Now Try Something Weirder: How to keep having great ideas and survive in the creative business
With 233 (to be exact) hints, tips, and pieces of advice, Now Try Something Weirder shows those in the creative industry how to have great ideas (every day).
Michael Johnson, an internationally acclaimed graphic designer with over 30 years of experience (his CV includes eight creative positions, three dismissals, and the launch of his own business), shares his ultimate secrets to enviable success… who said secrets should be kept closely guarded?
Are you looking to improve your client relationships, your ability to comprehend and question design briefs, your ability to deliver jaw-dropping presentations, and your overall creative confidence? Occasionally, the solution is right in front of you.
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A Rainy Evening in Paris: Nostalgia on Wheels
The post details a romantic and immersive exploration of Paris’s historical landmarks from a 1979 Citroën 2CV, emphasizing emotional connections, simple joys, and seeing the city through a unique, intimate lens.Read More →
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The Evolution of Sony: A Design Perspective
Founded in 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, Sony transformed the consumer electronics industry with its products, balancing cutting-edge technology and practical design. Landmarks include Japan’s first tape recorder, the TV 80 301, and the pioneering Walkman and Discman. Read More →
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Gearóid O’Conchubhair: A Pioneer in Irish Furniture Design
Irish designer Gearóid O’Conchubhair is prominent in furniture and industrial design, with his unique approach, use of materials, and comprehension of structure and ergonomics. With numerous awards, his works combine functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics, significantly influencing the Irish design industry. Read More →
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Ekco Products Company: Kitchen Innovation and Excellence
Founded in 1888, Ekco Products Company evolved from modest beginnings to become America’s leading kitchenware manufacturer by the 1950s due to strategic acquisitions and design innovation, notably introducing a hole in spoon handles for easy hanging. Their Flint 1900 series epitomized functional elegance. Read More →
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Enhancing Travel with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones provide efficient noise cancellation, comfort, and varied listening modes suitable for travels. They offer high-fidelity audio, long-lasting battery, microphone cord integration, and seamless device connectivity, enhancing the overall sound and travel experience.Read More →
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Leonardo Fioravanti: Master of Automotive Design
Fioravanti, a celebrated automotive designer, has significantly influenced the industry with his visionary designs at Pininfarina, especially through collaborations with Ferrari. His pioneering work includes the Peugeot 205 and groundbreaking aerodynamic research with the CNR experimental vehicle.Read More →
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Bose: A Masterclass in Design Excellence
Bose distinguishes itself in the applied and decorative arts realm through its strikingly minimalist aesthetics, user-focused ergonomics, and cutting-edge technology. The company masterfully strikes a balance between form and function, creating visually pleasing products that deliver superior audio quality.Read More →
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DeLonghi: Elevating Design Credentials in the Decorative Arts
DeLonghi is an Italian brand committed to creating visually appealing, high-performing appliances. It combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, allowing customization, and collaborates with top designers. It prioritizes sustainable practices and eco-consciousness in its designs.Read More →
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Breville Master Every Moment
Breville products blend practical functionality with modern, timeless aesthetics. Prioritizing user experience, high-quality materials, sustainability, and customizable designs, their kitchen appliances deliver longevity, adaptability, and value for money.Read More →
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The Minimalist Aesthetics of Muji Products: A Design Perspective
Muji is a globally recognized brand that emphasizes a minimalist philosophy in product design. Their categories, including fragrance, health, beauty, stationery, travel, cleaning, household, and kitchen items, utilise simple aesthetics and functionality, creating useful products that harmoniously blend into everyday life.Read More →
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Tupperware: More Than Just Plastic Boxes
Tupperware’s broad influence extends from kitchen storage to social, cultural, and design spheres, although its future is uncertain due to financial struggles and the need for sustainable innovation. The brand’s history demonstrates both its transformative power and marketing complexities.Read More →
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Amy Corbett: Molding the Future of Lego Design
Amy Corbett, a senior design manager at Lego Group, transitioned from sustainable development work to toy design, shaping iconic Lego lines and appearing on TV show Lego Masters. Her diverse career highlights the broad opportunities within the design field.Read More →
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5 Influential Spanish Furniture Designers: Impact and Innovation
The article explores five influential Spanish furniture designers – Patricia Urquiola, Jaime Hayon, Javier Mariscal, Oscar Tusquets Blanca, and Ramón Esteve. Their innovative works combine diverse elements such as multidisciplinary design, humor, storytelling, classical aesthetics, and minimalism, impacting global design trends.Read More →
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Iconic British Biscuit Tins: Aesthetics, Functionality, and Heritage
The British biscuit tin, consequential to the 1861 Licensed Grocer’s Act, embodies changes in design over time reflecting shifts in society, economy, and technology. Its evolution recounts history beyond its utilitarian purpose.Read More →
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HARIO BDK-80-W Drip-Coffeemakers: Tradition and Modernity
The HARIO BDK-80-W Bona kettle combines modern brewing precision with rustic aesthetics. Its key features include a special gooseneck spout for precise pours, teak wood accents, and compatibility with various ranges. Although gentle care is needed, it enhances brewing experiences.Read More →
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The Smeg Retro Black on Black Stand Mixer. Robust & Durable
The Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality. It boasts robust components, ergonomic design, and advanced features like an 800W motor with ten speed settings. It ensures a pleasant user experience and reliable performance.Read More →
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Smeg Pastel Blue Knife Block Set: Aesthetics with Functionality
Smeg’s Pastel Blue Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, designed for casual and professional cooks alike, combines style with function. Comprising six knives made from superior German steel, its aesthetic value enhances kitchen décor while providing practicality.Read More →
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Evaluating the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser is renowned for its marriage of form and function, enduring timelessness, design versatility, and aesthetic appeal, making it a significant piece in the realm of kitchenware.Read More →
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Aarke Carbonator III: The Pinnacle of Sparkling Water Makers
The Aarke Carbonator III is a premium sparkling water maker, combining modern, user-friendly design with superior performance. It allows customized carbonation, supports sustainability, and is compatible with various gas cylinders.Read More →
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The Artistry of Sonder Los Angeles Cutting Boards
Sonder Los Angeles offers artful and sustainable walnut cutting boards with features such as deep juice grooves, rubber feet for stability, and an expansive surface. The brand emphasizes local craftsmanship, customer satisfaction and includes a 1-year warranty.Read More →
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Royal Doulton Olio By Barber Osgerby: A Study in Elegance
The Royal Doulton Olio Black Jug, designed by Barber Osgerby, combines understated sophistication with versatility. Designed with contrasting textures, it shines in any setting and pairs beautifully with other pieces from the Olio collection. Read More →
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Luigi Bormioli’s Classico Tall Glasses: Tradition and Modernity
Luigi Bormioli’s Set of 4 Classico Tall Beverage Glasses featuring SON.hyx Technology combine classic design with modern technology. These lead-free, highly durable, and optically brilliant glasses are eco-friendly and testimonies to human creativity. Read More →
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Icona Capitals Kettle: A Confluence of Global Design Inspirations
The DeLonghi Icona Capitals 1.7L Kettle is more than a functional kitchen appliance; it’s a design masterpiece reflecting global city architectures while incorporating a three-level safety protection system and modern, efficient heating features.Read More →
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Cuisinart 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set: Advantage Color Collection
The Cuisinart 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set from the Advantage Color Collection offers a blend of design, functionality, and durability, featuring color-coded knives for safe food preparation, high-quality construction, two versatile knives, and blade guards. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.Read More →
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The Fiskar Orange-Handled Scissors: A Design Classic
Fiskars Original Orange-Handled Scissors, introduced in 1967, merges ergonomic design and quality with a distinctive design. These versatile, high-grade stainless steel scissors offer exceptional precision, durability, and comfort, particularly for smaller hands. They have a lifetime warranty and are a recognized design icon globally.Read More →
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In-Depth Look at the Plissé Toaster Designed by Michele De Lucchi
The Plissé Toaster, designed by Michele De Lucchi, is a blend of art and function, inspired by mid-century fashion. Durable and efficient, it offers various toasting options, is easy to clean, promotes sustainability with recycled packaging, and turns a simple kitchen tool into a design statement.Read More →
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Iconic Water Bottle Designs: Shaping the Industry
Explore the world of iconic water bottle designs that have shaped the industry. From SIGG’s Swiss precision to Hydro Flask’s TempShield technology, discover how form, function, and innovation converge in these everyday essentials.Read More →
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C & H Water Cooler Dispenser: A Sip from the Past
Amid growing sanitation awareness, the early 20th-century the C & H Water Cooler emerged as a unique innovation. As weRead More →
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The Enduring Charm of the Aga Stove
Discover the enduring charm of the Aga stove in this brief history. From Sweden to sleek modernity, explore its timeless style, efficiency, and future innovations. A symbol of quality that’s more than just a cooking device.Read More →
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Brookstone Automatic Wireless Wine Opener
With its blend of modernity and functionality, the Brookstone Automatic Wine Opener is truly a game-changer in the realm of wine accessories. It ensures that the focus remains on enjoying the wine, not on the ordeal of opening it.Read More →
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Toothpick Holder by Andrea Branzi – Fusion of Function and Design
The Alessi Toothpick Holder, designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Andrea Branzi, is a masterful blend of functional design and artful craftsmanship. The holder is designed to be a functional piece at its core, effortlessly dispensing toothpicks when required. However, it is the artistic nuances that elevate it beyond mere utility.Read More →
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Jukebox Design by Wurlitzer iconic Americana
Jukebox Designs by Wurlitzer were celebrated for the iconic designs adopting “bubble tubes”, coloured filters and plastics. READ MORERead More →
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Benefits of Educational Toys – Good Design the WHY
As a parent, you want your child to have the best opportunity of succeeding. Educational toys can be beneficial to children in their early stages of development. Let’s talk about what makes an instructional toy before we go into the benefits of educational toys.Read More →
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Hermann Obrist (1862-1927), Swiss Sculptor and Designer
Hermann Obrist was a Swiss sculptor and designer. He was most active in Germany. A leading figure in the evolution of Jugendstil in Munich, Obrist was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, which he had experienced when he visited Britain in 1897.Read More →
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Use of the Airbrush in Industrial Design
Explore the rich history and usage of the airbrush in industrial design, tracing its impact from pioneers like Raymond Loewy to contemporary practices. Learn how the airbrush, with its ability to deliver precisely controlled sprays of paint or ink, revolutionized automobile styling and product design, providing a tangible, realistic representation of ideas. Despite the advent…
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Retro Table Clock Auto Flip Clock
Don’t miss out on the Retro Table Clock Auto Flip Clock, inspired by Italian designer Gino Valle. Upgrade your desk or shelf with this stylish and practical timepiece. Its easy-to-read display, two time modes, and mesmerizing auto flip feature make it a must-have for any space. Whether it’s for your home, office, or as a…
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Gino Valle (1923 – 2003) Italian architect, designer and town planner
Gino Valle (1923 – 2003) was. Italian architect, designer, and town planner. He was born in Udine. He studied at the Instituto Universitario di Architettura, Venice, to 1948. From 1951, he was at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts.Read More →
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Praktika Tableware (1933) designed by Wilhelm Käge
Praktika Tableware (1933) designed by Wilhelm Käge. White earthenware stacking dishes, oval with rounded sides.Read More →
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The Moka Express (Design Classic) – simple ☕ coffee-making machine
Designed and Made in Italy The Moka Express is a straightforward stovetop coffee maker. It unscrews in the centre, and water is poured into the bottom compartment. Read More →
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Alessi Kettle 9093 (Design Classic) by Michael Graves
A beautiful little bird adorns the spout of this kettle and whistles when contents boilRead More →
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A & E Design a Swedish Design Consultancy
A & E Design a Swedish design consultancy was founded in Stockholm by Tom Ahlström and Hans Ehrich (1942–). They worked in Italy earlier in the 1960s. The company has gained a reputation for functional, durable and ergonomically sound everyday products.Read More →
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Marilena Boccato Italian Product Pesigner
Marilena Boccato is a designer from Italy who worked in Treviso and Padua. In 1967, Boccato began her professional career. She collaborated with Gian Nicola Gigante and Antonio Zambusi.Read More →
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Mercedes-Benz: The Epitome of Excellence in Design
Mercedes-Benz has established itself as a benchmark for excellence in automotive design. The brand’s vehicles are renowned for their aesthetic appeal, innovative design language, and meticulous attention to detail. From the sleek exteriors to the luxurious interiors, Mercedes-Benz consistently delivers vehicles that embody elegance, sophistication, and functionality. With a focus on technological integration and a…
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The Timeless Elegance of the 1934 Mercedes Silver Arrow
The 1934 Mercedes Silver Arrow, a pioneering race car designed by Mercedes-Benz, captivated the automotive world with its sleek design and innovative engineering. With its aerodynamic body, powerful engine, and impressive victories on the racetrack, the Silver Arrow left an enduring influence on the industry. It stands as a symbol of automotive excellence, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s…
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Alessi Kettle with Small Bird-Shaped Whistle
The Alessi kettle, designed by Michael Graves in 1985, is a renowned and iconic product in industrial design. This stainless steel kettle features a sculptural shape, a bird-shaped whistle, and a handle and knob resembling a bird’s head. It combines playful aesthetics with practicality, boasting a 2-liter capacity and an ergonomic handle for easy pouring.…
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Philco famous 🇺🇸 American electronics firm
Philco was founded in Philadelphia in 1892. In 1929, using assembly-line techniques, the firm produced the first truly low-priced radios. The firm became a leading manufacturer of audio products, adding domestic stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances to its line. In the 1950s, it produced a series of television set housings in historicist cabinets…
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Kenji Ekuan: Fusing Tradition and Modernity in Industrial Design
Kenji Ekuan, born in 1929, was a pioneer in Japanese industrial design, blending tradition and modernity in various products. Kenji Ekuan, president of Japan Industrial Designers Association, ICSID, and ICSID, influenced design with philosophical approach, blending tradition and modernity.Read More →
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Parker 51 Fountain Pen – The World’s Most Wanted Pen
This sleek, aerodynamic design with its recognisable hooded nib was the result of a research programme finished in 1939, and it was promoted as “a pen from another planet” and “ten years ahead of its time.” It was released to mark the Parker Company’s 51st anniversary in the United States and quickly rose to the…
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Frog Design: A Pioneer in Humanising the Artificial Environment
Frogdesign made a global impact in the 1980s by virtue of its products’ visual expressiveness and ergonomic success, traits that attracted an extensive and prestigious client listRead More →
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The Humble Exit Sign: An Unsung Hero in Saving Lives
Discover the vital role of the ubiquitous exit sign in our everyday safety. This blog post illuminates how these often overlooked signs, engineered with precision and backed by stringent regulations, guide us to safety during emergencies. Unveil the science, legalities, and evolution behind the humble exit sign, our unsung hero.Read More →
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The ABC’s of Triangle, Square, Circle: The Bauhaus and Design Theory – Encyclopedia of Design
by Ellen Lupton (Editor), J. Abbott Miller (Editor) The Bauhaus, the illustrious school in Dessau, Germany, revolutionised architecture and design worldwide. When it was first published in 1991, this book broke new ground by incorporating psychoanalysis, geometry, early childhood education, and popular culture into the conventional political history of the Bauhaus.
Beauty and the East: New Chinese Architecture – Encyclopedia of Design
by gestalten China has undergone a spectacular transformation over the last three decades. Now a major cultural and economic force on the international stage, its ascension has sparked a new generation of architects and interior designers. Previously, China looked to the West for architectural inspiration; now, they are developing a new design language that fuses centuries of indigenous tradition with idealistic design.
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