2016 Chicago Olympics Logo

VSA Partners, based in Chicago, are developing the identity for the 2016 Chicago Olympics campaign. The logo for the campaign is a torch that contains part of the city's skyline (the torch's flame) reflected in the blue water of Lake Michigan (the torch's handle).

Chicago will be competing against San Francisco and Los Angeles as the US representative city to foster the 2016 games.

Link: http://www.suntimes.com/94779,olymp101206.article

CG

I C UC's DAAP

It is often a challenge to explain the admirable campus of the University of Cincinnati; the alma mater of Jonathan, myself, and many of TDSF's interns, to those who, like most, assume there is not much worth any thought in the corn-fed [somewhat cold] heart of America. Since 1996, with the completion of the DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art and Planning) building, The University of Cincinnati has been on a roll with one internationally-reknown building after another. Michael Bierut, another UC alum, wrote an article this week on his experience with the changing aesthetic of UC. The article contains images of buildings on the campus from Peter Eisenman (DAAP), Michael Graves, Harry Cobb, Frank Gehry, and Thom Mayne.

The following link is from designobserver.com. Michael Beirut is a regular contributor to the site. Some of the articles on there are a bit esoteric and dry, but there are a few gems as well.

Link: http://www.designobserver.com/archives/018092.html#more

CG

The story so far...

We are in the middle of documenting this years work from London - there are about 16 more projects to follow...
Just thought you might like to look at what we've been up to!
SM

Pecha Kucha

TD London had a small outing to the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) to watch Pecha Kucha.
The Japanese term 'Pecha Kucha' roughly translates as 'chit-chat.' Up to fourteen participants get to show 20 slides for 20 seconds each.
The speakers ranged from the average to the inspiring and downright crazy. It was a great opportunity to hear people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.

To understand you need to go along!

For those of you who haven't already heard or are interested to know more there is a Pecha Kucha at 330 Ritch on October 25th

"A synaesthetic experience" says Christian Eager.
"If this doesn't get any better I'm leaving at the interval" says Bruce Duckworth.
"An insight into how people get inspired to do their stuff!" says Sam Lachlan.
"A good mix" says Gavin Hurrell.
"Wow, Free Beer!" says Jamie McCathie.
"Who did that negative minimalist Nazi dictator think he was?" says Charlotte Hayes (WAG).
"An extremly interesting concept - great to see it being embraced" says Nicola Shellswell (WAG).
"erm...." says Mike Harris.

TD London are planning to host an event - watch this space!
SM

Painted Ladies

There are two commercials out right now that are worth mention for artistic merit. The first is a Jonathon Glazer creation for Bravia using massive paint explosions to sell a new LCD screen.

Link: http://www.bravia-advert.com/paint/thead/

The second ad is the latest installment for the Real Beauty Campaign hosted by Dove soap. SF is familiar with the near-naked models in the ads gracing the underground. The women posses what is debated to be regular body types that defy the fashion industry standard. This TV spot shows the transformation of one model as she evolves from the look of an everyday woman to a supermodel gracing the face of a billboard through the enhancement of makeup, hair stylists, and photo enhancement.

Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uT4dpFpiTgk

CG

Takes the Cake

One often wonders what happens to a brand after you e-mail the guidelines to Coke with a mill of salt. Here, ladies and gentlemen, are images showing where the TaB energy brand has evolved. Sarah, if TaB energy was the brand you birthed, then these images would show your child in her mid-teens in a disco past final call, and trying to dance the mashed potato with a slight drunken limp in her left leg.

CG

More Googled Birthdays

Today is the birthday of our very special accounts person, Jessica Rogers. According to a quick google search of Jessica's name, Jessica was the illegitimate love child of Mr. Rogers and Jessica Simpson. When not managing Coca-Cola, Jessica enjoys competing in ladies' wrestling. This is no pub performance, mind you. Having trained under Man Mountain Dean Jr., Jessica received the 2006 Ladies Wrestler Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club. In her spare time, Jessica is a star highschool athlete, having played on the varsity bowling AND softball teams: what a slugger! Her photo is courtesy of Google image search.

We should not forget that Radu Ranga also had a birthday recently. If you google Radu's name, you will see that he has been quite busy as well. For instance, Fengmiansheji.com spotted him last weekend doing this:

每一款分析图表都为满足您的需要 而设计 助您驰骋汇市，无往不利
以先进过滤工艺获得洁净的高品质产品 马上联系升扬过滤,突破过滤工艺瓶颈

...and I thought you were from Romania, Radu. Seeing that Radu's full name is quite a rarity, I Google imaged his first name and found the above image. Looking good, Radu!

CG

MOTOVNDG (aka Motorola Vending)

Here's an article on the new Motorola Vending/Zoom machines in the airport:

http://sfgate.com/columnists/morford/

aj

Anti-Packaging

Beck's new album, "The Information", contains no cover art; yet. Aside from the cd, the contents of the jewel case contain grid paper and stickers. These are the tools for the consumer to use when creating the cover art for the album. There is a website where the consumers can upload their designs for a competion where the winning art will be printed for the second pressing of the album.

Link: http://www.designobserver.com/archives/018186.html

CG

Protest [made] Fun!

Currently, in Taipei, Taiwan, there is a million-person sit-in campaign outside the capitol building in order to rid the country of their president. Since the weather has been a bit rainy, there is an on-line version of the campaign for those who would rather sit at home infront of their computers while eating their yummy chicken feet. Members of this on-line protest may log-in with custom characters, and then do as they please (or do nothing at all). There are also mini games to pass the time and present a platform for political satire. For instance, every once in a while the president will step outside and anounce to the mob that he will not resign. Members then have the opportunuty to mob their president in response.

I don't think an American version of this game is too impossible (just kidding, AOL-Time Warner internet spies!).

English-Speaking Link:

http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20060911_1.htm

CG

Travel Through Time

Who knew I would have a second time/space pun for you all? This 'time' the artist is Soner Ozenc. His portfolio is here:

http://www.sonerozenc.com/

CG

Need Textiles?

www.mayang.com/textures/

A website with LOADS of different hi - res, downloadable textiles - everything from wool to brick!
Some REALLY naff images though ( the guy must have ran out of things to photograph?), but thought it may come in handy with those Motorola backgrounds?

Jamie.

It's the real thing.

Commisioned by Mother (London ad. agency) for Coca-Cola, directed by Nagi Noda (famous Japanese artist and top director). Simple yet effective - no computer effects. Vocal by Jack White. Well worth a look. http://www.partizan.com/partizan/commercials/?nagi_noda

SM

Que?

Last week, artist Rio Yanez hosted "The Great Tortilla Conspiracy" at the De Young Museum in SF. Artists were welcome to come to the museum with predrawn art, and then have it silk-screened onto tortillas with edible ink. The tortillas were displayed on the wall and not eaten; which seems to defeat the purpose of having used edible ink. Also, her mission statement does not clarify any intentions of the project other than to have you art printed on a tortilla (is that the "conspiracy?").

CG

Graphic-Exchange

Graphic-exchange is a collection of really unique designers, illustrators, calligraphers, and other professionals within the graphic arts. On this site, the publisher showcases artists regionally and by merit. The work is as well executed as it is diverse. There are a great collection of styles, executions, printing techniques, and global influence.

Check it out:

www.graphic-exchange.com

CG

On The Box Thinking

This from a fellow TV show loving designer. Great wit and simple ideas.

TV shows are consumer products, right?

Hint, hint,
Jonathan

TaB Manergy

If there were ever a post published that deserved to be titled "Whipping Post", this would be the one. Just imagine this photo in the context of the publisher (Chris Garvey).

CG

Power Tower

Miami has been one of the big boomtowns in the US since the turn of the century due to tourism, cruise ship ports, and international commerce. Miami is also one of the more aesthetically unique cities, and hence, some interesting architecure is being erected. The COR tower combines post-911 green sensitivity and beach-front showmanship to create a truly integrated tower; the circular windows weave into the wind power fans crowning the skyscraper. This building is in early approval stages, so I do not yet have a link.

CG

MOTOCHINA

Ann and Joanne went to Beijing last week to launch the Motorola Packaging Unification design system to their North Asia marketing team. With one extra day to sightsee, we visited the Forbidden City and walked the back alleys for shopping. Ann partied with the clients on her last night until 4am, while Joanne came down with a case of the shingles (no worries, recuperating well).