D&AD's divider page imagery contest

Below is reprinted from The Creative Review UK Blog:



In order to provide imagery for the divider pages of this year’s D&AD Annual, Fabrica (who are designing the Annual this year) invited creatives around the world to take a picture featuring a D&AD flag.

The flags were sent out in a pack giving detailed instructions on the brief and how to submit images, the best of which are featured in the 2007 D&AD Annual, out on 4 September. Former D&AD President and founder of CDT Design, Mike Dempsey, however, used his opportunity to point out that perhaps this wasn’t the most environmentally sound exercise they could have come up with…

Dempsey’s response (above) is titled “D&AD’s contribution to the concerns of our planet”. It then goes on to question the point of producing a lavish pack that was sent to 500 D&AD members around the world “asking them to ’show off’ for no useful reason at all. Is this a responsible thing for D&AD to do at this moment in time?” he asks.

His image, unsurprisingly, was not one of those chosen to feature in the final Annual (although to D&AD’s credit, they did include it among a selection of images sent to journalists). However, two other somewhat cheeky contributions did make it in.

Dave King from M&C Saatchi in Australia seems to be implying that a D&AD Award is not quite as important to him as those from Cannes in his image.



While another former D&AD President, Michael Johnson of Johnson Banks, came up with this less-than-reverent idea (Photographer, Richard Maxted):


Others, however, took on the brief in a spirit perhaps closer to what was intended…
Such as Rosie Arnold from BBH. Photographer, Jonathan Kitchen:


And This Is Real Art’s Paul Belford:


And Quentin Newark of Atelier Works:


Other contributors included Steve Royle of The Chase Photographer, Paul Thompson:


The Glue Society. Photographer, Sam Hibbard:


The Designers Republic:


Margaret Calvert:


Ruth Bellotti of Publicis Mojo:


Lance Wyman. Photographer, Jonathan Posnett:


Clemenger BBDO. Photographer, Matt Hoyle:


Stephen Bell, Adam Ellis, Wendy Lewis and Joel Pearce of CPB:


Eike Koenig of The Hort:


And Rune Høgsberg / Bleed :


The D&AD Annual is published on 4 September.
It is only available to members, click here for details
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I don't know if I'm unimpressed with these entries because I've been spoiled by seeing so much untapped creativity on the web... or because I've been in the advertising art direction business for 20 years+. But if this is the best that 'creatives' can do with this assignment, it's no wonder so many people I know have stopped looking at the annual D&AD books.

Weigh In On These: Arty Decoupaged Bathroom Scales By Wendy Gold

One of a kind Bathroom Scales & Toilet Seats Designed by Wendy Gold of Art de Toilette.
You can buy one of these fun bathroom scales or even have a custom one made.




Same goes for her toilet seats. Individually made with decoupage.What fun!
Buy or order a custom scale or toilet seat here.

Converse does "Chairs"

In honor of my post about artists who paint chairs earlier this week, I simple had to share with you the Converse All-star in the Chairs Pattern.

$46.99
Buy them here.

Hot Off The Presses & Hot On The Floor: Panasonic's Electric Rugs

Panasonic unveiled their new electric area rug, the “No-Constrainst Carpet” at the Tokyo Fiber exhibit describing it as an “innovative hot carpet with the warm, fuzzy appeal of a beloved pet.




The carpet’s luxurious coat of faux fur (available in white, brown, or skunk-like black and white) houses a set of smart heating elements that deliver warmth only to the areas you touch when you cuddle it. Squishy, flesh-like control switches modeled after the paw pads of your favorite furry friend enhance the carpet’s overall zoomorphic feel.

The roasty rug gets 114 degrees out of only 500 watts, and that's the highest setting. Having just moved up east, this sounds like a must-buy for the coming winter.



Unfortunately only available in japan right now, but I'm sure it won't be long before it's warming toes and feet here in the US.

Funky Find Of The Week: The ManGroomer

No More Hairy Backs



The Serious Advantages of MANGROOMER

* MANGROOMER is a one time purchase with one low cost.
* MANGROOMER is easy to use, lightweight and do-it-yourself.
* MANGROOMER's fully extendable and adjustable handle locks into place at various lengths to reach even the most difficult middle and lower portions of the back for men of all sizes.
* MANGROOMER has a large 1 ½ inch blade enabling you to shave large areas of your back with ease.
* MANGROOMER's cutting edge blade design enables extremely close and smooth results without the potential of ingrown hairs straight edge and foil shavers commonly cause.
* MANGROOMER let’s you rid yourself of unwanted back hair in the privacy of your own home – not some fancy / overpriced salon or spa.
* MANGROOMER is completely painless unlike waxing, laser or electrolysis.
* MANGROOMER folds to a neat compact size for discreet storage or travel.
* MANGROOMER enables you to shave your back whenever you feel you need it and is perfect for quick touch ups.




MANGROOMER vs. Waxing
* Waxing hurts!
* Waxing rips the hair right out of your body.
* Need someone else to apply the wax and rip it off your back with your hair – ouch!
* Expensive! Usually costs between $40 - $80 a session and you may need 3 to 4 a month.
* Need to make appointments at salons or spas.
Cannot do it your self – how embarrassing…..

MANGROOMER vs. Chemicals
* Skin irritation and scarring may occur.
* Need someone else to apply chemical to your back.
* May have smell from chemicals.

MANGROOMER vs. Laser / Electrolysis
* Very Expensive!
* Cannot do it in your own home.
* Requires you to attend multiple treatments – no specified amount.
* Does not stop the growth of any new hair.
* No guarantee current hair growth will stop.
* Requires a professional to perform procedure.



Common Questions:
Can I use MANGROOMER by myself?
Yes, MANGROOMER is the essential "do-it-yourself electric back shaver." The unique design enables you to shave the entire surface of your back by yourself.
Do I have to buy additional replacement blades or accessories to use MANGROOMER?
No, only two AA batteries are needed.
Will shaving make my hair grow back thicker?
No, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker – that is merely a myth. Each individual’s genetics and hormone levels affect their hair growth.
Does shaving make your hair grow back darker?
No, hair color is also determined by an individual’s genetics and hormone levels.
Does MANGROOMER work for tall and large men?
Yes, MANGROOMER’s unique extendable handle enables most tall, large and less flexible men the capability to shave all areas of their back.
Does MANGROOMER take a lot of time to set up to use?
No, MANGROOMER goes from a compact, discreet flat stored position to an open optimal back shaving angle of 135 degrees in one smooth motion – ready for shaving!
How long does it take to shave your back with MANGROOMER?
The length of time will depend on how much hair you have and its thickness. MANGROOMER’s large 1 ½ inch blade covers a large surface area, while still remaining small enough to enable you to easily maneuver within different / difficult angles of the back.
When is the best time to shave my back?
The best time to shave your back is when it is clean and dry, usually before shower. Avoid shaving right after shower when skin is most sensitive and still retaining moisture.
Buy it here -only $39.99

Los Angeles Gathers Moss

It's been with eager anticipation that trendsetters have looked forward to the inevitable expansion of Moss, Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell's New York-based design store and gallery.

And appeared it certainly has, in the shape of a minimalist, open-plan 3,500 square foot gallery on LA's Melrose Avenue. The venue was designed by Murray Moss himself to be the ultimate exhibition space, though Moss is keen to stress that the new venue is a development, not simply a replica: 'We're very excited about the ability to create a new environment, not a duplicate one, expanding our presentation in ways unique to Los Angeles. We want Moss to grow, to reach further and at the same time, we want it to be local.'

Moss




August 2007: the first Moss store outside of New York's Soho district opens its big glass door, on Melrose Avenue near the mouth of Melrose Place. 3500 square feet of cool optic white space bifurcated by a ten ton steel beam running straight from the door to the sales station. Paul Smith Big Pink to right of us, the Pacific Design Center Blue Whale to the left, and Marc Jacobs across the street. We got Maharam down the street and APC so close we can bang on the wall.

The opening exhibition, 'Glitter and Smoke' is the first of several installations featuring chandeliers from the Swarovski Crystal Palace collection. Up first is Georg Baldele's Vertical Glitterbox, comprising 18 eight-foot crystal pillars, together giving a hanging garden effect. The chandelier surrounds a unique 1938 Steinway Baby Grand Piano, fire-sculpted by Maarten Baas, which forms part of Baas' ongoing 'Where there's Smoke' collection for Moss.



INFORMATION
Address

Moss Loss Angeles
8444 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles
Telephone

+1.323 866 5260
Website

http://www.mossonline.com

Zo Design Goes To The Birds

Time To Fly:


By Zo design, a cuckoo clock and a birdhouse, but their functions are swapped. The shape of a cuckoo clock becomes a birdhouse, and a birdhouse becomes a clock.
Buy either one here.


The Neighbird:



When the world get's more busy every day, even the birds have to hand in space.
Material: oakwood
Dimensions: 32cm x 26cm x 12cm (h x w x d)

Buy the Neighbird here.

And a really cool idea- 1-2-3 birdhouse for free:
A birdhouse you start....and the bird finishes it!





A postcard shows you how to make a birdhouse without any material.
When placed at the right spot the bird will finish it.

Material: paper

download the free postcard here.
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About Zo:


Above: Designers of ZO, are Tineke Beunders and Nathan Wierink.

Both still studying at the Design Academy Eindhoven.
'We don't want to wait with our design studio until we are finished studying, it is too much fun to wait. We started the studio in 2005, during our second year, the design 'tallow' was being produced at that time. From our studio in Eindhoven, we try to do the whole designproces ourselves. From the idea until the finished product. In this way, we keep the production small and personal.
Our collection consists of many different products. From bags to furniture and interior products.
Keep an eye on us, there is more to come!'

Pre-fabULOUS: Sonoma Residence by CSS Architects

I keep saying I can't afford to buy the type of house I'd like here in California. But these prefabs are getting more beautiful everytime I look. Granted, one still has to pony up quite a bit of dough for property in the sunny state, but if I could find an affordable piece of property, I'd love to plunk down a house like this one in Sonoma.

This new 2000 square foot house is on a 5-acre flat parcel within an existing grove of walnut trees. An existing house, which was on the edge of the property, was demolished and replaced with this in the heart of the site to take advantage of the orchard beauty.




The site:
The house was carefully located to nestle up to the existing trees and to be within the field, so that it became a pavilion in the landscape. Hardscape, softscape and trees were added to create a blended effect and to provide outdoor living spaces. The swimming pool is located on axis with the house and further takes advantage of the setting.





The house:


The design is rooted in the notion of radical simplicity for aesthetic effect and for budget. The house is a 20ft by 100ft box with a slightly sloped roof, which is then counter-posed with the metal roof for effect, and for shade. This metal canopy is also there to link the house to the legacy of ‘farm vernacular’.




The house has exterior walls and a roof built from SIPS (structural insulated panels), which replaces typical ‘stick framing’. This expedites construction, provides for higher insulation, and is a more sustainable way to build than typical methods.





The interior and materials:
There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one large open space for cooking, eating and living…all of which open up equalaterally on both sides to the site.

Off-the-shelf 8ft high sliding glass doors are the windows and the doors – proving light, views, and vivid connections to the land. Cabinets are painted MDF to blend in with walls and ceilings, while floors are pre-finished bamboo and carpet. The two fireplaces are gas only to avoid the burning of firewood. Light fixtures are standard exterior types with metallic finishes. The exterior walls are clad in vertical slats of stained cedar over painted plywood.




Location: Sonoma, CA, address withheld per owner’s request
Type: new home, 2000 sf
Completion: May 2005
Owner: Carrie Neiderer
Budget/Cost: under $200 per square foot
Architectural, Landscape & Interiors Team:CCS Architecture (Cass Calder Smith)
www.ccs-architecture.com

Design Principals: Cass Smith, Aaron Maret
Consultants:
Landscape Contractor:
Sonoma Mission Gardens Landscaping; Sonoma, CA

Metal Canopy Roof
Stoltz Metals; Richmond, CA
www.stoltzmetals.com/pages/gallery_arch7.html

Engineer: Paul Geddings; Grass Valley, CA
General Contractor: Jim Allen; Sebastopol, CA
Photographer: CCS Architecture (scouting shots)