Because We Can + Ponoko

A couple weeks ago my friend Mark and I went to a BBQ/open house at the Because We Can Studio in Oakland. I recently came across their work while surfing the web one night and was instantly inspired and mesmerized by their impressive portfolio. Because We Can specializes in Sustainable Interior Design and Custom Furniture. By working collaboratively with a mix of artists, designers, fabricators, and builders the people behind Because We Can are able to create just about anything you can imagine. I brought Mark with me because he is a master craftsman (he builds boats as a hobby. no big deal.) and I knew that he would be interested in the actual engineering behind their work -- I just wanted to look at all the cool stuff. The low-key BBQ was the perfect setting for mingling with fellow creative masterminds, as well as the opportunity to see some of their current projects still in development. The awesome folks at the studio were friendly, welcoming, and took the time to walk us through their process. Click here to learn more about their studio and impressive business model -- seriously inspiring![The image above is a project in the works for the offices of Wikipedia, a little website you might have heard of. You know their famous globe icon? Well, Because We Can is making it 3-dimensional. So cool.]

Similarly, while at the Because We Can open house I was introduced to Ponoko, another amazing and creative company. Ponoko.com is an online shop for individualized goods. An individual submits their designs and Ponoko helps bring them to life!

"Ponoko manages every detail for you to buy, make and sell stuff. This service includes a marketplace for shoppers to find the most original designer crafted goods, match making between shoppers and designers to get exactly what you want, a personal online factory for you to 'click to make' whatever you can draw, and a personal online shop to show, share or sell your stuff."

Although based in New Zealand, the wise people at Ponoko sent Dan (see his own designs here) over to the United States to set up shop in an effort to expand their business. Because We Can opened up their studio and is now sharing their space with Ponoko. Dan took the time to tell us all about the company and showed us examples of their work. Ponoko offers a platform to help artists professionally develop and manufacture their designs; what an encouraging and exciting new opportunity for artists of all types. I have no idea what to design first, but I hope to submit something soon. ••••

Recent Work from Why Not Associates

I have followed Why Not Associates ever since I had the pleasure of visiting their studio in London. I have always been a fan of their cutting edge designs and strong use of typography across all mediums. Here is some recent work by Why Not Associates:



230 page book drawing from topics of contemporary culture - Love the color palette and bold typography.
Typographic tree columns created in collaboration with Gordon Young at Crawley Library - work in progress - library opening january 09. - Amazing. I have to see these in person one day.Magazine created for the London College of Fashion - Promoting fashion with type. Love it. ••••

Three Bears Design

I was recently introduced to the very impressive portfolio of Three Bears Design, a creative collective with "caves" in both Pittsburgh and Northeast, Ohio. Three Bears does it all— from CD album covers, to logos, to t-shirts, to web design (and everything in between)— and to each job they bring a wonderful spark of originality. I especially liked the playful work they have done for bands (directly below, a t-shirt design for Arrah and the Ferns, and a poster for the singer/songwriter Jennie Devoe— some really exceptional illustration and hand-drawn typography!)
I was also enjoying their logo design and branding for Hope Runs, a non-profit group working to assist AIDs orphans in Africa.
And from my perspective, Three Bears' design sensibility seems especially suited to the making of CD covers— especially loved the distressed bar code on the 'Sospiri' CD for the Winston Jazz Routine above.

Oh, and be sure to check out their blog as well! ••••

Pentagram Puzzles

Pentagram always boggles my mind with their amazing design work, but I think this takes the cake. Via Design for Mankind, I came across a series of cryptograms they created and was soon ripping my hair out trying to figure them out. Like puzzles? Try your hand at these. Some are easier than others, and the captions will definitely help, but all in all this is some tricky typography. A few to get you warmed up below.
The clue: Just in the nick of time.
answer here

The clue: Do as you are told.
answer here
The clue: What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
answer here

And, okay, one more. I thought this last one was impossible, so if you can figure out the answer you get some serious bragging rights.

The clue: After the dog.
answer here

••••

The Playhouse Reinvented

When Amsterdam based communications agency KesselsKramer opened a studio in London they hired FAT {Fashion, Architecture, Taste} to create a truly unique work environment. The multifunctional workspace combines office and gallery. Although I've only seen pictures, this space seems inventive and whimsical, while being mature and sophisticated. Sure beats my cubicle... ••••