1932 – HENRY EHLERS :: During one of my recent strolls through a flea market I was fortunate enough to find two advertising art magazines published in 1932 titled, Gebrauchs Graphik - Editions number 5 and 8. They are filled with examples of newspaper ads, posters, folders...from a period where the majority of display type was crafted by hand. Colour printing was expensive, so black and white was the name of the game. Attached are a few examples of beautifully designed ads by Henry Ehlers, for a powerful brand that is even more powerful today. Please note the hand drawn BMW logos...classic.

DESIGNER THINKING FOR SALE :: The above is an eloquently stated quote by Herbert A. Simon which was not originally written about designers as the sole audience of consideration, but I think, accurately illustrates an important topic of consideration for designers today – the value of our creative thinking, the process in which we arrive at our visual conclusions.

As technology becomes more and more intertwined in our communications decision-making, it will become more and more important for the designer to emphasize our thought process. So often the latest trends in technology are the focus of discussions revolving around design and advertising. Regardless of the medium/software/application/tool at the designers disposal, our most valuable resource is creative thinking and the creative process. Once the emphasis is placed on thinking and process, the medium we choose to visualize our solution will become secondary, leading way for our clients to appreciate the most valuable commodity in the designers arsenal...our creative brain power.

HAVANA SERIES :: In terms of an urban landscape loaded with history, it is hard not to be artistically inspired by the roughened streets of old Havana.

Attached is a glimpse from a series of images captured by photographer Ron Wullner who said, “I felt that Havana was so visually interesting that I was only an innocent bystander with a camera and almost anything I pointed the camera at would produce an interesting result.” Each image explores an aspect of everyday life in the old city, revealing the beauty inherent in the abrasive reality of an incredible place.

FORCED IDENTIFICATION :: Our identity of “self” is imposed upon us by social and political definitions. Information about the self, that is uncontrollable from birth, remains and defines us throughout an entire lifetime. The transparent layers reveal a collage of images, letters and numbers which supply proof of a three-dimensional being. An existence which is composed of type, texture, photographs and symbols.

Based on a specific exploration of collage in cubism theory, and various other cultural theory considerations, the artist C. L. Scott attempts to create a reconstruction of self-identity, recognizing that self-identity is socially and politically charged at onset of origin. As the lack of frame suggests, this journey of self-discovery is limitless.

Mixed media :: 12" x 2" x 20" :: 1/4" plexiglass layered 4 deep :: to produce the three dimensional effect, transparent B+W film is sandwiched between each layer of plexi, and placed on a red feather backing.

DIY :: Is it coincidence that many designers and artist’s are drawn to skateboarding? Perhaps, more accurately, much of the intrigue lies more in the board as an art object rather than the act of skating itself. My first board was a Powell Peralta – the Bones Brigade era – for all you old school skaters out there. I must admit, it was a thing of beauty...loaded with Indy Trucks, City Street wheels and other custom features, the board cost me a small fortune. Looking back, I did enjoy the act of skating, but what has left a lasting impression is what skating represented...the DIY attitude that dedicated itself to enjoying life and expressing yourself. My skating days are behind me, but the love for my board and what it represents still exists. The small fortune spent back in the day still provides inspiration, and apparently is worth twice as much!