This is one of the most beautifully simple web designs I have seen in a while. The Design Cubicle, recently redesigned, strikes a chord with me in every sense: the color palette, the typography, the intricate and delicate pixel-perfect details… and to top it all off the content is fantastic, well-thought out, and interesting to read. I can’t remember the last time I was compelled to not only finish a long article online (or offline for that matter) and THEN look for more on the same site.

Brian Hoff’s latest article Understanding Inspiration really resonated with me. Hoff on his own inspiration:

“Also, having recently redesigned this blog, I can relate to playing the role of a “recorder.” The color palette was inspired by a book cover I came across while browsing a bookstore in Princeton, New Jersey, while the cross-hatching—acting as shading running along the sides— was inspired by my neighbors old little white fence that is half hanging over into my side (the way the fencing weaved and intertwined). The subtle grey texture was inspired by a newspaper-eske feel to put focus back on my content and purpose of this site: to read. A majority of what inspired this redesign was drawn by offline inspiration.”

He continues on and notes that many designers first stop for “inspiration” is to hit the vast array of online galleries showcasing pretty sites. I have to admit, that’s exactly what I do. But after reading his article, I’m trying to bring myself back to when I last felt truly inspired - which was not online at a gallery showcase. When I say inspired, I mean *seriously* compelled to do something. Compelled to write, draw, paint, or produce. It’s been a long time. I tell a lot of people that I’m not creative, I just make stuff pretty.

Deep down, I’m unhappy with describing myself as such a person. Making things pretty can be hugely satisfying, but in the end pretty fades (just like old ladies) and content becomes more important. A great concept, a creative concept, something that can only come from real-life inspiration… something that wasn’t mimicked but produced from scratch. That should be what I’m aiming for, first and foremost.

His article makes reference to a few designers and their own “real life” inspiration. Among them, was the small web design agency Carsonified. This agency has a website that I’ve been ogling for 6 months now (though I can’t remember how I first came across it) and I was totally stoked to see that they had actually written an article about the process of redesigning their site about a year ago. Ho-ly-shit. This designer must have gone through 20+ iterations of the site until they got to the final design. I couldn’t believe it. Ultimately, the guy was inspired by a Gap Outfitters sale poster as he was jogging, and Carsonified as we know it today was born that night.

Everything about that story is so contrary to how I have been thinking about my own design process. For me, inspiration comes at my desk on the computer, and my goal is to make the first attempt the only attempt, and refine from there.

I’ve noticed lately that looking at my computer screen for more than a few hours at a time actually makes me feel resentful toward it. Because we live in Blacksburg, not quite the bustling hub of city inspiration, I need to make sure I get out more and travel. I was never big on traveling because I constantly feared getting lost. Lately though, getting lost is sounding more like an adventure and less like something that will lead to my ultimate demise. (Another fantastic article by Crush Lovely on getting lost)

<3 E.no

I found this video on smashingmag, and had to laugh a little.  It’s interesting, ever since I became a graphic design major at Tech there’s been an understanding amongst all of us that comic sans is sick.  Bad sick.  I never really questioned it, just sort of seemed like the right thing to agree with.  But isn’t it really the designer, or non designer, that makes comic sans so awful by using it in the wrong places?

Comic Sans from Sam and Anita on Vimeo.

I apologize for the total slacking on blog entries. I’ve been more busy these past 3 weeks than I ever could have imagined. Working 25-30 hours a week at Modea, class, and a huge collaborative project between VCD and four other CAUS groups. I wake up at 7am and get home at 7pm most days (yea it could totally be worse)

I’m waiting for this surge of inspiration and motivation to come soon. I have so many ideas but whenever I have a free moment I just want to relax. Earlier I attempted to dance like a fool in my living room and get the juices flowing, which ended by me collapsing on the floor 4 songs in.

Brain dump:
- bacon bandaids
- what i do in my car stays in my car
- sova tshirts
- purse book
- gd vs. real life puns
- resume icons
- daily list sheet
- gd organizer w/ shortcuts
- dance, dance, dance

I’ve become increasingly aware that my generation is obsessed with knowing the status of their fellow peers.  At points, it’s almost too much to have to think about.  Do I update my blog? Post a tweet? Make another list on listography? Then there’s the entire facebook monster… pictures, status updates, writing on walls, responding to messages, rsvp to events, groups, conversations through your inbox, gifting, bumper stickers.. the list could go on forever. What about specialty networking sites like online dating, online portfolios like DeviantArt, professional membership sites like AIGA and LinkedIn?

And when you’re done with all that and think you’re in the clear, don’t forget about  missed calls, voice mail, text messages, picture messages, instant messages, email messages, iphones, ipods. When I finally break the electronic barrier I find myself much less witty in person.  Has technology crippled the ability to communicate in real life? When is enough really enough? Did you know they make an entire browser dedicated to social-networking fiends?

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES LISTED IN THIS POST:
facebook, listography, twitter, deviantart, aiga, linkedin
(…to name a few)

Shake your head and laugh it off. I’ve been studying for my Greek Art History final (last one EVER) for about 4 solid hours now and I need a break, so I’m going to go on another rant. Please read only if you want to get to know me a little better, otherwise, stick to the pictures.

My name is Erin, I was born in Colorado in 1987. I grew up in a small, secluded house in McLean, Virginia. I lived in McLean from 1st grade until 7th grade and it was there that I spent many winters following my giant dog’s footprints through a bamboo forest behind the house, springs waiting for my miniature garden I planted to sprout again, summers sneaking into the model-house swimming pool, and autumns on a swing that hung from a giant maple tree. It was a unique situation to be in, to say the least.

While I lived in an 80 year old house hidden by bamboo and secluded far back on a gravel path, the rest of McLean lived in their respective mansions with elevators. As I got older I noticed this more, especially when friends would stop inviting me over after their parents had given me a ride home. By 6th grade I had just one friend who didn’t give a crap what kind of house I lived in and we were inseparable.

Thinking about McLean actually makes me feel a little sick inside to this day. I never understood how someone’s parent could forbid their small child to befriend someone just because they had less than them. I understand that not everyone in McLean is like this, but for me, it’s what I associate most of my experiences there with. Growing up there contributed a lot to who I am today.

I strive to do the best I can with what I love because I don’t like feeling rejected. My group of friends always remains small and close-knit, because trusting new people takes a long time for me. I tend to give lousy first-impressions because I often have my guard up. I’m usually worrying about how much greener the grass is on the other side. These are things about me that might not ever change.

What I love McLean for, and my parents for, is teaching me the value of respect. I respect other people’s opinions, property, values, and rights, to name a few. I don’t have a problem admitting that I’m wrong or I may have made a mistake, though sometimes it has to be brought to my attention first. I believe this mind-set also makes me a better designer. I’m 21 years old, fresh out of College, and completely willing to admit that I have so much more to learn. I can’t wait, actually. I hope I never think or act like I know it all, like I need no advice or criticism from a helpful eye. I know I will never treat someone like they are beneath me, scum on the bottom of my shoe. For this I am happy to say will never change.

I tend to get defensive when other people have a complete lack of respect, and for that I am not sorry. I’ve never tolerated those that have inflated egos nor those with a total lack of restraint when it comes to their judgments of others. It’s easy to strike a chord with me on issues like this. What I’m learning as I get older, especially after recent events, is that sometimes it’s just all I can do to shake my head and laugh it off.