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.
More Design Books
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
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…
-
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…
-
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 →
-
Praktika Tableware (1933) designed by Wilhelm Käge
Praktika Tableware (1933) designed by Wilhelm Käge. White earthenware stacking dishes, oval with rounded sides.Read More →
-
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 →
-
Alessi Kettle 9093 (Design Classic) by Michael Graves
A beautiful little bird adorns the spout of this kettle and whistles when contents boilRead More →
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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 →
-
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…
-
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 →
-
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 →
-
The Star Wars Lightsaber: An Icon of Design in Pop Culture
The lightsaber, an iconic design icon in the Star Wars franchise, represents a blend of technology, mythology, tradition, and innovation. Its sleek, minimalist design contrasts with its vivid energy blade, symbolizing the Jedi Order and the Force’s mystical power. The vibrant colors of the lightsaber’s blades carry symbolic weight, indicating character alignment and intent. The…
-
Murphy Radio: A Pioneer in British Electronics Design
Murphy Radio revolutionized radio and television design with innovative designs by R.D. Russell, focusing on veneered plywood cabinets and post-war collaboration. R.D. Russell and Murphy Radio collaborated on radio and television cabinets, introducing modern aesthetics and functional elements, shaping electronics design and inspiring contemporary designers.Read More →
-
Chefman Single Serve Coffee Maker
Chefman Single Serve Coffee Maker espresso pod machine is an ideal gift for small kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms, offering convenience, convenience, and easy cleaning. It is cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a one-year warranty.Read More →
-
101 Danish Design Icons (hardcover)
A definitive history of 20th-century Danish design through 101 classic objects. Denmark has long loomed large in international design history. Today, Danish furniture, textiles, home appliances and utensils from the 1960s and ‘70s are more popular than ever, for sale at design galleries and a rarity at flea markets. Read More →
-
Womb chair – Eero Saarinen 1946
Its name expresses its purpose: “It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never felt secure and comfortable since they have left the womb.”Read More →
-
Mona Lisa Clock – Antique of the Future
Mona Lisa Clock – Antique of the Future which features a close-up photo of the famous face.Read More →
-
IDSA professional organisation of American industrial designers
IDSA’s mission is to provide a platform that both elevates public awareness of design and strengthens the connection between design and business. One of the primary ways we accomplish this is through our vast portfolio of awards programs, which recognize designers for their achievements and contributions to the industrial design profession.Read More →
-
Enzo Frateili (1914 – 1993) Italian Designer
Enzo Frateili was an Italian designer born in Rome and active in Milan. Frateili began his professional career in 1955. In the early 50s, he worked at Stile Industrial; in 1962 he was the Italian correspondent to the journal form. His books included Archiektur und Komfort (1967) and Design e Civiltà della Machina (1969). The…
-
Kurt Thut (1931 – 2011) Swiss Designer and Manufacturer
Kurt Thut (b. 1931-2011) was born in Möriken, Switzerland. In his father’s workshop, while attending the School of Art and Design in Zurich, Thut improved his carpentry skills.Read More →
-
Vendo 44 – Cokes 1950s retro classic vending machine
The Vendo 44 Coca-Cola bottle vending machine was produced between 1956 and 1959. Despite being only 16 wide, 15.5 deep, and 58 high, it could fit 44 bottles of coke. It has a white top and a heavy gauge steel case with bright red enamel.Read More →
-
Nocturne, model 1186 designed by Walter Dorwin Teague
Standing over four feet tall, this towering console of satin chrome and mirrored cobalt glass is a commanding example of the styling of items to meet the Machine Age ideal of the 1930s. The Nocturne radio, built by Walter Dorwin Teague, one of the premier industrial designers of the 1930s, is one of the most…
-
1959 Cadillac Eldorado – Temple Rather than Automobile
The 1959 Cadillac is more of a temple than an automobile, a Gothic memorial to America’s glory years. It was overly long, low, and overstyled, and it’s the 50s’ final flourish. The 59’s outlandish space-age appearance, weird fins, and lavish 390 cubic inch V8 are fascinating, but the most striking aspect of the car is…
-
By Lassen – Danish architecture and furniture design
The Lassen brothers’ archive of architecture and furniture design represents the finest qualities of the Danish design tradition and deserves a wider audience.Read More →
-
The Rolodex – Design Icon
The Rolodex is a desktop card file system. In the 1940s, Arnold Neustadter’s Company Zephyr American produced the Autodesk, a standard addressRead More →
-
Concorde a design classic
Concorde was developed jointly by British Airways and Air France. Concorde was the first and remained the only supersonic civilian aircraft to be put into commercial service. Read More →
-
Design Classic – Kodax ‘Brownie’ 44a Camera 1960
In the early 1960s, this camera was made. It was simple to load and hold and relatively light, and it was exceptionally well constructed for such a low-cost item. Read More →
-
Uncovering the History of Bakelite – The First Plastic
The first entirely synthetic plastic was Bakelite, the trade name for phenol-formaldehyde or phenolic resins. It was patented in 1907 by Dr Leo Baekeland. He founded the American General Bakelite Company to put his invention into commercial production in 1910. Read More →
-
Competition: C6 Herringbone griddle pan by Inga Sempé
The Herringbone pattern grill lines channel cooking juices to either of the two pouring spouts and the large power-grip handles optimise manoeuvrability. Read More →
-
Bruer’s Chair – 1926
Marcel Breuer’s Bauhaus minimalism redefined a household basic, making chairs light, strong, and simple by bending metal and combining it with canvas, caning, or leather. He was one of the first people to make chairs out of tubular steel, and his B5 chair is one of two groundbreaking Breuer chairs that were a big change…
-
Dutch Design – what is it?
The phrase “Dutch Design” refers to an informal artistic school of design in the Netherlands, particularly in product design. More specifically, the word refers to the design aesthetic used by Dutch designers. Read More →
-
AEG – German Lighting Firm – Est. 1883
Engineer Emil Rathenau founded AEG as the Deutsche Edison Gesellschaft für angewandte Elektrizitäts (DEG) two years after seeing Edison’s lighting at the Paris Exposition Internationale de l’Electricité in 1881.Read More →
-
Marmon 16: A masterpiece of automotive history
Marmon Sixteen was a masterpiece of automotive history, with a 491 cubic inch, all-alloy 16-cylinder engine and modern and tasteful design. The Marmon Sixteen was a unique and innovative design that left a lasting impression on the automotive industry, but its high price tag made it difficult to sell. READ MORERead More →
-
Longines Pilot Majetek Watch – Timeless Design
Longines Pilot Majetek is a modern update to its landmark timepiece from 1935. With a fluted bezel, and triangular indicator. READ MORERead More →
-
Electrolux – Swedish domestic appliance firm
Electrolux was the first electrical appliance manufacturer to produce a horizontal-cylinder vacuum cleaner. Its flexible hose made it possible to clean in places other floor models could not reach. In 1924, the Electrolux vacuum cleaner was successfully introduced in the U.S. READ MORERead More →
-
Milan Triennial X – 1954 – Prefabrication Industrial Design
The Milan Triennial X was the Triennial in Milan sanctioned by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE)on 5 November 1953. Its theme was Prefabrication – Industrial Design. It was held at the Palazzo dell’Arte and ran from 28 August 1954 to 22 November 1954.Read More →
-
Leica 35mm cameras design classics
Leica is a family of 35mm cameras that are considered CLASSICS in terms of design. Around 1913, Oskar Barnack came up with the idea of a small camera that could use regular movie film. The 1930s models F and G were the best examples of the Leica’s design.Read More →
-
Virgil Exner (1909 – 1973) American Industrial Designer
He was hired to work in the Pontiac design lab after coming to the attention of Harley Earl at General Motors. Later, in 1938, he worked for Raymond Loewy’s design consultant on Studebaker cars, particularly the 1947 Starlight coupé. Loewy received the majority of the critical accolades. Read More →
-
Memphis Group – it has little to do with Tennessee
Memphis was a movement in interior design introduced at the annual Milan Furniture Fair in 1981. It consisted of a group led by Memphis guru Ettore Sottass of avant-garde Italian designers. With outrageous interpretations of traditional furnishings and accessories, Memphis shocked the traditionally quiet industry.Read More →
You may also be interested in
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.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.