design:related - diwitman's inspirations

Calligraphy

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:13:00 GMT

I'm a sucker for hand-lettering and calligraphy, especially if it's accompanied by illustration. It adds a personal touch to any piece and just has an appeal that no other does. I'm a huge fan of calligraphers below and can really appreciate and respect the amount of work that they put into their craft. If I had the time I would push myself to learn calligraphy because I think it's one of the few crafts that can still be appreciated and uncomparable.

List of favorite Calligraphers:
Crystal Kluge Betsy Dunlap Jenna Heine Nancy Howell Tracy Joe

If you have the opportunity to infuse hand-lettering and illustration into your designs, I strongly suggest it!

Marian Bantjes - Typography Goddess

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:54:24 GMT

Marian Bantjes is known for her aesthetic in design utilizing the techniques of hand-lettering, calligraphy, color choice and tedious details that many wouldn't even want to attempt. Marian's career has been exposed when working with the likes of Stefan Sagmeister, Veer, Pentagram and many other collaborations that have been successful with her abilities tossed into the ring. I first was introduced to Marian and her work from Speak Up website where her words are always graceful, have meaning and self-respect behind them. She has a tone that is unlike others that expresses experience and a true sea of knowledge when it comes to design and typography. Her work is amazing and if you don't believe me visit her website!

Pentagram - The Ultimate Designers

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:39:05 GMT

Pentagram is a design studio known for it's quality, integrity and overall aesthetic around the globe and is the highest-respected company in the design community. Pentagram would be the Heaven if design were a religion. I'm not sure if that would make the partners at Pentagram the apostles ... you get the idea. They have offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Austin and Berlin and hire on (if I understand) an invitation only basis. This may only apply to partners, but it's a good method. Pentagram works in all areas of design including interiors, architecture, product design, graphic design, editorial, identities and just about any other area you can think of, they always seem to up to the challenge presented to them. If I had the choice to work for any design company, it would be Pentagram.

Etsy

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:55:05 GMT

Your place to sell all things handmade. A fun shop with lots of inspiration to be found. Just type in a word and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results. My suggestion, look under letterpress ... great stuff.

Bearskin Rug

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:51:16 GMT

A site that gives me endless laughs. Frequently update (but not daily) with musings of artist, Kevin Cornell of Philadelphia, PA (don't be fooled by the URL).

Design*Sponge

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:37:36 GMT

Design*Sponge is a blog dedicated to home and product design and is run by writer, Grace Bonney of Brooklyn, New York.

Modern Architecture

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:57:16 GMT

I have taken a recent interest in modern architecture and in all honesty, think I've always been interested but have just taken a more serious movement towards learning more about it. I have to thank Dwell magazine for this, they always have some of the best articles and featured homes that just excite me. Because of a recent article in Dwell I insisted to my fiance that if we are ever living financially comfortable I would like to build a small (sustainable) home on the edge of a lake in Canada that will have a bedroom which overlooks the lake and has large glass windows which can be opened on nice days. I can imagine waking up, opening those large windows (sliding out of the way) and letting the air and sunlight in. I can't wait!

Swiss Design

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:49:22 GMT

Now more then ever, I realize how inspired I am by Swiss design. I am in awe of it, inspired by it and most of all I try to emulate it through my work. Many people are not understanding of this style and sometimes think of it as boring, but I find it to be one of the most interesting and pure era's of design.

Herb Lubalin

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:49:34 GMT

A master of typography and a way with design, he has been my biggest inspiration lately. Unfortunately I wasn't shown much (if any) of his work during my college years but am so glad that I am able to catch up on his work now. Also the father of Avant Garde Gothic and U&LC.

Andrea Deszo

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:43:50 GMT

The Romanian-born designer, illustrator, artist and teacher fascinates me with her array of work and the many levels that she can work on.