Folks at Make:Philly take in a lecture

Back in November, award-winning and internationally acclaimed designer Peter Bressler (who you local design nerds might recognize from Bresslergroup), spoke at Make:Philly about product design for startups. Well, he’s back to reprise his talk, swinging by Make:Philly’s March 2nd meeting.

According to a press releases from the folks at Make:Philly, he will be “giving a talk entitled “Product Design in Entrepreneurial Ventures” in which he will explore the following questions: What is the value of design to an entrepreneur? How should an entrepreneur use design? Can an entrepreneur afford design? In the process he will share experiences and case studies from his over 30 years of design experience spanning the consumer, medical, and industrial spaces.”

To learn more about Bressler and Make:Philly, visit MP’s official website.

Peter Bressler @ Make:Philly
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011 @ 7PM

University of the Arts
211 S. Broad Street, Terra Hall, 5th Floor

Last week I had the pleasure of chatting with Shawn Smith, former video game journalist for EGM Magazine, and creator of the character design studio Shawnimals.

In the world of Shawnimals lies Ninjatown, featuring a wide selection of ninjas with their own unique story and design. Ninjatown has been everything from toys to videogames. You can even read about Ninjatown on your various Apple devices thanks to the Ninjatown: Adventures of Wee Ninja comic book App available in the iOS store.

I had the chance to talk to Shawn about his background, how Ninjatown came to be, and some of his favorite games from the past year.

For those not familiar with the world of Shawnimals or Ninjatown, could you tell me a little about its creation, as well as a little background information about yourself?

Shawn: Sure thing, Shawnimals is a character design studio that believes in the power of unbridled, astonishing, ridiculous joy. Each Shawnimal comes with its own story that starts in the Shawnimaland universe, but is then given over to you to continue each unique creature’s adventure in your own universe.

Our huggable friends appear as designer toys, lifestyle accessories, apparel, comic books, video games, and as anything that fosters companionship. We believe that the best artistic experiences are participatory and affordable, and that – with an open heart – friendship can happen between you and just about anything. Even facial hair.

We have a staff of four: Myself, my wife and biz partner Jen, Monte and Eric. And two rotating intern positions.

As for me: I’m the creative force behind Shawnimals, and started the company before I even knew it by watching cartoons, drawing pictures and playing video games as a kid.

Fast forward to my job at EGM magazine as a game reviewer (1996 – 2000), I made the difficult decision to leave and focus on my first love: Art and design. I had the opportunity to explore my various characters and the countless sketchbooks on my shelf filled with hundreds of unused characters. In a way, Shawnimals were born shortly after. Without a doubt I have pop culturally-inspired aesthetic: Simple, compelling character designs, strong narratives, and a healthy dose of humor. All of the stuff that makes great pop culture great.

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Ah, ADIDAS. It’s hard to dislike a clothing company that releases Star Wars inspired threads. From awesome kicks to killer hoodies, I’ve always had to take second glances at the ADIDAS shop on South Street while strolling by.

Well, seems like ADIDAS is up to their old tricks again, releasing Tron inspired clothing as a tie in with the new film. A PR rep from ADIDAS explained that the “special edition line is inspired by the movie’s digital world and features glow-in-the-dark and 3D jackets, sweatshirts, and tees.” That’s right, glow-in-the-dark.

The clothes aren’t available in stores, only online at ADIDAS’ official website. You can scope out the whole collection, right here.

The folks at ADIDAS were also kind enough to send over some kid’s Tron t-shirts, and we’ve got a kid’s large to giveaway, right here on the blog. Just leave a comment regarding your favorite moment in Tron or Tron: Legacy.

I’ll select a winner at random next week. Give it to someone as a late Christmas gift. Good luck!

We here at Geekadelphia prepared a nice holiday gift guide for you all, and I have a few book recommendations I’d like to add to that list.

Our friends at Quirk Books and Titan Books have shared a few of their newest releases with us. They’re all good reads and look good on any geek bookshelf.

So let’s get to it after the jump.

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Are you a dipper? Are you a squeezer? Either way, I’m entirely aware that you love ketchup, no matter your consumption method. If you don’t, well, that’s just entirely un-American and you should be ashamed of yourself. Be proud in the fact that your countrymen however, are continuing to innovate. This time, it’s on the level of design.

Design sure does spark some controversy and heated debates on the Internet. Consider what happens whenever anyone decides to redesign their logo or undergo a rebrand. It can get brutal, it can get ugly. Product design isn’t without it’s controversy either. This time however, complaints should be effectively put to rest. Heinz, arguably the only brand of ketchup that should ever be used, has reinvented the ketchup packet.

First announced almost a year ago, the Dip & Squeeze is a redesigned packet lets you use your ketchup with ruthless efficiency. Gone are the days of awkwardly squeezing packet after packet of the red tomato goodness onto porous napkins at your favorite fast food restaurant. Forget that empty longing feeling you get when you desperately wish you could take those pathetic tiny paper condiment cups on-the-go with you. The Dip & Squeeze is here.

Unfortunately, by the time you’re reading this, you’ve just missed The Heinz Ketchup Road Trip. We had the chance to check it out however, and we’re confidently convinced that the future is here. And this time it revealed itself to be in the form of innovative product design containing three times the amount of ketchup found in a regular now-old school packet. Headed to Dallas this weekend? Find @DipandSqueeze there.

Check out some photos of the fun, below.

Last night, I spent the evening being wowed at XIX, the gorgeous and ritzy restaurant located on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at the Bellevue. I know, I’m just as surprised as you are. You’re looking at the same guy who tweets about wanting the McRib while passing the McDonald’s in Rittenhouse Square. XIX certainly isn’t my scene. But when offered up a chance to scope out thousand dollar Christmas trees… well, it’s hard to say no.

That’s right. Christmas trees starting at $1k.

The Bellevue was hosting a fundraiser for the Philadelphia Orchestra, auctioning off stunning, beautiful Christmas trees crafted by artisans all around the city. Beautiful Blooms, Papertini, Styled Creative... several florists, boutiques, and agencies donated their time and skill to creating one-of-kind Christmas creations for this charitable event. But let’s be honest. It’s hard to make a Christmas tree that isn’t beautiful. It isn’t like a Christmas sweater, where the result is inevitably awful. Throw some paper snowflakes up there, some popcorn, some white lights… bam. Done and done. Gorgeous tree.

Our friends at the Philadelphia based design firm and ad agency, Red Tettemer, clearly know this, and that it takes a little extra to create something truly unique and outstanding. Leave it to this insanely creative agency to think outside the box… and outside the tree.

Behold, the Lady Gaga Christmas tree.

Crafted with vinyl, steel, awesome steampunk-esque goggles, and multicolored lights, this ‘Monster’ of a tree (did you see that? did you see what I did there?) was absolutely stunning, and stood out in the gorgeous hotel restaurant. Hands down stole the show, and was absolutely worth highlighting in a blog post. Well done, Red T. Well done indeed.

I took several more photos of tree, as well as the other expertly crafted Christmas trees on exhibit. Have a look at them in the Flickr gallery below, and huge thank you to XIX for inviting me to the event. It was wonderful.

Blade Runner. Back To The Future. Indiana Jones. Star Wars.  They all have had the pleasure of being represented by the artwork of Drew Struzan.  Whether you knew it or not, you have seen Drew Struzan’s work for years. Drew has spent decades honing his artistic abilities to the status of legend. He is without a doubt one of the greatest living artists in the world.

Unfortunately for those of us who appreciate a well designed movie poster, or good art for that matter, we are given an ungodly amount of terrible “floating heads” or “photoshop lineup” posters that make me just as excited to watch a movie as I’m excited to watch paint dry. Uninspired, no emotion, lifeless. The exact opposite of everything that Drew brings to his work.

Luckily this year we not only get a documentary on his work, but Titan Books has published The Art Of Drew Struzan, which collects many of his classic works and includes many never before seen comps and finished pieces that were rejected or canceled for different reasons.

The Art Of Drew Struzan is comprised mostly of images. Those images pretty much speak for themselves.  From thumbnails to tight comps, and eventually finished paintings.  The text contains maybe a paragraph or two per film. A few more paragraphs if the story to complete an image it is a long one.

Drew, and accompanying writer David J. Schow, make those few sentences and paragraphs feel intimate. While reading through the book a second time, it feels like this book shouldn’t exist. Getting a peek into the process behind all those famous images feels like a huge privilege. It is both exciting and many times infuriating.

More after the jump!

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This Thursday, Philadelphia’s chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts is hosting yet another fantastic lecture, entitled Design Business: Contracting Survival Skills.

Leading the talk? Frank Taney, an attorney with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. To read Frank’s detailed (and impressive) bio, visit the AIGA’s official website.

According to a press release from AIGA, “Frank will identify the key contracting issues that give rise to potential disputes or exposure for your company. He will also teach you some techniques for avoiding and minimizing these risks while preserving your relationships with your current and prospective clients.”

Entrance to the lecture is $30, and it’ll take place in the Caplan Auditorium at the University of the Arts. Faculty, staff, and students at UArts can get in for free, so go get your learn on, kids.

Design Business: Contracting Skills Lecture
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
$30
http://bit.ly/9e5a9x

The Ensemble in Arden Theatre Company’s production of Sunday in the Park with George. Photo by Mark Garvin

“White — A blank page, or canvas — his favorite. So many … possibilities.”

This past weekend I headed over to the Arden Theater to see their production of Sunday in the Park with George. The musical, created by Stephen Sondheim in the 80s, is about famed artist Georges Seurat and his painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The musical examines the artist and the people who inspired the painting, and then fast forwards 100 years to Georges’ great-grandson, a struggling artist in his own right.

The original Broadway production was nominated for 10 Tony awards, winning in two technical categories: Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design. But it’s that scenic/lighting design that is part of what makes Sunday in the Park with George such a wonderfully unique production that demands to be seen, and appeals to us Geeks.

More after the jump…

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Local artist Josh Chadwick entered Cadence Watch Company’s Design Philadelphia contest, and well, he won. And with good cause. Check out the description, via Cadance’s website.

“The watch is a classical blend of a digital and an analog watch. The face of the watch has a modern digital display while still functioning like a traditional analog watch. The informational display in the center of the watch provides additional information (date, day of the week, AM/PM) with the option to switch the AM/PM to a second counter. The theme of this watch creates a dialog between characteristics of classical and nontraditional watches to create an elegant, sophisticated, sharp and youthful design.”

The watch ships out in September, and if you reserve one on Cadence’s website, you can get the watch for the introductory price of $119. Nice!

For more info on Cadence, check out their site. And be sure to scope out Josh’s portfolio! He’s done some good stuff.

If you live in Philly and have been looking for art classes that focus on making comics, you may be in luck with Pterodactyl Philadelphia. Beginning with their Spring 2010 session, you can take their “Making Comics From Idea to Print” course, as well as many other classes ranging from the basics of sewing, to animal sculpture. The comics class will be taught by Pat Aulisio whose work you can view here. Now these classes are scheduled to start April 12th beginning at 6:00pm and ending at 8:00pm.  Some additional information below:

In this course students will learn how to write, draw, and self publish their own mini comic. Students will create their own characters and story to illustrate in different dynamic comic book techniques . At the end of the course all comics will be collected into a class anthology.  Aside from the basics writing and drawing skills for comics there will be daily drawings games to pique the interests of the students like comic jams, drawing from a written description, and parody comics. Guest comic  creators will make appearances talking about individual techniques and comic skills. Students will also learn various comic book formats that will fit to each students personal choice, as well as different folding and bookmaking techniques for their final product.

Check out the Pterodactyl site for any additional info on course fees, cost of materials, or to find contact information if you have any additional questions.

On Saturday tomorrow, our buddies at The Hacktory are hosting an electronic jewelery workshop, giving you the chance to make unique gifts for your friends and family, while simultaneously saving the planet. Well, a little bit, at least. You’re not going Captain Planet on us or anything. Just recycling used, retro electronic components.

You’ll learn basics in jewelry making, assembly skills, how to identify materials for future projects, and how to use a soldering and glue gun. The class will only run you $20, which includes all the supplies and materials needed to create your jewelery. The class takes place from 1PM to 5pm at the Hacktory’s space in the Nonprofit Technology Resources building.

For more details and to buy tickets, visit the Hacktory’s official website.

The Hacktory
www.thehacktory.org