Whenever I tackle a new branding project, the client always asks how prints and patterns can be incorporated into the design without being too obvious. Today I’m presenting one of my favorite examples that I encountered back in February. La Amada, a hotel in Playa Mujeres, Mexico truly presents a 360 rollout. Their bubble motif touches everything from their online and print materials to their sculptural landscaping, dinnerware and bottle packaging. Without being ostentatious, repetitive or logo-centric, this hotel successfully emits a serene, artful, luxurious mood, all by scaling back and allowing their customers to interact with their motif throughout the day. Less is more, particularly if it’s custom, creative and varied.

A little over a year ago, windows graphics were popping up all over the place. Everything from bird feeders to typographic letter treatments to literary picture books where revealing hints of city living. Thirteen months and several trade shows later, the urban landscape continues to flourish. These matchboxes which were reviewed on the popular packaging blog, The Dieline, exemplify the 2D version of the exceedingly popular 3D city in a bag, sold at Muji. Whether we’re celebrating landmarks or brownstone charm, the unique character of city architecture continues to play an inspirational role in product and pattern design.

Celebrity collaborations are nothing new. When a product gets a nod from a famous face, we all know that sales will likely soar. A year ago, I featured Proper Attire, Planned Parenthood’s latest campaign, addressing the issue of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among 18-25 year olds. The program has been a success and a phenomenal example of how decorative rebranding can reinvent the message of an everyday product. Most recently, Jeremy Scott and Brian Reyes have joined the cause to share their creative visions. Scott’s Flintstone-esque brights are electric, graphic and Gaga-approved, while Reyes’ designs tap an ethereal nature-inspired look and feel. Two designs for two different girls, all for betterment and health of society, it doesn’t get much better than this.

It’s no secret that Matt W. Moore’s vectorfunk graphics are single-handedly influencing an entire generation of artists. His fusion of graffiti, graphic design and watercolor are upbeat, intricate and extremely brand friendly. His work has appeared in countless magazines and print campaigns, from Nike and Burton to Wired and Mountain Dew. Moore’s Design and Illustration studio, MWM Graphics, is based in Portland, Maine and exhibits in galleries throughout the world, collaborating with clients from all sectors. Moore is also Co-Founder & Designer for Glyph Cue Clothing. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into MWM’s daily routine!

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PP:  What websites and news sources do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?

MWM: I get at least an hour a day of Cyber Surfing in [...]

Cupcakes. Who would’ve thought that with one transient shot on a Sex and the City episode, these delectable delights would still be trendy four years later. Before, there was only Magnolia. But now, there’s Billy’s, Crumbs, Georgetown, Buttercup Bake Shop, Cupcake Stop and Sprinkles. Even still, something’s been missing. When it comes to the slightly tougher, slightly rougher cupcakes, where could one turn? Butch Bakery.

As the site says: These ain’t your grandmas cupcakes. Butch Bakery sells manly treats in patterns such as Woodland Camo, Houndstooth and Wood Grain. To boot, there’s a flavor for every type of guy in your life. Frat boy turned banker? Beer Run (chocolate and beer-infused cake with beer butter cream frosting), Dreamy Don Draper? Try the Sidecar (Brandy-soaked lemon [...]

In our world, packaging is just as important as the product. Megan Herbert, illustrator and artist extraordinaire from Reykjavik, Iceland gets that. She’s just upped the gift giving-ante with her newly released collection of wrapping paper.  Each design is printed on reclaimed deadstock and represents the elements we all share as humans, be it blood coursing through our veins (Circulation), bones enabling us to stand (Skeletal), food that nourishes us (Digestion), oxygen for our lungs (Respiration), or shapes that define our history (Snowflakes). The colors range from a deep red and rich green to a soft teal and warm biscuity brown. This limited edition collection is available for sale online at meganherbert.com.

Drawing parallels between these designs seems redundant in the most pleasant of ways. Beyond the vertical simplicity, each layout bears a timeless quality that’s directly related to its minimalist composition. Yakov Chernikhov’s drawings from the 1920s reflect his fantastical vision as a constructivist architect and graphic designer. Mirroring this concept in modern times, Alex Creamer, a student at the University of Central Lancashire recently devised this ingenious spaghetti packaging, inspired by New York’s Chrystler building. Mundane materials paired with sharp minds can go a long way, just ask the start ups how they do it.

By: Shayna Kulik

Most fashion aficionados and style connoisseurs will agree that white is a signifying color of summer- one that should be neatly tucked away after Labor Day. Interestingly, we’ve been noticing blatant references that defy this social rule in everything from music and beauty to fashion and (most obviously) home design this Fall season. Be it a jumble of sound equipment for Jay-Z’s newest album, Blueprint 3, this decorative West Village door, Jessica Simpson’s latest fragrance, Fancy Love, or Bergdorf Goodman‘s recent retail display, fanciful elements ranging from classic to contemporary can truly pop with a wash of white.

Diamonds in their purest form have remained desirable for centuries. From King Louis XIV of France to today’s modern bride, this gem signifies wealth, status and emotional commitment- three things that drive fashion and marketing teams crazy. Back in June, we covered global diamond patterns, as they were surfacing, and are now adding a few more to the bunch. Phillip Lim uses photo-realism in his bejeweled tank top while Rachel Roy simulates sparkle with cross-hatched slots on a quilted purse. Mimicking this concept with glass, Michael Kors references Hollywood glam with his new fragrance, Very Hollywood.

Additionally, many designers seem to be moving away from the traditional pyramid silhouette that we’re all accustomed to seeing. From Clé De Peau‘s eye shadow to Marc Jacob’s earrings on the cover of [...]

Circular bursts serve as inspiration for countless campaigns and logo layouts. Be it corporate, luxury, indie or budget, there’s something subconsciously wholesome about a round shape that nearly everyone is drawn to. One of the reasons we’ve chosen to focus on Claudio Riaz’s make up brushes from Barney’s summer catalog and the Viceroy Hotel logo, which was appropriately placed in Ocean Drive, is that these two layouts, while wholly unrelated, make perfect visual sense when placed beside each other.  Unintentionally, both images speak to the luxury traveler who considers themselves a minimalist. Add Levi’s Go Forth art to the mix and your younger sister and her camp friends have suddenly joined the graphic vacation.  What’s the take away? Essentially, you’re halfway there if you choose the appropriate line quality, [...]

Lately it seems that for Americans, life is delivered “on the go”.  This style of living, most famously portrayed in the story, Fight Club, highlights the single serving lifestyle. “(The) Cordon Bleu hobby kit. Shampoo-conditioner combos, sample packaged mouthwash, tiny bars of soap, single serving friends.”  While this trend was once attributed to the traveler on the go, it now characterizes consumption trends for a broader base of the population.  Beyond the mini servings of cereal and 100-calorie packs of oreos, consumers are now snacking on their information as well.  RSS feeds, text messaging, mobile apps, Twitter, and iPods all represent information, products and services that come in bite-sized packages that have been designed for flexible living and even disposable consumption.

This concept of splintered technology is conveyed through color in Bond No. 9′s summer window display.  [...]