As previously expressed, one thing that I absolutely love is typography in video, whether it be movie titles, television bumps, etc. I Love TV Intros is a online collection of just that-tv show intros, organized by decade and alphabetical(!). I get really nostalgic about my childhood tv favorites, so this was just a real treat to find.
Found via Quipsologies
So a few weeks ago, I was at yet another library sale in town, and found an old VHS copy of “How to Succeed in Business…,“ a 60′s Broadway musical starring a one Robert Morse. It follows the metoeric rise of a young man from the mailroom to the board room in a matter of days. The play is humorous and crisp, with fantastic visuals and modern songs. It also playfully describes and exploits the typical 60s business workplace, with all female secretaries, a president’s mistress, and all old men at the top.
The lead actor, Robert Morse, does an excellent job. He’s funny and creates a very lovable character that you really wish would win in the end, despite the sort of sneaky nature in which he accomplishes his tasks. He can sing, the dancing is pretty good, and he also playing the character originally on Broadway.
But where did this guy come from? What has he been in since its release in 1968? I’ve watched quite a few musicals and didn’t recognize this dude from anything, so I decided to investigate, and this what I found:
The same dude who plays in a contemporary 60s musical about the corporate rise of a regular dude in 60s NYC ends up playing an ad partner in a contemporary 00s drama about a 60s office in NYC.
Way to blow my mind, Universe.
There goes your afternoon: My Parents Were Awesome is a great little Tumblr featuring submitted photos of parents when they were young and (most) without kids. It’s a really strange but awesome display of fashion, time, and love of some of the people we love the most.
Found via Quipsologies
So brace yourselves: The iconic Yale University Press logo designed by Paul Rand is going off the press and spines of the company’s 8,000 published books a year. The 100+ year old publishing company (which just sort of recently actually became a part of the University officially I think) is changing its logo to establish a brand more consistant to the University. This is a sad day.
Armin over at Brand New said it best:
Most of us are wired to react negatively to anything that rids the world of yet another Rand logo. Like many, I am an admirer of this logo and I’m sad to see it go. But it’s crystal clear that the world in which Rand created identities is not the same world they exist in now and most are reaching their expiry date… IBM being the exception. So, yes, it’s lamentable to see Rand’s work slowly dissolve in this über branded era where form doesn’t follow function but the bottom line.
I love that last line: “…it’s lamentable to see Rand’s work slowly dissolve in this über branded era where form doesn’t follow function but the bottom line.”
As it goes by the wayside with the UPS logo, we can still appreciate this identity gem on our bookshelves and in our hearts.
(Found via Brand New)
This is amazing: Odosketch is a super great online sketching app that allows, well, you to sketch using a variety of brushes and colors. The brushes act sort of like pastel crayons and allow for some really awesome things. They also have a gallery of creations from other people, some of which are really, really awesome. And the best part is that you can watch them draw the sketch out on the screen.
Definitely check it out! Cheers!
My dearest blog readers,
Remember that time when I didn’t write for a really long time and then I came back and started writing things again and everyone stopped being sad and we because besties once again like the olden days of this blogtown?
Remember that? Me too, but you know what I don’t remember? All of the gifts that I was supposed to be showered with that never arrived at my apartment. I understand–postage just went up. The economy. Global warming. Tough times.
So I know how you can make it up for me. You wanna know how? By sending me a copy of this book, The Whimsical Works of David Weidman. Really. You can even buy it here online.
See, look how pretty this thing is:
See how cool? We could share it. I could have it MWF and you could have it TR and the weekends. Like a puppy we don’t have to feed.
Love,
Astrid & Inez
Abner Graboff was an illustrater and designer in the 50s-60s with just an amazing style. He did everything from children’s books to book jackets to possibily the CBS ‘eye’ logo. Ward-o-Matic has a great interview with Jon Graboff, Abner’s son, about his father’s influences, history and work. Great read!
Cheers!
(‘Where are all the illustration examples?’ you ask? well, there’s a ton more over at Ward-o-Matic, so why just copy everything when you can check them out yourself!)
These 1960s classy mod lamps are awesome! They are available over on Etsy from Fabulous Mess, who as a fantastic modern collection of furniture and housewares. Totally check this one out!
idsgn is an awesome new blog that I found today, linked over at Brand New, and so far, so awesome! They have been running some great articles called “Know Your Type” about the origins and uses of some pretty awesome typefaces. This month, it’s Futura. The article is informative, very thuro and a fun read. Tim & Eric, Great Job! on this one. Definitely give it a read.
Paul Rand, who is probably my most favorite modern designer (well, apart from the Eames), left a legacy of work, theory, and methology that matches no other. He gracefully and bravely changed the way we think about idenity and design, advertising and convention. Basically, he’s the boss. He’s the Charles in Charge. (what?!)
Paul-Rand.com is a new and excellent site dedicated to the work and philosophy of Rand, with a huge gallery of work, biographies, lots of quotes, and links to stores across these old intenets where you can find first edition children’s book and old IBM packaging. It has everything. Everything Rand. Check it out!
(Found via GrainEdit RSS)
PS: You also should watch this amazing short video created by Imaginary Forces as a tribute of his illustrations. It’s great.
