mascots are not Pokemon modern. Instead, they are all inspired and heavily influenced by local Aboriginal mythological creatures, British Columbian and Canadian culture and wildlife.
Who are these guys?
- Sumi – a Thunderbird and animal guardian spirit with passion for saving the environment.
- Quatchi – a young and gentle Sasquatch with blue earmuffs and brown beard.
- Miga - a part sea bear and part killer whale inspired by the First Nations’ legends of the Pacific Northwest.
Sumi and Quatchi represent the Olympics logo while Miga is the mascot for Paralympics. All mascots are designed by Vancouver-based Mimeo Design.
While these cute and cuddly mascots are a hit with the many children, criticisms are also unavoidable. Some of the harsh comments about these mascots are Pacman-like, regionally irrelevant, goofy Japanese-looking cartoon characters and don’t look Canadian at all, hideous mutants, and do not represent the Olympic spirit.
Others simply felt the Olympic committee should have used the traditional Canadian symbols like the Maple leaf, a moose, a beaver, or a hockey puck so it is more relevant to the general culture.
