What is Aesthetics?

As designers, we know that the world is perceived through our five senses. Aesthetics refers to our judgment of taste as it relates to our language, mind and surroundings. Consider the most famous painting in the world...and how over time its aesthetics have been judged and given new context and meaning to each generation.

For the latest interpretation of our beloved Mona Lisa be sure to catch this video!


We want to know how you judge Aesthetics? Share with us your unique perception of beauty.

From Alice to Zoolander, Hollywood’s Gone Green!

In honor of the day of St. Patrick, Leprechauns, pots of gold and green beer, we have compiled a collection of 16 of our favorite “greenified” one sheets with the most clever use of PMS 355.

Cheers!

House Industries at Eames!

What an incredible evening of the most curvacious, sensuous and decadent typography since Alfred Roller’s Art Nouveau exhibition posters of 1903.

March 11, 2010 marked the official launch of House Industries Eames Font & Object Collection with an evening of fine wine, delectable fondue, jazz musings from the Mattson 2, screen printing demos from Fresh Pressed, and an installation of “a cornucopia of free-standing dimensional letterforms” inspired from the beautiful letterforms of the Eames Font Collection.

Menagerie Creative and a large group of CSUF alumni made the trek to Santa Monica and were among the first visitors to view the 5' custom architectural letterforms, play the Alexander Girard Memory Game and experience the musical stylings of the Mattson 2. Fresh Pressed offered a live demonstration of silkscreened prints & bags marked with classic Eames dingbats and typographical letterforms. A visit and photo op with Ken Barber topped off the evening of typographic delights and inspiration.




The exhibition, held at the Eames Office, 850 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA is FREE and open to the public. The House Industries Eames exhibit runs from March 11th through April 1st. If you love the sensuality of elegantly modern letterforms, this is one event you can’t afford to miss.

Rainy Day Monday Blues!

In spite of what Barry Manilow may say, yes, it does rain in Southern California! In fact, this week, it poured in a few selective locations...including above the Menagerie production table!

Even this bleakest of weather can inspire some of the most stunning key art designs. So in honor of the mighty Mayan rain God Chac, and the all-powerful ruler of Mount Olympus Zeus, we share with our viewers a selection of 12 ‘misty’cal masterpieces. Now, can you two back off so our carpets can dry out?

Film Industry by the Numbers

Encouraging news for all us entertainment creatives and a really nice visual representation. Click to view larger.

Via: Online MBA

Pulp Non-Fiction: 5 Unique Paper Stocks for Exceptional Projects.

1) Bier: Gmund
A unique paper made with shocking Iingredients. Do you like it dark, light, grainy, or hoppy? This paper is made out of the same ingredients as beer! You won’t get fined for holding this “bier” out in the public!



2) Reaction: Gmund
A shinning paper with cool lighting effects. Dark Red? Pink? Blue? or Green? It’s like a chameleon! This paper changes its color depending on the way the light falls across its surface. Get noticed with these interchanging color and get the reaction you want from others!



3) Eames: Neenah Paper
A collaborative work of art by Charles & Ray Eames & paper company. The unique Eames paper collections which comes in architecture, painting, & furniture are from the leading designers (husband & wife) in the field of product design, architecture & short films. These papers are bold & modern; sophisticated & clean; meticulous & well designed. If dress to impress is what you’re looking for, a simple change of paper stock to your project can change your impression as well.


4) Doublemates: WorldWin
A duplex paper with versatile appearances. Milk & cookies, Bert & Ernie, and movies & popcorn. All good things come in pairs. These 2-sided card stocks have a linen embossed pattern on both sides. Double the layer and double the fun!


5) Banana: Ecopaper
An eco-friendly paper. Yes, you heard it right! Banana has gone green! Made with 100% post consumer product (stalks of wasted banana plants). Feel the jungle on the palm of your hand and you can go bananas with it!

Compiled, written and featuring Maki Mori!

Sources: www.gmund.com, gmundbg.com, www.lcipaper.com, www.thepapermillstore.com,
www.ecopaper.com, www.treefreepaper.com, www.neenahpaper.com,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_and_Ray_Eames