Monthly Archives: November 2008

Memorable Designs

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I am in love with a coffee called Ethiopia Koratie Natural right now. In like where have you been all my life kind of love. Like I’ve started a diary and I’m making a mix tape kind of love.

It’s grown in Dilla, in Northern Ethiopia, at 1750 meters altitude. It’s of the Ethiopia Heirloom varietal. I can even tell you that the owner of Koratie is Salomon Worku.

How is it that I know so much about my current favorite coffee? In part, it’s because I have a small card next to me, that came from one of these bags.

These bag designs are brilliant! Not only do they cut costs by making the bags identical, but they give you a piece of information to take with you, so you can remember which coffees you liked and which you didn’t. Before throwing away your old bag, you grab the card and you can bring it with you next time you go shopping. You can also save it and keep notes on your favorite coffees, as well!

In fact, this clever idea reminded me of another idea I’d heard of a while ago.

Wine labels you can tear off! Good stuff.

Beam Development

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We’ve spent the last year getting to know the folks at Beam Development, spending large portions of our days designing away in our studio in Beam’s historic Olympic Mills Commerce Center. Thus, it was with great enthusiasm that we took up the redesign of Beam’s website. After spending some time in their buildings, we had a good idea of what they wanted: simple, uncluttered spaces; an emphasis on history and imagery; and a space to gather.

We especially enjoy the serendipity of visiting the Beam home page; with random backgrounds and an evolving slideshow, no two visits are exactly the same.

We hope you enjoy the site! And, if you are as inspired by the space as we have been, take a look at our studio for lease.

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The O

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Interesting NY Times interview from the designer of Obama’s campaign logo: The ‘O’ in Obama.

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On Motiviaton

We were excited to work on the logo and energized by the prospect of Mr. Obama’s campaign. However, we didn’t pursue or develop the work because we were motivated exclusively by ideology. It was an opportunity to do breakthrough work at the right time in what’s become a predictable graphic landscape.

On Preparation

When we received the assignment, we immediately read both of Senator Obama’s books. We were struck by the ideas of hope, change and a new perspective on red and blue (not red and blue states, but one country). There was also a strong sense, from the start, that his campaign represented something entirely new in American politics — “a new day,” so to speak.

On Impact

The design development was singularly inspired by the candidate’s message. Like any mark, the meaning and impact really come from what people bring to it.

 

Annie Leibovitz in Portland

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We are looking forward to joining our friend at Literary Arts this evening for a talk by Annie Leibovitz. Annie has an incredible talent for capturing epic stories in her provocative photographs. Who doesn’t remember this image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken hours before his death, or the famous picture of a nude, pregnant Demi Moore?

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This past week, Annie’s work with the Queen was documented in the PBS series Monarchy (which I’ll freely admit an unnatural fascination with).

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Take a peek at Annie behind the scenes shooting her image of Queen Elizabeth.

I love how she asks if she can shoot the Queen atop a white horse in the middle of the palace and, when that is shot down, convinces her to take off her crown for most of the shoot.

If you were lucky enough to score tickets to tonight’s sold out event, keep an eye out for us and say hello!

No More Growing Pains

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Yet another benefit of this plan became clear today while reading Beancounter Blog (my favorite read for timely business financial advice). Today, Beancounter posted a list of ways your small business can survive a recession. Along with important advice on cash flow – such as keeping around cash, collecting debts, cutting expenses, and not buying ahead in bulk – Beancounter also talks about not focusing on growth over the next year.

Why, from an economic standpoint, would you ever not want to focus on growing your business? This is the time, he notes, “to hunker down and just wait out the storm. This will put you in the perfect position to make strategic growth decisions after the crisis is over.”

Whether it is for quality of your work, a good work/life balance, or for time to stock up on cash reserves and wait out the months ahead, we’ll be spending the next year focusing on quality over of quantity.

Entermodal: Treats and Sample Sale!

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Entermodal is having their annual Sample Sale (prices 50 to 70% off retail), along with some warm winter drinks and treats tonight from 4-8pm.  Since last year, they have released 2 larger collections, so this year’s sample selection will be fairly expansive: wallets, flip cases, messenger bags, women’s bags (I can’t quite bear to call them purses) and even some new doctor’s bags that are part of their travel collection.  If not for a purchase of your own, stop in for a peak at their new, Spring 09 collection!

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We also enjoyed Entermodal’s write-up in a modern bag search by Portland’s own makool loves you. Our vote is squarely with Entermodal!

Needmore Studio for Lease

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  • 960 square feet for $1183/month
  • Tons of natural light, Southern exposure
  • Close in, across the river from Downtown
  • Lots of nearby restaurants and coffee shop in building
  • Dog-friendly building
  • Lots of furnished common spaces
  • Interior bike storage, lockers and showers (soon)
  • Conference room available

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  • Utilities are very affordable
  • Available immediately

One part of this building that we have come to love is the participation of all of the tenants here in Friday at Four gatherings and First Friday art openings. There will be an opening tonight from 6 pm to 9 pm for the Siren Arts Festival. If you are in the area, do stop by. We’ll leave the light on so you can take a peek at the studio while perusing art. Otherwise, contact us to have a look!