 | Some lucky person discovered part of my Web site using the truly unlikely image search string “apes on a unicycle”. Here are the results for that search. I noticed this unlikely visitor during my regular visit to the dashboard of SlimStat, the plug-in I use to log traffic here.
This discovery was an eye-opener on two levels. First, it is a demonstration of the enormous reach of Google. This version of my site is only a couple months old at the time of this writing, and it is hardly a high-traffic destination. Yet, the hard-working search spiders located and indexed my site thoroughly enough to find one obscure drawing in my sketchbook. Second, it is a reminder of how differently it is possible to view the same subject. I could have spent weeks writing a list of search strings that might potentially return my site and never thought of the words “apes on a unicycle”. However, to the programmer that wrote the search spider it is just as valid a way to describe my site as my own name. To the person who ran this unlikely search, “apes on a unicycle” is how they will remember their visit. I’ll have to review my own preconceptions about my site, as well as apes for that matter. |
Apes on a Unicycle?
What Does Creativity Look Like?
 | Only a tiny number of times in the many years I’ve been a graphic designer has an idea occurred to me that was fully resolved the moment it fired the appropriate synapse. Usually it is just the unresolved outline of an idea that arrives unexpectedly. I must quickly document the idea in the form of a quick sketch. If I fail to record a good idea when it happens, later I’ll remember only that I HAD a good idea, but not what that idea was. |
Can Your Plug-in Do This?
Every so often I create something I’m proud of which is so subtle that many viewers will not even notice my work. Digitally-modified photography, popularly referred to as a picture that’s been “airbrushed” or “Photoshopped” is so common that an original unmodified image has become the rare exception. Many of these modified photos are created by inexperienced users. The poor-quality results are often viewed by those with so little understanding of this process that they don’t realize an “airbrushed” image has almost certainly NOT been retouched with an actual airbrush (an air -powered tool that sprays a very fine stream of liquid pigment).
The human eye is very adept at spotting unnatural variations in light, shadow, or color. While many viewers aren’t aware of the technical deficiencies of the modified photos they see, they do have the sense that the photo looks “funny”, or “just a little off”. It takes experience and attention to detail to create a digital image that does not immediately appear unnatural to the viewer. Continue reading “Can Your Plug-in Do This?” »
NuAire 40th Anniversary Logo on Cake
I’ve designed many logos in my career, but only one has appeared on a cake. I consider this quite an honor. NuAire is a long-time client of my employer, The Spangler Design Team, and as such I have worked with them for many years. Their 40th Anniversary logo rendered surprisingly well in frosting. Now I wish the original design had a tasty green border.
Designer Launches New Web Site, Logos Featuring Cartoon Fish Prominent
Jeff Kaphingst, an award-winning Graphic Designer, launched a newly updated Web site today. The long-anticipated update includes new and better creative, improved design, hybrid fuel system, and also many funny and sarcastic cartoons.
New and unconventional creative such as the official T-Shirt designs for southeast Minnesotas most famous fishing event, the Roughfish Roundup, are included. New and unconventional creative such as the official T-Shirt designs for southeast Minnesota’s most famous fishing event, the Roughfish Roundup, are included.
