modern design – Small Pond Graphics

August 13, 2012 inspire

inspired by . Eames Chairs

I came across this US Postal Service stamp set in my bookmarks featuring the creative work of Charles and Ray Eames. I’ve always been inspired by how they applied their design sensibilities to so many different disciplines. The commemorative stamp set was released in 2008 and is a very fun glimpse at some of their iconic designs and maybe their personalities. Of course, the Eames chair designs play a big role in any overview of their work and these tiny images spurred me to search down a few other well-designed products inspired by the chairs. If you’re an Eames junkie like me, I think you’ll love these…

1. Eames Chair Letterpress Coasters from Green Bird Press
2. Eames “Hankies” from The Honey Press
3. Eames Chair print from Weavers of Southsea

December 8, 2011 inspire

inspired by . Ice Cube on Eames

I just had to share this video featuring rapper/artistic-type, Ice Cube expounding on his L.A. and Charles and Ray Eames. If you’ve been around the Pond much, you may have sensed my love of mid-century and modern design. Today I’m inspired by it slamming into the 2000’s with a gangsta icon. Who knew the architectural drafting thing?

Check out the New York Times article featuring a Q/A with Ice Cube. The video was produced as part of the Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 collection of exhibits showcasing the post-war art scene in Los Angeles.

December 2, 2011 design reads

design read . BluDot

Ok, so this is not really much of a “read.” It’s more eye candy, but it has me like a kid in a candy store. I received a BluDot catalog in the mail a few months ago, and I keep going back to it. It’s an oversized uncoated design in that layout where you flip the book over halfway through to see the spec pages. I just love the look and feel of it. And I love the products. The self-proclaimed “modern furniture” line is both classic and new at the same time. But, the reason I plan to absorb it again this weekend is the off-center styling throughout the catalog. The BluDot message is “good design is good.” It is, and the photos in the catalog show their product line strewn with random touches of life, rather than in some pristine showroom atmosphere. It has a fun blend of mid-century and 21st century elements. I just love looking at the images, and the spec pages are just as engaging. Have some fun window shopping BluDot this weekend!

November 14, 2011 favorite things

favorite things . Chairs on Pillows

Today I’m craving these great pillows from Inhabit featuring illustrations of iconic Modernist chairs printed on throw pillows. The silhouetted graphics really capture the beauty of these chair forms. (I think they’re bringing out that perpetual architecture student in me. Sigh.) The pillows are hand-printed with all environmentally-friendly materials — completely recyclable when they’re worn out. Plus, the color. Enough said.

Rust: 1929 Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe
Chocolate: 1946 Molded Plywood Chair by Charles & Ray Eames
Cornflower: 1951 Wire Chair by Charles & Ray Eames
Sunflower: 1956 Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames

September 12, 2011 inspire

inspired by . Iconic Stamps

Postage stamps have always fascinated me — often such intricate design in such a small thing. They are the quintessential design project… text requirements, size requirements, and the need to effectively honor, commemorate, communicate, highlight or showcase the specific theme eloquently in a mundane application. Cool stuff!

This summer, the US Postal Service released its Pioneers of American Industrial Design set featuring a collection of early modern product designs — icons which are now engraved in our culture. From the press release…

Faced with decreasing sales, manufacturers turned to industrial designers to give their products a modern look that would appeal to consumers. Characterized by horizontal lines and rounded, wind-resistant shapes, the new, streamlined looks differed completely from the decorative extravagance of the 1920s. They evoked a sense of speed and efficiency and projected the image of progress and affluence the public desired.

Nice. Evidence great design can be achieved in tiny spaces. And the opportunity to add beauty to simply opening an envelope. [Get your set here.]