Info Design, oh yeah!

W3school’s engaging illustration of browser statistics sure is pretty. Even if you don't care about browser popularity from Jan 2002 to Aug 2009, this interactive graphic is worth the look-see (or click-see, rather).

Letterpress Lust

Just another ode to the Letterpress from Meaghan Barbuto at Vince:

 

Folksy

My hometown of Aachen, Germany sports - beside a cathederal that, as legend has it, was financed by hoodwinking the devil himself out of a ton of gold - mainly this: fountains. Tons and tons of them. Because the place owes its existence to a cluster of hot springs upon which it was built. The density of fountains in that city borders on a pest problem.

But there is one particular fountain that always manages to make me smile when I return back home.

This gigantic badboy here has a name, and it's Bahkauv. Now, why would a scaly snarling dragon make me smile?
Because this monster comes straight out of a local folkstory, several centuries old, which tells us of the Bahkauv's special hunting pattern: It would prowl the streets of Aachen past midnight in search of drunk men, in order to - there is no other term for it - scare them shitless. Because they should be at home with their wives, not drinking away the precious family money in the city's many pubs.

You just have to appreciate a place that not only has a legend like that, but also chose to erect a huge fountain in its honour.

Praying is, by the way, a useless defense against the beast. Makes it more aggressive, in fact. But swearing and cursing like your life depends on it does the trick. True story.

Having a Field Day

So, the studio took a field trip to the mothership of 3D Feature animation, otherwise known as Pixar Studios.

The place was—and I am going to use a phrase that has not tumbled from my lips since I left adolescence behind me—made of win. Look no further than the “Grape Soda” Badge on one of the cars in the employee lot.


Well, actually, do look further, because the main building is quite beautiful on its own, but the development artwork that can be found throughout made strolling around a real joy.


Am I rambling? Perhaps. But that artwork really was amazing, and seeing the models and paintings up close proved to be very educational. Alas, those were all behind a sign politely requesting that no photos be taken, so you will have to trust my gushing on this. Getting your hands on a copy of “The art of UP” would be a nice alternative, though. A book I warmly recommend.

Sadly, the legendary cereal bar has been cut down to half its original size quite recently. The folks at Pixar now have frequent access to 10–15 different kinds of cereal. Right next to the water cooler, so to speak. Makes the 40 cent Coffee at my Academy look like a rip-off, if you ask me.

I also caught a glimpse of some work for an upcoming film as it was swiftly carried through the hall (and by “caught a glimpse” I mean I impolitely craned my neck like a circus attraction for longest possible full exposure), and I'll tell you a secret: It looked awesome.

After setting up a dork-tastic shot of myself and Luxo Jr (as seen below), all is now well in the world.

All that’s left to do is thank Kat for making time in her busy schedule and sacrificing her lunchhour to allow this giddy, wide-eyed intern to traipse all over her workplace. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.

Nicotine & war never looked so sexy. . .

. . .this from a person who finds those two items at the top of her Most Hated list. But from and aesthetic standpoint, I have to admit that these images are appealing. Damn you Brian Viveros and your voodoo oil painting.

This exhibition makes me want to reach for my eyeliner and battle gear. You too? Join the party at the show’s opening in Santa Monica this Saturday, January 16, 8:00–11:30 PM, at the CoproGallery.

Jesse Hazelip's creatures of war

Here is some local talent that I stumbled across while driving around Berkley waiting for my business cards to be letterpressed. Jesse had one of his bomber buffalo pasted up at a major intersection off Ashby Ave. It definitely caught my eye and I was excited to hear that he will be showing his work this Saturday at the White Walls gallery (7pm) here in SF.

Check out more work on his website.

Uplar

I came across this video a couple weeks ago. I've watched it over and over since then, and each time it puts a huge grin on my face. I've tried to find out more about the company - Pogo - that put all these sounds together so harmoniously, but have found nothing yet. In any case, turn your speakers up, sit back, and enjoy!

Illustrator eyecandy

In the ethically dubious category of "Books I only possess for the artwork‘s sake," The Spiderwick Chronicles by Illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi and writer Holly Black (yes, I had to look her up) takes the semi-glorious first spot.

I just love gazing at DiTerlizzi‘s inkwork. There is no way I can say this to make it sound normal. I love the pretty, pretty realistic drawings. His is a level of skill I aspire to, and I can warmly recommend that you drop by his blog. Or pic up one of the books on your next book run.