Periodic Table of Typefaces

I've written about this cool interpretation of the periodic table of elements before, but recently saw this cool vinyl wall sticker version, which would look great in a studio or office.

FluffyCo.

I love type so much that anything with text (practically) gets my attention. You can imagine how distracting that can be. Printed on white heavy duty vinyl, this wallet displays a shopping list (milk, eggs, cheese, bread, beer, tapatio). A collaboration between local artist Nathan Cordero and FluffyCo. Available online or at the Curiosity Shop.

AIGA Design Archives

The AIGA Design Archives are a rich resource of past typography, book design, illustration and graphic innovation. This is an extensive collection of contemporary design and it is remarkable for its breadth and beauty. Remind yourself what great design looks like. From the top: Edward Sorel (1959), Chermayeff & Geismar Associates (1959), Paprika (2008), Vignelli Associates (1964)

Periodic Table of Typefaces

A clever reference chart for you designers out there. Click the image to see a larger display.

Alexander Girard

I love the recent reissuing of Alexander Girard's work-- by Design Within Reach, FLOR, even Old Navy etc. The latest is from House Industries. The font house has reissued several families of Girard's fonts and you can buy them here. They also have a cool little on-line movie featuring the fonts as well as some of his products, including this most awesome nativity set.

Siggi Eggertsson

I love the work of this Icelandic illustrator and designer now living in Berlin. Great typefaces and I really like his use of outlines to amplify and give energy to the letters. The digitized look of some of his graphic work suggests a rigid style but the curvy lines and bright colors make the piece playful and dynamic. Iceland must be a inspiring place! See more here. Just look at that E!

20 for 2008

I love year-end lists, so I took notice when Font Shop named 20 influential typefaces for 2008. See them all here.

HOUSE INDUSTRY HOLIDAY

House Industries is a great place to get fonts and some assorted items like Alexander Girard children's product, but now they also carry bags and pillows. I like that they've kept things classic-- simple-- these could be sold at the MOMA design store (maybe they are!) or any higher end home shop. Their new products also include cheese boards and this snappy wrapping paper. You can even get some holiday fonts! It's a tribute to what they've always done best-- spell it out. Great ideas for the typographically inclined!

Jahan Gerrard

Jahan Gerrard was born in the USSR, studied music, and graduated from Moscow Conservatory before moving to England and studying Graphic Design and Illustration. Her site showcases her talent-- hand lettering and simple sketches. I love her "casual" illustration and typography-- reminds me of early David Hockney in some regard. You should check out Jahan's site and probably hire her for something!

Calligraphy

I've seen several mentions of this but wanted to feature it here too-- a great idea. Hand-lettered calligraphy that defies all standard styles, a new service from the stationery site Minted. Great style.

100 Design Book Covers

Came across this site with 100 covers from design books-- arguably some of the best designed covers around. I like these compilation sites-- it's like fast food inspiration.

Write It Up

In this season of summer road trips and getting out of the city, I'm always interested in the informal typography you find driving through small towns and back roads. Luckily Flickr (the Miracle Tool of Graphic Designers) is ready to take the wheel. Join the "Folk Typography" group for a tour of some interesting handmade signage. You won't want to come home.

Mike Lemanski

Mike Lemanski has a way with type. A recent graduate of Bradford School of the Arts, his work uses text as an art element -- graphic and interesting.

Industries Stationery

If you saw this picture in this month's Domino Magazine, you probably eyed the wall calendar from NY shop Industries Stationery. This design house produces and retails their products exclusively for their Crosby Street store. Their stylish and functional goods are one of my favorites --- simple design, bold typography. Black perpetual calendar comes in Helvetica, white calendar in a serif font. $72.

Best Book Cover Designs, 2007

One thing I like about the end of the year is the BIG WRAP UP. I read the "Best of" categories with intense interest, no matter what the subject. Best movies, music, and here, book design. This NY Times blog features some great cover designs from the past year. And if you missed the Sunday Times, they listed their best books of 2007. But if you really like cover design, you should know the work of Chip Kidd, the extrordinary designer who's retrospective is available as a huge floppy book stuffed with inspiration. You could do worse for $26.

Yee-Haw Industries

This company was one of my favorites from the show. Smart, funny, and so well executed, their posters and cards left a serious dent in my wallet (we bought the Kenievel and Loretta posters, having a long-term infatuation with both of them). Started eleven years ago, Yee-Haw is run by Julie Belcher and Kevin Bradley. They have a 6000 square foot letterpress shop in Knoxville TN where they design and print their work from woodblocks (like the Kenievel poster), linoleum, and vintage typography. I have a Howard Finster painting in my house, and their work recalls that folk art tradition. Their cards are sold nationally, and you can find their line of posters and fine art prints at Yee-Haw online.

Oh Canada!

I have been blown away by the link that Jen Renninger sent me yesterday (more on Jen’s work tomorrow). Ffffound.com is a web service that "not only allows the users to post and share their favorite images found on the web, but also dynamically recommends each user's tastes and interests for an inspirational image-bookmarking experience." There is so much content here and so many inspiring ideas—just ONE featured site is the Canadian Design Resource. Thanks Jen!

Da Font

I always feel I should be making things this time of year so I'm going to list a few tools in case you feel the same. Da Font is a great font site that offers FREE hip and cool fonts including these. Font fever.